India Black and the Widow of Windsor (Madam of Espionage, #2) by Carol K. Carr

Nov 06, 2012 ☆Jessie☆ (Ageless Pages Reviews) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, mystery, received-for-review, owned-copy, autographed-copy, 2012-reads, 2012-reviews, lol-worthy, reviewed, i-love-you-for-your-words, you-talk-like-youre-from-london, this-is-how-to-write-a-series, an-antihero-is-still-a-hero, hf-england, excessive-fangirl-alert, hf-scotland-or-ireland, you-clever-girl, pure-entertainment, actiontastic

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4.25 out of 5

India Black returns for a second outing - true to form, and full of the same humor and wit that made her so memorable and damned fun in the first novel. While I found this second in the series to be just slightly below the level of the first, India Black and the Widow of Windsor is still a highly entertaining, genuinely fun, and interesting new historical mystery. Here in round number two as a madam of espionage, India must once again g...more Read This Review & More Like It On My Blog!

4.25 out of 5

India Black returns for a second outing - true to form, and full of the same humor and wit that made her so memorable and damned fun in the first novel. While I found this second in the series to be just slightly below the level of the first, India Black and the Widow of Windsor is still a highly entertaining, genuinely fun, and interesting new historical mystery. Here in round number two as a madam of espionage, India must once again go under covers (but not under the covers!damn and blast) with the charming but mysterious French as her ally in a fight to save the English Queen from angry, violent Scottish nationals. Full of the same voice, tone, and adventure as the first book in the seriers, fans from the original novel will find more of the same to love in this romp from talented author Carol K. Carr.

A strong followup to a wonderful first escapade, India Black and the Widow of Windsor is more focused on the mystery aspect of the plot, rather than the sheer adventure that took over the latter part of the first novel. While not a detriment to the novel as a whole, as the mystery is strongly constructed, hard to suss out, and full of red herrings to keep readers guessing, I missed the sheer audacity of the turns of events from the first novel. India lost none of her charm in the journey from book one to two, and her attempts to ferret out a spy within the castle of Balmoral are just as fun and witty as I had come to expect from the madam of many talents. My friend Audra compares her to a Victorian Bond Girl, and that is so appropriate it's ridiculous. Just as suave, if not as subtle, India is a joy to read during her travails to save Queen, Country, but herself above all. The plot may edge on the goofy side of things occasionally, but India herself is again the star of the show and with help from her alluring foil French, keeps India Black and the Widow of Windsor from falling victim to uneven sequel syndrome.

New, laugh-out-loud characters, old familiar faces, new villains and motives help to round out the 300+ novel with ease. I obviously could always do with more French on the page, but the new additions melded well with the frame and plot created for this. Like the first, though this is obviously India's vehicle, the secondary and tertiary characters are more than able to hold their own. I found the antagonists harder to suss out than in the first; I loved the interactions between India and the Marchioness; I loved the mentions of Disreali, the Queen, John Brown, etc. Weaving factual figures with such vivacity is one of Carr's many adept turns as the author of this inimitable series. The characters were and continue to be one of the many standouts of these books, and I love that each new novel has revealed more (if not much!) about the principal players.

India Black and the Widow of Windsor is a fine follow-up to its predecessor, if not quiiiite as much of an off-the-walls madcap adventure. Like before, the characters, the mystery, the adventures are top notch and finely tuned making for a fast, breezy read full of wit and humor. The wait for the e-short and the third book will surely kill me. India Black is not a heroine to forget and her most recent adventure with companions French and Vincent left often much about each character, all the while teasing with ever more hints about the pasts/presents? of the two very compatible adults. Not one to dole out immediate answers, Carol K. Carr sure knows how to dangle a hook and catch readers in her vivid imaginations and nuanced characters. I for one can't wait to see what else we learn about this daring duo in the forthcoming India Black and the Shadows of Anarchy. I can only hope it's as excellent as the first two so wonderfully crafted by this lawyer-turned-author. (less)

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Dec 01, 2012 BooksnWool rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: victorian-romp, reviewed

I love India Black and very much enjoyed this installment in the series, where a slightly softer side of India begins to emerge. Sure it didn't have the bright-edged breathless excitement of the debut novel, being more in the closed country-house genre. A little more menace wouldn't have gone astray, a little more clautrophia and suspicion, and -- can't believe it's me saying this -- even a little more erotic sizzle.

