Rating: 
Summary: Read any Veryan book except those in the Riddle series
Review: Another reader mentioned several anachronisms that jar the reader out of the suspension of disbelief. One of the worst was the heroine referring to a garment "two sizes too small." Standard clothing sizes in 1749? Yeah, right. Does anyone really think that the gifted, intelligent writer who brought us quality work in the Sanguinet series and the Golden Chronicles could possibly have written this book? It reads like a poor imitation of Veryan. The humor here seems forced, the romance contrived, and the main characters just not very interesting. And it hurts my feelings to say these things in regard to an author whose work I have treasured for years. The quality of the work began eroding -- IMHO -- with the first of the Riddle series (although the first two books were ok; not great but ok) and has declined with each successive book. It's very disheartening.
Rating: 
Summary: Veryan fan
Review: As already mentioned, there are a few "errors" in this book: words or concepts used in 1749 which didn't exist at that time (guillotine, clothing sizes). [As for "milquetoast," isn't it possible that the term milktoast or milquetoast was used in those days, and centuries later the character of Caspar Milquetoast created based upon it??] However, while noting this, I still profess that this is a pretty good book. All of Veryan's "usual" elements are included: plucky heroine, hero who is tremendously brave and honorable, a seemingly impossible mission, a cast of unusual characters (timid cousin, faux gypsy), and of course the obligatory favored animal/pet (Pixie). I was a bit disconcerted at the end, however, to learn about Vance's surprising inheritance, as it seemed a bit too handy and contrived, and we were never told anything about the benefactor, as if his name was of no consequence to us.On the whole, this is one of the better, if not best so far, of the "Riddle" series. I confess to being quite disappointed in the first few Riddle books, since they didn't have the same impact as the Jewelled Men books, and I wasn't drawn to the characters as I have been w/ other Veryan books. But the Deplorable Dandy shows a return toward the style of her earlier books (IMHO) and, while not one of her best, is a very enjoyable read.
Rating:
Summary: Yes, a few anachronisms
Review: As already mentioned, there are a few "errors" in this book: words or concepts used in 1749 which didn't exist at that time (guillotine, clothing sizes). [As for "milquetoast," isn't it possible that the term milktoast or milquetoast was used in those days, and centuries later the character of Caspar Milquetoast created based upon it??] However, while noting this, I still profess that this is a pretty good book. All of Veryan's "usual" elements are included: plucky heroine, hero who is tremendously brave and honorable, a seemingly impossible mission, a cast of unusual characters (timid cousin, faux gypsy), and of course the obligatory favored animal/pet (Pixie). I was a bit disconcerted at the end, however, to learn about Vance's surprising inheritance, as it seemed a bit too handy and contrived, and we were never told anything about the benefactor, as if his name was of no consequence to us. On the whole, this is one of the better, if not best so far, of the "Riddle" series. I confess to being quite disappointed in the first few Riddle books, since they didn't have the same impact as the Jewelled Men books, and I wasn't drawn to the characters as I have been w/ other Veryan books. But the Deplorable Dandy shows a return toward the style of her earlier books (IMHO) and, while not one of her best, is a very enjoyable read.
Rating: 
Summary: Highly recommended
Review: Elspeth Clayton and Gervaise Valerian share an inauspicious beginning with harsh words and embarrassment hot between them. Elspeth assumes Gervaise to be nothing but a quick-tempered dandy, little suspecting mutual need will sharply change her perceptions. But her determination to save her brother from the French gaol after his arrest for service to Madame Pompadour leads to her desperate plight. In exchange for aid to her brother, Elspeth volunteers to aid Gervaise. Gervaise's father, a fugitive from justice, must escape the country undetected. When his accomplice his injured, Gervaise forces Elspeth to take her place. Despite their mutual dislike, their common desire to aid loved ones leads to a rousing adventure on both sides of the Channel as unknown assassins pursue them. Of course, their plight draws this unlikely duo together in an emotional entanglement that will please romance devotees. Patricia Veryan pens a dazzling romantic intrigue in THE RIDDLE OF THE DEPLORABLE DANDY. On one hand, Elspeth's determination to save her brother despite the risks to her life and reputation results in a strong willed heroine who is the perfect match for Gervaise. On the other hand, Gervaise carefully conceals his truth worth behind a dandified exterior. Fraught with danger, betrayals, false identities, and near calamities, THE RIDDLE OF THE DEPLORABLE DANDY comes highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: No no no no! This can't be Veryan!
Review: I adore Patricia Veryan's books. Her exciting plots and well-developed, likeable characters have made her the only author of Regency romances after Georgette Heyer that I've truly liked. That being the case, I was exceedingly puzzled after reading both this horrible book and the glowing reviews on Amazon. Only one other reviewer has accurately said that this book is a real stinker? Unbelievable. So, I have come up with a theory which explains these discrepancies. Patricia Veryan was kidnapped by aliens, who substituted a clone with no writing talent who wrote this book. The aliens used their super-secret ultimate mind-ray weapon to brainwash the readers of the book into thinking that the book was good. Everything which usually makes a Veryan book enjoyable was missing from this book. As another reviewer said, this book reads like a poor imitation of Veryan. The heroine was stupid and annoying. I could not give even slight credence to the idea that anyone would fall in love with her. The sparkling banter which is so much a part of Veryan's usual style fell abominably flat. She was trying, but it just wasn't there. And as for the climax scene, when they attempted to rescue the young English soldier who was being held prisoner... I was hoping they would be caught by the bad guys, because anyone who comes up with a plan that stupid deserves to be caught. A word to the aliens - Please send Ms. Veryan back to us! Or if you won't, at least don't let the clone produce any more books! Do you want ransom? We'll pay it!
