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The Long Masquerade
Emma Delaney knows nothing of life's shams. She is without pretext and assumes that a bright future awaits her as the bride of the wealthy Oliver Foy. Too soon she discovers that her life is a masquerade and pretense her only salvation. No one is whom he or she appears to be.
Brushing against the concealed identities and hidden motives of others, Emma quickly acquires secrets of her own. When murder compels Emma to flee her husband's Jamaican plantation, she and her faithful friend find sanctuary wandering the Caribbean. Tragedy cuts short their ocean idyll and delivers Emma from her sea roamings. Once again, she adopts another name, another home, another appearance.
Brushing against the concealed identities and hidden motives of others, Emma quickly acquires secrets of her own. When murder compels Emma to flee her husband's Jamaican plantation, she and her faithful friend find sanctuary wandering the Caribbean. Tragedy cuts short their ocean idyll and delivers Emma from her sea roamings. Once again, she adopts another name, another home, another appearance.
313 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1981
12 people are currently reading
759 people want to read
About the author
Madeleine Brent
31 books217 followersMadeleine Brent is a pseudonym used by Peter O'Donnell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
January 16, 2019
3.5-ish stars for this old-fashioned romantic suspense adventure. Emma Delaney is an upper-class English girl, orphaned at a young age and living with her aunt and uncle in Jamaica in the late 1800s. When she’s 17 1/2, she’s talked into marrying Oliver Foy, a wealthy landowner twice her age. Her hopes and dreams quickly come crashing down.
In a thrilling scene, Emma escapes with Daniel Choong, an older Chinese fisherman who was a lifelong friend and her former nanny’s husband. They spend the next few years deep in hiding, with Emma pretending to be Casey, a mixed-race creole girl owned by Daniel (she speaks a lot of pidgin English here). More adventures ensue, and there are new places, new friends and maybe a romantic interest or two for Emma/Casey. But her past life isn’t done with her yet!
This is a historical gothic suspense type of novel with a little bit of romance and a Caribbean twist with a Chinese mafia subplot. It's fairly dated, with a couple of sympathetic but stereotypical minority characters, and Emma pretending to be a minority with a thick accent (which is sometimes used for laughs) can be a needle scratch. It reads more like a 1950's or 60's novel to me than one written in 1980.
Madeleine Brent books also tend to follow a formula - English girl raised in exotic foreign lands and immersed in that culture experiences major personal trials, adventure and romance - and the formula gets a little threadbare after two or three books. Still, it had an exciting plot that pulled me in. If you like the Victoria Holt type of novels and aren’t too offended by dated social attitudes, give Madeleine Brent a try.
Content notes: there's a domestic abuse subplot; it’s not too graphic but may disturb some readers.
In a thrilling scene, Emma escapes with Daniel Choong, an older Chinese fisherman who was a lifelong friend and her former nanny’s husband. They spend the next few years deep in hiding, with Emma pretending to be Casey, a mixed-race creole girl owned by Daniel (she speaks a lot of pidgin English here). More adventures ensue, and there are new places, new friends and maybe a romantic interest or two for Emma/Casey. But her past life isn’t done with her yet!
This is a historical gothic suspense type of novel with a little bit of romance and a Caribbean twist with a Chinese mafia subplot. It's fairly dated, with a couple of sympathetic but stereotypical minority characters, and Emma pretending to be a minority with a thick accent (which is sometimes used for laughs) can be a needle scratch. It reads more like a 1950's or 60's novel to me than one written in 1980.
Madeleine Brent books also tend to follow a formula - English girl raised in exotic foreign lands and immersed in that culture experiences major personal trials, adventure and romance - and the formula gets a little threadbare after two or three books. Still, it had an exciting plot that pulled me in. If you like the Victoria Holt type of novels and aren’t too offended by dated social attitudes, give Madeleine Brent a try.
Content notes: there's a domestic abuse subplot; it’s not too graphic but may disturb some readers.
March 3, 2015
"Do you mean...I could be in danger?"
Well yeah.
I think the book blurb is sufficient to whet the appetite of potential readers, and I'm too lazy to try to recap what doesn't need fixing.
Thoughts? Very enjoyable romantic suspense in a believable historical setting. Lots of surprise twists and turns and people who turn out to be not exactly who they're supposed to be. A spectacular death (oooh, the spear, the lightning bolt!), an adventure at sea on the lam from the law, a wild ride in a hurricane and a hunt for long-lost Spanish gold. What more can a reader want? My only quibbles was the foreshadowing was a bit heavy handed, plus some slow spots here and there.