Overall, it's a more subdued effort which does not make the most of a number of...more

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Jan 02, 2012 Felicia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-read

Received from Publisher
Overall Rating 4.00
Story Rating 3.50
Character Rating 4.50

NOTE: I am going to admit upfront that I love the character of India Black. She is unique, snarky, smart, and sassy! She is a huge reason I find these books so enjoyable.

What I Loved: Characters, Characters, Characters! French and India have the best exchanges (barbs,quips, and debates). They are an absolute joy to read and I find myself loving the moments they share in the story. The end, left me going "oh my, how i...more

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Nov 30, 2011 Anachronist rated it 2 of 5 stars

What I liked:

The whole book was more a comedy than a sleuth or adventure novel. I loved the beginning but I regretted we didn’t see that false psychic (is there a true psychic out there?) and her daughter again. Like the first part of this series, reviewed by me not so long ago, the story is told once again from India’s point of view so of course it is snarky and entertaining. India suffers greatly helping the old Marchioness survive the royal festivities without killing herself during the meals...more
What I liked:

The whole book was more a comedy than a sleuth or adventure novel. I loved the beginning but I regretted we didn’t see that false psychic (is there a true psychic out there?) and her daughter again. Like the first part of this series, reviewed by me not so long ago, the story is told once again from India’s point of view so of course it is snarky and entertaining. India suffers greatly helping the old Marchioness survive the royal festivities without killing herself during the meals (poor sight makes the old lady kind of accident-prone to say the least of it) but, after some time, she grows to like the old biddy more and more, especially that she seems to have more wits than her temporary maid. Also the portrayal of Queen Victoria, John Brown, Benjamin Disraeli and various other historical personages was hilarious although perhaps a bit skewed. Well, we get it from India’s perspective and she is hardly an apologist of the aristocracy or the Queen.

The cover is, once again, lovely. These colours...

What I didn’t like:

In my humble opinion the first part, despite its plot incongruities, was better, fresher, more funny and edgy. This one was a disappointment - we are offered a watered-down version of old India and the plot didn't improve, making the whole novel definitely aimed more at YA audience than adults. Well, the personality of India and her blunt honesty was the feature which appealed to me the most from the very beginning. Here you can almost forget that you are dealing with a ‘madam’, an owner of a house of disrepute and a former hooker of the most common sort. In other words India is too sanitized, never revealing her skills, sometimes behaving more like a debutante during her first season than a pro, as if her creator temporarily forgot who and what this woman was supposed to be. She just talks. Empty vessels make most sound – that’s how I felt about her.

The worst damage was done to the character of Vincent – a streetwise urchin from the previous part with personal hygiene issues but great thieving and investigative skills. Here he was reduced to a mere accessory. I resented it very much. Such a waste…and it’s not the end of my carping.

One of the underlying themes of the book is not to underestimate women. A fine conception per se but, unofrtunately, flying in the face of India’s low opinion about her own employees or prospective employees (‘she is stupid and pretty – she would be a good whore’) and other females in general. It was a bit galling, taking into account India's past. What’s more, India’s sleuthing efforts didn’t present her in a good light either – in this book she is deceived too many times while solving a quite simple mystery; the perpetrator could be guessed easily (well, I am not a great thinker but I had a very precise opinion who might be the hidden nationalistic murderer already in the middle of the first part of the novel…and I guessed correctly – cherchez la femme!)

Mr. French didn’t improve either – instead of character building we got just some hints that he might have a family (like a wife, perhaps also children). It didn’t warm me up to that gentleman and even India, although supposedly falling for his charms, didn’t feel any strong compulsion to find out more about him. Yes, she still doesn’t know his first name although allegedly just because she loves teasing him about it. By the way as the old Marchioness dropped some interesting remarks so perhaps India is going to find out more about her mother soon. Like in the next book. While I am extremely curious how a woman like India became a prostitute I think the author is just fishing for more interest, teasing the readers, promising a good story and more fun... in the future. I am not fond of such teasers, clearly aimed at making you order/buy the next installment, and, to be absolutely truthful, I don't believe in such promises. I fear a big disappointment unless Ms. Carr returns to the style and rough honesty of her first novel.

