DANGEROUS TO KNOW by Tasha Alexander

Publisher: Minotaur
Date published: October 6, 2010
ISBN: 9780312383794
Suspense, Mystery, Historical
Hardback
Reviewed by Gina
Obtained by library


Having survived the intrigue and threat to her own life in a harem in Constantinople, Lady Emily Hargreaves finds herself ensconced in Normandy at her mother-in-law’s home. More devastating than the bullet that almost took her life was the loss of her and husband, Colin’s, child. Her mother-in-law is less than supportive of the sadness that envelopes Emily. On the heels of her own personal loss, Emily stumbles on the body of a young woman, murdered in the fashion favored by Jack-the-Ripper. She gives in to her fear and horror at the crime and then begins to turn her attention toward finding the murderer.

Colin wants nothing more than to keep his bride safe yet he understands what drives her into humanity’s darkest doors. He strives to find a balance in ensuring his wife’s happiness yet remain in the bounds of their very restrictive Victorian society. His mother is not the strongest of Emily’s supporters. In fact, she would rather he not have wed Emily at all. The arrival of Emily’s dearest friend Cecile and wily thief Sebastian Capet set the wheels in motion to either solve the crime or lead to Emily’s demise. When the original victim’s doctor is found dead of an apparent suicide, Emily knows she is close to finding the killer The question is, will she find him before she becomes his next victim.

I have enjoyed all of Tasha Alexander’s Lady Emily Novels of Suspense. DANGEROUS TO KNOW, however, is the crown jewel of this amazing collection of these historical fictions liberally laced with mystery and suspense. Not only do readers see more on Emily’s own inherent strength in DANGEROUS TO KNOW, but each of the other characters is more fully drawn. There is more depth to Colin, Cecile is even more the kind of person you want for your own best friend. The return of Sebastian became part of a fun adventure. In his prior appearance I wasn’t too impressed with the character and he left me cold, but in this latest installment, with more of his personality revealed, I couldn’t wait for his next scene.

Ms. Alexander transports her readers to the stories venues with the addition of a sense of sampling the very dishes Emily enjoys. You just know what that marvelous pear dessert tastes like!

If you have not read the Lady Emily series, I highly recommend it from beginning to this latest read. I’ve said it before, but it bears saying again, If I have one complaint about Tasha Alexander’s books it is that I have to wait for the next one to arrive. They are the kind you read again and again and each time find something new to enjoy.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.