And Only to Deceive (Lady Emily Mysteries, 1)

I’m loving this series of books. This first one not only sets the stage for following books, it full of history, art, mystery and humor. If you’re looking for diversion, this is the series for you.

Reviewers cannot write enough about Emily, Ms. Alexander's heroine, and rightfully so. If only for the characters, this book is worth reading. But this book offers so much more--a wonderful balance of mystery, history, arts, and romance, all wrapped in beautiful and intelligent prose. I'm ordering more copies for my friends and family!

I started this one evening and could not go to bed until I had finished it. It is the perfect blend of Victorian sociology, art history, romance and mystery. The characters are strong and well-drawn; intelligent, independent Emily, her friend Ivy, domineering mother, vapid acquaintances, grand dame Cecil du Lac, the butler Davis and maid Meg, painter Renoir, two handsome suitors, her late husband Philip, and the list goes on. But rather than feeling overwhelmed by the number of characters, each is so distinct, they make a strong contribution to the story and the growth and character of Emily. You want to personally know these characters, to study Greek antiquities and re-read the Iliad. The romance is appropriate to the period and the mystery compelling. I loved this book and I anxiously await Ms. Alexander's next book.

A great read--it's hard to believe this is her first novel! The main character is thoroughly likeable and her reactions ring true. Readers of any age will appreciate Emily's triumphs and stumbles as a young widow challenging some Victorian social expectations, which Ms. Alexander handles well. The supporting characters of both genders are also interesting. It's a nice touch that some of Emily's friendships evolve, rather than just providing static sidekicks. We can hope to hear more about Ivy and Cecile du Lac in a sequal. The photos of Classic Greek sculpture mentioned in the book on her website really help those of us who don't have such things at our fingertips. Mostly, the book is a lot of fun & kept me turning pages till the end. It'll make a good gift.

Maybe it's just me, but I'm so tired of the historical heroine cliche in fiction these days. No cliches, heroine or story-wise, from Tasha Alexander! Her Emily is smart as a whip, dedicated to her intellectual freedom, refreshingly candid within the strict confines of Victorian society, and surprisingly tender. Her feelings for her dead husband evolve subtly, and I was a bit surprised to find myself more emotinally involved than I usually am in a historical. Skillfully done. Looking forward to Alexander's next Emily book!