Final verdict:

India Black and the Widow of Windsor might be an entertaining read but it doesn't change the fact that it is a novel of middling quality, veering towards the YA market too much for my taste. I wasn’t thrilled by India’s or French’s portrayals in this one and also the ending seemed to me cheap and anti-climatic. I am not sure I would like to buy/read the next installment unless I see some good reviews… (less)

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Sep 26, 2011 Naberius rated it 4 of 5 stars

Overall, I thought the story was a lot of fun. Ms. Carr mixes in enough accurate historical detail to make the settings and people seem realistic, without it being overwrought. She also gives us interesting characters -- not only India, but French (who still remains a bit of a mystery in this second book), and in this story, the Marchioness, an elderly woman who enjoys partaking in snuff as often as she can (which is, by the way, completely disgusting, but manages to come off as pretty funny mos...more

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May 27, 2012 Kathy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: detective-bounty-hunter, mystery, historical-fiction

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Setting – 1880’s. London, England; Balmoral estate in Scotland. Cold / wintery.

Theme – mystery solving, disguise, teamwork

Characters:
India Black , abbess of Lotus House in St. Alban’s Street – house of prostitution. In previous book, India joined French (who blackmailed her, though she was up for an adventure) to track down a spy and stolen state papers. She is street smart, confident, practical, touches of innocence. In this book, their friendship is growing – she is allowing French to give her...more

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Sep 29, 2011 LORI CASWELL rated it 5 of 5 stars

India Black is back and on a new mission with her friend French in Scotland.

Queen Victoria attended a séance where she is contacted by her dearly departed husband, Prince Albert, where he insists she break tradition and spend the Christmas holiday at Balmoral, their Scottish castle. The Prime Minister believes that Scottish nationalists are planing to assassinate the Queen and calls on his friend and British spy, French, who invites India to join him undercover at the castle. French poses as one...more India Black is back and on a new mission with her friend French in Scotland.

Queen Victoria attended a séance where she is contacted by her dearly departed husband, Prince Albert, where he insists she break tradition and spend the Christmas holiday at Balmoral, their Scottish castle. The Prime Minister believes that Scottish nationalists are planing to assassinate the Queen and calls on his friend and British spy, French, who invites India to join him undercover at the castle. French poses as one of the guests, while India's assignment is to be the maid to the eccentric Dowanger Marchioness of Tullibardine.

It doesn't take long for India to realize the Prime Minister was exactly right in his assessment of the situation. For the next few days India and French will be running themselves ragged to find the Queen's enemies and assure her safety.

My Thoughts
Like the first book in this series, India Black, I loved this story. I adore where the author took this character on this adventure. Balmoral is a fascinating setting and I don't know how true the author's descriptions are of the castle, but I felt like I was right there sneaking through the hallways with India.

The story also contains a wonderful mystery with plenty of twists but what really captured by heart in this story was the humor. India has a quick wit and keen intelligence and while not at all happy with her job in this adventure she continues to entertain us with her observations and quips. The Lady India serves sets up several instances that had me laughing out loud.

Carol K. Carr is an amazing storyteller. I love her writing style. In her case, her words are worth a thousand beautiful pictures. I have absolutely no problem "escaping" far into her books and don't want to leave after the last words are read. I want to follow India on her next adventure. Please Carol don't make me want too long for my next trip abroad.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Berkley Prime Crime. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Sep 14, 2011 Jerelyn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: victorian-mystery

India Black and the Widow of Windsor. India out of London in the highland is just what you expect. I love India's saltiness, but one of the minor characters really stole the show. The Marchioness is a hoot. Not enough of French in this one but that is my biggest beef, but the Marchioness takes over as sparing partner for India. I had a pretty good idea by about half way through that they were chasing red herrings and kind of thought I knew who they were looking for. But the mystery is secondary...more