Oh, and don't let that racy cover fool you. While there is a romantic element, you're not going to get in-your-face sex at all.
Well yeah.
I think the book blurb is sufficient to whet the appetite of potential readers, and I'm too lazy to try to recap what doesn't need fixing.
Thoughts? Very enjoyable romantic suspense in a believable historical setting. Lots of surprise twists and turns and people who turn out to be not exactly who they're supposed to be. A spectacular death (oooh, the spear, the lightning bolt!), an adventure at sea on the lam from the law, a wild ride in a hurricane and a hunt for long-lost Spanish gold. What more can a reader want? My only quibbles was the foreshadowing was a bit heavy handed, plus some slow spots here and there.
Oh, and don't let that racy cover fool you. While there is a romantic element, you're not going to get in-your-face sex at all.
October 2, 2017
In 1897, Miss Emma Delaney’s uncle betrothed her to Mr. Oliver Foy. She had just turned eighteen years of age. He was 36 and was one of the island of Jamaica’s prime bachelors. He was a gentleman during their brief engagement. But soon after the wedding ceremony, Emma discovered their holy wedlock dissolved into a marriage from hell.
On a stormy night and with the assistance of a dear friend, the young woman escaped on a small ship that Daniel Choong had built. Originally her servant, Daniel became her companion, teacher and guardian. With his guidance, Emma survived.
’I found that the secret of true contentment in the life we lived was never to think more than a day into the future and never to think of the past at all. We had only three concerns; the weather, the boat and our provisions.’
Three years passed in a short period of time. Then fate takes a hand.
The Long Masquerade referred to Emma disguised as ‘Casey’. It was a combination of historical fiction, light adventure and mild suspense with a setting in the West Indies and England. I was surprised at the original publication year: 1981. Because of some innuendoes, I expected an earlier declaration by at least two decades. Still, if you are a fan of Ms. Brent, it is a must-read. For those of you looking for romance, Emma/Casey finally earns a well-deserved HEA.
*Free on openlibrary.org*
On a stormy night and with the assistance of a dear friend, the young woman escaped on a small ship that Daniel Choong had built. Originally her servant, Daniel became her companion, teacher and guardian. With his guidance, Emma survived.
’I found that the secret of true contentment in the life we lived was never to think more than a day into the future and never to think of the past at all. We had only three concerns; the weather, the boat and our provisions.’
Three years passed in a short period of time. Then fate takes a hand.
The Long Masquerade referred to Emma disguised as ‘Casey’. It was a combination of historical fiction, light adventure and mild suspense with a setting in the West Indies and England. I was surprised at the original publication year: 1981. Because of some innuendoes, I expected an earlier declaration by at least two decades. Still, if you are a fan of Ms. Brent, it is a must-read. For those of you looking for romance, Emma/Casey finally earns a well-deserved HEA.
*Free on openlibrary.org*
March 20, 2015
That was the most breath taking ending I have ever read. I can't believe it's all over…
Along the coast of Jamaica Emma lives with her Aunt, Uncle and Daniel. She has been an orphan since she was too little to remember. Though her family cares for her, there isn't much love lost between them. So when they tell her what they have decided Emma is surprised to say the least that her Aunt and Uncle have excepted a proposal of marriage for her. She's only met her intended a few times, but she knows he's handsome, likable and rich.
So, feeling there is nothing else to do she marries him as if in a dream, only to wake up in a nightmare. She has married the Devil himself in Oliver Foy.
Sometimes he fools her, and she almost believes that he wants to change. Then he breaks out into a worse monster than before. Daniel warns her, that the night of the great tropical storm she must watch for her life.
That's when everything changes, and the Adventure begins.
That night Emma runs away with Daniel, her father figure on his beautiful sail/steam boat where they go diving for numerous things. They become fugitives, hunted and searched for. When things cool down and Emma plays the part of a Coolie woman, talking pigeon English when she must speak. (Emma is Sooo funny!)
But this sweet dream, that Emma wishes could last forever, ends suddenly in a horrific storm and Daniel proves to be true friend to the end.
Now Emma is in far greater danger of living a masquerade that she can not hide long. Unless she can end it all, she will be uncovered and never find happiness again.
Love, Love Loved this book! What could be better than Murder, Treasure, Hidden Identities, Masked Feelings all set along the shimmering Jamaican coast and England? And Emma, she was Perfect! No, not the goodies-two-shoes type perfect but the Human Perfect. She had moments of panic, fear, and joy. I couldn't help but love her!
