Lie by Moonlight (Vanza)

Concordia Glade has to set fire to the castle where her four schoolgirl charges are at risk in order to rescue them. However, their escape nearly goes wrong, until Ambrose Wells, reformed thief, appears on the scene for his own reasons. Thus starts a series of events which include murders, disguises, romance and complex plots. The usual Amanda Quick hallmarks are there - fierce rather than handsome hero, strong women giving up their virginity at the drop of a hat, journeys in carriages in the fog. This book is set in the Victorian rather than Regency period, although this makes little difference to the overall feel of the book. We meet the Vanzagarian society again, with John Stoner (a young man in "I Thee Wed") as an old Vanza master. This book was definitely a return to form after the rather disappointing Tobias March and Lavinia Lake series. No surprises in this book, it's standard fare, but well-written and gripping and fun too. Enjoy!

This book works on many levels, which is a tribute to the meticulousness of the author. It is a romance, a mystery, a wonderfully atmospheric period piece, and a character study. The author has a theme which she carries through to the end with a twist (and you probably won't see it coming). I also enjoyed that she went down several layers of English society for her Victorian protagonists, giving her a great deal more flexibility with plot. Concordia and Ambrose are no hothouse plants, nutured in the English aristocracy and hidebound by tradition, but orphans who have learned how to survive by their wits. Yet they each have a core of goodness and decency, and the real question is whether they can overcome their sad childhoods and embrace the feelings they develop for each other. Well done and highly recommended.

Concordia Glade ia a freethinking, independent teacher. She has had to hide her true idenity since the death of her parents ten years ago. Her parents were very free thinkers and had been married to other people. Therefore being illigetimate, she had wisely changed her name. Now she finds herself teacher, friend, and protector to four young ladies in her care. While teaching them at a secluded castle she discovers they are to be auctioned off to the highest bidder by a notorious criminal. Immediately she comes up with a plan to escape from the castle with her charges. Ambrose wells may very well be the last practicioner of Vanza in England. The mystic discipline has fallen out of favor over the years. He spends the wit and energy gained from his dedication to this lifestyle by solving mysteries and answering puzzling questions. In the course of an inquiry he meets Concordia as she and her charges escape from their captivity. There are so many unanswered questions about the situation and both Ambrose and Concordia are very courious people. The more they learn the more questions. Wherever the search leads, deaths follow. The attraction between the two of them is hot and quick, suddenly Concordia can believe in love at first sight. But marriage because of obligation is not in her vocabulary. Ambrose's mentor John Stoner returns late in the book and has his own thoughts on the relationship between Concordia and Ambrose. He is a delightful character and I quickly checked to be sure he was the Vanza student who was saved and sent to the island to study by Edison Stokes in I THEE WED. This is typical Amanda Quick and it is wonderful. I loved it. I read it in one sitting.

I will not rehash what was stated by the previous reviewers. Suffice it to say, I agree that "Lie by Midnight" is one Ms. Quick's best books in years. I envy and appreciate her ability to come up with interesting story lines and fascinating characters book after book. Read and enjoy!

In the latter part of Queen Victoria's reign, Miss Concordia Glade accepts a position at Aldwick Castle as headmistress to four teenaged orphan girls. She gradually becomes aware that her employers are up to no good especially when she overhears them talk about auctioning off the girls. The place is well guarded making it almost impossible to get away but Concordia and her wards build and set off explosives that cause a diversion so that they can get to the stables. Once there they are caught by one of the guards but inquiry agent Ambrose Wells appears in the stables and helps them flee to his townhouse in London. He was hired to find out who killed Nellie Taylor. His investigation leads him to crime lord Alexander Larkin who is behind the auction that will soon take place. Ambrose intends to keep Concordia and her teenagers safe while he also seeks evidence that he can take to the police. Concordia, who believes she is the equal of any man, helps him until one of the perpetrators concludes she knows too much and must be gotten out of the way. Amanda Quick can always be counted on for quirky characters that don't fit into society and as a result are freer than most of their peers, but also find ways to get in trouble. While working together the two protagonists realize they are attracted to one another while the teen quartet play matchmaker nudging them along until one of them proposes marriage. LIE BY MOONLIGHT is one of MS. Quick's most charming and entertaining historical romantic investigative novels that she has ever written. Harriet Klausner