Thursday, December 9, 2010

The Perfect Mistress -Victoria Alexander

The Perfect Mistress
Victoria Alexander
Zebra, Feb 1 2011, $7.99
ISBN 9781420117059

In 1885 Widow Lady Julia Winterset plans to release her great-grandmother's kiss and tell manuscript titled - The Perfect Mistress: The Memoirs of Lady Hermione Middlebury. The Earl of Mondale Harrison Landingham learns of Julia’s intention, but becomes horrified to find out his father is one of those featured as a lover of Lady Hermione.

Harrison is determined to prevent the scandal using any method imagined. Julia needs the money, but it is Lady Hermione's ghost who encourages her to publish the tome. Having read the first escapade, amoral publisher Benjamin Cadwaller wants the manuscript and will do anything even criminal activity to obtain it. Finally there is the author wanting to claim writing the manuscript and will do anything even criminal activity to obtain it. Julia diligently navigates through a maze of plotters to help her ancestor.

This is a great Victorian filled with twists and spins as Lady Julia navigates the dangerous world of publication. Her efforts make for a fun time while enhanced by extracts from the “memoirs of a woman of pleasure” (nod to Fanny Hill by Fielding). Fast-paced and charming, sub-genre fans will enjoy the amusing The Perfect Mistress.

Harriet Klausner

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