Every Whispered Word (Orphan)

In 1885, Lady Camelia Marshall returns to London following her father's death to secure investments that will allow her to continue her father's work. An archeologist in South Africa, Camelia believes that she is poised the brink of a major discovery. Others, however, doubt the value of her quest, and encourage her to give up her career to return to a more ordinary existence. Instead, Camelia seeks out an inventor whom she has thoroughly researched, believing he can create a steam engine capable of ridding her archeological site of water so she might continue her dig. Inventor Simon Kent has little use for London society. His family periodically patents his inventions, but he is much more interested in discovering new things and allowing others to elaborate on the possibilities that might better society. Hard at work on a washing machine, he does not notice his interloper until she has been drenched with water. While he might be flattered by her interest in his work, Simon does not become willing to aid Camelia's quest until a mysterious fire guts his home. Then accompanied by a variety of guests, including Camelia's pet snake, bird and monkey, Simon embarks upon a life altering journey to South Africa. Author Karyn Monk presents a light and amusing read in EVERY WHISPERED WORD. Days after finishing the novel, I could not help recalling especially vividly realized and humorous tidbits, which would once again have me giggling. Camelia's intelligence, determination, and career choice nicely compliment Simon's own unorthodox lifestyle. Startling original, marvelously humorous, and wonderfully told, EVERY WHISPERED WORD is a must read. EVERY WHISPERED WORD comes very highly recommended.

Lady Camelia "Tisha" Marshall is an archaeologist, like her father before her. She continues her father's work at their dig site, Pumulani ("Poo Moo Lanee"), in South Africa. She searches for the legendary Tomb of Kings. She is accompanied by Zareb, her African best friend who has guided and watched over her since she arrived in Africa at the tender age of ten. Lately, many "accidents" have rocked her site. The workers begin to believe the site is cursed. The rainy months have flooded the site and no one will sell or lease Tisha a steam pump to get rid of it, due to a monopoly by the De Beers Company who wishes to purchase Tisha's land from her. Her only hope is to travel to London, locate the brilliant inventor Simon Kent, and persuade him to part with the new type of pump he has invented. Of course, Zareb goes with her. So does Rupert (a two and a half foot long tiger snake), Harriet (a neurotic Grey Lourie bird), and Oscar (a mischievous, undisciplined monkey). Simon Kent did not hear the banging on his front door and would not have answered it even if he had. When inventing, Simon loses himself in his work. But when he turned around there she was, uninvited in his laboratory talking about a business proposition. Simon has too many inventions going on to consider stopping to help, no matter how beautiful and intelligent the odd lady is. He could not see how digging up old bones could possibly help the world. But someone out there does. Someone that will go to dangerous lengths to stop her, as well as anyone associated with her. Needless to say, Simon is soon traveling with Tisha and her strange companions to South Africa. ***** Simon is one of the charming band of street urchins that was first introduced in "The Prisoner". That novel was followed by "The Wedding Escape" and "My Favorite Thief". Author Karyn Monk has endeared herself to thousands, if not millions, of readers by telling the love story of some of the now grown street urchins. Simon's tale is just as riveting as the others too! I found that I was unable to pull myself away for long. Tisha's animal friends often stole the show with their delightful antics and obvious intelligence. I did not want the story to end. I am counting the days until this author's next release. ***** Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews

In 1885 London, Lady Camelia Marshall visits the house of scientist Simon Kent hoping to persuade the genius to help her by building a special steam engine for her to use at an archeological site in South Africa where water has filled the hole. He says no and sends her on her way. Just outside his home, two thugs accost Camelia, but Simon rescues her using firecrackers to scare off her attackers. He escorts her to her carriage near a museum where he sees her driver is a black African Zareb and he has a monkey Oscar with him. When Simon gets home he finds his home on fire. He looks inside and realizez arson occurred. He visits Camelia to accuse her, but she logically explains why she would not cause the inferno that destroyed his inventions. In spite of Rupert the Snake and Harriet the Bird, he reluctantly agrees to accompany her to Africa to build a steam engine for her unaware that the De Beers Company covets her land and will do anything including sabotage and blackmail to prevent her excavation. This unique Victorian romance stars two delightful different protagonists than those who typically star in this sub-genre. The story line brings to life the South Africa late in the nineteenth century monopolistic influence of the De Beers Company even in an environs in which the "sun never sets on the British Empire" and the Boer War is over a decade away. The villain is a stretch, but readers will not care as Karyn Monk provides a powerful historical romance starring two fabulous lead characters and a terrific insightful comparative look at a bygone era in London and South Africa. Harriet Klausner