Caroline Blacknall, a bookish widow with a stronger passion for books than adventure, sets off for Muirin Inish, an isolated Irish island. Only one thing could possibly take sensible Caroline on such an adventure -- a book. Caroline is desperate to acquire The Chronicle of Kildare, a book that has been shrouded in mystery for years. There are only three in existence, and Caroline can only trace one copy. Unfortunately, that copy is owned by Grant Dunmore. It has been years since Grant Dunmore disappeared from Dublin society. Grant was once in love with Caroline's sister, Anna. When Anna chose Grant's cousin, Grant exacted his revenge by kidnapping her. Grant's plan did not work out as planned and Grant and Caroline were trapped in a burning warehouse.

After Grant left Dublin, Caroline believed she would never see him again, that is until she discovered he owned the only traceable copy of The Chronicle of Kildare. If the historic book wasn't so vital to Caroline's research for her own book on Irish history, Caroline would never dream of seeking out the man who wished to marry her sister, but seduced her instead. Caroline nearly drowns attempting to reach Muirin Castle, but Grant rescues her. When Caroline awakens from her brush with death, she realizes the Grant Dunmore before her is not the man she once knew.

Caroline remembers Lord Grant Dunmore as a notorious rake among Dublin society. His love of women, drink, and dancing were legendary. But the man who rescues Caroline from the sea is a mere shadow of the man Caroline remembers. Grant's secluded castle is a crumbling seaside ruin with rumors of a restless ghost. When Caroline begins sleuthing into Grant's new life, she discovers that a maid died in the castle after she was pushed from the tower.

Grant secrecy convince Caroline that Grant's seclusion has more to it than losing the woman he loved to his cousin. When unexpected visitors arrive, including a French viscount, Grant insists that Caroline leave at once. He even claims to no longer have a copy of the book Caroline knows he would never part with. Grant's suspicious and paranoid behavior begins to make Caroline wonder if Grant is working as a spy for the French. After all, Napoleon is searching for an ally and Ireland is the perfect choice.

The first half of LADY OF SEDUCTION reminds me of a Daphne du Maurier novel. The crumbling old castle, Grant's mysterious seclusion, and the rumors of a ghost had me hooked. Unfortunately, after Grant and Caroline left Muirin Inish, the novel began to lose my interest. Although some parts of the novel seem to drag on at times, the first half of the novel and the mystical legend of The Chronicle of Kildare will fascinate readers who enjoy a good mystery with a little romance thrown in the mix.