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A Lady Arianna Regency Mystery #6
A Tangle of Serpents
With the epic victory at Waterloo behind them, Arianna and Saybrook are looking forward to a quiet summer of scholarship, far from the turmoil of war and politics. But little do they know that an even more dangerous battle is about to test their mettle.
The shocking news that Lord Grentham, the steely minister of state security, has been accused of treason and is on the run from arrest takes them and their close circle of friends by surprise. Arianna and Saybrook don’t want to believe it. Despite their fraught past with the minister, they’ve developed a grudging friendship . . .
Or has Grentham deceived them? They’re shown damning evidence that proves his guilt beyond question. And yet, their friend Sophia Kirtland refuses to accept it. Arianna can’t help but have her doubts, too—even when a midnight encounter with the fugitive minister tells her otherwise. Saybrook is less certain, but his sense of honor compels him to join their quest to prove him innocent . . .
The trail leads to Paris, a city now seething with international intrigue. Rumors are rife; loyalties are for sale as the European powers scheme against each other. Can they uncoil the tangle of serpents and find the truth? The challenges turn even more dangerous when Arianna is forced to confront an old Russian enemy . . . and a sin from her father’s past.
And so begin a wild ride through the high and lows of Paris, where tempting pleasures can turn lethal at any moment. For at every turn lies a cunning enemy who’ll stop at nothing to win the battle of wits . . .
The shocking news that Lord Grentham, the steely minister of state security, has been accused of treason and is on the run from arrest takes them and their close circle of friends by surprise. Arianna and Saybrook don’t want to believe it. Despite their fraught past with the minister, they’ve developed a grudging friendship . . .
Or has Grentham deceived them? They’re shown damning evidence that proves his guilt beyond question. And yet, their friend Sophia Kirtland refuses to accept it. Arianna can’t help but have her doubts, too—even when a midnight encounter with the fugitive minister tells her otherwise. Saybrook is less certain, but his sense of honor compels him to join their quest to prove him innocent . . .
The trail leads to Paris, a city now seething with international intrigue. Rumors are rife; loyalties are for sale as the European powers scheme against each other. Can they uncoil the tangle of serpents and find the truth? The challenges turn even more dangerous when Arianna is forced to confront an old Russian enemy . . . and a sin from her father’s past.
And so begin a wild ride through the high and lows of Paris, where tempting pleasures can turn lethal at any moment. For at every turn lies a cunning enemy who’ll stop at nothing to win the battle of wits . . .
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2020
272 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Penrose
23 books1,983 followersAndrea Penrose is the USA Today bestselling author of Regency-era historical fiction, including the acclaimed Wrexford & Sloane mystery series, as well as Regency romances written under the names Cara Elliott and Andrea Pickens. Published internationally in ten languages, she is a three-time RITA Award finalist and the recipient of numerous writing awards, including two Daphne Du Maurier Awards for Historical Mystery and two Gold Leaf Awards.
A graduate of Yale University with a B.A. in Art and an M.F.A. in Graphic Design, Andrea fell in love with Regency England after reading Pride and Prejudice and has maintained a fascination with the era’s swirling silks and radical new ideas throughout her writing career. She lives in Connecticut and blogs with a community of historical fiction authors at WordWenches.com. She also can be found at AndreaPenrose.com and on Instagram @AndreaPenroseBooks.
A graduate of Yale University with a B.A. in Art and an M.F.A. in Graphic Design, Andrea fell in love with Regency England after reading Pride and Prejudice and has maintained a fascination with the era’s swirling silks and radical new ideas throughout her writing career. She lives in Connecticut and blogs with a community of historical fiction authors at WordWenches.com. She also can be found at AndreaPenrose.com and on Instagram @AndreaPenroseBooks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 16, 2021
I like this series, but I think this one suffered from the fact that I took a break from it, and read most of the Wexford and Sloane books in the middle, and I prefer that series. Also, I felt this one suffered from the fact that in the first half of this Arianna and Sophia (with occasional input from other characters) had what felt like the same conversation half a dozen times at the start of this re: Grentham's innocence, and keeping an open mind, and following the evidence. That coupled with the fact that Grentham kept making the same mistake over and over again re: trusting his friends, and I just... I sort of lost interest. I felt like people needed to have more nuanced conversations, or the plot needed to move forward. That said, I did think Paris was well drawn in this (unlike Brussels in the last book, which felt generic).
