Thea Devine, Sensation

Sensation

Thea Devine

Kensington, Nov 2004, $14.00

ISBN: 0758204035

In 1897 London, popular Tony Venable is expected to become the next Prime Minister as he offers sweeping changes that excite the people. Two days later Tony is dead with a fishhook engraved on his chest.

In Bullhead Manor, while he was visiting prostitutes, Kyger Galliard thinks of his beloved Jancie, who married his older brother Lujan; everything changes when an American stranger, Angilee Rosalyn, offers him money if he takes her maidenhead. Her wealthy father is forcing her to wed odious Lord Wroth for his title. She figures the arrogant aristocrat would never marry a deflowered female. He takes her virginity, but is shocked that he did not think of Jancie.

Top government official Lord Wyland wants Kyger to find dirt on the assassinated Venable because he fears for its future if people do not move beyond the assassination. The only clue is Bullhead Manor which Tony allegedly frequented. Kyger investigates but hears how Tony was a hero and rumors of a Sacred Seven are somehow involved in his murder. As the danger mounts, the "Bullhead Bull" and the "edible virgin" fall in love, but someone wants Kyger dead and her father has chosen the odious Wroth.

Readers will enjoy this erotic amateur sleuth investigation filled with twists and turns although the final spin will disturb some readers. The lead female is a courageous individual risking all to avoid an odious marriage while the puzzled hero is delightfully human as he is unsure what to do for the heroine and how to proceed with the case. Though the final dispatching of the bad guys is too easy considering how deadly they are supposed to be, fans will receive much SATISFACTION from this fine Victorian romantic suspense.

Harriet Klausner