There are a few swears and minimal violence seen by reader. But marital rape Is obviously in it as well as wife beating. Thankfully, Oliver Foy is only in the first third so after that the ominous cloud created by his presence is lifted. All though it has all these elements, none of it is glorified or described in detail, it just goes black. PG-13
Some other books that I feel are just as good, Golden Urchin, ( which Was better believe it or not), Trade Wind and Lord of the Far Island. All of these belong on my Grab-During-Fire shelf.
Along the coast of Jamaica Emma lives with her Aunt, Uncle and Daniel. She has been an orphan since she was too little to remember. Though her family cares for her, there isn't much love lost between them. So when they tell her what they have decided Emma is surprised to say the least that her Aunt and Uncle have excepted a proposal of marriage for her. She's only met her intended a few times, but she knows he's handsome, likable and rich.
So, feeling there is nothing else to do she marries him as if in a dream, only to wake up in a nightmare. She has married the Devil himself in Oliver Foy.
Sometimes he fools her, and she almost believes that he wants to change. Then he breaks out into a worse monster than before. Daniel warns her, that the night of the great tropical storm she must watch for her life.
That's when everything changes, and the Adventure begins.
That night Emma runs away with Daniel, her father figure on his beautiful sail/steam boat where they go diving for numerous things. They become fugitives, hunted and searched for. When things cool down and Emma plays the part of a Coolie woman, talking pigeon English when she must speak. (Emma is Sooo funny!)
But this sweet dream, that Emma wishes could last forever, ends suddenly in a horrific storm and Daniel proves to be true friend to the end.
Now Emma is in far greater danger of living a masquerade that she can not hide long. Unless she can end it all, she will be uncovered and never find happiness again.
Love, Love Loved this book! What could be better than Murder, Treasure, Hidden Identities, Masked Feelings all set along the shimmering Jamaican coast and England? And Emma, she was Perfect! No, not the goodies-two-shoes type perfect but the Human Perfect. She had moments of panic, fear, and joy. I couldn't help but love her!
There are a few swears and minimal violence seen by reader. But marital rape Is obviously in it as well as wife beating. Thankfully, Oliver Foy is only in the first third so after that the ominous cloud created by his presence is lifted. All though it has all these elements, none of it is glorified or described in detail, it just goes black. PG-13
Some other books that I feel are just as good, Golden Urchin, ( which Was better believe it or not), Trade Wind and Lord of the Far Island. All of these belong on my Grab-During-Fire shelf.
December 28, 2013
4 Stars
First off, ignore the cover. This can hardly be called a romance, let alone a bodice ripper. I think there are two chaste kisses in the whole book. Yes, TWO!. No, three but we don't count her nasty husband's kiss. OK! Now that we've got that out of the way, lets talk about the book itself...
I love Madeleine Brent! She (who was actually a he) puts the reader right there in the story and from page one you feel invested in the characters. And then the adventure and locations, you never 'stay put' in a M.B. book, youre always seeing new places and cultures. (If you like Anne Maybury, MMKaye, Victoria Holt etc you will love Madeleine Brent). In this case, the story starts off in Jamaica...
The beginning is a bit sordid, in that Emma marries a man who is a horrid beast who abuses her. When the abuse culminates during a hurricane and her actual life is in danger she manages to run away with a half chinese man (former servant, like a father to her) on his sail/steam boat. They make it look as though they die in the storm and then basically change their identities and wander the islands for three years. Emma is incognito as 'the coolie's woman', speaking creole pidgen and diving for lobsters etc. Love her pidgen!!
Without giving the plot away, she ends up in England and finally in Jamaica again. There is danger at home, danger at sea, and finally danger under the sea....
Why 4 stars?
I thought the middle of the story dragged a bit. The author allows us to see the peacefulness her life became at that juncture but I found it a bit dull.
Also, her husband at the beginning was such a jerk (think Dragonwyck but without the charm) that it was hard to enjoy the few chapters where she is married to him, and yet it was needed to lay the 'terror foundation'..
Once she is on the boat with Daniel (the chinese 'father') the excitement really kicks up and later when she comes back to Jamaica, very satisfying exciting ending! M.B. really delivers on her culminating suspense!! I can't tell you, you have to read it!
CONTENT:
SEX: None shown to reader but marital rape/abuse was obviously an issue at the beginning.
