King’s writing (which is rather high praise, as I love both authors). It reminded me of a combination of Elizabeth Peter’s and Laurie R. The mystery is less of a formulaic murder mystery and more like a suspense. There are a large array of characters, but I feel like the author did a good job in giving just enough information about each to prevent confusion. Emily is an enjoyable protagonist, if a bit unrealistic for her era. It reminds me a bit of gothic romances written by Victoria Holt or Mary Stewart, though it stays closer to a suspense novel than a romance. Non-Spoiler ReviewĮven if this book did have its weaknesses, it is an immensely enjoyable and light read. A year and a half after her death, Emily begins to learn more about the husband she never really knew and finds herself caught up in the black market for stolen artifacts, priceless ancient Greek statues, and two wealthy suitors. However, just after their marriage, her husband Philip Ashton dies while on a safari in Africa. Synopsis: Lady Emily Ashton never really knew her husband, having married him only to escape her bothersome mother. Although I do think I would have enjoyed it more a few years ago, I did find this book difficult to put down. When I put it on my TBR, there were only four books in the series, which means I probably put it on there in 2009 (which tells you how long this series has been on my TBR). This book is the first of the Lady Emily series, a series I have seen on the shelves of bookstores and libraries alike for years and, despite it being part of one of my favorite genres (historical cozy mysteries), I have never read it before.

And only to deceive