The Betrayal of the Blood Lily by Lauren Willig

Read: June 30 - July 8

Format: Audiobook 12 CDs equivalent 512 pages

Source: Public Library

Subject: spy network, India

Category: The good old days - historical fiction

Challenges: 11 in 11, 75 Book, TIOLI, AUDIO, SYLL

Stars: ★★★

The Pink Carnation series continues in this tale of Penelope Stains who appear in the previous adventure and we found that she was married hastily to protect her reputation. Lady Penelope lacks the same moral high ground that the other featured ladies have shone, instead she was sarcastic, opinionated, striving to be her own person. In this installment, Penelope and her new husband Freddy are off to India and an obscure province to represent the British government. Penelope, never comfortable in the social scene in London, exercises her new "independence" from the social swirl of London. Freddy becomes more irresponsible showing his laziness and arrogance while Penelope starts to shine. Their escort to the remote province is Captain Alex Reid and the relationship that develops eventually leads to a joyful conclusion.

This is probably my least favorite of the series. First I never heard anything about a Blood Lily, so where did the title come from. Penelope wasn't someone that I think I could respect even for her efforts, and lastly, I didn't get the connection with the Napoleonic war spy network at all. Hope the next one gets back on track.