VIOLENCE: Action violence. Some people get killed.
PROFANITY: a few very mild cusses
MY RATING: PG-13 (because of the marital abuse~ FYI the abuse is behind closed doors but its still creepy cos you know what happens)
First off, ignore the cover. This can hardly be called a romance, let alone a bodice ripper. I think there are two chaste kisses in the whole book. Yes, TWO!. No, three but we don't count her nasty husband's kiss. OK! Now that we've got that out of the way, lets talk about the book itself...
I love Madeleine Brent! She (who was actually a he) puts the reader right there in the story and from page one you feel invested in the characters. And then the adventure and locations, you never 'stay put' in a M.B. book, youre always seeing new places and cultures. (If you like Anne Maybury, MMKaye, Victoria Holt etc you will love Madeleine Brent). In this case, the story starts off in Jamaica...
The beginning is a bit sordid, in that Emma marries a man who is a horrid beast who abuses her. When the abuse culminates during a hurricane and her actual life is in danger she manages to run away with a half chinese man (former servant, like a father to her) on his sail/steam boat. They make it look as though they die in the storm and then basically change their identities and wander the islands for three years. Emma is incognito as 'the coolie's woman', speaking creole pidgen and diving for lobsters etc. Love her pidgen!!
Without giving the plot away, she ends up in England and finally in Jamaica again. There is danger at home, danger at sea, and finally danger under the sea....
Why 4 stars?
I thought the middle of the story dragged a bit. The author allows us to see the peacefulness her life became at that juncture but I found it a bit dull.
Also, her husband at the beginning was such a jerk (think Dragonwyck but without the charm) that it was hard to enjoy the few chapters where she is married to him, and yet it was needed to lay the 'terror foundation'..
Once she is on the boat with Daniel (the chinese 'father') the excitement really kicks up and later when she comes back to Jamaica, very satisfying exciting ending! M.B. really delivers on her culminating suspense!! I can't tell you, you have to read it!
CONTENT:
SEX: None shown to reader but marital rape/abuse was obviously an issue at the beginning.
VIOLENCE: Action violence. Some people get killed.
PROFANITY: a few very mild cusses
MY RATING: PG-13 (because of the marital abuse~ FYI the abuse is behind closed doors but its still creepy cos you know what happens)
January 8, 2016
A historical novel about a woman who escapes a dangerous marriage to a wealthy Jamaican, trading material comfort for a life of disguise and hardship on the seas. 1981.
Full review (and other awesome recommendations) at Another look book
I have 5% battery life left on my laptop...let's dim the screen and get typing! Haha.
I read this book back during the summer, but ever since then it's been on my "must review" list. I do so love Madeleine Brent, and am equally delighted and terrified at the prospect of making it through all of his historical fiction novels. I usually try to "hoard" my favorite authors' books, but with Brent's works it's simply not possible.
I loved the gothic element of The Long Masquerade. I loved, once again, the demonstration of practical skills by the novel's heroine. The relationships were unconventional, unexpected, and usually delightful. The only relationship that was *definitely* not delightful was the heroine's marriage early on in the novel. This section only covered about 30 pages (so like 1/10 of the book), but it was the plot element that colored the whole book and had longstanding plot repercussions. If you can make it through this fairly distressing 1/10 of the book, you'll simply adore the rest of it. (Especially in comparison to that 1/10!)
Overall, a great read that I'd definitely recommend to fans of historical fiction, strong-minded, useful heroines, and a healthy dash of the gothic.
6% battery life left now! Thank youuu screen dimmer.
January 18, 2015
6-stars. The best Madeleine Brent so far. I still have one left: The Capricorn Stone.
September 24, 2016
The first half of this book kept me embedded to all of the characters. The Jamaican location and descriptions of both water and high location coffee planting estate during the late Victorian period era held a spell indeed. People mixed of classes and origins, and the orphan Emma promised off in marriage by her uncle to Oliver Fry, owner of the larger estate just next door.
And the tale gets increasingly tempestuous as the marriage turns into one of violent abuse. Only accomplished in secret. This is not a romance as the cover seems to depict. Not at all. It's an adventure story, much as in the spirit of those old film roll fills called "The Perils of Pauline".
Because Emma, turned Casey is high seas hand and disguised for 3 years after her escape.
And then the adventures become so tumultuous that all belief became, for me, too serial calamitous to be cohesive.
