Search - The Betrayal of the Blood Lily (Pink Carnation, Bk 6)

Most of the time I enjoy this author's light historical mystery novels but this one seemed to be slow getting started. The tale features one Lady Frederick Staines, Penelope or Pen as we get to know her who plunges into the treacherous intrigue of the court of the Nizam of Hyderabad. And, of course, in spite of her loveless marriage she is attracted to Captain Reid.

Penelope discovers her husband in the arms of an Indian concubine. While she has few emotional feelings for him, she is hurt and angry. How could he have his mistress housed in their home? It's just not done! She storms about flinging her anger at everyone before she retreats to her room. As she gets ready for bed, finds herself facing a cobra. Fortunately, for Penelope, she is an excellent marksman and kills the snake.

Alex (Captain Reid) hurries to the house when he hears the shot. Accidental or on purpose? The plot is beginning to thicken. Could the marigold be responsible for the snake's appearance, and, of course, both she and Captain Reid wonder who could be the marigold? As Alex comforts her and she tells him that Freddy is going on a hunting trip. When Alex learns where, he decides to follow with Penelope accompanying him whether he likes it or not. During the trip, they fall into each other's arms, realizing that they may be in love. What they find at the end of their trip moves the story toward its climax. While I enjoyed the story, I would like the author to eliminate the encounters of Eloise and Colin with his family as that romance has become a reality.

This one just didn't really do it for me like the others. I was disappointed in the story and the characters. Seemed like the story really didn't have a direction,purpose or ending.

Having read the previous 5 books in the Carnation series, I had high hopes for this one. I was not disappointed. In fact, it is one of my top two from the series. This book is almost like a stand alone story, as compared to the previous entries in the series. There are references to previous characters and plots, but mostly, this is the story of Penelope and Alex, two people who slowly come to realize they belong together. The two must face French spies, cheating husbands, poisonous snakes, death, and danger before they can ultimately be together. My only small criticism was the seemingly convenient way the biggist obstacle to their happiness was removed. After first reading that part, I thought, how easy! Then, later on, I realized it was not convenient at all, only another stumbling block for them. What really adds to the deapth of the story is descriptions of Indian customs and society, that really helped to set this story apart from others set in England and/or France. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical romance, exotic settings, or historical fiction.