India Black and the Widow of Windsor by Carol K Carr Series: Madam of Espionage #2
Published by Berkley on October 4, 2011
Genres: Historical Mystery
Pages: 320
Format: eBook
Source: Library
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When Queen Victoria attends a séance, the spirit of her departed husband, Prince Albert, insists she spend Christmas at their Scottish home in Balmoral. Prime Minister Disraeli suspects the Scottish nationalists plan to assassinate the Queen-and sends the ever resourceful India and the handsome British spy, French, to the Scottish highlands.
French will take the high road, looking for a traitor among the guests-and India will take the low road, disguised as a servant in case an assassin is hiding among the household staff. India is certain that someone at Balmoral is determined to make this Her Majesty's last Christmas...
A summons from the Prime Minister leads to a London madam returning to the world of political intrigue and espionage alongside an enigmatic spy who knows just how to disconcert her. Carol K Carr’s Madam of Espionage series took me a bit by surprise with its lighthearted wit and banter and sometimes silly escapades so I was primed and ready for more as I continued onward with the series.
India Black and the Widow of Windsor is the second book in the Victorian era Madam of Espionage series. While the mission is new, much about the characters and relationships carry over so it works best when read in order.
India feels a sense of accomplishment that she runs a well-heeled brothel with a good clientele. Ennui has set in and she considers a trip abroad to get away and see something new. Too bad, she didn’t specify where that trip would be because not even a day after these thoughts, Mr. French re-enters her life and drags her off to the PM, Disraeli, who needs her and French to join him at Scotland’s Balmoral castle over the Christmas season because a threat against the queen’s life has been issued and, of course, Victoria stubbornly insists on the trip.
With the Scottish being stirred up a secret society who promise to take out the queen and put a Scot on the Scot’s throne, going to Balmoral Castle for the holidays is fraught with danger. French is going in the guise of Disraeli’s secretary, but India lands the thankless task of ladies’ maid to a crotchety old Scottish Marchioness so she can investigate below stairs among the visiting staff and castle servants. A few near-fatal mishaps lead their team to realize the danger is real.
India Black and the Widow of Windsor possessed all the éclat of book one. In fact, I found myself snorting and giggling over a few hilarious bits- the old marchioness steels the show so many times.
The historical setting of life below stairs in an aristocratic household was depicted well, as were the characters and activities above stairs. Fortunately, India can’t be shocked by the debauched antics of the Prince of Wales or some of the others because she does spend her time ducking the prince who wants to try it on with every pretty maid. A few curious hints to French’s past and her own have me wanting to know more. The pair do a decent job of studying out those around them, but also get lucky and stumble into the perpetrators.
All in all, an entertaining read with a humorous tone and a cozy mystery feel in a solid historical setting. Looking forward to the next installment!
As a lifelong reader, it was inevitable that Sophia would discover book blogs and the joy of blog reviewing.Sophia is a prolific reader and audiobook listener which allows her to experience so many wonderful books, authors, and narrators.Few genres are outside her reading tastes, but her true love is fiction particularly history, mystery, sci-fi, and romance.Though, sorry, no horror or she will run like Shaggy and Scooby.
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I’m glad it was enjoyable for you.
I do get a kick out of India and her shenanigans. 🙂
Sounds like a lot of fun! I do enjoy it when the antics have me laughing.
Oh yeah, India and the old dowager are a hoot together! I laughed myself into tears in one scene involving the old gal and a snuff box. 🙂
This sounds fun Sophia.
I’ve gotten a kick out of this series.
I need to read this. I read book 1 a million years ago
Oh yeah, you need to keep going. Book two will crack you up.
Sounds like a great read! Glad you are continuing to enjoy the series. Great review!
These are so entertaining, Lisa. 🙂