FICTION

The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla: A Pink Carnation Novel

NAL. 2014. 443p. ISBN 9780451414731. pap. $15; ebk. ISBN 9780698146860. F
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OrangeReviewStarThe indomitable Sally Fitzhugh is not one to be put off by a challenge, even one that involves an overgrown garden and a suspected vampire. She doesn't believe in ghosties or ghoulies, but when she stumbles upon the reclusive Duke of Belliston at Belliston Hall, he does seem rather pale. Lucien has other things on his mind as the blonde woman confronts him on his own property. The gall. Recently home from a self-imposed nine-year exile following his parents' murders, Lucien isn't surprised at the sanguinary rumors, considering his Martinique-born mother had been labeled a witch. Then a woman is found dead on Lucien's uncle's balcony during a ball, with apparent puncture marks on her neck. Throw in talk of French spies, lethal botanical specimens, and a pet stoat, and all heck breaks loose. Can love be far behind?
VERDICT This 11th "Pink Carnation" title (The Passion of the Purple Plumeria) is a rollicking good time and a perfect fit for this glorious, long-running historical series. Threats of blood-sucking aristocrats just add to the fun as Turnip and the gang from previous installments join in to thwart the villain and secure a happily ever after. Willig's fans will adore this penultimate series title, leading up the finale coming in 2015.
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