A Crimson Warning (Lady Emily, #6) in Special chat with Charles Todd, Alan Bradley, and Tasha Alexander

Nov 10, 2011 Ashley rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-fiction, mystery

Scandal, murder, and mass hysteria among Victorian London's upper crust! Who better to sort it all out than Lady Emily?

Lady Emily returns to her native London after spending the last two books in Turkey (Tears of Pearl) and France (Dangerous to Know). The scene is a blazingly hot summer Season, and the feathers of the elite are being ruffled by a series of scandals being brought to light by a splash of red paint across the doorsteps of the perpetrators. Was it just a coincidence that a factory o Scandal, murder, and mass hysteria among Victorian London's upper crust! Who better to sort it all out than Lady Emily?

Lady Emily returns to her native London after spending the last two books in Turkey (Tears of Pearl) and France (Dangerous to Know). The scene is a blazingly hot summer Season, and the feathers of the elite are being ruffled by a series of scandals being brought to light by a splash of red paint across the doorsteps of the perpetrators. Was it just a coincidence that a factory owner who was murdered had red paint splashed on his step right before he met his untimely end? While Lady Emily and her husband Colin Hargreaves work to uncover the identity of who's behind it all, even more wealthy families are waking up to discover they've been marked with red paint. It seems that no one's secret is safe, and everyone is on edge wondering if or when theirs will be the next reputation ruined.

Back on the scene are Lady Emily's best friend Ivy Brandon and lovable rogue Jeremy, Duke of Bainbridge. I really think these two characters are what made this story more enjoyable to me in comparison to Ms. Alexander's last two novels, both of which took place abroad and among mostly new characters. Jeremy in particular provided a wealth of comic relief, and even a little hint at romantic angst (exemplified by an extremely memorable whiskey tasting, thank you for including that little gem, Ms. Alexander!). It was also a relief to find that Lady Emily and Colin were on better terms than they had been the past two books, when they were both coming to grips with how the balance of power would work in their marriage. While Colin still doesn't approve of Lady Emily putting herself in danger, he has come to respect her as a detective with skills to rival his own.

This is the best Lady Emily mystery since A Fatal Waltz. The mystery was well thought-out and the conclusion was both surprising and satisfying. The writing was very natural, the settings lush and exciting. Even though we've already seen Lady Emily's London before, Ms. Alexander always finds some new aspect to bring to life, and she always knows just which characters to add to the mix, what element of historical fact to incorporate with the fiction. This book was layered with historical detail, realistic emotion, and good storytelling. I can't wait for the next book in the series! ...more

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Sep 21, 2011 Carrie rated it it was amazing

Absolutely my favorite Lady Emily tale thus far! The intrigue is great and I loved how Tasha explored Emily's friendship with her old friend Ivy, as well as, the fantastic Jeremy, Duke of Bainbridge. Emily and Colin prove once again to be the type of couple most of us wish we were part of. The way they challenge, inspire and delight each other is wonderful, and I can't wait to see what's next! ...more

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