While I still enjoyed this book in the series it was probably my least favorite. The mystery, or really mysteries, were rather all over the place and I was distanced from Mary and her choices at one point. Again, I don't know the pressures for women in her class and circumstances so perhaps I am judging her a little harshly especially when it comes to a future king expressing unwanted attention and armor. However, it just didn't seem to jive with the Mary I had come to understand to even consider compromising herself to solve an unimportant case. Also, the villains were a little less complex and interesting in this book.I was glad to see James continue his arc even if I am suspect it isn't entirely realistic. I did find it satisfying though and I suspect that was the point. Plus, I thought the issues going on with the Agency, and more specifically, the heads was an interesting twist. The final installment in the trilogy. It's like my friend, Garnet, said. These books are dessert. Not my usual genre of action/mystery/romance. Not much thinking to be done reading this. Mary seemed much less pulled together in this book than the others and that was kind of annoying to me, but, she's had a lot happen and her history weighs heavily and plays a big part of this book so, I let it slide. Ha ha.The funniest thing is how when Mary and James keep "running" into each other and they say "Not even in a three volume series would this be believable!" which makes me chuckle. The author clearly is having some fun and it is chuckle worthy. The same type of things are mentioned in the other two books also. "Not even in a fiction novel could this happen!" and such. Funny.So, I wouldn't label these a MUST read. If you're bored with nothing else to read at the moment, looking for some fluff reading, sure, go for it.
Do You like book The Traitor And The Tunnel (2011)?
Holy moly. Ahhhhhhh. I might be in tears. There was so much happening in this book. The mystery that all of the books so far have had. The .....Interesting... to say the least, romance. The idea of a strong independent woman in a society where that is not expected, combined with her willingness to do anything for her job. Her past, her present, her future ...hint, hint.. all together and making a great story. I can't say it was the best in the series, but that is only because all the books are equally amazing, but I say, This book got.... intriguing. Read at your own risk, of adding another book to your favorites list.
—madhu
Firstly: If you loved the first 2 (like me) You will LOVE this book.Secondly: I LOVED this book. LOVED IT!Thirdly: YOU HAVE TO READ IT! Otherwise you are definitely missing out!This book is such a perfect balance between absolutely everything - the Victorian style, plots, romance oh and speaking of that this is like the BEST book I have every read based on romance because it is not cheesy, far from over the top and not the main theme however what is shown is so good!
—mzashkay
Thrilling, poignant, witty end to a great trilogy.
—Sean
