The heroines of Lauren Willig's bestselling Pink Carnation series have engaged in espionage all over nineteenth-century Europe. In the sixth stand-alone volume, our fair English heroine travels to India, where she finds freedom—and risk—more exciting than she ever imagined. Everyone warned Miss Penelope Deveraux that her unruly behavior would land her in disgrace someday. She never imagined she's be whisked off to India to give the scandal of her hasty marriage time to die down. As Lady Frederick Staines waits, Penelope plunges into the treacherous waters of the court of the Nizam of Hyderabad, where no one is quite what they seem—even her husband. In a strange country, where elaborate court dress masks even more elaborate intrigues and a dangerous spy called the Marigold leaves venomous cobras as his calling card, there is only one person Penelope can trust... Captain Alex Reid has better things to do than play nursemaid to a pair of aristocrats. Or so he thinks—until Lady Frederick Staines out-shoots, out-rides, and out-swims every man in the camp. She also has an uncanny ability to draw out the deadly plans of the Marigold and put herself in harm's way. With danger looming from local warlords, treacherous court officials, and French spies, Alex realizes that an alliance with Lady Staines just might be the only thing standing in the way of a plot designed to rock the very foundations of the British Empire...
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"So excited to have discovered there were more books in this series!! This one takes place primarily in India (say it in British in your head...come on now... Inja...) about which I know very little, so I thoroughly enjoyed all of the historical context in the book. I love the tone of these books, I love the back and forth from modern to historical...lots of good information but still not 'heavy'...thoroughly delightful reading!"
— Laura (4 out of 5 stars)
" So I really didn't "read" this book. I tried and got through like 40 pages and it just didn't hold my interest. I enjoyed her previous books so I don't know why this one wasn't so interesting to me. Will try it again maybe in the summer when I need some light reading. "
— Allie, 1/13/2014" Alas I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first 3 of her books. I can't seem to put my finger on what is missing but it is missing something that makes it magical. "
— Rebecca, 1/9/2014" A-l-m-o-s-t 4. :-) "
— Barbara, 12/31/2013" This was so, so much better than the last book. Penelope was flawed and regretful and mixed up and wonderful. She's my favorite heroine thus far. "
— Marissa, 12/30/2013" See my review for The Secret History of the Pink Carnation "
— Kristin, 11/22/2013" Still a great series, but probably my least favorite book. I'm not a big fan of adultery. I liked the change to India and wonder if Wilig is going to do something interesting with Jack Reid. Perhaps have him meet the Pink Carnation. "
— Ti-Leigh, 11/18/2013" A good spy book! Got to love a quick witted lady of the ton. "
— Joan, 11/14/2013" I love this series, but the India background and main characters didn't keep my interest. I would love to see more of Eloise's story. Despite the storyline, I am devoted to this series! "
— Alicia, 10/24/2013" received this book as a first read. "
— Jessica, 10/10/2013" I love these books sooooooo much. Seriously. "
— Xandretta, 9/28/2013" I think this one might be the most grown-up of the lot. I really enjoyed Penelope as a character, and I hope that future characters are as good. "
— Kathy, 9/7/2013" From the ballrooms of London to camping in India; this book takes you on a journey to meet the Marigold (latest spy in the series) and to introduce you to next spy, the Moonflower. So far, one of my favorites of the Pink Carnation Series. "
— Mary, 6/14/2013" By far the best in the series. Perfect romance. Willig's writing is strong, really strong. "
— Ashley, 6/13/2013" It was very fun and very Penelope. I enjoyed it a great deal. I found the wrap-up at the end too quick and not entirely satisfying; however, it's not often a book is long enough for me:) "
— Carriedebruler, 4/7/2013" I enjoyed this change in scenery to India! And I loved Penelope... And Alex. Wish there was a follow-up in India :) "
— Elisha, 11/11/2012" The best book in the series! Penelope is absolutely my favorite heroine in the series so far!!! "
— Lindsey, 3/26/2012" Another disappointment. I love the first one. Second and third are also good, but after that, don't really bother. "
— Mandellagreen, 10/21/2011" I thoroughly enjoyed the initial couple of books in this series, and I am to a point where I don't think I will continue to read her books. The plots and ending are predictable and the topic is just getting stale. I like the author, but I hope she starts writing a different type of book. "
— Sherri, 10/15/2011" I think this is the sixth book in this "series" (very loosely connected). It was better than the last one I read based on a more unpredictable plotline and I enjoyed the change of setting from England to India. "
— Lauri, 5/18/2011" Enjoyable and quick read. Once you start with the series, you will want to continue just to keep up with the characters lives. "
— Ann, 5/4/2011" Willig has improved with each successful book, and she seems to have hit her stride with Blood Lily. The female characters are women instead of silly children with heaving bosoms. With that flaw corrected, these books are pretty entertaining. "
— Lindsay, 4/10/2011" I have read this series in order and enjoy the characters and the scenery described. This one needed more Eloise and Collin. They seemed to be an afterthought "
— Cathy, 3/27/2011" i enjoy this series (the pink carnation) immensely - can't wait for to get a copy of the Mischief of the Mistletoe! "
— Katiebee, 3/25/2011" Another great addition to the Pink collection. Call me stupid though...Blood lily? did I miss something? Where was that? I hate it when I can't connect! "
— Stephanie, 2/15/2011" Enjoyed it but was annoyed by the present day characters. I will probably keep reading the series. Liked the change of location to india. Why are all he romance novel heroines red haired and 'headstrong'? "
— Elizabeth, 2/4/2011" I had not read any books by Lauren Willig. I won a copy of this book on Goodreads. I really enjoyed the book. Loved the way she incorporated going from present day back to the days in India. I am looking forward to reading her earlier books in this series. "
— Beth, 1/24/2011" This series might be getting a bit predictable, but I really do enjoy them. "
— Jennifer, 1/24/2011Lauren Willig is the USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty novels of historical fiction and historical romance, including the RITA Award–winning Pink Carnation series. An alumna of Yale University, she has a graduate degree in history from Harvard and a JD from Harvard Law School.
Michael Kramer is an AudioFile Earphones Award winner, a finalist for the prestigious Audie Award for Best Narration, and recipient of a Publishers Weekly Listen-Up Award. He is also an actor and director in the Washington, DC, area, where he is active in the area’s theater scene and has appeared in productions at the Shakespeare Theatre, the Kennedy Center, and Theater J.