India Black and the Widow of Windsor. India out of London in the highland is just what you expect. I love India's saltiness, but one of the minor characters really stole the show. The Marchioness is a hoot. Not enough of French in this one but that is my biggest beef, but the Marchioness takes over as sparing partner for India. I had a pretty good idea by about half way through that they were chasing red herrings and kind of thought I knew who they were looking for. But the mystery is secondary in these books, the fun is in the hunt. India is being groomed to be a valuable asset to the crown, whether she knows it or not, Vincent isn't left behind he goes along as French's groom. Really if you want a light read after a heavy book this is your book. You don't even have to have read the first book, but you should. India explains it very well and very quickly; and mercifully only once. Ms. Carr understands the political climate of the period and imparts the info without sounding like a text book. This book is what it is, a lighthearted laugh out loud, fun read, that has the facts straight.

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Well, I'm reading another book in this series. I'd forgotten that I wasn't sure whether or not I liked it or not. It's a waste of time for me. India and her friend, French, are off to Scotland with the queen hoping to prevent an assassination attempt. After one hundred pages all that occurred was a trip to Scotland. As usual, India was racing around trying to be an investigator. Fortunately, French comes to her rescue as she bumbles about. In the castle with the queen they try to discover who might be planning to assassinate the queen. They pinpoint several suspects but find no firm evidence about any. The real investigator is the marchioness whose wit and intelligence really saves this novel. Even I figured out who the Marischal was early in the novel. I know others like the series but I'm not sure I'll pick up the next one. For me this was so so read. I'd rate it two stars at best.

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The good thing about well writing HF (or HF mystery) is when it makes you look up more history on the characters. thus I had to do some reading on Queen Victoria after reading this book. Inida, Vincent and French expand their roles.The Marcionese is quite interesting especially the bit of cliff hanger at the end. My only complaint is I thought it was written with too much of an American opinion and references that many Brits may not know. Not being a Brit myself it is hard to judge. While reading I had to look up author's background because it sounded too American. Overall a very good read, and looking forward to book 3.

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I like India Black and in this book, some mystery comes up as to her mother and her relationship to the government and to the Marchioness. It's hard to get me to laugh out loud when I'm reading a book and both of the books in this series were able to get me chuckling to myself. The Marchioness is a hoot (and India has a few good quips as well)!

This is a lighter read and it was refreshing to read this after reading my usual historical mysteries (Charles Finch, Anne Perry, etc.). I recommend!

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