January 2011: Mindy MacKay
Rating: 4 out of 5
The
Marquis of Haversham and his wife are murdered as part of a plot to seize his
fortune and title, but there's a hole in the scheme: the Marquis's daughter and
heiress, Justine, yet survives.
Adopted
and raised by a highwayman, Justine has no idea about the nature of her true parentage.
Her life spirals into one adventure after another, bringing her up against the
rigid hierarchy, throwing her into maritime battles, and pushing her into the
arms of a dashing sailor with a vendetta.
The Haversham
Legacy is a beautiful
blend of the lavish and the picaresque, combining courtly life with
swashbuckling adventure. The plot moves fast and the settings are effortless to
step into. Fleming's clever use of archetype creates a story that is easy to
identify with. This book is like a novelization of all the joy and pathos one
might find in a classic black-and-white movie. Despite a few
romance scenes that range from tender to heated, I think this is a book is fun
for the whole family. However, I do wish Justine was introduced much earlier in
the story; she has such a big role and is sure to be an instant reader
favorite. For fans of history, mystery, and intrigue, The Haversham Legacy
is a must-read.
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