Revenge of the Barbary Ghost

First a werewolf, now a ghost! If Lady Anne and Lord Darkefell are going to continue to spend time together, they should be prepared for non-stop excitement and danger. Revenge of the Barbary Ghost is the second book in the Lady Anne Addison Mysteries series, and it’s every bit as delightful as the first, Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark. If you are new to the series this book will work just fine standalone. But do yourself a favor, stop right now and catch up. The history and backstories are fascinating and will add much to your reading pleasure. Anne and Darkefell spend about equal time mesmerized by or irritated with each other. They are, or will be, a terrific couple, but after Anne nearly loses her life and Darkefell, in a moment of panic, demands she “stop this foolishness” and marry him immediately she flees his estate in Yorkshire and goes to stay with friends in Cornwall to think things through. She is powerfully attracted to him but marriage was not on her agenda. Of course he follows her, but not before she learns of sightings of “The Barbary Ghost” and decides to investigate. Anne doesn’t believe in ghosts any more than she believes in werewolves and thinks the ghost is a cover for smugglers. When she learns of Darkefell’s arrival she hopes to enlist his aid in solving the mystery. Darkefell, however, has barely recovered from the fear of losing her due to her recklessness and again lectures her about how she needs to calm down, back off, stay safe and let him handle things. Anne, in effect, storms off in a huff. These two have a lot to learn about relationships but they are absolutely charming as they blunder through their mutual steamy attraction. They are pretty adept, though, at solving mysteries and the superbly written, well-developed, smooth flowing, detailed plot and clues provided by author Victoria Hamilton make for a great read. Anne’s maid Mary and Darkefell’s secretary Osei Boatin are back and as interesting as ever, and Anne’s friend Pamela and her brother Marcus keep you guessing. This is a story that will claim your attention and delight you, full of action and danger and unexplained happenings. Once again author Hamilton (aka Donna Lea Simpson) has skillfully blended a romance with some heat and a mystery that will make you think into a thoroughly entertaining Georgian historical. I was fortunate enough to have an audio copy of Revenge the Barbary Ghost and the author’s story and Danielle Cohen’s narration make for one terrific listen. I was not required or expected to provide a review and all opinions are my own. I loved this story and love this series. Lucky for me the adventures of Lady Anne and the Marquess of Darkefell will continue!