August 28, 2020
Avid Reader
As always I 💘 this author's Regency mysteries. Lord and Lady Saybrook once again help Grantham solve a tangle of complicated webs, where he is the center of the intrigue. Although they started as enemies in Book One, they are now friends, which causes the minister to make numerous mistakes until he admits the truth and accepts their help. Lady Arianna finds out that she has a half brother, but she doesn't tell if the brother is younger or older. Hopefully, the author will clarify that oversight in the next novel. One wonders if he will move in with the Saybrooks. He is a talented engineer and had also gained the attention and respect of Lord Grantham. Grantham and Sophia have a challenging relationship, but it looks the author has decided to make him more human. Time will tell in the next novel. I look forward to reading it.
As always I 💘 this author's Regency mysteries. Lord and Lady Saybrook once again help Grantham solve a tangle of complicated webs, where he is the center of the intrigue. Although they started as enemies in Book One, they are now friends, which causes the minister to make numerous mistakes until he admits the truth and accepts their help. Lady Arianna finds out that she has a half brother, but she doesn't tell if the brother is younger or older. Hopefully, the author will clarify that oversight in the next novel. One wonders if he will move in with the Saybrooks. He is a talented engineer and had also gained the attention and respect of Lord Grantham. Grantham and Sophia have a challenging relationship, but it looks the author has decided to make him more human. Time will tell in the next novel. I look forward to reading it.
November 11, 2021
Ongoing!
I've always wondered what happens when the story ends. A continuing series like this opens a segway into the characters every day life and interactions. Looking forward to seeing the Saybrooks as parents, what is Adrianna going to do and how will Sandro handle her escapades?
I've always wondered what happens when the story ends. A continuing series like this opens a segway into the characters every day life and interactions. Looking forward to seeing the Saybrooks as parents, what is Adrianna going to do and how will Sandro handle her escapades?
April 16, 2020
superhero’s
while i realize the style of book it is, i also get tired of characters being superhero’s. yes, they work hard for it. and yet, they also stumble to solution in an elaborate way. except for the traps they walk into. still a delightful read.
while i realize the style of book it is, i also get tired of characters being superhero’s. yes, they work hard for it. and yet, they also stumble to solution in an elaborate way. except for the traps they walk into. still a delightful read.
March 7, 2021
Mr. Brown cried (while in his long johns)-"Hop, kinsmen! We take the prince to Normandy!"
November 12, 2020
I love Andrea Penrose's books! The Lady Arianna series is one of my absolute favourites, and is an automatic add to my "must read" list. Book 6 in the series did not disappoint!
What I love most about this series is that Arianna is a strong, capable, smart woman who can - and does! - hold her own in any situation, including with weapons and hand-to-hand with men bigger and stronger than she! She tries to use intelligence to outwit her opponents, but in a pinch she can throw a punch with the best of the boys!
I also enjoy the historical context Penrose includes in her stories. If you are a history buff these books offer a fun take on actual historical events.
This series is just a whole bunch of fun, with likable, interesting characters doing exciting, dangerous and suspenseful things. Easy-reading, fast and entertaining. I highly recommend both this series and Penrose's other series Wrexford and Sloane as great and well worth picking up!!
What I love most about this series is that Arianna is a strong, capable, smart woman who can - and does! - hold her own in any situation, including with weapons and hand-to-hand with men bigger and stronger than she! She tries to use intelligence to outwit her opponents, but in a pinch she can throw a punch with the best of the boys!