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Sep 22, 2011 Althea Ann rated it 1 of 5 stars

Picked this up because I saw it described as a fun, light read. I wasn't feeling well, and thought it might be nice to read while lying in bed. Unfortunately, I found reading it to be a tedious chore, interspersed with moments of serious aggravation.
Our heroine, India Black is supposed to be the proprietress of a brothel. It's nothing more than a gimmick, because we never see her acting as such. She makes a few callous remarks regarding her "sluts," but that's it. The problem is that India isn'...more Picked this up because I saw it described as a fun, light read. I wasn't feeling well, and thought it might be nice to read while lying in bed. Unfortunately, I found reading it to be a tedious chore, interspersed with moments of serious aggravation.
Our heroine, India Black is supposed to be the proprietress of a brothel. It's nothing more than a gimmick, because we never see her acting as such. She makes a few callous remarks regarding her "sluts," but that's it. The problem is that India isn't a sympathetic character (you can't really have sympathy for a person who truly doesn't care whether her "girls" are murdered in her whorehouse), but neither is she the sort of character whose amorality the reader can revel in (she's no 'Talented Mr. Ripley,' and Carr is no Patricia Highsmith.) She's just sort of annoying and unappealing, a shallow, self-centered bigot whom the book treats as a light-hearted heroine. I got sick of her company quickly.
I also got sick of hearing about how Queen Victoria (and others) were fat and ugly every three pages. It's not just India's perspective, everyone in the book harps on the Queen's gluttony nonstop. It's her only character trait. I was left with the impression that Carr may have some body-image issues.
The Queen's Indian servants appear only as window-dressing, and, apparently, for other characters to make disparaging comments about. None even have a speaking role to stick up for themselves.
The historical setting was unconvincing, and I felt it was poorly researched, as far as the general goings-on of life at court. The characters were flat, and the 'mystery,' (who is planning to assassinate the queen?) didn't have enough detail to catch my interest. (You can't try to figure out whodunnit, or, more accurately, 'who-wanna-do-it' when there aren't any clues to unravel.) India doesn't show any particular talent as a spy, and I was unconvinced that she would have been recruited as one.
Yes, I may be feeling crankier than usual due to being sick while reading this, but this is really just not a very good book.(less)

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Feb 04, 2013 Leya rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: library-book

It feels like I've been reading this book forever...not because the plot was slow and the book was awful, I just couldn't find the time to read. Anyway, I made time to read and I'm happy that I did. It was the break I needed and the story itself was pretty good.

India, French and Vincent are headed to Balmoral in Scotland to uncover the people that are involved in the plan to assassinate the Queen. India is posing as a lady's maid, while French is a guest, and Vincent working in the background. I...more

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Nov 17, 2011 A. rated it 4 of 5 stars

The story opens with a rigged seance for Queen Victoria in which the spirit of her departed husband, Prince Albert, literally insists that she spend Christmas in their Scottish castle Balmoral. Balmoral was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852 (twenty four years before this story) and they would regularly spend the holidays there. But there is growing discontent among Scottish loyalists who resent the British rule. Prime Minister Disraeli is suspicious that Scottish nationalists...more

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Sep 12, 2011 Freda mans rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really loved India, when I read the first book, I could remember she was such a strong woman that I admired while reading.
This second book was along the same lines, but different as well. I have to admit, I enjoyed the story in the first book better just a little bit, but because it was that feeling when introduced to such a great character.
This story was a great escape, filled with a great mystery, even though I had it right all along to a degree. Still it had unpredictability too and I was h...more

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Apr 30, 2013 Shiela rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: cozy, female-protagonist, historical-fiction, humour, mystery

Carr has the whole “tongue-in-cheek” thing down pat in this humorously fun, brothel-owner-turned- spy-for-her-Majesty series. This is the second book and it’s even better than the first. The outrageously outlandish characters and the zany situations they find themselves in are what make these books so enjoyable. The mystery itself is entertaining and engaging and I love books set in English court when one of the characters is secretly attempting to obtain information from the others. This is the...more

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Jul 02, 2012 Rachel rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, england, chick-lit

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Feb 13, 2012 Abby rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery

The second in this new series, India Black and the Widow of Windsor finds our sassy and savvy heroine bundling off to Balmoral with Queen Victoria for the Christmas holidays. How did a mid-level brothel owner get to spend the holidays with Her Royal Highness? A group of Scottish Nationalists have threatened Her Majesty's life and India is convinced/conned by the handsome spy French to disguise herself as a ladies maid for an elderly Marchioness with a snuff addiction.