Rating:
Summary: No no no no! This can't be Veryan!
Review: I adore Patricia Veryan's books. Her exciting plots and well-developed, likeable characters have made her the only author of Regency romances after Georgette Heyer that I've truly liked. That being the case, I was exceedingly puzzled after reading both this horrible book and the glowing reviews on Amazon. Only one other reviewer has accurately said that this book is a real stinker? Unbelievable. So, I have come up with a theory which explains these discrepancies. Patricia Veryan was kidnapped by aliens, who substituted a clone with no writing talent who wrote this book. The aliens used their super-secret ultimate mind-ray weapon to brainwash the readers of the book into thinking that the book was good. Everything which usually makes a Veryan book enjoyable was missing from this book. As another reviewer said, this book reads like a poor imitation of Veryan. The heroine was stupid and annoying. I could not give even slight credence to the idea that anyone would fall in love with her. The sparkling banter which is so much a part of Veryan's usual style fell abominably flat. She was trying, but it just wasn't there. And as for the climax scene, when they attempted to rescue the young English soldier who was being held prisoner... I was hoping they would be caught by the bad guys, because anyone who comes up with a plan that stupid deserves to be caught. A word to the aliens - Please send Ms. Veryan back to us! Or if you won't, at least don't let the clone produce any more books! Do you want ransom? We'll pay it!
Rating:
Summary: Veryan fan
Review: I have read a couple reviews, including here on amazon, that have basically 'dissed' this novel. While I am not an expert on historical anachronisms, and I can see the point of some of the readers in bringing up issues like the guillotine and the coffee, etc. - STILL, what anachronisms Veryan might have in this book are NOTHING compared to the run of the mill Hollywood 'historical' film today which are generally FILLED not only with anachronisms galore, but also anachronistic modern 'slang' dialogue, something which I appreciate that Veryan strives not to do in her books. I found this book highly entertaining, as I have found all her books to be, engrossing and fun to read, and I completely disagree with the person who thought the Riddle books were a downward trend in Veryan's output. The Riddle of Alabaster Royal and it's sequel, The Riddle of the Lost Lover, were extremely entertaining, much more so than a couple of the intervening novels of the Jewelled men series, to me, though I will admit that the Mandarin of Mayfair has been my favorite Veryan novel, which is in the Jewelled men series, mostly because August Falcon and Gwendolyn Rossiter were the most enjoyable couple to see 'come together' in that particular series. if you have not read Veryan, give her a try and see what you think! I think you will like her!
Rating:
Summary: action-packed romantic intrigue
Review: The two times that Elspeth Clayton and Gervaise Valerian meet, they exchange heated words. The Georgian miss thinks he is nothing but a dandy who is interested in fine clothes and society gossip. She is more absorbed in finding a way to save her brother Vance who is arrested in France while work for Madame la Pompadour, the king's mistress. The lord holding Vance demands he hand over the incriminating letter that, if revealed, will force the king to break off with his mistress. Elspeth appeals to a childhood friend for help and he arranges for a certain gentleman of quality to help them. On the night they are to leave for France, Elspeth arranges to meet her champion only to shockingly learn it is Gervaise. He is smuggling his father out of England before he is arrested as a Jacobite sympathizer and if she helps him, Gervaise swears he will free her brother. While in France their lives are constantly threatened and the danger comes from a third partly neither Elspeth nor Gervaise knows about. Patricia Veryan is the queen of romantic intrigue and her latest Riddle book is jam packed with just that wrapped inside plenty of action. The heroine refuses to let society's conventions interfere with saving her brother. The hero is a complex individual on the order of the Pimpernel as he is quite adept at hiding his inner self from a world that judges only on appearances. He and the heroine make a perfect match. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: action-packed romantic intrigue
Review: The two times that Elspeth Clayton and Gervaise Valerian meet, they exchange heated words. The Georgian miss thinks he is nothing but a dandy who is interested in fine clothes and society gossip. She is more absorbed in finding a way to save her brother Vance who is arrested in France while work for Madame la Pompadour, the king's mistress. The lord holding Vance demands he hand over the incriminating letter that, if revealed, will force the king to break off with his mistress. Elspeth appeals to a childhood friend for help and he arranges for a certain gentleman of quality to help them. On the night they are to leave for France, Elspeth arranges to meet her champion only to shockingly learn it is Gervaise. He is smuggling his father out of England before he is arrested as a Jacobite sympathizer and if she helps him, Gervaise swears he will free her brother. While in France their lives are constantly threatened and the danger comes from a third partly neither Elspeth nor Gervaise knows about. Patricia Veryan is the queen of romantic intrigue and her latest Riddle book is jam packed with just that wrapped inside plenty of action. The heroine refuses to let society's conventions interfere with saving her brother. The hero is a complex individual on the order of the Pimpernel as he is quite adept at hiding his inner self from a world that judges only on appearances. He and the heroine make a perfect match. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: Is that you Patricia?
Review: This book is certainly not up to Patricia Veryan's standards. As an avid reader of her books, I was quite disappointed. Usually, the name Patricia Veryan on the cover is a guarantee of a wonderful read. Not so in this book. The plot is muddled and implausible. Our heroine, Elspeth, is dimwitted and silly. She gives us absolutely no reason to like her. Our hero, Gervaise, is rude and unkind. It is unclear why these two fall for each other. However, they deserve each other! Steer clear of this book.
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