THE LURE OF THE MOONFLOWER is one of those novels that wraps its historical-thriller plot with a framework set in the present. The modern day scenes are scattered throughout, and though they contain a bit of mystery of their own, they are almost an annoying distraction to the fascinating 19th century story at the heart of the novel.

Jane Wooliston is the Pink Carnation, a British Agent who prefers to work alone. Her latest mission brings her to Portugal, and though she is loath to accept it, she needs help. Her partner is to be the Moonflower, Jack Reid. He once spied for the French, and she doesn't trust that he won't turn again. Jack sees the Carnation as a spoiled aristocrat. He doesn't want to like her any more than Jane wants to like him. As their mission to find the Portuguese queen takes them from French camp to country inn to secluded abbey, they begrudgingly earn each other's respect.

The historical plot is an aspect of the Napoleonic Wars I knew little about, so I found that very interesting. Author Lauren Willig does an excellent job presenting the situation in a way that's easy for a non-scholar to follow while not being heavy handed. Jack and Jane are well-drawn, complex characters: funny, serious, smart, and headstrong.

The present day plot follows a scholar who -- decades after the past events -- sets out to unmask the Pink Carnation and publish her adventures. She's planning her marriage to a descendant of another Napoleonic-era spy and, at the same time, investigating a mysterious trunk delivered to their home, a trunk that may have ties to the Carnation.

This is the twelfth and final novel in a series about the Pink Carnation. It is the first I've read, and I enjoyed it all the same. It has references to other characters and situations that I presume are covered in the eleven previous books, and based on the pleasure I got from reading this one, I would recommend starting at the beginning.

I recommend THE LURE OF THE MOONFLOWER for readers who enjoy historical novels that offer an equal blend of romance, humor, and adventure.