More comedy of errors and ma...more

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Apr 15, 2013 Kathleen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, historical-fiction, mystery

I still love India Black. She's still tons of fun, still unapologetically a whore (or, well, a madam really), still extremely funny, and still does not give a fuck what anyone thinks of her. Also, the marchioness in this book is AMAZING, full stop. An elderly woman who knows all and attempts to hint to her dumb-as-bricks co-collaborators? And sprays snuff on the Queen of England? YES PLEASE.

Seriously, this is funny, apparently historically accurate (not my period, but it seems good to me) and a...more

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Nov 15, 2011 Madonna rated it 5 of 5 stars

I liked this second book better than the first book about India Black, French, and Vincent. Somehow, the running about Balmoral made more sense than the chasing Russians in the first book; to retrieve sensitive government papers was plausible, but I had a hard time following the chase. Carr throws in a couple of bits near the end to wake up the reader: a reference to Zulus--which India says she'll get back to, and the marchioness references India's mother--which surprises the reader and India. H...more

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Nov 18, 2011 Fred rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the A Madam Of Espionage series. The series is set around the 1860's at the time Benjamin Disraeli was serving as Prime Minister of England.

Once again French, a British spy and India Black, the madam of Lotus House, a gentleman's house of pleasure are off on a secret mission to help P.M. Disraeli keep Queen Victoria safe over the Christmas holidays.

Queen Victoria was convinced at a phony seance that her dead husband wanted her to spend the Holiday in Scotland. This so...more

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Jul 22, 2012 Kate (Literary Explorations) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, owned, review-books, read-2011

Since I absolutely loved the first book in the Madam of Espionage series, I was eager to read more about India and French's adventures. This time the pair travels to Scotland with Queen Victoria to keep her safe and expose a would-be killer. India pretends to be a ladies maid to the hilarious Dowager Marchioness of Tullibardine, while French spies on the guests and empties her majesty's liquor cabinet.

I thought the Scottish highlands and the dreary castle were the perfect setting for a mystery....more

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Dec 28, 2011 Page (One Book At A Time) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2011

I was more than happy to dive back into the world of India Black. I love her tell it like it is attitude and the fact that her occupation isn't glossed over. She's the madam of a brothel and proud of it. While this book has a slightly different feel to it, I loved it non the less!

The British government must have liked that way India handled the last case, because they've wasted no time in involving her in another one. I think it was expected all around because we open with French schooling India...more

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Jan 08, 2012 Bg rated it 4 of 5 stars

Back again from another adventure with my new favorite Madam of Espionage. India Black, a business woman/whore(yup, she's a whore), has been spirited away on another adventure with the handsome and mysterious Mr. French and London's dirtiest orphan Vincent to the Highlands a.k.a Scotland! And this time around instead of looking for evil Russians now they are looking for a Scottish Nationalist with a taste for Royal blood, if you get my drift.

So far I've been enjoying this Madam of Espionage seri...more

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Sep 11, 2011 Bev Hankins rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-mystery, mystery, review-copy, victorian

Carol K. Carr has done it again! In the second novel of her Madam of Espionage Mysteries, India Black and the Widow of Windsor, Carr has given us a rip-roaring adventure in the Scottish Highlands. Queen Victoria, aka the Widow of Windsor, still in deep mourning for her beloved Prince Albert, consults regularly with mediums to keep in contact with the dearly departed. When she tries out a new spiritualist who has recently gained fame in the higher echelons of society, her husband tells her that n...more Carol K. Carr has done it again! In the second novel of her Madam of Espionage Mysteries, India Black and the Widow of Windsor, Carr has given us a rip-roaring adventure in the Scottish Highlands. Queen Victoria, aka the Widow of Windsor, still in deep mourning for her beloved Prince Albert, consults regularly with mediums to keep in contact with the dearly departed. When she tries out a new spiritualist who has recently gained fame in the higher echelons of society, her husband tells her that nothing would make him so happy as her spending the Christmas holidays at their Scottish home in Balmoral.

