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Deirdre Wilks, Vicountess Rotherby is a wealthy widow, residing in London. She has secrets in her past that she would prefer remain there. She married a Vicount much older than she, resulting in much scandal among Society. Deirdre has a comfortable life, and a tender heart toward those less fortunate than she. This leads her to charitable works in Tothill Fields, one of the worst slums in London.
Tristan Knight, Earl of Ellington needs Deirdre’s help to find his sister Lady Emily. She has run away from home and he is desperately worried about her. He begs Deirdre to help him, and is less than kind when she refuses. He has already gone to Bow Street to demand their assistance, and they have refused him as well. Tristan has only recently returned to England after the death of his father, leaving him with a financial disaster to clear up, and a very resentful sixteen year old sister. His attempts to bring Emily under control have resulted in the exact opposite, and her running away is just the final straw in the painful relationship. He needs Deirdre’s help, because he knows very little about Tothill Fields, and is aware of her charitable works there.
After Deirdre refuses him, she has a severe attack of conscience and agrees to aid him. But they are not the only ones looking for Emily. Barnaby Flynt knows Emily witnessed him committing murder, and wants her silenced at any cost. As Deirdre and Tristan search frantically for Emily, they draw closer together. Tristan fears the scandal if Society learns about his interest in Deirdre, because his Aunt Rue, Marchioness of Overton wants to take Emily from his custody, and he doesn’t want to chance losing his sister.
This is Kimberly Logan’s debut novel. The writing and characterization are those of a more experienced novelist. I could not put this book down. The suspense was well done, and the menace of the villain was spine tingling. The characters remained with me after I finished the story, and I was sorry to see it come to an end. It comes as no surprise to learn the author won the RWA 2004 Golden Heart for this book. Kimberly Logan has sold another book to Avon as well, to be published later in 2005. I will be eagerly awaiting this next tale from a gifted writer. This book deserves the Reviewer's Choice award.
Reviewed by Nancy Riggins-Hume
for The Road to Romance
November 4, 2004
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