The Scandalous Lady Wright

This is the first in a mini-series of three regency romance novels about three friends who at the start of the stories are unhappily married to tyrannical husbands. I would describe them as three linked self-contained novels rather than a trilogy because each novel can be read on its own; the heroine of each is a very minor character in the books about the others. The three heroines and their books are: 1) Lady Emma Wright - "The Scandalous Lady Wright" 2) Mrs Annabelle Carruthers - "His Lordship's Pleasure" 3) Matilda, Duchess of Hadshire - "Her Grace's Passion (A Regency Romance)" Any Marion Chesney fans with exceptionally good memories may also spot the odd reference to characters in one or two of her other romances of the period such as "Those Endearing Young Charms" As you may gather from the fact that the central characters start out as unhappy wives rather than innocent maidens, the plotlines are a little darker than the average regency romance. This book, "The Scandalous Lady Wright" by Marion Chesney, tells the story of Lady Emma, wife of Sir Benjamin Wright MP. Society regards her husband as a virtuous upright man - but in the privacy of their home he is a jealous tyrant who beats and abuses her. At the start of the book Sir Benjamin Wright flies into a particularly nasty rage with his wife when they are attending a ball, for the most trivial of percieved offences. He announces that they are leaving, and when they get home, orders the servants to lock Lady Emma in her room, adding that he will horsewhip her in front of the entire household in the morning. Ironically, this horrible order saves Lady Emma from the gallows, because Sir Benjamin is murdered that night, and only the fact that all the servants are witnesses that she was locked in her room spares her from being arrested for the crime. But Lady Wright's problems are only beginning: Society refuses to believe her innocent of her husband's murder, and it soon becomes clear that Sir Benjamin had enemies who are far from finished with her, and are still ready to kill those who stand in their way ... The author is a prolific writer under both her pen-names: as Marion Chesney she has published a large number of romances, many of which like this one are set in the Regency period, but as M.C. Beaton she has also written a number of detective/mystery stories such as the "Agatha Raisin" series. This is one of her better romances: it's not Georgette Heyer, let alone Jane Austen, but is an entertaining read.

Marion Chesney is one of the best regency writers for romance. She combines a firm grasp of historical accuracy with untold wit for this time period. She is one of the funniest authors I have ever read. Here I am snorting and laughing as I read one of her novels (I have read most of them), and people look at me like I'm crazy. Her novels are just that funny...you will laugh out loud. Well, to my friends I offer the novel (after I have read it three times) and they too snort, chuckle, and laugh while reading it. Marion Chesney novels are not to be taken by the dull of wit or by the dull people in general. These novels are like the best of candy...the best of everything!!! They are fun and they make you laugh! She incorporates historical facts with characters that you will never forget. I so regret that she became as equally famous in another genre...it made her depart from her regency era...to my eternal regret!!! I love each and every Marion Chesney novel. Her ability to capture a character is unrivaled in literature. She is an amazing writer and so fun to read!!!! If you want a laugh, read a Marion Chesney book. I guarantee that you will love it.

This is a hilarious look at a crime scene that is complicated by a French person!!! This upright French count seeks to prove an incredibly beautiful English lady as an innocent and falls in love instead!! This is a wonderful read and enchanting story that will make you laugh as you sigh for the love that they find.

In a nutshell: Lady Emma Wright is trapped in an abusive marriage to a well-respected member of Parliament. When he is mysteriously murdered, she stands accused until the handsome dilettante, Comte Saint-Juste decides to clear her name. Falling in love with him scares her silly due to the barbarous nature of her late husband. My opinion: This one, due to the nature of Emma's previous marriage, is not nearly as funny as many of Ms Chesney's other stories. The comte, however, adds a lighter element with his insouciant charm and his best friend, Jolly, is a bit of comic relief. The main focus is on Emma, so we do not get a very good look into the comte's mind. She is a little flighty at times but I suppose that is understandable due to the abuse she's suffered. Overall: 4 stars because I am a Chesney fan and this is probably my favorite series by her because of the element of seriousness that is not often present in her older regencies. It's a good, quick read. Connected to His Lordship's Pleasure & Her Grace's Passion.