Strange Capers by Joan Smith Published by Belgrave House on May 28, 2011
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Historical / Regency
Pages: 161
Format: eBook
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Constance Pethel had become accustomed to Lady Savage’s “economies” and begging letters to Lord Aiglon to provide money to refurbish his falling-down manor that they occupied. Arriving to discover this deceit, Aiglon decided to put the property on the market, depriving them of their home. But Constance learned that Aiglon was more interested in a stolen shipment of British arms—and herself. Regency Romance by Joan Smith; originally published by Fawcett Crest
I have read a lot of Joan Smith, mostly because they are on the shorter side so I can breeze through them in a few sittings, they have familiar elements, and I usually like her writing style. With trepidation, and running out of titles, I have read a few of her first person books even though its generally not my cup of tea for romance.
Strange Capers is one of those first person novels that reads more like a sort of gothic mystery than a romance. There is a romance element and a HEA, but perhaps greater than the plot’s mystery is why the MCs fall in love.
Like many gothic novels, the MC whose head we are in (in this case, Constance) doesn’t know who to trust. She is not even sure she can trust herself, after longing for a beau but finding none tucked away in a crumbling mansion near the seaside (and smugglers!). Constance is alternatingly missish and a bit heroic, but I still am not quite sure of her personality after spending some time in her head. Sheltered is perhaps the best word that springs to mind, although she is not exactly naïve as much as a bit dumb.
The lord of the manor has come to visit, under false pretenses, his unentailed house that has been in his cousin’s care for years. Thus begins the mystery which includes sneak thievery, smugglers, the threat of French invasion, and buried treasure.
I did finish it, and enjoyed elements of this book, but it wasn’t Smith’s finest and certainly not much in the way of romance to be had.
It is kisses only, with only minor mature subject matter and minimal violence. If, like me, you are working your way through Smith’s catalogue and can find a deal, and also don’t expect much in the way of actually well developed romance, then check it out. Otherwise, maybe take a pass on this strange caper.
