Different take in this one as Charlotte is the accused...

In using the Interview-then-Flashback setup, we were able to walk around the story from the end to the beginning and back again in a full circle, looping together all the questions and tying up the many mysteries broached at the opening. Very creative telling. 

I enjoyed the outworking of all the plot twists and in-depth explanations and unravelling red herrings, though I can see how some might find this tedious. Blushing glimpses into the ongoing relationship between Lord Ingram and Charlotte were sweet and sultry and satisfactory. And the cast of secondary and tertiary characters received more limelight in both England and France—with all the customary delectable descriptions of delicatessens and desserts to tease the tastebuds throughout.

Certainly not the novel to begin this series with, but as a #8 for avid fans of these characters, this was the slow-and-thoughtful edition to the growing collection. There was a bit of action (of the fights and night flights sort), but I’m hoping for more of that in the next installation.