I also enjoy the historical context Penrose includes in her stories. If you are a history buff these books offer a fun take on actual historical events.
This series is just a whole bunch of fun, with likable, interesting characters doing exciting, dangerous and suspenseful things. Easy-reading, fast and entertaining. I highly recommend both this series and Penrose's other series Wrexford and Sloane as great and well worth picking up!!
April 12, 2020
As always Arianna and Sandor continue to get into hot water through no fault of their own. This time the notorious cold hearted spymaster Grentham is the cause. He is declared a traitor and the two along with others decide to prove his innocence even if he doesn't want them to and is absolutely not going to be helpful. Arianna is introduced to a half brother but is he? As always Andrea Penrose writes a fabulous tale with twists and turns and you try to keep track on who is a friend and who is foe. A great read.
June 7, 2022
I do enjoy this series. However I enjoy listening to audio books and the reader Mary Sarah is spoiling the listening for me. She reads in a slow, breathy, sexy type voice and it does NOT suit the character at all in my opinion. Please do not use her in future audio books. Thanks
December 18, 2020
More than 50 pages of excerpts from other books at the end. Thats cheating and costs one *
August 18, 2022
*Special Content only on my blog, Strange and Random Happenstance during Regency Romp (March-August 2022)
With Napoleon's loss at Waterloo and his army in disarray the allied forces are descending on Paris to jockey for position and power. That means Lord Grentham's job behind the scenes is even more important, keeping everyone's ego in check so not one country can let the thought of more power or new territories go to their head. Which makes Grentham being accused of being a traitor rather convenient for someone. Especially when Grentham goes on the run, apparently lending credence to the rumors. But Arianna, despite their fractious past, is unwilling to view Grentham as a traitor. Her husband though, well, he's open to the possibility. If Grentham saw a way for England to succeed by going rogue, he might well do so. While the couple are at loggerheads, there's Sophia Kirtland's feelings to consider. Sophia, whose heart she exposed to Grentham. She CAN NOT believe this of him. She's in even more shock when Grentham threatens their lives. Not shocked that he did so, just shocked from the blast of the bomb. As she so eloquently points out, if Grentham had wanted them dead, they would be dead, if he had just wanted them to back off, this is exactly what he'd do. It's a cry for help. Help that he doesn't want. And Arianna, Sandro, Sophia, and Constantina are going to be there to help him whether he wants it or not. Therefore they are going to Paris. Whomever is framing Grentham has to be at the heart of the intrigue and the heart of all intrigues right now is Paris, and thankfully Sandro can attach himself to the scientific delegation going there. The problem is, they don't know where to start. The trail of evidence that Grentham left was planted by Gretham so it will get them nowhere fast. Therefore they walk the streets, go shopping, attend soirees, go to restaurants, visit attractions, all in the hope that they will overhear some telling bit of gossip that will lead them in the right direction. But there are also distractions, a young engineer, Mr. Richard Fitzroy, has introduced himself to Arianna as her half-brother. She doesn't doubt that they could be related, he's the spitting image of her father, but why introduce himself now? And things are getting to a head with Prince Orlov. He plans this to be his and Arianna's last encounter, and he might be right. With the tangles of intrigue swirling around them, can their friend's name be cleared or is his fate sealed?