Dizzy--Prime Minister Disraeli--receives intelligence that suggests that Scottish nationalists will use this departure from the Queen's usual schedule to make an attempt on her life. There are rumors of a Marischal--a master mind--who has been stirring up the Scottish sentiment and pushing them to rebellion. Dizzy has been asked to accompany the Queen on her holiday journey and he requests that French and India come along as undercover agents to try and get to the bottom of any plotting going on. French makes his way into the higher levels of society--posing as a rich dilettante--while India becomes a maid to one of the Queen's guests. Along for the ride is Vincent, that irrepressible street urchin, transformed into a stable boy. Our trio soon finds that there are several members of the Queen's household and guests who may have reason to harbor Scottish sympathies...but will they be able to find the mastermind behind the operation in time to save the Queen?

Carr's strongest point, as in her first novel, is characterization. India, French, and Vincent are as interesting as ever. Their interactions--both with each other and the other characters in the novel--make the story for me. It is very amusing to watch the strong-minded India serve in the role of lady's maid to the equally strong-minded Dowager Marchioness of Tullibardine. Speaking of....the marchioness nearly steals the show. She is a very unique character with certain, shall we say interesting habits. She is intelligent, shrewd, hilarious, and endearing in her own up-front and out-there kind of way. I certainly hope she makes future appearances in this absolutely delightful series.

I particularly enjoy the way Carr allows India to evolve. Unlike some series, India does not have one espionage adventure (in the first book) and suddenly become perfect in the ways of spying. Street smarts go a long way, but there is still much to learn in the world of espionage. She is still impetuous and leaping before she looks--making mistakes on her way to the final solution. It is a much more realistic way to handle the character. I can't wait for future installments! Especially since Carr has let drop a few more hints about both French's personal life and India's past--I want to know more. Four and a half stars.(less)

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Dec 23, 2011 Bree T rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, library-reads, netgalley, crime, series

In the second volume of the Madam of Espionage series, India Black is back. This time she’s summoned to a meeting with Benjamin Disraeli, the Prime Minister of England. Queen Victoria, who has been consulting mediums to try and keep in touch with her dead husband Albert, has been isntructed that Albert wishes her to spend Christmas at Balmoral, their Scottish pile. Disraeli has received intelligence that the Scots, who are seeking independence, are possibly planning an attack on the Queen’s life...more In the second volume of the Madam of Espionage series, India Black is back. This time she’s summoned to a meeting with Benjamin Disraeli, the Prime Minister of England. Queen Victoria, who has been consulting mediums to try and keep in touch with her dead husband Albert, has been isntructed that Albert wishes her to spend Christmas at Balmoral, their Scottish pile. Disraeli has received intelligence that the Scots, who are seeking independence, are possibly planning an attack on the Queen’s life via an extremist nationalist group. As Disraeli has been informed his presence at Balmoral is also required, he wishes French, the mysterious British spy to tag along, and also India. Posing as a maid, India will be able to infiltrate the ranks that would be closed to French and Disraeli and hopefully they’ll be able to avert any incident attempt on the Crown.

India makes plans to leave her brothel in the capable hands of another madam and packs for Scotland. She’s to be posing as the maid to the Marchioness of Tullibardine, a rather elderly and unkempt lady with a formidable reputation as a mistress and also with an unfortunate fondness for partaking in snuff. India has her work cut out for her not only making the Marchioness presentable but also stopping her committing faux pas at the gatherings, especially in front of Queen Victoria herself who doesn’t appreciate bad manners. India is so exhausted keeping up with the Marchioness and also finding time (often in the middle of the night) to meet with French and the street urchin Vincent, who weasled his way into the trip, to exchange information that she mistakes the hints the Marchioness is dropping for the identity of the assassin as hints that the Marchioness knows that India is not really a maid.

