The Spider's Touch (Blue Satan Mystery Series, 2)

Rating:
Summary: winning early eighteenth century tale
Review: In 1715, Lord Gideon St. Mars remains exiled in France, as he is considered an outlaw in England. Though he enjoys his freedom he needs to prove he was not a Jacobite murderer (see THE BIRTH OF BLUE SATAN). His friend, Hester Kean still resides at Gideon's beloved Hawkhurst since her companion her cousin Isabella married the replacement aristocrat.

Pretender King James offers Gideon the return of his estate if he joins his cause. Gideon sees this as a chance to right the unfair injustice he suffered so he agrees. James sends him to England to meet with the head of his army to learn when the rebellion will begin. However, when Gideon sees Hester enter the home of a Jacobite, he warns her to beware of whom she befriends. Not long afterward a murder at a Theater private box points towards Isabella's brother as the culprit. Hester asks Gideon to clear the Hawkhurst name as only he as the Blue Satan can do.

THE SPIDER'S TOUCH is a delightful sequel that fans of historical novels will relish perhaps even more than mystery afficiandos. Much of the book sets the era and location with fascinating tidbits that enable the audience to feel Gideon's frustrations accented by no rights except in exile or rebellion and how James the Pretender impatiently waits for his men to move. The murder mystery and the appearance of the Blue Satan come late in the tale, but the who-done-it is clever and Gideon is a delight whether he darns his alter ego or not. Patricia Wynn provides a winning story that early eighteenth century readers will appreciate.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: winning early eighteenth century tale
Review: In 1715, Lord Gideon St. Mars remains exiled in France, as he is considered an outlaw in England. Though he enjoys his freedom he needs to prove he was not a Jacobite murderer (see THE BIRTH OF BLUE SATAN). His friend, Hester Kean still resides at Gideon's beloved Hawkhurst since her companion her cousin Isabella married the replacement aristocrat.

Pretender King James offers Gideon the return of his estate if he joins his cause. Gideon sees this as a chance to right the unfair injustice he suffered so he agrees. James sends him to England to meet with the head of his army to learn when the rebellion will begin. However, when Gideon sees Hester enter the home of a Jacobite, he warns her to beware of whom she befriends. Not long afterward a murder at a Theater private box points towards Isabella's brother as the culprit. Hester asks Gideon to clear the Hawkhurst name as only he as the Blue Satan can do.

THE SPIDER'S TOUCH is a delightful sequel that fans of historical novels will relish perhaps even more than mystery afficiandos. Much of the book sets the era and location with fascinating tidbits that enable the audience to feel Gideon's frustrations accented by no rights except in exile or rebellion and how James the Pretender impatiently waits for his men to move. The murder mystery and the appearance of the Blue Satan come late in the tale, but the who-done-it is clever and Gideon is a delight whether he darns his alter ego or not. Patricia Wynn provides a winning story that early eighteenth century readers will appreciate.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: Entangled in a mesh of rebellion
Review: Set in Europe of the early 1700's, The Spider's Touch is the latest volume of the "Blue Satan" series of intriguing historical novels by Patricia Wynn. Gideon Viscount St. Mars, a.k.a. "Blue Satan," has been branded an outlaw in his beloved home nation of England; now residing in France, Gideon receives a call for help from the Jacobites. Entangled in a mesh of rebellion, an intricate web of cross-motives, dangerous political machinations, and more, the Blue Satan is caught between his namesake and the deep blue sea. The Spider's Touch is a sweeping, exciting, engaging historical saga. Also very highly recommended is the debut volume of this outstanding series: The Birth Of Blue Satan ...