Lady Arianna's adventures are very much comfort reads, it all starts with Arianna and Sandro hoping for some downtime, and then someone's friend or relative is threatened, lightning has now struck five times if Sandro's interested, the gaggle hare off somewhere, there are lots of weapons and women wielding weapons, much chocolate is drunk and ate, the elaborate conspiracy is uncovered, and everyone goes off into the sunset, until the next adventure, which might even be starting before this one has fully finished. Reading the adventures back to back they can be a little repetitive. Even turns of phrase start to insist on becoming a drinking game, this time around it was anyone who had a peal rung over their head. But please, I urge caution, if you are a fast reader and take up this drinking game you will get drunk very fast. What makes each individual volume stick out therefore comes down to the history. As anyone who has studied any bit of history will tell you once the war is over the peace negotiations begin. For some reason I had never really thought about this with regard to Napoleon. At least not after his second defeat. My mind had him caught at Waterloo and the monarchy that had been restored while he was on Elba just taking back over. This is not how it went down. Napoleon fled to the coast and was attempting to board a ship for the New World and instead ended up surrendering a full month after the battle of Waterloo! This tale takes place after Paris was liberated, again, and all the political forces were descending on the city to see and be seen while having a cultural exchange of ideas as well as jockey for power. France, Great Britain, Austria, Prussia, and Russia were all there with their own agendas. And Andrea Penrose posits, what if some of these powers were up to no good in order to get exactly what they wanted in what would end up being the Treaty of Paris, or more accurately, the Second Treaty of Paris. To me, this makes total sense. Of course if you have a seat at the table you want your plate to be piled the highest. But there's legitimate negotiation and then there's what happens here. And honestly, this seems more likely. If only the world had more righteously minded folk like Arianna, Sandro, Sophia, Grentham, and their numerous comrades in order to set things to right...
With Napoleon's loss at Waterloo and his army in disarray the allied forces are descending on Paris to jockey for position and power. That means Lord Grentham's job behind the scenes is even more important, keeping everyone's ego in check so not one country can let the thought of more power or new territories go to their head. Which makes Grentham being accused of being a traitor rather convenient for someone. Especially when Grentham goes on the run, apparently lending credence to the rumors. But Arianna, despite their fractious past, is unwilling to view Grentham as a traitor. Her husband though, well, he's open to the possibility. If Grentham saw a way for England to succeed by going rogue, he might well do so. While the couple are at loggerheads, there's Sophia Kirtland's feelings to consider. Sophia, whose heart she exposed to Grentham. She CAN NOT believe this of him. She's in even more shock when Grentham threatens their lives. Not shocked that he did so, just shocked from the blast of the bomb. As she so eloquently points out, if Grentham had wanted them dead, they would be dead, if he had just wanted them to back off, this is exactly what he'd do. It's a cry for help. Help that he doesn't want. And Arianna, Sandro, Sophia, and Constantina are going to be there to help him whether he wants it or not. Therefore they are going to Paris. Whomever is framing Grentham has to be at the heart of the intrigue and the heart of all intrigues right now is Paris, and thankfully Sandro can attach himself to the scientific delegation going there. The problem is, they don't know where to start. The trail of evidence that Grentham left was planted by Gretham so it will get them nowhere fast. Therefore they walk the streets, go shopping, attend soirees, go to restaurants, visit attractions, all in the hope that they will overhear some telling bit of gossip that will lead them in the right direction. But there are also distractions, a young engineer, Mr. Richard Fitzroy, has introduced himself to Arianna as her half-brother. She doesn't doubt that they could be related, he's the spitting image of her father, but why introduce himself now? And things are getting to a head with Prince Orlov. He plans this to be his and Arianna's last encounter, and he might be right. With the tangles of intrigue swirling around them, can their friend's name be cleared or is his fate sealed?