When someone tries to poison the Queen’s hot chocolate and there is an incident in the stables that is also clearly an assassination attempt, French and India have to work double time to find out who is behind the attacks before the ball that is to be held. There will be so many people there it will be almost impossible to keep an eye on all their suspects, including a disgruntled groom, a very new footman who has less experience in service than India and a favoured nephew of an Earl who makes no attempts to hide his Scottish nationalism fervour. But are they close to the mark or will they fail in their attempts to identify the chosen assassin before they are successful?

I really enjoyed the first title in this series, India Black. India is such an interesting heroine, especially for Victorian times, being a former prostitute and now madam of her own brothel who, in the first book, inadvertently ended up assisting an investigation of the Crown, putting her in French’s path and endearing her to the Prime Minister Disraeli. When he needs help he calls upon India, he and French believing that she can infiltrate the servant ranks. India is fearless and smart, the perfect choice even though she has very little idea of how to be a maid. Luckily the Marchioness of Tilbardine doesn’t really expect a traditional sort of maid.

The setting for this one was amazing – Scotland in the middle of winter, in a stone castle! I have a huge affinity with books set in Scotland, there’s something about it that attracts me. It fascinates me because it’s where my family are from (albeit many years ago now) and I’m always told how much I look ‘Scottish’ if one can look that. So I enjoy reading books set there immensely, especially if they really give me a feel for the place, which this one did. I could feel the chill in the air and felt like I was right with India getting lost in the maze that is the castle.

There’s humour in this one, predominantly through moments with the lady India is serving whilst playing her role but I prefer the banter that her and French engage in, of which there are a couple of good scenes but not quite as many as there were in the first novel. We still learn nothing more about French really apart from the fact that he might not be quite so free and unattached as previously thought. The mutual attraction between the two of them grows, which further complicates things but there’s not a lot of real action there (yet). I’m hoping that there might be a little bit more spice in the next book!

Speaking of the next book, a hint was dropped that we may be finding out some more about India’s background soon, which will be very nice. So far we’ve learned very little about our main character, nothing about how she came to the life she leads now. It would be wonderful to learn more about her so hopefully the next book will give us a little of her background, maybe even about the family she must have at least had once!

All in all, this is a nice follow up to the debut, a very enjoyable story that encompasses some funny characters. I almost feel sorry for the poor old late Queen Victoria for the amount of times she’s basically referred to as a fat mess in this book! Although having seen some images of her, it doesn’t seem like they’re too far off the mark, but still. She was their ruling monarch and all!

If you liked the first one (or if you haven’t read it and like sassy heroines with none of this Victorian vapors business and mysterious and handsome spies) then you’ll really enjoy the follow up. And be very keen for the third installment (hurry up!)(less)

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Oct 04, 2011 Audra (Unabridged Chick) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: victoriana, heroine-amazing, historicals, place-london, favorites, mood-evocative, historical-figure-fictionalized, guilty-pleasure, place-as-character, place-scotland

I've been waiting for this book pretty much from the minute I finished the first one, and I'm thrilled to say it's a happy reunion. Everything I loved from the first book -- the humor, the banter, the historical detail, the action scenes, India -- was in this book and I gobbled it up.

Again reprising her role as a Victorian Bond Girl, India is enlisted to go undercover to Balmoral, where Queen Victoria is spending Christmas (rather unusually). Prime Minister Disraeli (another returning character...more I've been waiting for this book pretty much from the minute I finished the first one, and I'm thrilled to say it's a happy reunion. Everything I loved from the first book -- the humor, the banter, the historical detail, the action scenes, India -- was in this book and I gobbled it up.

Again reprising her role as a Victorian Bond Girl, India is enlisted to go undercover to Balmoral, where Queen Victoria is spending Christmas (rather unusually). Prime Minister Disraeli (another returning character I was amused to see again) thinks Scottish nationalists will try to assassinate the Queen, so India and dreamy-but-cool government agent French go undercover to protect Victoria and figure out who's trying to do her in.

