When all her efforts to find her missing brother Tom failed, Lily Davies knew only one man would be able to help her: Calvin Cabot. To put it mildly, there is some bad blood between the two, but former reporter Calvin has his finger on the pulse of the city. Lily, however, never thought she would finally track the newspaper MOGUL to an opium den! And I am not saying one more word about the fabulously intricate plot of this wonderful book!

I already counted The Knickerbocker Club at the past year's best series, and MOGUL might be the best book of the lot! Every book in this extraordinary series shows a different aspect of 1889 New York City, every book has a different tone, no two characters are alike, there are surprises galore, and through it all, Joanna Shupe presents a complete picture of an era more vivid than any photograph ever could. Every book is solidly anchored in history, and in MOGUL, Ms. Shupe exposes the little-known Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, and again the author's research is exemplary and perfectly integrated in what is a splendid romance.

MOGUL is bursting with passion, action, and excitement! The characters are exquisitely well-drawn and unusually complex; both Lily and Calvin are extremely strong-willed -- not stupidly obstinate! -- and their relationship is one of the most genuinely passionate I have ever read, and not only from the sexual side; they are passionate people, period. This said, the sex scenes are sizzling hot, and entirely apropos. Calvin has a fascinating backstory, as does his friend and valet Hugo, a freed slave, and they make a formidable duo. I love that Ms. Shupe gives MOGUL a true melting pot vibe, as it reflects the growing United States in the Gilded Age. This is one of those series that I wish would never end; MOGUL blew me away!