"Hot and Dangerous!"

Signora Castelli, a wily wine merchant, is severely shaken when her tarot cards not only show her that a beautiful woman will soon be entering her stubborn grandson's life, but also that the woman is being shadowed by grave danger. The grandson in question, Maximilian de Rohan, a magistrate in the fledgling London police force, is busy investigating a case of corruption in the police force when the widowed Lady Catherine Wodeway thunders into his life, and in a heartbeat, changes him forever. This fiery country beauty's innocence stirs his protective instincts, her straightforward behavior leaves him stunned and wanting, her passion stirs his own -- yet, he's unable to get over the vast social gulf which divides them. This is an era when the police force was not only new but also struggling for its very existence, and society looked upon policemen as being as low as the criminals they professionally came in contact with.

In the meantime, a nobleman's wife, Lady Sands, is discovered dead in her own bed and foul play is suspected. Max is handed this grisly case to solve which is not only extremely controversial in nature, but which has as its suspects, many prominent people in the haute London ton. At first Max brusquely refuses Catherine's help, but this intelligent and equally stubborn lady provides him with valuable and surprising insight and stuns him with her astute deductions. However Max cannot bring himself to reconcile with the differences which segregate them and which he feels are detrimental to their blossoming relationship. Max is then dealt a severe blow when he discovers Catherine's close relationship with one of the suspects in the Sands murder case. Has he been manipulated ... yet again ... by a very clever woman?

Liz Carlyle's historical romance has some very interesting points to it. The story itself is absorbing, while not entirely unique and its pace varies from utter stillness to explosive action. What distinguishes it from countless such London periodicals are the numerous (and at times too many) characters, and the way they're developed. Max is a typical tortured and noble hero - too heroic at times, but generally likeable. Catherine though, is more human and believable -- her dilemma and her troubled thoughts and feelings render her very convincing. Secondary characters galore populate the novel, some characters from previous Liz Carlyle books put in brief but significant appearances - - but most of them have something vital to do with the plot, and this is not usually the norm in most historicals, and thus sets this book apart. The conflict and the pathos that form the essence of this emotional story are superbly expressed. There is also some mystery, some suspense in the book, and the several misleading clues will confuse all but the most dedicated readers. The story also draws upon some authentic historical details, such as the abhorrence with which the police force was generally considered, in that time, and this gives the book credibility.

Reviewed by Rashmi Srinivas
Posted June 16, 2003