Description (from cover):'India Black's double life operating a high-class brother and running high-stakes espionage for Her Majesty's government can take its toll. But there's no rest for the weary--particularly when an international conspiracy comes knocking.
India Black is one of Victorian London's most respected madams--not a bloody postmistress. So when Colonel Francis Mayhew forwards a seemingly innocuous shipping bill to her address, she's puzzled. And when three thugs bust down her door, steal the envelope, and rough up both her and fellow agent Frenchwell, that's enough to make India Black see red.
The veteran spies soon discover that Mayhew has been butchered in his own bedroom. An impromptu investigation leads them to London's docks, where India makes a startling discovery she can't bear to tell the rakish French--she has a history with their chief suspect, the gentleman thief who once stole her heart.'
My thoughts:
This series is like fine wine, it only gets better with age. I love this series and cannot wait for a book to be released. Carol K. Carr has created a masterpiece and her main character India Black is absolutely phenomenal. She is sassy, humorous and doesn't let anybody or anything keep her down. She is determined to make her own way in the world and she doesn't care one whit who she has to step on to get to the top. This book hits the ground running on page one and doesn't let up until the very last page. I love my books to be a non-stop thrill ride and you find suspense in this one in droves.
India Black, madam of a prestigious brothel and spy for the Queen's government, has a spitfire personality and uses her charms to wheedle the truth out of suspects and always finds herself right in the middle of all the action. What's not to love about a heroine who acts first and thinks later? India receives a bill of lading from one of her customers and she is surprised at why she is the recipient. Obviously, the customer wants her to hold on to it for a reason unbeknownst to her, but when three thugs barge into her house and steal the letter and leave her and French worse for the wear, she's out for revenge at no matter the cost. She must use her sharp mind to track down the thugs and soon she finds herself in the middle of a major conspiracy that could affect the state of the country. Will she be able to bring down the evil henchmen before something dastardly happens?
I love the way Carr writes. There is never a dull moment in these books and I cannot seem to find anything wrong with them. There is a small romance plot, but it's not overwhelming and is quite enjoyable and flows with the storyline perfectly. I think that this Victorian-era mystery series is spot on and I recommend it to everyone who loves an entertaining read. This book will not disappoint and I am anxious for the next one. Carr simply cannot write them fast enough to appease this reader.
Overall Rating: 5
Title: India Black and the Gentleman Thief
Author: Carol K. Carr
Series: Madam of Espionage Mystery #4
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Publication Date: February 4, 2014
Pages: 320
Genre: Historical Mystery
Get It: Amazon; Barnes & Noble
Disclaimer: This book was purchased by myself and I reviewed this book without compensation of any kind. All thoughts and opinions are solely mine.
