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9th out of 50 books
—
304 voters
The Masqueraders
"A treasure beyond price. The Masqueraders is a wicked delight, worth more than its weight in gold."
Anne Stuart
Such a daring escape…
Their infamous adventurer father has taught Prudence Tremaine and her brother Robin to be masters of disguise. Ending up on the wrong side of the Jacobite rebellion, brother and sister flee to London, Prudence pretending to be a dashing yo
...moreMass Market Paperback, 416 pages
Published
April 1st 2004
by Harlequin
(first published 1928)
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A swashbuckling, gothic, romantic adventure tale that manages to indulge in all the delicious mystery, suspense and dramatics that it wants without ever quite losing its sense of humor about itself. It is a period piece, even earlier than the usual Heyer genre, set just after the '45 Rising, and Heyer adjusts her dialogue, characters, and storytelling to match. 'Tis the tale of a pair of siblings, Prudence and Robin, who indulge in the time-honored literary sibling fun of cross dressing and exch...more
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Masters of disguise, children of an adventurous father, fresh from an Jacobite escapee, Prudence and Robin switch sexual roles to await their father, Prudence becoming Peter while Robin becomes Kate. Instead of the peaceful journey they had expected, they end up rescuing an abducted heiress whom Robin falls heads over heels for. Sir Anthony Fanshawe also comes to the rescue of the heiress but Prudence senses something more behind Fanshawe's sleepy facade.
The thwarted abductor watches his chance...more
The thwarted abductor watches his chance...more
1 like · like · see review
This was my first Heyer, and a wonderful introduction it was. Such a romp! The central premise involves cross-dressing—a brother and sister essentially swapping roles to prevent the brother, who took part in the Jacobite Rebellion, being arrested—but there's also their conman father, and lots of duels, and a conniving gentleman who keeps trying to get an innocent young heiress to elope with him. It's terrific fun, and I really liked the characters, especially practical Prudence, who does very we...more
My second favorite Heyer, another one I've reread a few times. It's very different in tone and atmosphere, and indeed, plot, from her other books.
Prudence and and her brother Robin have spent most of their lives pretending to be other people. They are adventurers, and have participated in many wild schemes dreamed up by their father, the 'Old Gentleman'. Their most recent exploit was participating in the failed attempt to restore King Charles to the throne. In order to escape exposure of Jacobi...more
Prudence and and her brother Robin have spent most of their lives pretending to be other people. They are adventurers, and have participated in many wild schemes dreamed up by their father, the 'Old Gentleman'. Their most recent exploit was participating in the failed attempt to restore King Charles to the throne. In order to escape exposure of Jacobi...more
[7/10]
Their infamous adventurer father has taught Prudence Tremaine and her brother Robin to be masters of disguise. Ending up on the wrong side of the Jacobite Rebellion, brother and sister flee to London, Prudence pretending to be a dashing young buck, and Robin a lovely young lady. Could cost them both their hearts ...
Then Prudence meets the elegant Sir Anthony Fanshawe, and Robin becomes the mysterious hero of the charming Letitia Grayson, and in order to have what they truly want, the two...more
Their infamous adventurer father has taught Prudence Tremaine and her brother Robin to be masters of disguise. Ending up on the wrong side of the Jacobite Rebellion, brother and sister flee to London, Prudence pretending to be a dashing young buck, and Robin a lovely young lady. Could cost them both their hearts ...
Then Prudence meets the elegant Sir Anthony Fanshawe, and Robin becomes the mysterious hero of the charming Letitia Grayson, and in order to have what they truly want, the two...more
3 likes · like · see review
This was the most romantic Georgette Heyer I've ever read, and there have been a few. The general plot of most of her novels is hero and heroine meet, don't like each other, go through a series of adventures until, on the last page, one of them says "of course I love you" The end. This book had this great scene in the middle that had the feel of a confrontation from Jane Eyre. I wanted to read it again and again. I found myself flipping back through the book to re-read as I went along rather tha...more
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I love this book so much. I loved it when it started with a pair of siblings chatting about whether they should rescue the young, eloping heiress in the next room from a drunken suitor. I loved it more when it turned out there was crossdressing. I loved it MORE when Prudence got to be awesome while dressed as a man and her suitor loved her not "despite" her pretending to be a guy but because she did so with aplomb and sheer awesomeness.
