Elizabeth Thornton, The Pleasure Trap

The Pleasure Trap

Elizabeth Thornton

Bantam, Aug 2007, $6.99

ISBN: 9780553589573

In 1818 war hero Ash Denison attends a writer's symposium to uncover who is writing gothic romantic suspense stories that implies the anonymous author has insider information involving the murder of his brother. He admits to himself some the writers are really good as he especially enjoys the work of a Mrs. Barrymore that he sampled.

Eve "Mrs. Barrymore" Dearing is in town for season. Ash has taken an interest in her that she quickly realizes is based on his belief she authors the scandalous stories that rock the Ton and renewed him on his quest to find out who killed his sibling. As they fall in love, he fears a murderer has stolen his heart. However, when she seems to be the next victim of the killer, Ash risks his life to keep his beloved safe.

This Regency whodunit romance is much more complex and somewhat convoluted than described above. The story line is exhilarating with the action never stopping and the locations used in a refreshing brisk manner. Whether it is at the writer's convention, a bedlam asylum, or a stolen kiss, fans will appreciate Elizabeth Thornton's terrific serial killer historical romance starring two fully developed protagonists, an unknown murderous constant critic who proves the sword is mightier than the pen, and a horde of authors.

Harriet Klausner