A Woman of Intrigue
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4.4 • 11 Ratings
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- £2.99
Publisher Description
‘If you loved Her Heart for a Compass, you will love [this book]’ Sunday Times bestselling author Fern Britton
Scandals, seduction and secrets… and one woman’s quest to uncover the truth
Wallflower Lady Mary Montagu Douglas Scott has a secret. Moving effortlessly unnoticed amongst the ballrooms and palaces of Queen Victoria, her sharp intelligence and keen powers of observation allow her to quietly solve society crimes – coming to the rescue of those whose pride and fortune are at stake.
Overlooked and underestimated, Mary finds missing money, recovers stolen jewellery and saves reputations. When she meets Colonel Walter Trefusis, an unlikely and spirited alliance is formed. But Mary has more than met her match in her sleuthing partner. As she battles the expectations of society and her family, Mary must follow her heart – whatever the cost…
Readers love A Woman of Intrigue…
'This was a book that held me in thrall, at times with my heart in my mouth and at others with hope… I can't wait for the next book' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'This story had everything to hold your attention for hours: romance, suspense, action and a very human tale.' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I for one could not put this book down… I love the way you balance history with each character’s storyline.' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A perfect blend of action, romance, and witty banter. The plot is fast-paced and gripping, the characters are well-drawn and likeable, and the dialogue is sharp and engaging… weaving together a complex and intriguing mystery that will keep you hooked until the end.' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Absolutely loved this one! I devoured it.' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Previously published as A Most Intriguing Lady
Reviews
‘A rollicking, romantic tale of love and intrigue in aristocratic Victorian Scotland. Sarah Ferguson’s fascinatingly detailed novel kept me turning the pages as it’s very entertaining.’ Dame Joan Collins
‘A wonderful and colourful romance, well-researched, well-realised, and rich in historical detail. In short, another beguiling read’ Lord Julian Fellowes
‘A fantastic historical mystery with plenty of passion. A triumph’ New York Times bestselling author Roma Downey OBE
‘She’s done it again, and I bet this one will be even more successful.’ Jeffrey Archer
‘Fast paced, romantic and good fun, this is a modern take on a classic period, with delightful characters to boot.’ Candis Magazine
About the author
Sarah Ferguson is a bestselling memoirist and children’s book author, film producer, and has been a spokesperson for Weight Watchers and Wedgwood china. She currently campaigns for her international charity Sarah’s Trust which supports the smile of a child, and empowers children’s literacy and education globally. She works on historical documentaries and films that draw on her deep interest in Victorian history.
She was the daughter-in-law of HM The Queen and former wife of Prince Andrew, brother to King Charles III, grandmother to August and Sienna and mother of two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. She lives in Windsor with five Norfolk terriers and two corgis.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
This superior blend of mystery and romance from the Duchess of York (Her Heart for a Compass) introduces Lady Mary Montagu Douglas Scott, the younger daughter of close friends of Queen Victoria, who chafes at being expected to adhere to her era's rigid restrictions on women. She gets an opportunity to exercise her intellect and knowledge of human nature in 1872 when her parents host a party at a family home on the Scottish Borders. When a guest is distraught by the theft of her jewel-festooned brooch, Lady Mary solves the mystery, and this personally rewarding experience leads to other cases. By 1875, her reputation for handling sensitive inquiries discreetly—including probing the theft of charitable funds and the burglary of an aristocrat's safe concealed in her sitting room—has led to a secret life as a problem-solver for high society. Her detective work coincides with her growing interest in Col. Walter Trefusis, a 34-year-old war veteran who leads a covert life of his own. The author never lets the romantic plotline dominate and plausibly depicts the struggles of a capable woman who empowers herself to achieve her own potential. Claudia Gray fans will welcome a sequel.
Customer Reviews
Fact and Fiction Entwined
A fictional and charming account of the lives of Lady Mary Montagu Douglas Scott and Colonel Walter Trefusis prior to their marriage. The former wants to be more than a wife and mother, she wants to be useful but not in the limelight and the other suffers from PTSD in an era when it was looked upon with distain. I could have wished that there was months, rather than years between their meetings, but I did find the story enjoyable and the historical notes at the back of the book were fascinating.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.