Gilded Deceit by Tracy Grant
In the electrifying conclusion of *London Gambit*, Malcolm and Suzanne Rannoch, along with their children, make a desperate escape from London under the cover of night. Their situation has become dire as they realize that the enigmatic Lord Carfax, who serves as the unofficial head of British Intelligence and was once Malcolm's mentor, has uncovered Suzanne’s secret: she was once a Bonapartist spy. Unbeknownst to Malcolm at the time of their marriage, Suzanne had originally wed him with the intention of spying on him. After five years of marriage, Malcolm finally unravels this shocking truth along with another revelation: Raoul O’Roarke, a man he has just discovered is his father, was not only a renowned spymaster but also Suzanne’s former lover.
The narrative of *Gilded Deceit* begins in August 1818, as the Rannoch family finds themselves exiled in the picturesque setting of Lake Como, Italy. In their charming villa, framed by breathtaking views of the lake and mountains, they grapple with the oppressive influence of Carfax, who continues to loom over their lives. It is within this idyllic yet tension-filled backdrop that they cross paths with Lord Thurston, another British exile with a troubled past, and Contessa Vincenzo, the intriguing woman for whom he abandoned his family and homeland fifteen years ago.
As the Rannochs become entangled in Thurston’s complex family saga, they find themselves navigating a treacherous world that includes the shadowy Elsinore League, a group shrouded in menace, as well as Italian revolutionaries who are fervently fighting for their cause. The plot thickens with the introduction of gun smugglers and even a murder that sends ripples of fear through their already precarious situation. Notable literary figures, such as Lord Byron and the dynamic duo of Percy and Mary Shelley, are swept up in the chaos, adding another layer of richness to the narrative.
From the outset, the tension in *Gilded Deceit* is palpable, and the pacing is expertly crafted, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The characters, each intricately developed, navigate their complicated relationships in a world filled with secrets and deception. The story is imbued with numerous layers that invite deep exploration, making it one of the most compelling historical mystery series available today.
If you have yet to embark on this literary journey, I highly recommend starting with *Vienna Waltz*. Prepare yourself to be utterly captivated and ready to read the series in a single, thrilling marathon!
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