Lady Arianna's adventures are very much comfort reads, it all starts with Arianna and Sandro hoping for some downtime, and then someone's friend or relative is threatened, lightning has now struck five times if Sandro's interested, the gaggle hare off somewhere, there are lots of weapons and women wielding weapons, much chocolate is drunk and ate, the elaborate conspiracy is uncovered, and everyone goes off into the sunset, until the next adventure, which might even be starting before this one has fully finished. Reading the adventures back to back they can be a little repetitive. Even turns of phrase start to insist on becoming a drinking game, this time around it was anyone who had a peal rung over their head. But please, I urge caution, if you are a fast reader and take up this drinking game you will get drunk very fast. What makes each individual volume stick out therefore comes down to the history. As anyone who has studied any bit of history will tell you once the war is over the peace negotiations begin. For some reason I had never really thought about this with regard to Napoleon. At least not after his second defeat. My mind had him caught at Waterloo and the monarchy that had been restored while he was on Elba just taking back over. This is not how it went down. Napoleon fled to the coast and was attempting to board a ship for the New World and instead ended up surrendering a full month after the battle of Waterloo! This tale takes place after Paris was liberated, again, and all the political forces were descending on the city to see and be seen while having a cultural exchange of ideas as well as jockey for power. France, Great Britain, Austria, Prussia, and Russia were all there with their own agendas. And Andrea Penrose posits, what if some of these powers were up to no good in order to get exactly what they wanted in what would end up being the Treaty of Paris, or more accurately, the Second Treaty of Paris. To me, this makes total sense. Of course if you have a seat at the table you want your plate to be piled the highest. But there's legitimate negotiation and then there's what happens here. And honestly, this seems more likely. If only the world had more righteously minded folk like Arianna, Sandro, Sophia, Grentham, and their numerous comrades in order to set things to right...
August 20, 2024
3. 5 star rounded down due to the overabundance of Sophia in this one. I acknowledge that Sophia has her good points she annoys me a great deal. I mean in general I like the ‘strong woman doesn't conform to society expectations’ character like our heroine Arianna but Ari is more balanced. While it is good that Ari has a friend who is also not the norm I think Parker went a bit overboard with Sophia - brilliant chemist, amazing shot, best rider ever etc especially for a secondary character. And then there is Sophia’s attitude and manner – rude, defensive and somewhat intolerant, which is even worse in her pursuit of cleaning Grentham's name. And that brings me to the 'feelings' Grentham and Sophia have for each other which is why Sophia is so convinced of his innocence & determined to help. They just don't work as a couple for me. I would genuinely be happier if Sophia picked Leete & Grentham had no-one. Not that he doesn't deserve happiness - he does. He is just a terrible candidate for a romantic partner .
April 16, 2020
A Tangle of Serpents is an excellent installment in the Lady Arianna Hadley series. I particularly enjoy these books because Penrose is as much of a history geek as I am, and it's wonderful to see her weave historical accuracy into a very entertaining series.
The author's characterizations always ring true and are consistent throughout the series. Her period detail is enough, but not too much. (Thank God she didn't mention sarcenet, a fabric that historical-fiction authors include far too often in their work, in my opinion).
My biggest complaint is that Penrose overuses the phrase, "ring a peal." It's great the first time, but gets worn out on its fourth or fifth usage in a single book. Another (small) issue is that the coding and editing of A Tangle of Serpents are a little sloppy, making the production of the book appear rushed. Perhaps later versions will include corrections of misdirected quotation marks and missing words.
Recommended.
The author's characterizations always ring true and are consistent throughout the series. Her period detail is enough, but not too much. (Thank God she didn't mention sarcenet, a fabric that historical-fiction authors include far too often in their work, in my opinion).
My biggest complaint is that Penrose overuses the phrase, "ring a peal." It's great the first time, but gets worn out on its fourth or fifth usage in a single book. Another (small) issue is that the coding and editing of A Tangle of Serpents are a little sloppy, making the production of the book appear rushed. Perhaps later versions will include corrections of misdirected quotation marks and missing words.
Recommended.
January 7, 2021
Political intrigue, espionage, Paris, chocolate, romance, a roller coaster and of course mystery makes this a fabulous read. Lady Ariana and her husband the Earl of Saybrook get drawn into a mystery that takes them to Paris to try to discover the truth not only of Grantham's disappearance but of what separates truth from lies. Andrea Penrose has penned another intriguing mystery that kept me riveted. I love her use of historical detail and the inclusion of lesser known historical sites and facts and appreciate the political situations that are threaded throughout this series. An added bonus to this book it includes excerpts from the other books in this series and her other series, the Wrexford and Sloane mysteries. If you enjoy historical mysteries, especially those set in Regency England, you will not be disappointed with this or any other of Andrea Penrose's books.
