A Midwinter’s Masquerade

Rannoch Fraser Mysteries #12.6

by Tracy Grant

A Holiday Novella

London, December, 1819. After their recent adventures, former spies Malcolm and Mélanie Rannoch are looking forward to spending a quiet holiday season with friends and family. The greatest danger seems to be Mélanie's scandalous debut in a Christmas pantomime, which has shocked Mayfair’s elite. But when an old friend smuggles a fugitive from the Continent into the theatre on opening night, the Rannochs find themselves facing both government agents and a mysterious assassin. As they infiltrate secret meetings, intercept coded documents, and reunite estranged lovers, they quickly realize nothing is quite what it seems. At least, as Mélanie tells her husband, they are spending the holidays with those closest to them—even if they aren’t sure they can trust their nearest and dearest...

"Shimmers like the finest salons in Vienna." —Deborah Crombie

"Glittering balls, deadly intrigue, sexual scandals. . .the next best thing to actually being there!"— Lauren Willig

"A superb storyteller."— Deanna Raybourn

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Regency

137 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 13, 2019

About the author

Tracy Grant studied British history at Stanford University and received the Firestone Award for Excellence in Research for her honors thesis on shifting conceptions of honor in late fifteenth century England. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her young daughter and three cats. In addition to writing, Tracy works for the Merola Opera Program, a professional training program for opera singers, pianists, and stage directors. Her real life heroine is her daughter Mélanie, who is very cooperative about Mummy’s writing. Tracy is currently at work on her next book chronicling the adventures of Malcolm and Mélanie Suzanne Rannoch.

Reviews

[Kimberly Thorpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is totally different from all the other holiday novella of the series. As a reader of the entire series, I enjoyed the book. I like the new developments for some of the secondary characters as well as the introduction of new characters that will move the series forward.

Malcolm and Melanie (Suzanne) are still the central characters, but because of the story location (opening night at the theater) a number of other characters are also showcased including Simon, Manon and Julien. There is plenty of action and multiple plots to keep you guessing. The story does leave a number of threads unresolved as a lead up to the next full novel which will be out in May 2020.

[Sue Martin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very disappointing and very short!

I have read and bought every book in this series. This was really a novella which I find upsetting. Put it out there as such. It seemed like the author threw as many characters into this as she could and introduced new ones. I am totally lost as to what the plot was. Not sure I'll continue with the series.

[Daniella Bernett · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Midwnter Masquerade" is a deliciously intriguing novella full of spies, assassins and multilayered characters in Tracy Grant's wonderful Malcolm and Melanie Rannoch historical mystery series. Grant deftly dangles several tantalizing conspiracies before readers' eyes and then leaves them clamoring for more. I eagerly await "The Tavistock Plot" to find out how the story will unfold.

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short novella that takes place all one night at a theater. Melanie is performing in a Christmas pantomime and society is at the playhouse to watch. It was a very quick easy read.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of hanging threads in this one. I assumed to be cleaned up in the next full length book. Don't really like this format.

[Cathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Tracy Grants series of mysteries with the Rannoch family and friends. This one was set after the time of Napolean in the UK in which the Rannochs are hired to find some missing papers that would come to disaster if they came to light.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great novella, as always. I love how the novellas always hook you, and you feel the immediate need that the other characters also feel. This is a hint towards the next turn in the series, with Melanie moving further away from the beau monde norms that are expected of her. I'm not sure exactly how I feel about that, but it's good nonetheless.

[Jane Shibilski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so love Melanie and Malcolm - but this was too short! Just when I was gaining a rhythm, the end. But I did love that Julien St. Juste is coming to the forefront as a major character in his own right. He has always been in Melanie’s life as a secondary character, now he seems to be finding his own happiness with Kitty Ashford. Can’t wait until next spring for “The Tavistock Plot”, I’m sure it will be another daring adventure for the Rannoch’s and friends.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the Tavistock Theatre, Mélanie is appearing in Simon’s pantomime. But, as with any story involving Mélanie and Malcolm Rannoch, there are spies and intrigue; backstage, on stage, in the boxes and in the alley. All the usual characters are there. We learn more about Julien St. Juste and he has an interesting conversation with Lord Carfax at one point. Another enjoyable installment in the Rannoch series.

[Betty Strohecker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intrigue at the Tavistock Theater as the Rannochs and friends gather to watch Melanie on stage. The Levellers are reintroduced, some returning characters, and the introduction of two new ones. All of this sets up several mysteries that I hope will be unravelled in the upcoming May novel. Tracy Grant gives much to think about.

[Moriah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice holiday read and to tide me over until the next full length book

[Kathleen Freeman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read I enjoyed, I especially liked the scene with Carfax and Julien, looking forward to seeing where the story goes next.