Eventually she saves a life and travels to England using another life's "name"- new identity. Marries there too and then it all goes wrong. Again. But this time in circumstance and law; Chad, her husband is more than decent.
It's not of a current writing style or sensibility (post 2000). Regardless of the excellent word craft and conversational "disguising" that's evident throughout- the nature of the reoccurring coincidences became cartoon like. Super hero slant cartoon like, at that.
The first half was a 4. But by the end of this tale- that outlandish circumstance quotient is exactly what reduced it an entire star. The fact that as much as she was an independent thinker and a tremendously strong in the physical woman, the men end up determining more than she did for her own end effect. This is fiction in a sense of larger than life characters and is neither historical fiction or romance in the sense of how they are written currently. Rated PG.
And the tale gets increasingly tempestuous as the marriage turns into one of violent abuse. Only accomplished in secret. This is not a romance as the cover seems to depict. Not at all. It's an adventure story, much as in the spirit of those old film roll fills called "The Perils of Pauline".
Because Emma, turned Casey is high seas hand and disguised for 3 years after her escape.
And then the adventures become so tumultuous that all belief became, for me, too serial calamitous to be cohesive.
Eventually she saves a life and travels to England using another life's "name"- new identity. Marries there too and then it all goes wrong. Again. But this time in circumstance and law; Chad, her husband is more than decent.
It's not of a current writing style or sensibility (post 2000). Regardless of the excellent word craft and conversational "disguising" that's evident throughout- the nature of the reoccurring coincidences became cartoon like. Super hero slant cartoon like, at that.
The first half was a 4. But by the end of this tale- that outlandish circumstance quotient is exactly what reduced it an entire star. The fact that as much as she was an independent thinker and a tremendously strong in the physical woman, the men end up determining more than she did for her own end effect. This is fiction in a sense of larger than life characters and is neither historical fiction or romance in the sense of how they are written currently. Rated PG.
January 14, 2019
**added review 1/2019 after re-read**
When I first started The Long Masquerade, I felt sure that I had read it long long ago. But now that I’m finished I’m not so sure. The first part seemed vaguely familiar, but that was probably because it is so similar to the beginnings of her other novels. The bells it was ringing in my memory got fainter and fainter as the book went on. I could not figure out who her love interest was going to be until about the 70% mark. I was pretty sure it would be one guy, because it would have followed the pattern set in all of her previous novels. Trying to avoid spoilers here. But I got to be as impatient with the character as Casey, our heroine, was. I hoped it would turn out to be the other guy. Other than that break from her usual pattern, The Long Masquerade will hold no surprises for the Madeleine Brent devotee. Adventure, mystery, and lovable characters abound, and you will wonder why you are so enthralled, when all of her books follow the same template. It’s “her” writing, and her signature template, though pretty much unchanged throughout her novels, stands out so from other authors. Only the names and settings change. I will say that one of the twists, I did not see coming, but I had the other one I figured out from the beginning. When we finally reach the last page, we have not one or two, but four happy endings! Sigh.
Trigger warnings: domestic abuse kept thankfully very vague, and some unfortunate racial terms used towards the end.
When I first started The Long Masquerade, I felt sure that I had read it long long ago. But now that I’m finished I’m not so sure. The first part seemed vaguely familiar, but that was probably because it is so similar to the beginnings of her other novels. The bells it was ringing in my memory got fainter and fainter as the book went on. I could not figure out who her love interest was going to be until about the 70% mark. I was pretty sure it would be one guy, because it would have followed the pattern set in all of her previous novels. Trying to avoid spoilers here. But I got to be as impatient with the character as Casey, our heroine, was. I hoped it would turn out to be the other guy. Other than that break from her usual pattern, The Long Masquerade will hold no surprises for the Madeleine Brent devotee. Adventure, mystery, and lovable characters abound, and you will wonder why you are so enthralled, when all of her books follow the same template. It’s “her” writing, and her signature template, though pretty much unchanged throughout her novels, stands out so from other authors. Only the names and settings change. I will say that one of the twists, I did not see coming, but I had the other one I figured out from the beginning. When we finally reach the last page, we have not one or two, but four happy endings! Sigh.
Trigger warnings: domestic abuse kept thankfully very vague, and some unfortunate racial terms used towards the end.
November 22, 2013
4.5 stars
My favorite Madeleine Brent, so far!
Review pending
My favorite Madeleine Brent, so far!
Review pending
April 28, 2018
Gosh, I like Madeleine Brent. And yes, I know "she" is really a "he". I find that I have to space out my reading of his books or else they all blend together. This one is a top favorite, Moonraker's Bride and Tregaron's Daughter vying for 1st place out of his books.
I liked the heroine and couldn't tell right away who would be her hero. The story was interesting and moved right along. I had to suspend my disbelief at the end of the story * but what is fiction - and Gothic Romance at that!- for but to entertain and not necessarily be just like real life. Plus, it's Madeleine Brent. :)
* 4/26/2018-I recently listened to a podcast that told about a group of pearl divers that can hold their breath for incredibly long times - like 15-20 minutes at a time. I tip my hat to you, Mr. O'Donnell.
There are several racial slurs that made me cringe sprinkled throughout and the abuse at the beginning might be too much for some readers - just a heads up.
I'm adding as my second London spot for Brit Tripping.
I liked the heroine and couldn't tell right away who would be her hero. The story was interesting and moved right along. I had to suspend my disbelief at the end of the story * but what is fiction - and Gothic Romance at that!- for but to entertain and not necessarily be just like real life. Plus, it's Madeleine Brent. :)
* 4/26/2018-I recently listened to a podcast that told about a group of pearl divers that can hold their breath for incredibly long times - like 15-20 minutes at a time. I tip my hat to you, Mr. O'Donnell.
There are several racial slurs that made me cringe sprinkled throughout and the abuse at the beginning might be too much for some readers - just a heads up.
I'm adding as my second London spot for Brit Tripping.
July 23, 2021
In the 1890s, Emma Delaney is growing up under the care of her aunt and uncle, coffee planters on Jamaica. An arranged marriage to the heir to one of the wealthiest plantations on the island will set off a chain of events that catapault her into danger, violence, adventure and ultimately a reckoning with the past. Brent's ease with capable action heroines--under his real name, Peter O'Donnell, the author created Modesty Blaise--is on view here; in addition, the reader will learn much about sailing and diving. Unlike Victoria Holt, whose bildungsroman-like tales and first-person tone Brent shares, Brent never shies away from less-oblique references to sexual relationships. While never explicit, there's more of an adult feeling in the novels, and this one is no exception. By this time, Brent had hit a stride and the ease shows, but in a highly pleasurable way.
January 12, 2010
Whew--look at that cover! But, don't let that mislead you! It's an adventure, a mystery, a love story ... but all PG rated :) HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
August 9, 2015
Despite the cover there's no porn here. This is a romantic adventure set in Jamaica, England, and at sea. Emma is 17 and living with her aunt and uncle in Jamaica when the story opens. She is sitting at the table with them when her aunt informs her that she is to be married in 6 weeks to Oliver Foy. After her marriage she discovers to her horror that she is married to a sadist. She escapes the island with the help of her friend Daniel and spends 3 years traveling by boat in the islands before a tragic incident occurs which eventually lands her in England. Towards the end of the book she goes on another sea voyage which almost ends in tragedy. This is an action packed book and I enjoyed it very much although the abuse at the beginning was disturbing. There was very little profanity but the Lord's name was dishonored by cursing on two occasions. I read this on openlibrary.com
March 17, 2008
The only thing I didn't like about this book was that it bumped my favorite Brent book. It is so very good. If you don't read another Brent book, please read this one. It takes place in Jamaica where the main character's relatives arrange her marriage to an abusive man. Her husband is killed and she escapes with a close friend. They live on his boat until they are shipwrecked. Very exciting. Please don't judge this book by the cover shown. It is not a bodice ripper, but an exciting adventure novel with a heroine you can respect
January 30, 2015
Madeleine Brent did not disappoint! I fell into the suspense and adventure from page one. The only thing that I didn't like was the cover of this old paperback that I bought from Amazon. Brent's books are always clean as in PG clean. My cover did not portray that image. But wow - I loved this book!
October 1, 2015
Loved it, loved it! And, by now, having read several Madeleine Brents, I know every setting, every character, every turn of the plot, but guess what----it doesn't matter! I still love it! This was one of my favorites.
February 13, 2021
4.5 stars
Superb romantic suspense! Excellent writing, and I enjoyed it so much. Put me in the mindset of one of my favorite authors of a similar writing period- Victoria Holt. That’s high praise coming from me. I can’t wait to read more Madeleine Brent books!
This particular book features the adventures of Emma Delaney, who starts out as an orphan living with her Aunt & Uncle in Jamaica. It follows through many more “stops” in the next several years of her life and the situations she finds herself in. Never a dull moment here!
Highly recommended, especially if you enjoy the writing from circa 1981. (The time period of the book, however, is different).
No racy scenes, but romance is included.
There is inferred violence.
Superb romantic suspense! Excellent writing, and I enjoyed it so much. Put me in the mindset of one of my favorite authors of a similar writing period- Victoria Holt. That’s high praise coming from me. I can’t wait to read more Madeleine Brent books!
This particular book features the adventures of Emma Delaney, who starts out as an orphan living with her Aunt & Uncle in Jamaica. It follows through many more “stops” in the next several years of her life and the situations she finds herself in. Never a dull moment here!
Highly recommended, especially if you enjoy the writing from circa 1981. (The time period of the book, however, is different).
No racy scenes, but romance is included.
There is inferred violence.
June 11, 2019
This book wasn’t particularly consistent for me in the way that I found it pretty good at some parts, but a little boring at others. It took me nearly a month to finish it which was partially due to my schedule, but also a little because I never got fully into it. I did particularly enjoy the ending and the fact that Madeleine Brent novels take place in different countries so you get to enjoy a bit of culture and adventure. I already have one more Madeleine Brent book checked out of the library, and if I enjoy that one a little more I might read more of the collection for the parts I did like.
July 31, 2022
These old book covers make me laugh, because they make the book look like such a romance novel, 😆. In reality Peter O'Donnell (aka Madeleine Brent) wrote fantastic adventures with real heart and a little wholesome romance mixed in. I love the mystery. I love the twists and turns. And most of all I love the happy endings!
December 23, 2022
Lovely reread. Didn't realise i hadn't reviewed it yet.
I think my favourite part was the time spent in sea. The whole story was a lovely balance of action, slice of life, but of romance, intrigue etc
I wish there was more
I think my favourite part was the time spent in sea. The whole story was a lovely balance of action, slice of life, but of romance, intrigue etc
I wish there was more
July 23, 2018
The whole book is an illusion. The author is not what she appears to be. The husband is not what he appears to be. The Oriental servant is not what he appears to be. On, and on, and on. Must admit it was intriguing and I enjoyed it.
May 7, 2011
This was my third Madeleine Brent book and I'm seeing a common theme. The other two I've read are Moonraker's Bride and Golden Urchin. All three contain these common themes: 1) Heroine grows up in difficult circumstances in a different country outside of England, 2) She learns skills she doesn't think are that important but ends up saving everyone using those exact skills she learned growing up, 3) She eventually ends up coming to England and has to learn how to become a true lady and act appropriately in society, 4) The love interest doesn't feel like he can express his love until the end of the book when they think they're all going to die, 5) They all end up financially set for life due to some hidden treasure or inheritance. I've really enjoyed Brent's writing and even though each book is similar I've enjoyed them all. However, after three books so similar in plot, I think I need a little variation.
As for The Long Masquerade, I almost stopped reading when it got to the part with the abusive husband. It made me sick to think about. Fortunately, it wasn't ever detailed or graphic and it didn't last too long. I wasn't interested in reading a whole book with the main character in that kind of relationship. Instead, I felt the book was more about how she overcame her trial and became a stronger person.
As for The Long Masquerade, I almost stopped reading when it got to the part with the abusive husband. It made me sick to think about. Fortunately, it wasn't ever detailed or graphic and it didn't last too long. I wasn't interested in reading a whole book with the main character in that kind of relationship. Instead, I felt the book was more about how she overcame her trial and became a stronger person.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2012
I have finally started the last of the Madeleine Brent books that I haven't read, and I can honestly say that they were all great in their own ways, but some were better than others, like Tregaron's Daughter and A Heritage of Shadows, which has turned out to be my personal favorite.
I really am sorry that he (yes, his real name was Peter O'Donnell) has passed away and we will no longer be able to read his wonderful stories. Granted, they were all somewhat similar in terms of plot, but unique in their exotic settings and the emotions the writer was able to spring from the reader when drawn into their world.
I'm looking forward to reading The Long Masquerade, although the cover does have a 'harlequin novel' vibe, let's hope it has Brent's personal touches.
It didn't disappoint at all. It's a must read.
I really am sorry that he (yes, his real name was Peter O'Donnell) has passed away and we will no longer be able to read his wonderful stories. Granted, they were all somewhat similar in terms of plot, but unique in their exotic settings and the emotions the writer was able to spring from the reader when drawn into their world.