September 14, 2022
When Lord Grentham goes on the run, accused of high treason, Saybrook and Arianna, along with Sophia, take it upon themselves to prove his innocence. But that will not prove to be so easy when the evidence begins to pile up against him. Can the team unravel the tangle of lies surrounding the accusations and extract Grentham from its clutches? I especially liked this book because of the ending where a surprise is revealed that I had suspected since the last book. This is a great series and Sando, Lord Saybrook, and Lady Arianna make a fantastic team supported by both friends and family. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 5, 2024
I read the first six books of this series in one fell swoop and am giving one rating for them as a whole, since I can't really separate them in my mind (although each is certainly a complete mystery). I generally enjoyed the intersection of regency politics/war and mystery, but it was strained at times. I liked Arianna and I liked that she had had a varied and interesting life before the books began, giving her skills and experience. I also liked Saybrook and that their relationship tried to avoid emotional histrionics. But the plotting and writing was occasionally boring. Don't know if I will read past book 6.
May 8, 2020
The impossible seems to have happened, when Saybrook's spymaster, Grentham, is accused of being a traitor. When he goes on the run, Sandro, Arianna, and friends are determined to help him, and clear his name — but could he truly be guilty? Clues lead them to Paris, where the Allies are trying to work out the peace process, but someone is determined to undermine these attempts in their own favor. Another hard-to-put-down mystery — I just hope this isn't the end of the series! Highly recommended.
July 9, 2022
Very good read in delightful series
Ongoing adventures in Regency London and Paris of Lady Arianna and her husband and friends. There are some loose ends at the conclusion, so onto book 7.
Can be read as a stand alone....
Ongoing adventures in Regency London and Paris of Lady Arianna and her husband and friends. There are some loose ends at the conclusion, so onto book 7.
Can be read as a stand alone....
December 16, 2023
Plots, Pistols and Paris
I absolutely loved it. It has excitement, intrigue, twisted plots, action and near escapes all wrapped up in the political dances after the battle of Waterloo. I very good read.
I absolutely loved it. It has excitement, intrigue, twisted plots, action and near escapes all wrapped up in the political dances after the battle of Waterloo. I very good read.
June 26, 2024
A Tangle of Serpents #6 in the Lady Arianna Mystery by Andrea Penrose. The gang is off to Paris after the fall of Napoleon to prove the innocence of Grentham who is on the run after being accused of treason. I have read this one before but was still good a second time.
June 28, 2024
The series continues with a captivating mystery. Lady Ariana and her companions travel to Paris to demonstrate that Grantham is innocent of treason. The story is filled with action, romance, and intrigue.
April 8, 2020
Another delicious chocolate mystery. Five stars plus.
April 15, 2020
This series has lost its charm for me.
April 18, 2020
Great addition to a very wonderful series. Looking forward to future titles.
September 15, 2020
Why does the author spend so much time NOT on Saybrook and Arianna?
We all read it for them. I want more!!!
We all read it for them. I want more!!!
October 27, 2020
Enjoyed this series.
October 24, 2021
The rehabilitation of Lord Grentham continues. Nice to see him out in the field instead of behind his desk.
February 8, 2022
This one had my pulse racing nearly the whole time! Then the dénouement to a further twist in the lives of our hero & heroine. Now off to Russia??? That will certainly be exciting!
June 29, 2022
Four. Five stars, I really like the characters in these books. Narration is excellent in my opinion.
July 30, 2022
I finally have thought of the appropriate word--languid. This is a comment of the narrator of the Audible Lady Arianna books. She does a good job with some of the male voices, and even female, but the narrative voice is LANGUID.
There...I got that off my chest. :-)
The story is excellent. In Paris. The usual suspects :-)
There...I got that off my chest. :-)
The story is excellent. In Paris. The usual suspects :-)
August 10, 2023
Not as good as the first 5 books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews