A Dangerous Affair » (Original)

In Victoria s England, there are perilous intrigues a proper young lady would do well to avoid

Liberty Lane, still in her early twenties, is doing her best to make a new life for herself in London after being bruised by loss and treachery. But there s no chance for her to settle down as a conventional young lady. First, a disturbingly attractive young politican, Benjamin Disraeli, wants her to use her contacts in the theatre world to find out more about a prima ballerina with a notorious love life called Columbine. He hints that some important interests may be at stake. Then Columbine is murdered in her dressing room, after an on-stage brawl with a younger and less successful dancer, who becomes prime suspect. Liberty is at the center of the investigation because one of her dearest friends, Daniel Suter, is convinced of the girl s innocence and will put his own neck in danger to save her. Liberty s determination to save them from the gallows leads her from the upper reaches of the aristocracy to some of London s lowlife haunts, posing the question: how far would you go to save a friend?

Caro Peacock, the acclaimed author of A Foreign Affair, once again ingeniously blends history, suspense, and adventure, and returns an endearing and exceptional heroine to the fictional fold.

Publishers Weekly

Liberty Lane returns in Peacock's newest Victorian London melodrama. Worried about funds, the industrious Liberty (last seen in A Foreign Affair) accepts a commission from Benjamin Disraeli to spy on Columbine, a dancer whose indiscretions could cause a public scandal. When Columbine turns up poisoned after feuding with Jenny, another dancer, Liberty decides she must track down the killer before Jenny hangs for the crime. What she uncovers is a web of secrets drawing together the mighty with the dregs of society. Peacock skillfully interweaves figures of real Victorian London, while avoiding the genre's typical focus on aristocracy. London's artistic underbelly is grimy, gritty and has instant appeal that the ton can't match. The mystery flows smoothly, with well-placed red herrings, excellent reveals and pleasing surprises. Readers should look forward to their next meeting with Liberty and her friends, particularly gruff, wise groom Amos, the Watson to Liberty's would-be Sherlock Holmes. (Feb.)

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