Heart of Courage

In 1844 London, Lindsey Graham writes a gossip column under the pseudonym "Lady Smart" for Heart to Heart, a ladies' gazette. She enjoys the galas she attends listening serendipitously to secrets and trysts that she can reveal. However, she is stunned when scandal slams her family as her hedonistic brother Rudy is arrested for the Covent Garden murders. Lindsey plans to prove her sibling's innocence by investigating the homicides. That means she will make inquiries into dens of iniquity, brothels and opium holes like her brother frequented. Her Gazette editor Krista Hart Draugr's brother-in-law Thor Draugr will not allow her to visit brothels and opium pits without him; he proclaims himself her bodyguard to her chagrin. As they argue and investigate they fall in love, but besides seeking a serial killer, he knows his station is way too low to be considered as her equal. The third Heart Victorian romantic suspense mystery (see HEART OF FIRE and HEART OF HONOR) is a terrific tale starring two likable lead characters investigating the Covent Garden homicides. The story line is fast-paced with solid twists as the clues take the two amateur sleuths and the audience on an interesting tour of London; the final spin is superb. Readers will enjoy Kat Martin's fun trilogy especially the final thriller as the gossip columnist and the brother in law balance falling in love with conducting their dangerous inquiry. Harriet Klausner

Heart of Courage by Kat Martin Historical Romance Mass Market Paperback - January 1, 2009 4 stars Heart of Courage is the third book in the Historical Heart Trilogy. This series takes place in the 1800's England. Although women of this period are traditionally reserved and demur, the heroine, Lindsey is no such lady. She is an adventurous, smart, and unconventional young woman who is on a mission to prove her brother is innocent of a series of heinous crimes. Of course, a woman in the 1800's cannot be out on her own solving crimes, so a work colleague, Thor, agrees to help her on her quest. When Thor is first introduced, he is a stiff, conservative man, but I am happy to say that as the story unfolds so does Thor. As the book progresses, so does the soft vulnerabilities of this proud Viking. This book begins as Thor does, stiff, but it's a case where patience really pays off. By the middle of the book, you become wrapped up in the story. By the end, it's a book that cannot be put down. The love scenes are steamy and the hero is strong, but it is the heroine that really steals the show. She's one of those characters that stick with you and in the end; you really feel that she deserves a happy ending. Overall, this book is well written and worth the time it takes to read it. Reviewed by Amy from Bookaholics Romance Book Club