Lawson’s review of The Scarlet Spy (Merlin’s Maidens, Book 3) by Andrea Pickens
Historical romance released by Grand Central 1 Oct 08
The third in the Merlin’s Maidens series by Pickens follows the third and final roommate from the original three of Siena, Shannon and Sofia. Like her roommates, this is her first mission and she is desperate to prove herself to her superiors and show that her training has not been in vain. The difference in this mission is Sofia has been sent into London society, which of course, causes both some surprises, obstacles and challenges that Sofia shows she has been trained to face.
Sofia leaves the Academy to go to London to seek out a group of dissolute gentlemen who seem to have some sort of agenda that a Duke’s grandson uncovered, which lead to his murder. The information is sketchy at best, but Sofia is determined to follow leads and uncover the truth. To help lead her through society is Lord Deverill Osborne, called Lord Sunshine for his perennial cheerful nature and charm. Sofia is put off at first by Osborne, due to her attraction, but when she begins to focus on her case, she gets more than she bargained for.
Osborne is attracted to Sofia as well, but when she rebuffs and ignores him, as much as he tries, he can’t keep away from her. Playing hard to get worked well on Osborne, who is used to getting things easily. As he tries for Sofia’s attention, he also gets trapped in the web of intrigue in London Sofia is out to discover and stop the group in any way possible. Sofia discovers more about her past as well, which begins to jeopardize her view of what job she needs to do and how close she lets Osborne into her life.
Of the three Merlins, Sofia was always said to have the graceful demeanor and bearing which set her up to the secondary plot about her past. In general Sofia had no major issues, but then nothing about her really stood out either. Her story seemed like a given, even from the first book in the series, and though she and Osborne had some chemistry, it was like a sparkler rather than full blown fireworks.
Osborne was fairly typical in his attitude and lifestyle. The bored charmer who is interested in the small amount of intelligence work he does for the army and Sofia, when she does her hard to get routine. He takes things rather well, considering when the revelation comes about the villain it shows that he hasn’t learned as much as he should have. He at least isn’t afraid to seek out answers from Sofia and Linley, who is unknown to Osborne as Sofia’s superior.
This review is rather short, because the book was readable, there were no major problems with it, but it just didn’t stand out. I would read Andrea Pickens again, because I think she is growing as an author and I’d like to see where she goes next. This book, however, was well written enough, but just not enough emotion to make me want to reread it.
Grade: C
Summary:
They were once orphans from London’s roughest slums. Now they are stuidents of Mrs. Merlin’s Academy for Select Young Ladies, learning the techniques of spying and seduction. Bold, beautiful, and oh-so-dangerous, they are England’s ultimate secret weapons…
The most ladylike of “Merlin’s Maidens,” Sofia possesses a natural grace and grandeur to go along with her deadly arsenal of martial skills–which makes her the perfect choice for a dangerous assignment to investigate rumors of government corruption. She must spin through the glittering ballrooms of Mayfair and the sinister back alleys of the city in search of the truth. One misstep on her part could prove fatal as she works to unravel the tangled web of deceit…but keeping the sinfully sexy Deverill Osborne at arm’s length is a real test of her mettle.
Handsome, witty and charming, Osborne is the darling of the ton. So when he is asked by the Marquess of Lynsley to introduce a lovely young Italian contessa into Society, he is only too happy to oblige…however he soon has suspicions about the contessa. When he catches her stealing valuables from a gentleman’s study, should he believe the worst? Or should he trust the tantalizing murmur of her words…and the sultry, sensuous whispers of her body. To unmask the conspirators, Sofia and Osborne will overcome hidden dangers, including their own growing passion…which may be the most dangerous force of all.
Read an excerpt.
