LORD OF THE PRIVATEERS is the thrilling conclusion to a four-part mystery series. Stephanie Laurens' Adventurers Quartet follows the four Frobisher brothers, and their true loves, through the intrigue and danger of an international conspiracy.

Captain Royd Frobisher is the oldest brother, the responsible one. He's needed on an important mission for the crown, and his family, when Isobel Carmichael arrives demanding his help. Isobel is the bride who got away, and Royd sees a voyage together as an opportunity to win her back.

Isobel is made of stern stuff, raised by powerful women, and secure enough in her own strength to keep Royd at arm's length for years. Only a family obligation brings her begging to Royd's door, but she, too, recognizes the journey as an opportunity, to get him out of her system once and for all.

Author Stephanie Laurens has a knack for getting you into her characters' heads. It's a rich experience, heading into this adventure knowing exactly how Royd and Isobel feel about each other, feeling their memories of their youth together and the handfasting that somehow went wrong. Understanding their deepest thoughts and fears underscores the tension between them and makes it plain why they don't just hash out their differences in a quick conversation over a cup of tea.

The conspiracy at the heart of the four series is just as strong and well thought out as its characters. Laurens is a brilliant strategist, coordinating the actions of the evildoers and our heroes, as well as any spymaster. By nature of the genre, you know we'll get a happily-ever-after, but the story will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout.

I read the first in the series, as well as this last novel, and got along well enough without reading the middle book. That said, this is one of those interconnected series where there's a real benefit to reading them all in order.

I highly recommend LORD OF THE PRIVATEERS, and indeed the Adventurers Quartet, for lovers of Regency romance (though this is set a few years after George IV's ascension), historical mysteries, and adventure stories.