Plus, once Dad shows up, every scene can be summarized like...more
Plus, once Dad shows up, every scene can be summarized like...more
The one where brother and sister cross dress to avoid prosecution after the failed Jacobite uprising, and both fall in love.
I liked this one. You’re all shocked, I know. It’s one of those uncomplicated, surfacey likes that is untroubled by Heyer’s usual classism or period sexism (the girl dressing as a man requires so much bravery, you see, whereas the man dressing as a woman requires, uh, a dress. Sideways brain leap to what I was reading a few years ago about medical sexism in the gender reass...more
I liked this one. You’re all shocked, I know. It’s one of those uncomplicated, surfacey likes that is untroubled by Heyer’s usual classism or period sexism (the girl dressing as a man requires so much bravery, you see, whereas the man dressing as a woman requires, uh, a dress. Sideways brain leap to what I was reading a few years ago about medical sexism in the gender reass...more
5 likes · like · see review
A lot going on as I prepare to go to Australia so in addition to the reading for the PKD award I've been treating myself to some comfort food. I've been rereading Georgette Heyer, and remembering how much I love those books, and that she was a great writer. She basically invented the Regency Romance, but her books were so much more. THE MASQUERADERS is set in 18th England shortly after the failed rebellion to place Bonny Prince Charlie on the throne.
Aside from the fact I love the story and the c...more
Aside from the fact I love the story and the c...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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There are very few writers who can say that they weren't influenced by Heyer in some way. Each of her dozens of historical romances laid the foundations of typical romance plotlines today.
THE MASQUERADERS, my favorite of all her titles, is an absolute gem to hold in my hands. The trade paperback sized volume, with new cover artwork, is gorgeous and suits the story well. This is a classic tale of genderbent comedy and misdirection along the same vein as Shakespeare's TWELFTH NIGHT.
Prudence and R...more
THE MASQUERADERS, my favorite of all her titles, is an absolute gem to hold in my hands. The trade paperback sized volume, with new cover artwork, is gorgeous and suits the story well. This is a classic tale of genderbent comedy and misdirection along the same vein as Shakespeare's TWELFTH NIGHT.
Prudence and R...more
Published in 1928 and one of Georgette Heyer's earlier novels, The Masqueraders introduces us to the incomparable brother and sister pair known as Prudence and Robin Merriot.
The book opens late one evening, with Prudence and Robin escaping the weather at an inn in the middle of nowhere. They overhear a young girl pleading with an aggressive suitor. It quickly becomes apparent while the young heiress may have willingly chosen to run off with the young man, Letty Grayson has had a change of heart...more
The book opens late one evening, with Prudence and Robin escaping the weather at an inn in the middle of nowhere. They overhear a young girl pleading with an aggressive suitor. It quickly becomes apparent while the young heiress may have willingly chosen to run off with the young man, Letty Grayson has had a change of heart...more
This one took me a bit to really get into. Not knowing anything about the book before turning the first page, I was a bit lost until actually looking the summary up on goodreads. Perhaps if I would have given it a few more pages, I would have figured it out on my own--but I was too impatient I guess. Once into the language of a 1920s author trying to write as though she lived in 17th century England (or thereabouts), I really began to enjoy the story. As any good romance will do, by the end I wa...more
Because of his invovlment in the Jacobite uprising, young Robin is forced to flee to England, disguised as a girl! Accompanied by his sister Prudence, disguised as a man, "Mr. Peter Merriot" and "Miss Kate Merriot" make their way to London to discover the will of their rather enigmatic Father. Along the way they stumble upon an elopment-turned-abuduction and rescue the pretty heiress Letty Grayson. Things are only beginning to get confusing, though, as Robin-disguised-as-Kate falls in love with...more
Born to a father set on having adventures, Prudence and Robin Tremaine have lived a life on the run. They constantly are moving (often fleeing) from one place to another, and often have to do so in disguise. After Robin and his father take part in the failed Jacobite rebellion they split up and flee into the country side. Robin meets up with his sister, who stayed out of it, and they decide to swap genders to thoroughly hide Robin in the last place anyone will ever look – in a set of petticoats...more
I am in love with this book. Completely. This has surpassed ANYTHING I could have imagined Heyer could do. "The Masqueraders" is simply amazing. It is a novel of pure genius. Lord Barham IS a genius! I loved him so much! He was completely hilarious with his proud and conceited attitude, but the fact of the matter is that he WAS right! He wasn't even boasting for nothing, he was actually awesome!!! And Prudence and Robin!!! How I loved them too!!! They were perfect! Robin made me laugh so much wh...more
I liked this Heyer quite well, although not as well as some of her other books. This book was set substantially earlier than many of her other works -- shortly after the failed 18th century Jacobite rising. Having read the Outlander series, it was interesting to compare and contrast the dialogue and description of setting and attire in this book with those in Outlander. While admittedly being totally ignorant of actual period speech and dress, this book seemed substantially more accurate than th...more
I thought this was one of the best of Heyer's romances I've read in a while.
