The Garden Intrigue

December 5, 2011
The latest entry in Willig’s Pink Carnation series (after The Secret History of the Pink Carnation) finds Napoleon-era secret agent Augustus Whittlesby hiding his communiqués to the English in his insipid poetry. The young American widow Emma Delagardie covers sadness and intellect with a flirtatious gaiety. Her weekly salon, where Augustus’s work is enthusiastically critiqued, is famous. And Jane Wooliston is a friend to them both, and also the Pink Carnation, another British spy. Whittlesby learns of Napoleon’s plans to reveal a secret weapon at a lavish celebration and, by collaborating with Emma and Jane on a play for the event, gets a glimpse of what he believes to be a steamship. In fact, it is something more sinister, an invention that could greatly help Napoleon to invade England. Whittlesby isn’t the only one interested in the secret; a former lover of Delagardie is intent on selling the plans to the highest bidder. Whittlesby steals them first, but his feelings for Delagardie compromise his mission and force her to make a difficult choice. This time Willig sends Wooliston to the wings to focus on new spies and familiar contemporary characters (a researcher and her lover frame the tale). Whittlesby’s poetry is indeed laughably bad, but Delagardie is only mildly interesting, Napoleon appears rarely, the ex-lover lacks menace, and the double-cross is telegraphed. Even fans of the series won’t find much to engage with this time. Agent: Joe Veltre, the Gersh Agency.

January 1, 2012
The latest installment in the Pink Carnation historical romantic suspense series is as fresh and charming as its floral theme. Emma Delagardie has a knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. A young American who ran away with a scientifically minded older Frenchman, the petite blonde now plays the merry widow in Paris, hosting visiting countrymen and affecting a fashionable giddiness she does not feel. A friend of Napoleon's stepdaughter, she's recruited to create a masque for the soon-to-be Emperor at his country chateau of Malmaison. What she doesn't know is that her collaborator, and crush, the foppish poet Augustus Whittlesby, is actually an agent for the notorious British spy, Jane Wooliston (aka, the Pink Carnation), for whom he also feels an unrequited passion. Or that her American buddy, Robert Fulton, is not only working on a steamboat but also a tactical weapon that could allow Napoleon to invade England. Between Whittlesby's interest in Wooliston and Napoleon's in Fulton, Emma doesn't seem to stand much of a chance. But true hearts always win out in this delightful series, and this ninth installment holds true to Willig's (The Orchid Affair, 2011, etc.) principles that the female characters should be as involved in the swashbuckling espionage as their love interests. Meanwhile, the modern framing device has a film crew invading historic Selwick Hall, and a job offer back in the U.S. threatening grad student Eloise Kelly's fledgling romance with the smoldering Colin. It may be hard to worry overmuch, but the adventure is worth the ride--and this smart and funny installment concludes with the promise of more suspense (and a treasure hunt) in books to come. A reliable romp through Napoleon's court, filled with romance and yet another adorable and very active heroine.

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December 1, 2011

Paris in 1804 is a playground for the effervescent Emma Delagardie, who, widowed at age 20, is now hostess of a famous salon. But it is Emma's connection to Napoleon's inner circle through her friendship with his stepdaughter Hortense and Hortense's mother, Madame Bonaparte, that makes her an irresistible temptation for English spy Augustus Whittlesby. Can Augustus use Emma to discover the truth behind Napoleon's secret naval weapon, or will his attraction lead to a fatal misstep? This may be the ninth book in the Pink Carnation series (after The Orchid Affair), but the characters and parallel story lines (the historical tale is set within a contemporary framing tale) are as fresh and engaging as ever. Mixing historical and modern-day drama poses no trouble for Willig, and the satisfying, uninterrupted progression within both time frames will please longtime readers. The historical pair's interaction consists largely of verbal sparring, and while that somewhat reduces the romantic tension, the trade-off is the enjoyable, witty banter. VERDICT Enlightening and entertaining as always, and full of plenty of romance and intrigue, this is a strong choice for historical fiction readers. And confirmed fans can rest assured, there's more to come! [See Prepub Alert, 8/8/11.]--Stacey Hayman, Rocky River P.L., OH

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2011
The Pink Carnation herself plays a large role in the latest entry in Willig's long-running series. Jane Wooliston, covert English spy living in Napoleonic France, is the object of fellow spy Augustus Whittlesby's affection. Posing as a uniquely untalented poet, Augustus is able to gain access to the highest echelons of French society while wooing his muse in vain. Jane's latest assignment is to have Augustus gain access to an exclusive house party, at which a new secret weapon is being unveiled. To do so, Augustus must convince Emma Delagardie, a beautiful American widow who thinks he's something of a fool, albeit a handsome one, to let him coauthor a masque for the party with her. As fans of the series know, the two are destined to fall in love, amid plenty of intrigue and adventure. There's more talky romance here than swashbuckling, but readers will be pleased to see the spy who inspired the series in action and will enjoy the charming, witty rapport between Augustus and Emma.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)