Blue Dolphin
The second book I’ve read by this author and, to me, even better than A Friend in Paris. An old mystery is woven into the story of an American girl who is living in Northern France, teaching English at a school in Maisons-Laffitte, near Paris.
I loved Chastity for her strength and lack of self-pity, raising her young son single-handed in a foreign country. This author creates relatable, sympathetic heroines, but she really shines at conjuring up the most wonderful male protagonists. Viscount Charles de Brase is just about the perfect leading man. Handsome, well-bred, self-assured but also capable and down-to-earth, he could easily just amuse himself with his fabulous château, racehorses and great wealth, but instead he is a practising neurosurgeon who takes an active part in the life of the town where he’s a leading social figure.
The mystery element, involving an art theft and unexplained disappearance, is tightly constructed and well thought-out. Subtle clues about the identity of the culprit are sprinkled about, but I could never have guessed all the complexities of the final, breathless crime sequence. This book has a wonderful sense of place and prompted me to research the château and its history. I love a book that can transport me into a specific location and bring to life characters that stay with me long after the last page is turned, which was the case here. An intelligent read with a welcome heart-warming quality.
Imported From: Amazon