Lord Julian Caldicott has come home from the war in ragged health and with a reputation in tatters. Allhe wants is to recuperate in private without bringing any further scandal on the family’s good name. His godmother inveigles him into serving as her escort to a rural house party, whereupon circumstances conspire to prevent Julian from resuming his reclusive existence.
Must shine the light of truth on a dangerous deception.
Julian becomes the subject of rumors, lies, and whispers, and soon he’s faced with a choice: Wage one more battle for honor’s sake, or be branded a traitor to all that he holds dear. He will enlist unlikely allies, face old demons, and vex every other guest on the premises, but he will not stop until he’s brought a criminal to justice–or died trying.
Lord Julian Caldicott has returned from the war a changed man, persecuted by rumors about treason and mourning the death of his brother Harry. He decided he had to stay away from others, especially his family, to avoid scandal but his godmother lady Ophelia convinces him to help her attend a house party, which Julian thought he would leave as soon as possible. However, some old acquaintances and some trouble find him again among several people, many of whom don't hold him in high regard. As several little things pile up and Julian is more and more involved with the party and those around him, he starts noticing a disturbing pattern. It seems almost everyone would want him gone, but he can't help feeling his staying would hinder some nefarious plans. Will he resist the slurs and do his duty once more?
This is not my first experience with the author's work and of the books I've read so far, all exclusively romances, I've had a mostly positive reaction. However, the latest book I did read was my least favorite and it was with this recent memory I've started this one, which is labeled historical mystery. I must say that I had some expectations mostly related to the positive opinions of those who recommended this as being a good series and for the style I was used to from the other books by the author I had read, but in this story, the author's unique style and "voice" simply worked out to perfection.
The book is narrated by Lord Julian and his personality shines through, expertly added by mrs Burrowes writing tone, which is one of seriousness and resemblance to historical accuracy, at least when it comes to how the narration is presented. I always find her work very proper and correct and the atmosphere in her stories very authentic, of I can actually say this. Lord Julian is a wonderful character for he is a good and honest gentleman, with his vulnerable side and his quirks to make him imperfect yes, but still likable and someone we can root for.
At first, I thought he had returned from war and his "hard times" were related to his family disowning him because of the rumors and such but no. His problems are not financially related and I suppose this might not be the best way to suit the "do the hustle" theme, but Lord Julian does have a hard time, he might have money but he still needs to work his best to restore his reputation, to restore his self esteem and to battle the prejudice of others while the house party is ongoing. To me, now that I've read the book, the choice doesn't feel that out of place.
The plot is quite entertaining and ingenious. Something is going on with the house party attendees and from the start we are kind of led to believe it's all related to Lord Julian's presence and what people say of him and so on, but step by step we get to see the author's tactic, because many little things, which seem unrelated or unimportant, end up being part of a bigger scheme. I suppose fans of complex thrillers would find this silly and obvious, but it was still well done, in my humble not-obsessed-with-thrillers mind, and when some things finally make sense, the truth really becomes simple.
I also liked it that, while this isn't a romance, the romantic element is still here, and the hints of it, as well as the small things which help Lord Julian feel he is worthy and is on his road to think of himself as someone who was unfairly treated - I also now have my own theories about what happened to him when his brother died - so this means he will have an arc to redemption. His dealing with other characters, especially the ones who respect him, make me confident he will improve in all regards, even if that doesn't happen easily.
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