This is a continuation of the story begun in the first book: Diablo. Ian Hamilton, heir to a Scottish castle with lands, was killed in America for cheating at cards. At the time of his death, Ian was married to a saloon-girl, Mary May. Ian died prior to Sarah Anns birth.
Ben Masters has adopted the 4 year-old child given to him (Sarah Ann), by his dying lover, Mary May. Realizing that he cannot keep his job as a US Marshal with a small child, Ben retires from chasing criminals and decides to return to his first career as a lawyer.
In the meantime, a US manhunt has been going on to find Ian (or his heirs), because he/she has inherited Calholm (Scottish castle and lands).
Calholm is in an uproar when Sarah Ann and Ben arrive. Ians heirs will have to decide the fate of how the lands are used a wrenching decision in the best of times. However, Ben is soon smitten with one of the combatants, Lady Lisabeth.
There are murder attempts aplenty; this is a well-paced novel. However, I did not enjoy it as much as Diablo. Why? I cant tell you. The characters were likeable and strong, particularly Ben. This book just didnt have the life-and-death drama of the first book.
Another reviewer commented that she found the frequent references to Diablo to be excessive. I think Patricia Potter wanted to show the source and depth of Bens motivations. It is important to read this trilogy in order.
Patricia Potter American/Scottish Series:
1) Diablo
2) The Marshall and the Heiress
3) The Scotsman Wore Spurs
Ben Masters has adopted the 4 year-old child given to him (Sarah Ann), by his dying lover, Mary May. Realizing that he cannot keep his job as a US Marshal with a small child, Ben retires from chasing criminals and decides to return to his first career as a lawyer.
In the meantime, a US manhunt has been going on to find Ian (or his heirs), because he/she has inherited Calholm (Scottish castle and lands).
Calholm is in an uproar when Sarah Ann and Ben arrive. Ians heirs will have to decide the fate of how the lands are used a wrenching decision in the best of times. However, Ben is soon smitten with one of the combatants, Lady Lisabeth.
There are murder attempts aplenty; this is a well-paced novel. However, I did not enjoy it as much as Diablo. Why? I cant tell you. The characters were likeable and strong, particularly Ben. This book just didnt have the life-and-death drama of the first book.
Another reviewer commented that she found the frequent references to Diablo to be excessive. I think Patricia Potter wanted to show the source and depth of Bens motivations. It is important to read this trilogy in order.
Patricia Potter American/Scottish Series:
1) Diablo
2) The Marshall and the Heiress
3) The Scotsman Wore Spurs
D. S. F. (Dodie) reviewed The Marshall and the Heiress (American/Scottish, Bk 2) on + 139 more book reviews
US Marshall, Ben Masters, had made a promise to the mother of a three year old daughter during a battle over an outlaw stronghold. He has fallen in love with the three year old and their life together includes a journey to Scotland to claim the child's inheritance. Very good. This book is the sequel to "Diablo" and they should be read together. I have posted both books.
