Society miss Charlotte Raven has a hidden past, and her secret life takes her into London's seamiest streets in the dark of night. Edward, Lord Durnham has secrets, too, as he carries out an urgent mission for the Crown. When the fate of three small boys brings them together, it sets off a chain of events that puts both their lives at risk and threatens England's future.

THE EMPEROR'S CONSPIRACY is a breakneck thriller that takes you from London's sparkling ballrooms to its darkest gutters. Author Michelle Diener has crafted an intricate knot of a plot, and as one character points out early on, you can't trust anybody.

The novel was inspired by historical events: Napoleon really did try to topple England's economy by illegally exporting its gold, and the situations some of the lower-born characters find themselves in were all too real in the 19th century. Diener makes it all come to life through vivid descriptions of a world populated by strong, three-dimensional characters. Even some of the most dangerous figures will tug at your heart.

THE EMPEROR'S CONSPIRACY is an excellent blend of historical fiction, romance, action, and mystery. I hated to turn the final page, because I wanted to keep reading about these intriguing people and the worlds they inhabit. I highly recommend it.