The characters were well drawn and the twists and turns in the story kept me turning pages.
The MCs of the story , a brother and sister, are masquerading as the opposite of their sex. At first seemed a happy romp. But as the reason for their deception becomes clearer the reader is aware that it is no lark the siblings, along with their father, are on. The masquerade, engineered by their father, was to keep them out of har...more
The characters were well drawn and the twists and turns in the story kept me turning pages.
The MCs of the story , a brother and sister, are masquerading as the opposite of their sex. At first seemed a happy romp. But as the reason for their deception becomes clearer the reader is aware that it is no lark the siblings, along with their father, are on. The masquerade, engineered by their father, was to keep them out of har...more
There aren't many things in this world that merit the use of the word "romp," but Georgette Heyer's "The Masqueraders" succeeds admirably.
After playing a part in the failed Jacobite rebellion at the behest of their cunning father, siblings Prudence and Robin Tremaine are on the run and in disguise.
To escape the hangman's noose, tall and unflappable Prudence disguises herself as "Peter Merriot," while her brother Robin transforms himself into Peter's flirty sister, Kate.
While hiding in plain s...more
After playing a part in the failed Jacobite rebellion at the behest of their cunning father, siblings Prudence and Robin Tremaine are on the run and in disguise.
To escape the hangman's noose, tall and unflappable Prudence disguises herself as "Peter Merriot," while her brother Robin transforms himself into Peter's flirty sister, Kate.
While hiding in plain s...more
If there is a book that has the potential to provide me with the sort of repeated comfort and enjoyment of say, the BBC mini-series of Pride and Prejudice, I can easily say that this would probably be the book. I'll be writing a long piece on Georgette Heyer within the next few months and so will be taking some time to get my thoughts together about The Masqueraders. For the time being, let it suffice to say that if you are a person who likes any of the following, this book is very much worth tr...more
In order to protect themselves from a recent political upheaval, siblings Prudence and Robin enter Polite Society at a risk of being discovered- because Prudence has taken up the guise of the young Peter Merriot, while her brother plays the beautiful sister. After the siblings rescue a young heiress from an elopement, Prudence begins to doubt her masquerade when she meets the young woman's guardian, Sir Anthony Fanshawe. For all his sleepy, handsome demeanor, Prudence is sure that he knows more...more
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The Masqueraders is a fun tale of adventurers; filled with romance, disguises, swash buckling duels, and highwaymen. I love Georgette Heyer and I usually say that her novels are the next best thing to Jane Austen, but The Masqueraders is not one of her regency novels. This novel is set just after the Jacobite rebellion in 1740’s England.
Prudence and Robin Tremaine had a unique upbringing by their adventurer father, where disguise and good fashion sense were key. After participating in the failed...more
Prudence and Robin Tremaine had a unique upbringing by their adventurer father, where disguise and good fashion sense were key. After participating in the failed...more
First finished novel of 2011!
Woooo. Just now finished it, after a day or two of sneaking bites out on deployment. I found that I had not been able to really get into a novel lately, having started two in December but never getting around to completing them. I had tried twice to get once more into them, but quickly drifted off. So on a whim I skimmed my kindle for something else to read. Something not part of series, thus I would not feel obligated to continue.
I had no idea of what the Masquerade...more
Woooo. Just now finished it, after a day or two of sneaking bites out on deployment. I found that I had not been able to really get into a novel lately, having started two in December but never getting around to completing them. I had tried twice to get once more into them, but quickly drifted off. So on a whim I skimmed my kindle for something else to read. Something not part of series, thus I would not feel obligated to continue.
