Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla A Pink Carnation Novel by Lauren Willig
I am not usually fond of too many historical books, but The Pink Carnation series by Lauren Willig is fun on many different levels. It mixes a present day story with a historical back story and then throws in a bit of romance and intrigue. It is a wonderful mixture. I have reviewed a previous book in the series that you can read about here and so I was happy to receive the next part of the story for review today.
Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla: A Pink Carnation Novel
by Lauren Willig
Series: Pink Carnation (Book 11)
Publisher: NAL Trade
Publication Date: August 5, 2014
ISBN-13: 978-0451414731
Synopsis: In October of 1806, the Little Season is in full swing, and Sally Fitzhugh has had enough of the endless parties and balls. With a rampant vampire craze sparked by the novel The Convent of Orsino, it seems no one can speak of anything else. But when Sally hears a rumor that the reclusive Duke of Belliston is an actual vampire, she cannot resist the challenge of proving such nonsense false. At a ball in Belliston Square, she ventures across the gardens and encounters the mysterious Duke.
Lucien, Duke of Belliston, is well versed in the trouble gossip can bring. He’s returned home to dispel the rumors of scandal surrounding his parents’ deaths, which hint at everything from treason to dark sorcery. While he searches for the truth, he welcomes his fearsome reputation—until a woman is found dead in Richmond. Her blood drained from her throat.
Lucien and Sally join forces to stop the so-called vampire from killing again. Someone managed to get away with killing the last Duke of Belliston. But they won’t kill this duke—not if Sally has anything to say about it.
* This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may or may not receive a small commission which helps to support this site.
My Thoughts: I love a well thought story that adds many different aspects to suck you in and leave you wanting more. This book is a perfect read for those of you that love a little of everything. Romance, mystery, intrigue, history, humor, and more. This book even grabs on to the vampire stories that are popular today, but in a believable and mysterious way.
This book is the 11th in The Pink Carnation series, a line of stories that has its roots in the 1800’s Europe, complete with spies and espionage – from a women’s standpoint. The author has a great imagination and is a marvel at bringing together a story that crosses from today into two centuries ago. Not an easy task but a pleasurable one.
This book was written a bit differently than the last book with the bulk of the story being more about finding the killer(s) and some flashes into the present where this story is actually becoming a college dissertation piece. It is a unique style of story and really keeps you on your toes. The author does a great job with the storyline and there is never a dull moment!
For a read that will keep all of your senses going, check out this new one by Lauren Willig. Easy, flowing and fun!
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free product to try out so she could evaluate and use it for her review. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.