Jerelyn H. (I-F-Letty) -
Helpful Score: 3
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.
Althea M. (althea) reviewed India Black and the Widow of Windsor (Madam of Espionage, Bk 2) on + 774 more book reviews
Picked this up because I saw it described as a fun, light read. I wasn't feeling well, and thought it might be nice to read while lying in bed. Unfortunately, I found reading it to be a tedious chore, interspersed with moments of serious aggravation.
Our heroine, India Black is supposed to be the proprietress of a brothel. It's nothing more than a gimmick, because we never see her acting as such. She makes a few callous remarks regarding her "sluts," but that's it. The problem is that India isn't a sympathetic character (you can't really have sympathy for a person who truly doesn't care whether her "girls" are murdered in her whorehouse), but neither is she the sort of character whose amorality the reader can revel in (she's no 'Talented Mr. Ripley,' and Carr is no Patricia Highsmith.) She's just sort of annoying and unappealing, a shallow, self-centered bigot whom the book treats as a light-hearted heroine. I got sick of her company quickly.
I also got sick of hearing about how Queen Victoria (and others) were fat and ugly every three pages. It's not just India's perspective, everyone in the book harps on the Queen's gluttony nonstop. It's her only character trait. I was left with the impression that Carr may have some body-image issues.
The Queen's Indian servants appear only as window-dressing, and, apparently, for other characters to make disparaging comments about. None even have a speaking role to stick up for themselves.
The historical setting was unconvincing, and I felt it was poorly researched, as far as the general goings-on of life at court. The characters were flat, and the 'mystery,' (who is planning to assassinate the queen?) didn't have enough detail to catch my interest. (You can't try to figure out whodunnit, or, more accurately, 'who-wanna-do-it' when there aren't any clues to unravel.) India doesn't show any particular talent as a spy, and I was unconvinced that she would have been recruited as one.
Yes, I may be feeling crankier than usual due to being sick while reading this, but this is really just not a very good book.
Our heroine, India Black is supposed to be the proprietress of a brothel. It's nothing more than a gimmick, because we never see her acting as such. She makes a few callous remarks regarding her "sluts," but that's it. The problem is that India isn't a sympathetic character (you can't really have sympathy for a person who truly doesn't care whether her "girls" are murdered in her whorehouse), but neither is she the sort of character whose amorality the reader can revel in (she's no 'Talented Mr. Ripley,' and Carr is no Patricia Highsmith.) She's just sort of annoying and unappealing, a shallow, self-centered bigot whom the book treats as a light-hearted heroine. I got sick of her company quickly.
I also got sick of hearing about how Queen Victoria (and others) were fat and ugly every three pages. It's not just India's perspective, everyone in the book harps on the Queen's gluttony nonstop. It's her only character trait. I was left with the impression that Carr may have some body-image issues.
The Queen's Indian servants appear only as window-dressing, and, apparently, for other characters to make disparaging comments about. None even have a speaking role to stick up for themselves.
The historical setting was unconvincing, and I felt it was poorly researched, as far as the general goings-on of life at court. The characters were flat, and the 'mystery,' (who is planning to assassinate the queen?) didn't have enough detail to catch my interest. (You can't try to figure out whodunnit, or, more accurately, 'who-wanna-do-it' when there aren't any clues to unravel.) India doesn't show any particular talent as a spy, and I was unconvinced that she would have been recruited as one.
Yes, I may be feeling crankier than usual due to being sick while reading this, but this is really just not a very good book.
Alice J. (ASJ) -
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.
R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed India Black and the Widow of Windsor (Madam of Espionage, Bk 2) on + 1458 more book reviews
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.
Melissa P. (mp3359) reviewed India Black and the Widow of Windsor (Madam of Espionage, Bk 2) on + 13 more book reviews
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!
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!
Lori C. (dollycas) reviewed India Black and the Widow of Windsor (Madam of Espionage, Bk 2) on + 765 more book reviews
India Black is back and on a new mission with her friend French in Scotland.
Queen Victoria attended a séance where she is contacted by her dearly departed husband, Prince Albert, where he insists she break tradition and spend the Christmas holiday at Balmoral, their Scottish castle. The Prime Minister believes that Scottish nationalists are planing to assassinate the Queen and calls on his friend and British spy, French, who invites India to join him undercover at the castle. French poses as one of the guests, while India's assignment is to be the maid to the eccentric Dowanger Marchioness of Tullibardine.
It doesn't take long for India to realize the Prime Minister was exactly right in his assessment of the situation. For the next few days India and French will be running themselves ragged to find the Queen's enemies and assure her safety.
My Thoughts
Like the first book in this series, India Black, I loved this story. I adore where the author took this character on this adventure. Balmoral is a fascinating setting and I don't know how true the author's descriptions are of the castle, but I felt like I was right there sneaking through the hallways with India.
The story also contains a wonderful mystery with plenty of twists but what really captured by heart in this story was the humor. India has a quick wit and keen intelligence and while not at all happy with her job in this adventure she continues to entertain us with her observations and quips. The Lady India serves sets up several instances that had me laughing out loud.
Carol K. Carr is an amazing storyteller. I love her writing style. In her case, her words are worth a thousand beautiful pictures. I have absolutely no problem "escaping" far into her books and don't want to leave after the last words are read. I want to follow India on her next adventure. Please Carol don't make me want too long for my next trip abroad.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Berkley Prime Crime. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Queen Victoria attended a séance where she is contacted by her dearly departed husband, Prince Albert, where he insists she break tradition and spend the Christmas holiday at Balmoral, their Scottish castle. The Prime Minister believes that Scottish nationalists are planing to assassinate the Queen and calls on his friend and British spy, French, who invites India to join him undercover at the castle. French poses as one of the guests, while India's assignment is to be the maid to the eccentric Dowanger Marchioness of Tullibardine.
It doesn't take long for India to realize the Prime Minister was exactly right in his assessment of the situation. For the next few days India and French will be running themselves ragged to find the Queen's enemies and assure her safety.
My Thoughts
Like the first book in this series, India Black, I loved this story. I adore where the author took this character on this adventure. Balmoral is a fascinating setting and I don't know how true the author's descriptions are of the castle, but I felt like I was right there sneaking through the hallways with India.
The story also contains a wonderful mystery with plenty of twists but what really captured by heart in this story was the humor. India has a quick wit and keen intelligence and while not at all happy with her job in this adventure she continues to entertain us with her observations and quips. The Lady India serves sets up several instances that had me laughing out loud.
Carol K. Carr is an amazing storyteller. I love her writing style. In her case, her words are worth a thousand beautiful pictures. I have absolutely no problem "escaping" far into her books and don't want to leave after the last words are read. I want to follow India on her next adventure. Please Carol don't make me want too long for my next trip abroad.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Berkley Prime Crime. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
