Book six in the Maiden Lane series features Maximus Batten, Duke of Wakefield, and Artemis Greaves, lady's companion to her rich and vapid cousin. Maximus' parents were killed in front of him when he was 14 in the dangerous London neighborhood of St. Giles, and he's been searching for their killer for the past 19 years. Artemis knows the duke from the many social events to which she must accompany her cousin, and when they go to his house party she tries to stay in the background as lady's companions must do. However, when Artemis discovers a huge secret kept by Maximus, she attempts to blackmail him into rescuing her twin brother, Apollo, from the infamous Bedlam hospital for the insane. Will the duke risk his life and reputation to rescue a crazed murderer or will he let Artemis expose his secret to everyone? Of course, the Harlequin Ghost of St. Giles is also in the mix.
This was another great entry in the series with a strong and confident heroine turning the tables on a powerful and influential aristocrat. Maximus was difficult to like; he's cold and severe to most of the people in his life, just the opposite of Artemis. She risks everything to save her brother, whom she believes is innocent of the charges against him. The descriptions of Apollo in Bedlam were disturbing, especially since they are based on the real Bedlam (
Bethlem Royal Hospital) in London. Hoyt is again at the top of her game with her characters, dialog, and action. Now I have to wait another month for the next book in the series. 381 pages.
Here are the links to my reviews of the other books in the Maiden Lane series:
Book 5: "
Lord of Darkness"
Book 4: "
Thief of Shadows"
Book 3: "
Scandalous Desires"
Book 2: "
Notorious Pleasures"
Book 1: "
Wicked Intentions"
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