Title: An Honorable Deception
Author: Roseanna M. White
Series: The Imposters, book 3
Major Themes: Mysteries, Spies, Romance
Synopsis: When a wealthy, high-profile lady is shot while attempting to get the Imposter’s help to track down a longtime friend, Lord Yates Fairfax’s skills—and heart—will be taxed to the limits as he tries to do what he can to bring reunion and justice to the situation.
Some books are read a little at a time. Others are consumed, swallowed down in one or two great gulps, and you’re left in a bit of a tailspin afterward, saying, “Is it finished already?” For me, An Honorable Deception was one of those. It felt like one of those quick cold drinks in the middle of summer—delightful while it is going down, but finished far too quickly. I shouldn’t have been surprised about that; A Beautiful Disguise was one of my favorite books when I read it last year, and last month, I thoroughly enjoyed A Noble Scheme. But it was a delight to be able to settle down to this book last Sunday, in the moments I could snatch between visiting with company and doing other odd jobs, and by the end of the day, I was astounded to realize I’d read half the book!
Publisher’s description:
In the trying art of balancing investigations and love, a detective must determine his priorities when faced with dangerous circumstances that could threaten everything he holds dear.
As the leader of the Imposters, an elite private investigative firm, Lord Yates Fairfax has made an art of concealing his identity. But when his newest client, the beautiful Lady Alethia Barremore, is shot while leaving their meeting, he throws caution to the wind and rushes to her aid. Though Lady Alethia thought she was only looking for her missing former nanny, she has clearly stumbled upon something much more dangerous.
Lady Lavinia Hemming suspects her longtime friends hold more secrets than they’re willing to admit, and when she stumbles upon the truth that they’re the esteemed Imposters, she recruits herself into the firm. While she is happy for the distraction of an investigation, Lavinia’s own family secrets continue to haunt her. And the one thing bringing laughter back into her life—her friendship with Yates—lands her squarely on the disagreeable side of her best friend: his sister.
Tormented by a past she doesn’t dare voice aloud, Lady Alethia does what she can to help her handsome host, her new friends, and the investigators. But as clues lead them deeper into the dark side of society, Alethia, Yates, and Lavinia learn anew that the gentry isn’t always noble…even as they fight to hold fast to their own honor.
My thoughts:
I don’t normally read books in just a few days. But sometimes, like with An Honorable Deception, I can’t help myself. And if I hadn’t had this thing called #AdultResponsibilities hanging over me, I’m sure I would have finished the rest of this book the day after I started it.
The characters were what made this story. I enjoy the way White creates her characters—relatable, flawed, and always with that special something that sets them apart and brings them to life. I don’t know what it is about her particular writing style, but it works for me.
Then, there’s the mystery element of the story. I loved watching the characters reasoning through things, picking up a piece here and another there (and I enjoyed realizing that I was able to call the mystery before it was revealed—yay!). As far as the mystery itself…well, I haven’t read many books that tackle this particular topic. I can’t say what it is because of spoilers, but I deeply appreciated the way White handled things here, and loved the hope and redemption this story brought.
Then there are other fun elements—like the love triangle, getting to be back with old, dear friends from previous books (and even a few from previous series—that was a treat!), acrobatics, spying, and strong family and friend relationships.
I think a lot of my enjoyment of An Honorable Deception was rooted in the fact that I’ve clicked with the author and her writing style. Typically, some of the elements of this story (and many of her other books) would potentially annoy me in other author’s works—but not here. I don’t know what it is about how White writes, but it works for me. And I intend to keep reading her books for the foreseeable future, unless something dramatically changes! If you enjoy mystery, intrigue, strong characters, and some sweet romance alongside a gripping storyline, I’d recommend you check out this book and the entire Imposters series. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed them, and I’m sad that the series has come to an end so quickly.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
WARNING: Lionfeathers is used in ch. 1 (twice), 4 (three times), 7, 11, 14, 18, 20, 21, and 24; blasted is used in ch. 1, 4, 14, and 20; “as blazes,” “where in blazes,” etc. is used in ch. 1, 4, 9, and the epilogue; “leopard stripes” is used in ch. 1, 4, 11, 12, 14, 20 (twice), and 21; dratted or a variant is used in ch. 1, 4, 8, 14, and 20; blast is used in ch. 1, 7, 14, 15, and 20; gracious and blighted are each used once in ch. 5 and 13; “heaven help them” is used in ch. 5; “I swear” is used in ch. 4 (twice), 8, 9, 18, and 19; “heaven knows” and “for goodness’ sake” are used in ch. 8; blimey is used in ch. 9 (twice); swore is used in ch. 15; “heaven knew” is used in ch. 16; “would have sworn”is used in ch. 20; and “dash it” is used in the epilogue. There is lying in ch. 3, 8, 9, 11, 16, and 23.
Chapter 1: Woman shot. Chapter 2: Mention of a woman who tried to kill several people (this is referred to several times). Chapter 8: Woman alludes to someone trying to take advantage of her—and abusing someone else (this is also talked about in ch. 18 and 23). Chapter 9: Mention of a brothel (this is referred to several other times, too; never much description). Chapter 10: Mention of a woman who was beaten and died. Chapter 11: Mention of a man who had multiple mistresses. Chapter 12: A kiss. Chapter 13: Mention of a woman who was drugged and kidnapped. Chapter 14: Brief description of being in a brothel. Chapter 21: A kiss. Chapter 22: Several kisses. Chapter 23: Several kisses. Chapter 24: Mention of several men who were killed. Epilogue: Mentions of a man who died and a woman who was badly abused. Unmarried characters hold hands or touch occasionally.
Age levels:
Reading Independently—Ages 15 and Above, Adults
Links to buy this book:
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Library Binding | Audible Audiobook (unabridged)
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com
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