Review: A MOST INELIGIBLE SUITOR (MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELOR) by Sarah Richmond | A Victorian holiday in Italy and a chance to catch a thief! Reviewed by Auriette Lindsey

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A MOST INELIGIBLE SUITOR (MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELOR)

A Most Ineligible Suitor (Most Eligible Bachelor), November 2012
by Sarah Richmond

Montlake Romance
Featuring: Captain Edward Grainger; Frederick Clive-Bickerton; Marjorie Mayweather
272 pages
ISBN: 161218670X
EAN: 9781612186702
Kindle: B008MBWR8W
Paperback / e-Book
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"A Victorian holiday in Italy and a chance to catch a thief!"

Fresh Fiction Review

A MOST INELIGIBLE SUITOR (MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELOR)
Sarah Richmond

Reviewed by Auriette Lindsey
Posted October 12, 2013

Romance Historical

I love a novel with adventure, romance, and mystery, and A MOST INELIGIBLE SUITOR has it all. Marjorie Mayweather is a debutante with an offer of marriage on the table. She's not sure about her potential fiancé, so before she gives an answer, she takes off for Italy, with her elderly cousin along as chaperone. Marjorie finds excitement everywhere, in the town and with the various characters staying in the same house. She is both intrigued and annoyed by one of the guests, Captain Edward Grainger; they just can't seem to get along.

Edward isn't in the bed and breakfast on holiday; he's there to catch a jewel thief. He has information that it's one of the other guests, so he just has to keep a close eye on everyone until the burglar makes a move. Trouble is, he's having a hard time watching anyone but the irritating Miss Mayweather.

I enjoyed author Sarah Richmond's descriptions of the Italian town and fashions of the day, and it's always fun to put the clues together in a mystery. The only thing I didn't like about this novel was the whodunit. The identity of the thief just didn't make sense to me, and Richmond doesn't give a detailed enough explanation of how the criminal fit the clues. Other readers may not have the same questions that I had, especially those more interested in the romance than the mystery.

A MOST INELIGIBLE SUITOR is appropriate for older teens as well as adults interested in Victorian or historical romance.

Learn more about A MOST INELIGIBLE SUITOR (MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELOR)

SUMMARY

On a grand tour to Italy with her cousin, wealthy heiress Marjorie Mayweather is braced for the adventure of a lifetime. After all, this is her chance for one last fling before surrendering herself to Frederick Clive-Bickerton, the well-heeled bachelor intent on marrying her. But Frederick is the last thing on Marjorie’s mind when she meets the dashing yet chilly Captain Edward Grainger, a fellow resident at the Pensione Ferretti. Vexed by his indifference and enchanted by his ice-blue gaze, she finds herself magnetically drawn to this strangely private gentleman. Edward must keep his distance, no matter how alluring he finds Marjorie to be. For he’s not really a military captain at all—he’s an undercover agent in pursuit of a notorious jewel thief reported to be staying at the pensione. Can Edward maintain his ruse long enough to nab the criminal among them…or will the affections of a young debutante unravel his entire investigation?

EXCERPT

The railway station was teeming with people. She searched for the ticket agent but stopped abruptly when she saw a familiar figure pacing in front of a stone bench, his head bent, his arms clasped behind him. Edward had arrived ahead of her. How her spirit soared to see him. At the same time she wondered why he was here. When he saw her, his dark, brooding countenance disappeared, replaced by a generous smile. She hurried to meet him, clinging to her hat, hoping beyond hope that he was here to take her home. His hand touched her gloveless hand as he reached to take her valise. Sparks raced to her core. “How did you know I’d be here,” she rasped. Her voice failed her as did her decorum. She flung her arms around his neck and embraced him. “I didn’t but I’m happy to have found you,” he whispered for her and her alone to hear. She drew back and gazed into his eyes. They had a moment before decisions must be made, of alternatives sought out and discussed. She would never forget this moment when they found each other. “I’m so sorry,” she said. “For what?” “For involving you in such a sordid matter.” “You did nothing wrong,” he said. “So you do believe me?” “I regret doubting you. It is in my nature.” Again she saw the gentle curve of his mouth, a suggestion of happiness. She sensed no fear in him. She’d been terrified, but he was reassuring her that her fears were unfounded. The sound of a steam whistle in the distance alerted her to the arrival of the next train. The milling crowd picked up their cases and parcels and crowded together on the platform. A little man wearing a blue jacket and cap waved frantically at them to step back from the track. “We must hurry,” Marjorie said. “Have you brought money for a ticket?” “Tickets won’t be necessary,” he said. “The police are satisfied you are innocent.” “But how?” He offered her his arm and she accepted. He steered her to the empty stone bench. “Sit down, Marjorie,” he said. “I’ve something important to tell you.” She heard the whistle of the approaching train and saw great puffs of smoke belching upward. “The train to Naples is almost here,” she said. “I want to be on it, to go home where I belong.” “Hear me out,” he said. “If you wish to return to England, I will understand.” “Yes, I believe you are the most understanding man I’ve ever met.” Mothers called to their children, and she heard their eager cries of excitement as the train squealed to a stop and sighed. People in the train lowered their windows and waved madly to those on the platform. People were getting on the train. Marjorie wouldn’t be one of them. She sat down on the bench shaded by a row of tall cypress. He took a seat beside her and reached for her hand. She held on to him with complete trust. His expression was very somber. Instantly, she became apprehensive. All was not well. He’d told her the police no longer considered her a suspect. What else could possibly be the matter?

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