Brighton, England – 19th Century

Miss Cassandra Paxton arrives in Brighton with two objectives. One, as much as it pains her, she must sell her family’s summer home. She hasn’t the means to keep it. And two, she is determined to discover the meaning behind a letter her brother wrote just before he died a little over a year ago. In his missive, he stated he had done something horrible and with the dissipated lifestyle Rupert led, that of gambling and drinking, Cassandra is concerned. Since her brother resided in Brighton, she hopes to contact some of Rupert’s former cronies and learn if they know anything about the dastardly deed he committed.

The first person on Cassandra’s list to visit is Lord Deverill. However, he is not what she expected at all. By his appearance, he hardly seems the type to lead a life of drinking and gambling. She cannot fathom a friendship between Lord Deverill and her brother. And although he assures her that the letter refers to something trivial, like a gambling debt, Caroline is sure he is hiding something from her. Her suspicions only grow when she seems to come across Lord Deverill all too often. She would like to believe the handsome gentleman is sincerely interested in her, but she has her doubts, especially when a series of accidents befall her.

As soon as Cassandra comes to Brighton, Justin knows there will be trouble. Her inquiries about Rupert’s letter, as well as the circumstances surrounding his death, are bound to stir up matters better left alone. Her arrival is a hindrance to his covert operations, and her presence wreaks havoc with his mind. Before his death, Rupert recklessly gambled away a locket with Cassandra’s miniature inside it and, ever since, Justin has been infatuated with her beauty. He would like nothing better than to woo her, but instead he must guard her life and, if possible, protect her from the truth.

In LORD DEVERILL’S SECRET, author Amanda Grange does an excellent job of pulling readers in with a tantalizing mystery and steadily building the suspense with each turn of the page. By the time the secret surrounding Cassandra’s brother is finally revealed, about half way through the tale, readers are already thoroughly involved in the plight of the two protagonists, Cassandra and Justin. Their lives are in danger, and the intrigue surrounding them is thick. Yet, a budding romance between the two is equally engrossing, probably because they are such amiable characters. He is an interesting gentleman leading a double life, and she is a typical English miss proving she has no small amount of pluck when she is suddenly thrust into extraordinary circumstances.

Finishing off the delightful tale is a surprise ending, making LORD DEVERILL’S SECRET that much more enjoyable. Don’t miss it.

Sandra Brill