I'm looking forward to reading The Long Masquerade, although the cover does have a 'harlequin novel' vibe, let's hope it has Brent's personal touches.
It didn't disappoint at all. It's a must read.
October 12, 2008
Emma Delaney is raised in Jamaica by her aunt and uncle. Without her consent they give her away to Oliver Foy in marriage. Emma finds her marriage to be one of secret abuse and degradation at the hand of her husband. She feels she cannot live much longer as his wife in this way and so she escapes Jamaica, with her one true friend, Daniel--a father-like friend to her--and disguises herself as a woman named Casey.
Where's the plot? The plot was a little harder to see which is why I gave it fewer stars but somehow it kept my interest. Like all Madeleine Brent books it followed a general pattern but this one had more variations than usual.
The cover shown here on Good Reads makes this book look like some Harlequin Romance novel, but it is very very much not. I don't know why certain books of Madeleine Brent's were published like that. This book was one I enjoyed, but then again I have yet to read one of Brents that I thoroughly do not enjoy.
Where's the plot? The plot was a little harder to see which is why I gave it fewer stars but somehow it kept my interest. Like all Madeleine Brent books it followed a general pattern but this one had more variations than usual.
The cover shown here on Good Reads makes this book look like some Harlequin Romance novel, but it is very very much not. I don't know why certain books of Madeleine Brent's were published like that. This book was one I enjoyed, but then again I have yet to read one of Brents that I thoroughly do not enjoy.
November 17, 2008
Madeleine Brent is one of my favorite authors. She has a marvelous way of drawing out the suspense until you want to scream. Her books are all ones you can't put down and The Long Masquerade is no exception.
The heroine is a lovely English girl, living in Jamaica, innocent and trusting--to her detriment. Her husband is an unspeakable animal whom she can't escape. After enduring months with the beast, she finally works up the courage to run away with the help of her Chinese friend Daniel. They live aboard his boat for three years in relative happiness. The only thing holding her back from contentment is the fear that her husband will somehow track her.
And so she masquerades as a coolie girl or sometimes even a boy--until she saves the life of an Englishman who changes her life. Her new persona is that of a proper English Miss, living and working with a brother and sister. Her heart is captured by the brother, but her feelings must be kept hidden due to her miserable past.
The heroine is a lovely English girl, living in Jamaica, innocent and trusting--to her detriment. Her husband is an unspeakable animal whom she can't escape. After enduring months with the beast, she finally works up the courage to run away with the help of her Chinese friend Daniel. They live aboard his boat for three years in relative happiness. The only thing holding her back from contentment is the fear that her husband will somehow track her.
And so she masquerades as a coolie girl or sometimes even a boy--until she saves the life of an Englishman who changes her life. Her new persona is that of a proper English Miss, living and working with a brother and sister. Her heart is captured by the brother, but her feelings must be kept hidden due to her miserable past.
October 20, 2011
This is my second book by Madeleine Brent(a pseudonym for the male author Peter O'Donnell) and I can see that this author's books are quite formulaic, even a bit predictable. However, these adventure romance novels, mostly all set in the late 1800's are very clean, easy reading with exciting plots. They're difficult to put down because they're quite fun.
Emma Delaney is an orphan who's been raised since a child by her aunt and uncle in Jamaica. When she is married off to the rich island playboy, Emma discovers that life can be very harsh. One fateful night, she escapes a terrifying situation with her husband and thus begins hiding in a long masquerade.
Brent's female characters are resourceful and clever, which is part of the appeal of his novels. The romance in this novel did not seem to contrived, and the adventurous situations abound.
Highly recommended to lovers of romance novels.
Emma Delaney is an orphan who's been raised since a child by her aunt and uncle in Jamaica. When she is married off to the rich island playboy, Emma discovers that life can be very harsh. One fateful night, she escapes a terrifying situation with her husband and thus begins hiding in a long masquerade.
Brent's female characters are resourceful and clever, which is part of the appeal of his novels. The romance in this novel did not seem to contrived, and the adventurous situations abound.
Highly recommended to lovers of romance novels.
April 9, 2018
This is a horrible cover ! The book is nothing like it. There isn't more than a kiss in the whole thing. It is a really great mystery, historical fiction, romance...and it is also out of print. Inter-library loan is usually the best way to find it.
September 27, 2017
4.5 Stars. This was a great read--a little slow in the beginning, but the pace picked up, and even though literally every part of the end was easily predicted by the middle of the novel, I still gobbled up every word. Highly enjoyable read.
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