Still, despite the adventurous romp and snarky commentary, it wasn't exactly like the first book. The vibe of the story was far tamer than the first one and India, for a madam, was downright respectable even while scurrying around undercover as a maid. The feel of the narrative changed a bit, too: I found myself describing this series to a friend as a slightly risque take on the 'cozy mystery'. Instead of a yarn shop or small-town bakery, you've got a brothel; rather than a pet groomer or retired grandmother, you've got a madam. But the elements one enjoys in a cozy mystery are found in this one: reassuringly familiar characters, slightly ludicrous plots that are enjoyable nonetheless, a vague romantic entanglement, and a satisfying conclusion. If the rest of the series keeps this up, I'll be a very happy girl.

The will-they-won't-they thing going on with India and French is amped up a bit in this book which made me pretty gleeful, and Carr drops some exciting hints about French's and India's backgrounds that have me salivating for the next book. I am hoping it'll feature India the madam a little more as I love the unapologetic (but tasteful) way Carr presents her work, but honestly, India can stand in a shop and sell tomatoes and I would read on with joy.

Don't start with this one if you're new to the series: even though there's some very quick recapping of the first book, I still think those unfamiliar with the series won't have as much fun than those who've read India Black and enjoyed it. Pick up both this fall and thank me later!(less)

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Dec 09, 2011 Dizzyc rated it 5 of 5 stars

India Black is back!

In the 2nd adventure for India and French the, unlikely couple, are once again asked to help the government with a problem.

Queen Victoria, still in mourning for her beloved Albert has decided to spend Christmas at Balmoral, The Scottish Highlands, as she believes it is the wishes of her late husband. He spoke to her through a, less than trustworthy, medium.

This poses not only a headache for her staff having to move household to the unforgiving Scottish Highlands in winter, b...more

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Dec 17, 2011 Misfit rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

3.5 stars

"And so my life as a lady's maid began."

India Black is back in book two, and she's just as feisty and irreverent as ever. Queen Victoria is convinced that Albert's ghost wants her to join him in Scotland at Balmoral castle, but there's a slight hitch as it seems there's a plot afoot to off the Queen and free Scotland. Disraeli (Dizzy) calls in French and India to go under cover and stop the evil doers and they're soon on their way to Scotland to join the festivities - India gets the job...more

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Aug 05, 2012 ❂ Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-mystery

I really enjoy this series - what's not to like about a brothel madam that becomes a spy for her majesty? I love the repartee between her and French, her partner in spying. I love India's sass and wit and her pragmatic outlook to life.

This book, the second one in the series, takes place in Scotland at Balmoral castle. I'm generally not a fan of "away" mysteries, since I usually have to adjust a new cast of characters, but this one simply relocates the entire cast to Balmoral for the duration. In...more

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Mar 27, 2012 April rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: library, mystery, historical

Like the first this was a fun mystery to be solved by the not-quite-bumbling investigators/spies. It is all completely illogical and irrational but fun and full of cleverness, snark and with a main character who has a very different view on life most mystery main characters do, being a madame of a brothel gives her a slightly different perspective.

Fun and fluffy and worth the read.

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Oct 03, 2011 Carol rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review, historical, mystery

India Black and the Widow of Windsor is a delightful romp, a mix of adventure, comedy and just a touch of sexual tension.

India is a brash, unrepentant woman. We get to hear the conversations she is a part of, or overhears, but we also are privy to her internal monologues which are biting, sarcastic and practical too. She’s not a woman everyone would like, she’s insulting, mean and thinks way too highly of herself, but she’s an original and I at least have to admire her. Acting like a servant doe...more

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Feb 11, 2013 Rusty rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, contemporary-fiction, mystery-thriller

Well, I'm reading another book in this series. I'd forgotten that I wasn't sure whether or not I liked it or not. It's a waste of time for me. India and her friend, French, are off to Scotland with the queen hoping to prevent an assassination attempt. After one hundred pages all that occurred was a trip to Scotland. As usual, India was racing around trying to be an investigator. Fortunately, French comes to her rescue as she bumbles about. In the castle with the queen they try to discover who mi...more

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India Black and the Widow of Windsor (Madam of Espionage Mysteries #2)

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