Source: Paperback Review CopyFormat: ARC
India Black and the Widow of Windsor by Carol K. Carr
Date Read: October 2011
Genre: Historical, Mystery
More Information:Black is back! Her Majesty's favorite spy is off to Scotland in this new adventure to ensure the Queen doesn't end up getting killed.
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...
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Series: Madam of Espionage #2
Read for Review (Publisher)
Overall Rating 4.00
Story Rating 3.50
Character Rating 4.50
NOTE: I am going to admit upfront that I love the character of India Black. She is unique, snarky, smart, and sassy! She is a huge reason I find these books so enjoyable.
What I Loved: Characters, Characters, Characters! French and India have the best exchanges (barbs,quips, and debates). They are an absolute joy to read and I find myself loving the moments they share in the story. The end, left me going “oh my, how is this going to go” and now I am patiently (or not) waiting for book 3. I am also loving the character Vincent more. He brings a unique type of vibe to the story and I love how French kind of “mentors” (for lack of a better word) him.
What I Liked: The espionage story was stronger in the Widow of Windsor story. It was fantastic the way that Carol Carr weaved in historical facts with some really fun fiction. I also enjoyed the character the marchioness—she was a hoot. Every time she said India’s name wrong or went on a diatribe, I was in giggles. I thought she and India made quite the pair. Flora was also very fun with all her gossip but mostly I liked her POV.
Complaints: A little over descriptive at times but it didn’t take away from the story. It did help me to visualize what the characters were seeing and feeling.
Why I gave it a 4.00: Carol Carr writes really great characters! While the espionage story was a little predictable, the characters keep you entertained and engaged. I will be not so patiently waiting on book 3.
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Felicia S
During her non-reading time you can find her hanging with her rescue furr children named after book characters: Lizzie a beautiful cattle dog mix (Pound Pup), Cinder a beautiful Shep/Pitt mix (Pound Pup), and Minerva a beautiful Shep/Pitt mix (Foster Fail). Gathering with friends and family, attending conventions, watching movies/tv shows, rooting for the 49rs, and crocheting.
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Adding another series to the TBR… and sadly I'm with Missie and Amanda, can I pretend it's educational?
I can't wait to rip into my copy! All the more reason to start now 🙂 Love India and Carol the mastermind behind it all 🙂
I have not read this series! I can't believe I haven't heard of it, by the sounds of it, it's right up my alley :o]I'm off and running for the first in the series!Thanks, Chica :o]
Ooo I want to read this series!
I love the sound of that character. I think I'd really like this series too. Snarky and smart… I just can't resist! To read in order or not to read in order… that may be my question left to think about… LOL
All that I know about British history, I learned from Virginia Henley. *g* I love the fact/fiction combo too. I've got this one on my wishlist!
Ooooh I love the word espionage! Just sayin! I love it when it's FACTS and FICTION! Win!
A historical with espionage and great characters? Oh, yes, please!PS. I'm with Missie about learning history. 🙂
I think India is a character that I'm going to fall in love with. A snarky, sassy girl always makes for entertaining reading for me! I'll have to go back and pick up book one, thanks Felicia!
Well, this sounds like a really fun series. I love it when historical facts are mixed in with fiction. It's the only way I like to learn about history. LOL