The Scarlet Spy

Andrea Pickens

Sofia has trained since she was ten years old to be a Merlin - one of a group of women specially trained to be spies in 19th century England. Sofia has received her first major assignment. She is to join the London aristocratic ton. A group within that society is profiteering by smuggling opium and drugs as well as selling inferior goods to the military or claiming sales of goods never delivered. They are making themselves richer at the expense of others and undermining the strength of England.

Through some secret connections, Sofia is established in London as the English widow of an Italian count. Lord Deverill Osborne is drafted to introduce her to London Society although he doesn't know her real purpose or mission. He only knows this mysterious woman attracts him and he enjoys performing this favor for a friend - to have this woman get established in Society. Why is she interested in men he is sure are dangerous?

Sofia quickly starts her hunt through Society to see if she can discover the traitors. She also feigns a deep interest in historical coins and artifacts. Somehow the delivery of these items are tied up in the conspiracy. She is accepted by the current active members of Society as well as the older men who are also part of the aristocracy. She carefully digs for information. All too often, as she is trying to work, Osborne shows up and distracts her. Will she be able to do her work and keep him safe?

The Scarlet Spy is standard, enjoyable romantic fare. It is quick and fun yet Andrea Pickens is able to develop her characters well enough to give them some depth. The outcome is inevitable (this is a romance novel) yet it's worth reading to get there.

The Merlins, featured in two earlier novels as well, is a fascinating group. In a society where men rule and women follow, it is intriguing to believe that strong women like Sofia are able to sneak through and help change the order of things. Plus their origins make them more likeable. Orphans in London during this era didn't fare well. The Merlins is a way to assist the young girls and make them productive.

The romantic will enjoy The Scarlet Spy. I did - it's a fun ride.

Notice: Explicit sexual content

Publicist provided for review

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