Search - The Masque of the Black Tulip (Pink Carnation, Bk 2)

The Black Tulip picks up immediatly where The History of the Pink Carnation leaves off. Eloise (in trying to gather research for her dissertation) has just discovered the true identity of the Pink Carnation. It's what's she's been looking for, but there's a catch. The keeper of the archives that she's searching through when she discovered the indentity belongs to Colin Selwick (descendent character from the 1st book).

He invites (relunctantly) Eloise to his home to finish her research. At the end of Carnation, Eloise discovers who the Pink Carnation is, but also finds out about the Black Tulip, a deadly instrument of the French. So, Eloise delves into her research at Colin's home, this time following the story of Richard's (from Carnation) sister Henrietta and his best friend (and wannabe spy) Miles.

Henrietta wants to by a spy and Miles is sent on a mission. The two do not realize that they are after the samething. Throughout the story sparks fly between the pair as they try to solve the mystery of the identity of the Black Tulip. This also coincides with Eloise's own life and her growing attraction to Colin.

It's a great read, even better than Carnation. If you are looking at starting with this book...don't. Read The Secret History of the Pink Carnation first. It sets up this book and if you read this book first, it takes the fun out of finding who the Pink Carnation is in the 1st. If possible, I would have the 3rd book ready (The Deception of the Emerald Ring) because this book is another 'to be continued...' like the Carnation.

A very good follow-up to "The Secret History of the Pink Carnation". I know professional reviews seem to feel the contemporary plotline was a distraction the regency/spy plot, but I enjoyed it and am anxious to see how it resolves in the third book of the series.

This is a wonderfuls story that continues the story of the spies in France,England and Ireland. You have to get used to the back and forth of the narration. It bugged me at first but then I came to like having the two stories going on at the same time. Great historical information and lots of fun!!

If you loved the Pink Carnation, you'll be sure to enjoy the Black Tulip. The love interest is not as steamy, perhaps, but the whole romp is a great read.