I had no idea of what the Masquerade...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
My girlfriend gave this to me, saying it was her favourite 'comfort reading' book. I can see why, as it's a really fun, exciting, pacy but undemanding read. The plot, of course, only needs to be believable enough to allow you to go with it, while delivering a steady supply of awkward situations for the protagonists. They are a brother and sister, who have been involved on the wrong side of the Jacobite rebellion and therefore are in disguise to avoid being hung for treason. For some reason, they...more
The Masqueraders is my 4th Georgette Heyer read (following The Grand Sophy, Arabella, & Frederica). I continue to be a bit confused at the start until Heyer leaves me with enough information to figure out what is going on. Her characters crack. me. up. The twists and turns in the plot leave me unable to predict what will happen next and I find myself holding on for the ride wondering where I am going. I find myself puzzled, entertained, humored, and shocked; sympathetic, appalled, intrigued,...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Jun 19, 2010
Helen
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
library-books,
historical-fiction
This is only the second Georgette Heyer book I've read and it was very different to my first, The Talisman Ring, in setting, language and plot. The Masqueraders is set just after the Jacobite Rising of 1745 and follows the adventures of Prudence and her brother Robin. Along with their father (referred to by his children as 'the old gentleman') Robin had been involved in the failed Jacobite rebellion and is now in danger of being hanged. To prevent him being captured, the brother and sister have...more
In my youth Georgette Heyer was enjoying a run of popularity among older women such as my aunt, who introduced her books to my mother. Georgette Heyer, therefore was fixed in my mind as a writer of something a little more mature than chicklit. I understand Heyer herself felt she was a more serious writer who researched her topics with great care.
I decided to try her work with this book and was pleasantly surprised. There was right from the start an element of humour. The central characters have...more
I decided to try her work with this book and was pleasantly surprised. There was right from the start an element of humour. The central characters have...more
This Heyer book combines two of her story types into one double-barrelled romance. Masterful, dashing Robin woos a tender fragile flower who needs protecting, while his sister Prudence the steady and humorous is met and matched by a large unflappable man.
Of course, this is all complicated by the siblings' chequered past, complicated disguises, and need to conceal themselves.
Prudence spends much of her courtship with Sir Anthony disguised as a young man, and it's interesting to me that it would b...more
Of course, this is all complicated by the siblings' chequered past, complicated disguises, and need to conceal themselves.
Prudence spends much of her courtship with Sir Anthony disguised as a young man, and it's interesting to me that it would b...more
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Georgette Heyer was an amazingly prolific writer who created the Regency England genre of romance novels.
Georgette Heyer was an intensely private person. A best-seller all her life without the aid of publicity, she made no appearances, never gave an interview, and only answered fan letters herself if they made an interesting historical point. Heyer wrote very well-researched historical fiction, fu...more
More about Georgette Heyer...
Georgette Heyer was an intensely private person. A best-seller all her life without the aid of publicity, she made no appearances, never gave an interview, and only answered fan letters herself if they made an interesting historical point. Heyer wrote very well-researched historical fiction, fu...more
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“Mr Merriot cocked an eyebrow at Kate, and said: - "Well, my dear, and did you kiss her good-night?"
Miss Merriot kicked off her shoes, and replied in kind. "What, are you parted from the large gentleman already?"
Mr Merriot looked into the fire, and a slow smile came, and the suspicion of a blush.
"Lord, child!" said Miss Merriot. "Are you for the mammoth? It's a most respectable gentleman, my dear."
Mr Merriot raised his eyes. "I believe I would not choose to cross him," he remarked inconsequently. "But I would trust him."
Miss Merriot began to laugh. "Be a man, my Peter, I implore you."
"Alack!" sighed Mr Merriot, "I feel all a woman.”
—
7 people liked it
Miss Merriot kicked off her shoes, and replied in kind. "What, are you parted from the large gentleman already?"
Mr Merriot looked into the fire, and a slow smile came, and the suspicion of a blush.
"Lord, child!" said Miss Merriot. "Are you for the mammoth? It's a most respectable gentleman, my dear."
Mr Merriot raised his eyes. "I believe I would not choose to cross him," he remarked inconsequently. "But I would trust him."
Miss Merriot began to laugh. "Be a man, my Peter, I implore you."
"Alack!" sighed Mr Merriot, "I feel all a woman.”
“I don't know how it is...but you seem to think me something wonderful, and indeed, I am not.”
—
7 people liked it
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