Monday, June 30, 2008

The Midnight Man-Charlotte Mede

The Midnight Man
Charlotte Mede
Kensington Brava, Aug 2008, $14.00
ISBN: 0758223676

In 1860, recently widowed Helena Hartford is infamous for her scandalous paintings. However, it is not her art that has her in trouble; it is her wealth she inherited that others covet and plan to use her paintings as proof she needs to be committed to an asylum. Bedlam would kill this young woman who relishes freedom.

Even more affluent than her, Nicholas Ramsay orders Helena to trust him as he will keep her safe and free. However, he hides from her his real agenda as she is his pawn to reap revenge. Instead he finds himself falling in love and takes her to South America on a science expedition and to keep her truly safe; however, those after her money follow as she must be removed either into an asylum or a coffin.

This EXPLOSIVE historical romantic suspense grips the audience from the moment the suspicious Helena (and readers) distrusts Nicholas when he says trust me. The story line is fast-paced with Darwinism used to anchor the era. The lead couple is a fabulous pairing as love supersedes hate in Nicholas’ case. Fans will appreciate Charlotte Mede’s strong thriller as the tension continually mounts until the final confrontation with a fascinating low key villain.

Harriet Klausner

No comments: