The Mystery Kiss
Grade : B-

The Mystery Kiss is a sweet book with an absolutely adorable lead pair of lovers who are not the usual young miss and jaded rake of historical or traditional regency romance. Instead Atticus and Fleur are older, widowed and rather plain. The story they play in is a complicated mystery during which Atticus and Fleur have a tendency to get lost. Still, this is an unusual and endearing book that was a pleasant change of pace for me.

Fleur, Viscountess Marsten is a Shipbuilder's Daughter. That is the most complimentary thing the ton call her. More often it's "upstart mushroom" and "stink of the shop". Fleur is in London to arrange for a Season for her stepdaughter Althea. She has been a widow for a year now, finally free of her horrid, cruel husband and her step-children (who both love her) are looking forward to a London Season with their dear mama.

Atticus Charles Howard, Earl of Hartsfield is also coming to London. He has been a widower for four years, but before his marriage, he was known as The Spectre, a man who could move through all ranks of London from high to low and who has foiled more than one plot against the Crown. Atticus had a very happy marriage, but now there are plots afoot and the government needs The Spectre again.

Atticus and Fleur meet when he rescues her as she is suffering from coach sickness. He remembered how cruelly the ton treated her during her marriage and designates himself her protector. Atticus insinuates himself into Fleur's life by lending her the cachet of his title, and by quietly whispering words of advice and encouragement when she is being snubbed by the haughty tabbies of the ton. At one point, he finds her alone in a dark garden and gives her the mystery kiss of the title.

Atticus is an Original - if one can call a hero by that title. He is quite a contradiction. Big (250 pounds) and tall (6 feet 5 inches) with a gentleness about him that is as endearing as can be. He has a plain face and big ears, but has eyes of haunting beauty. He thinks of himself as ugly and awkward, but to be in his presence for only a few minutes is enough to tell the discerning person how truly beautiful he is.

Fleur too, is not a beauty. Older, widowed, plain and not at all a Diamond, but once in her presence the discerning person is struck by her kindness, her charm and her intelligence. She and Atticus make an unusual and unusually sweet pair.

The mystery plot is full of secondary characters. There are some charming secondary younger characters, including Fleur's step-children and Atticus's brother-in-law. There are people who are not who they seem to be, and the plot gets so complex that Fleur and Atticus are lost for stretches of time. While I enjoyed this mystery aspect of the book, I could not help but wish for more of Fleur and Atticus - such a dear couple they were.

The Mystery Kiss is a good combination of humor, character and plot. There is no sex, just kisses but lots of wonderful tension between the main pair. If you are looking for an historical romance that is not the usual pretty people at play in Society, The Mystery Kiss will suit you very well indeed.

Reviewed by Ellen Micheletti
Grade : B-

Sensuality: Kisses

Review Date : May 14, 2001

Publication Date: 2001

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Ellen Micheletti

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