Lauren Willig

Tiring of the Little Season's endless parties and balls in the fall of 1806, Sally investigates a ton rumor that reclusive duke Lucien is an actual vampire, an effort that is complicated by the exsanguination death of a young woman. By the Rita Award-winning author of The Mischief of the Mistletoe. Original. 40,000 first printing.

The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla

Lover of Romance 

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
  


I found this through a online digital service "hoopla" that goes through my local library. I was thrilled, because I have been searching for something different in a historical romance, and Lauren Willig is simply wonderful. Although this story was a bit different than any historical I have ever read/listened to. It has two story lines that are involved here. First we have Eloise who is a student in modern times, working on research for Pink Carnation and spending time with your British boyfriend Colin. Then we are taken back to Sally Fitshugh and The Duke of Belliston. London has been circling with rumors of Belliston being a vampire with a recent published work "Convent of Orshino" which is a gothic novel. Lucien left London when he was fifteen years old when his parents were killed, and he never believed that his mother killed his father. He knew that they were poisoned but no one believed him. So he left for New Orleans, but now he has returned to find the truth and find a place back with his family. But there is someone out to frame him and Sally joins forces with him to find out who is after him and why.

This was a wonderful story and I was captivated by the mystery and intrigue. Even though this is a installment toward the end of series, I didn't feel too lost or out of place. It only made me even more fascinated by the set of the series and Sally's family, whom I have a feeling are fully involved in other books of the series. What was most fun about this book was how it had depth and a sense of growth, unpredictable and unique characters. I became really impressed with this author, because lately I have been looking for more historical's that have more emotion and complex plots. This fit the ticket for exactly what I have been looking for. It is rich and lively and highly entertaining. I can't wait to delve deeper into this series that is packed with mystery, spies, and romance.

The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla

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