The Temptation of the Night Jasmine

THE TEMPTATION OF THE NIGHT JASMINE: Lauren Willig: Dutton: 2009: Historical Fiction: 400 pages.

As with all of Willig’s historical spy novels, it begins with Eloise Kelly’s story, a modern day Harvard graduate researching flower named spies from the early 19th century. This time, Eloise has her own mystery or unearth, but as usual, her story is so brief, that the author can’t really give much plot detail.

The historical adventure unfolds as Eloise does her research. This time, it is Charlotte Lansdowne’s story. She is the best friend of Henrietta from The Masque of the Black Tulip who is also the sister of Richard Selwick, known as the Purple Gentian.

Book lover Charlotte has always longed for a knight in shining armor. When her very distant cousin, Robert, the Duke of Dovedale returns from India after a decade long absence, Charlotte thinks her dreams have come true. But after only a few passionate kisses, Robert abandons Charlotte to chase after Arthur Wrothan, a spy who always wears a sprig of Jasmine and who murdered Robert’s mentor in India. In typical Willig fashion, the women uncover their own conspiracy, a plot to kidnap the king, and get their own slice of the action.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this romantic historical adventure. My complaints are more about the series as a whole. I wish, Eloise’s story would evolve a little more quickly and I wish that Willig would focus more on past characters and stop introducing entirely new ones. It’s too confusing trying to keep up with every flower named spy.

AJ