A Terrible Beauty: A Lady Emily Mystery (Lady Emily Mysteries, 11) (edició 2017)

First I want to say how refreshing it is with a blurb that doesn't give away half the book or some key events. Instead, it just intrigues ones mind with the question: what if Philip didn't die all those years ago? What happened to him, and why would he reveal himself to Emily now?

I have to confess that I struggled with the first book in this series when I read it a little while ago. I wanted to read the first book before I read this book and since I had it on my bookshelf for over one year did I find it was perhaps time for it now. My problem with the first book was that I didn't find the characters nor the story engrossing and I hoped this one would appeal to me a bit more. And, yes in a way it did, but in a way, I still struggled with the characters. Lady Emily isn't really a bad character, she just does not interest me so much. I have nothing against her, she just feels a bit lackluster as an individual. But, I don't mind reading about her. However, I found Colin boring as hell. Sorry, he's just not a person that I like especially much, not in this book nor in the first book. I was actually quite dejected when I read the first book and realized that Emily and Colin were getting cozy. And, now, here in book eleven are married with children. *sigh* Sorry, sometimes some characters just doesn't appeal to me for some reason...

However, I was interested in finding out how it all would turn out. Was this really Philip back from the dead? And, I have to admit, I did like Philip more than Colin (probably the only reader who does). But, then I did like Philip quite a lot in the first book, despite him being "dead".

The mystery of Philip and if he is really Philip, and where he had been was the highlight of the book and the one thing that really made this book interesting to read. I was curious to see how it all would end, and I did not expect that ending. Perhaps it was a bit over the top. But, still, it was surprising...

I want to thank St. Martin's Press for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley! ( )

Lady Emily, Colin, Margaret, & Jeremy are on their way to her home in Greece (Santorini) in order to distract Jeremy from his ill fated engagement.

As of late lady Emily keeps seeing a man who looks like, Philip Ashton, her previous (now dead) husband.

When they arrive at her Santorini home; Philip is already there (it was originally his home) and things become tense and dangerous...

There are doubts about Philip being who he claims to be, his stories, of love & friendship, while being true, seem to be lacking. Also someone is after Philip for a piece of bronze he has stolen from a dig.

Not only was this story far-fetched, I thought the back-from-the-dead Philip not a particularly endearing character and selfish. I also found most of the archaeological references boring.

Alexander is either hit-or-miss with her writing... maybe she should take more time between books! ( )

Off to Santorini for an archaeological dig and vacation. Many views of the idyllic scenery and lifestyles of the effete British aristocracy serve as good background for a visit by a voice from the past. Some local thugs and well-meaning seekers of history clash over a rare artifact from the time of Achilles. The main characters stay interesting and the storyline lively enough to make this a valid entry in this good series. ( )

It's always a treat to spend time with Emily and Colin but the poor dears now have the added burden of filling an Amelia-and-Emerson-shaped hole in my reading. Thankfully, they're witty and intelligent enough to be up to the task.

But, please, can we talk about those covers? They just really don't do the series justice. ( )

This series featuring Lady Emily is another one of my favorite mystery series. If you follow the series too, then you know Lady Emily was married and widowed before she remarried Colin Hargreaves. Well in this installment, Lady Emily, Colin, Jeremy & Margaret go on a holiday to help Jeremy recover from his last relationship disaster. When they arrive at Lady Emily's home in Santorini, Greece, Colin & Lady Emily get a very shocking 'blast from the past' and their plans for a peaceful retreat are thwarted. I can't say much else without giving the entire story away so you'll just have to read it...

After reading this series I always want to hop on a plane. The Greek island setting makes the perfect backdrop for the story. They also visit different ruins, a volcano, an archaeological dig and other historical landmarks so it somewhat satiates my need to travel. I love Margaret and Jeremy too so I was glad they were along for the ride. They always add a nice dose of humor to the story line.

There was plenty of murder, mayhem & mystery to keep me entertained & I'm already looking forward to more adventures with Lady Emily.

*I received this ARC from NetGalley & St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

( )