A Dangerous Madness

by Michelle Diener

[kimbacaffeinate]

I love Michelle Diener’s historical suspense mysteries. They are all based around actual events, with delightful characters and a side dish of romance. A Dangerous Madness is connected to her previous novels; The Emperor’s Conspiracy and Banquet of Lies since we see characters from those novels but all are standalone and can be read in any order.

It is 1812, and the man her father arranged for to marry before his death has just jilted Phoebe Hillier. It was not a love match, but Phoebe has always played by the rules. She soon discovers her ex-fiancé was involved in a plot to a sinister plot. The Duke of Wittaker, a notorious rake and scoundrel to the ton, is actually a spy for the crown. For the first time, he wants to step down but when the prime minister is assassinated, and there is a rush to trial, well duty calls. Phoebe soon finds herself in trouble and turns to the Duke for help. As the two work together, they quickly realize the other has been living a lie. The tale that unfolds is suspenseful with sweet moments, and I found myself lost within its pages.

I love the characters that Diener creates, and Wittaker and Phoebe were delightful. Phoebe who always plays the dutiful daughter is, quite smart. She has wit and does not crumble under stress. I adored how she spoke her thoughts and made her desires clear. Ah, the Duke of Wittaker. Can we just take a moment to say, “Yum?” He is devilish handsome, noble and admittedly lonely. It is hard to lead a double life. He has a commanding presence and is forwarding thinking regarding a female’s intellect making him swoon-worthy. The characters were strong, believable, and I easily connected with them both individually and as a team.

A Dangerous Madness is a suspense woven around historical facts that Diener explains in the back of the book. The way in which she uses real names and events add an authenticity to the tale. All of the secondary characters were colorful and the thread regarding the assassination was fascinating. Diener has us tagging along with Phoebe and Wittaker revealing clues and facts to us. Little side stories about old characters and chefs add interest. The romance is secondary and very clean but oh so charming. There were some hilarious moments as well as sweet, tender ones that made me smile. Once again, Diener delivered, and I closed this novel satisfied.

Fans of historical fiction, suspense and mystery, will enjoy A Dangerous Madness. The romance was sweet and added that perfect touch without bogging down the tale. I have enjoyed all of Diener’s regency era novels and look forward to the next one.

Copy received from publisher in exchange for unbiased review that originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer