Rating: 
Summary: Fantastic romance cum mystery
Review: In 1813, Captain Jack Vespa returns to his English home after fighting
against Napoleon on the Iberian front. Jack is looking forward to some R &
R at Alabaster Royal, the home that he will one day inherit. When he
arrives at the manor, he learns that his ancestral home is allegedly
haunted. Worse yet to Jack is the visitors who insist on staying at
Alabaster. The kooky Italian Duchess would be enough to send a man back to
the front, but it is her granddaughter, Consuela Jones, that sends Jack's
emotions soaring and destroying his sought after peace.
Consuela insists to a skeptical Jack that her father was killed on this
property. As she begins to investigate what happened, Jack cannot help
but join her on her quest. Soon, he is convinced that her tale is true. Even
more so, he finds himself falling in love with the feisty Consuela and she
reciprocates his deepest feelings. Still, an unknown assailant wants
Consuela to stop her meddling and will do anything, including murder, to
assure that happens. Once the couple solves THE RIDDLE OF ALABASTER ROYAL,
they might have time to explore their own relationship, that is, if
Consuela can be persuaded to give her beloved a chance.
Patricia Veryan is one of the leading writers of Regency romance today
and her latest novel, THE RIDDLE OF ALABASTER ROYAL will augment her
already merited prestige. The intriguing story line is humorous and
exciting, and the characters are all lively and human. Added to the
romance is the bonus of a brilliant mystery that could easily sell the
novel as a who-done-it. Ms. Veryan has written one of the top three
historicals of the year and is sure to gather awards for this splendid
story.
Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: Great historical romance cum mystery
Review: In 1813, Captain Jack Vespa returns to his English home after fighting against Napoleon on the Iberian front. Jack is looking forward to some R & R at Alabaster Royal, the home that he will one day inherit. When he arrives at the manor, he learns that his ancestral home is allegedly haunted. Worse yet to Jack is the visitors who insist on staying at Alabaster. The kooky Italian Duchess would be enough to send a man back to the front, but it is her granddaughter, Consuela Jones, that sends Jack's emotions soaring and destroying his sought after peace. Consuela insists to a skeptical Jack that her father was killed on this property. As she begins to investigate what happened, Jack cannot help but join her on her quest. Soon, he is convinced that her tale is true. Even more so, he finds himself falling in love with the feisty Consuela and she reciprocates his deepest feelings. Still, an unknown assailant wants Consuela to stop her meddling and will do anything, including murder, to assure that happens. Once the couple solves THE RIDDLE OF ALABASTER ROYAL, they might have time to explore their own relationship, that is, if Consuela can be persuaded to give her beloved a chance. Patricia Veryan is one of the leading writers of Regency romance today and her latest novel, THE RIDDLE OF ALABASTER ROYAL will augment her already merited prestige. The intriguing story line is humorous and exciting, and the characters are all lively and human. Added to the romance is the bonus of a brilliant mystery that could easily sell the novel as a who-done-it. Ms. Veryan has written one of the top three historicals of the year and is sure to gather awards for this splendid story. Harriet Klausner
Rating: 
Summary: A mixed bag
Review: It's hard for me to rate RIDDLE OF ALABASTER ROYAL, as I liked the mystery but disliked the romance (well, there wasn't any romance). I didn't figure out the identity of the villain at all, and the clues were there, so Veryan was successful in that respect. However, her heroine, Consuela Jones, wasn't likeable at all. When you combine that with a total lack of romantic interest between the hero and heroine, you get a dud. What's more, as I read the book, I was reminded constantly of plot devices used by Georgette Heyer in her mysteries and romances such as THE QUIET GENTLEMAN and FOOTSTEPS IN THE DARK. The ending was most unsatifactory, as it left the reader hanging, but at least I'm not waiting on the edge of my chair for the next in the series. I think I'll pass on future Veryans.
Rating: 
Summary: Well written by extremely silly plot and a heroine TSTL
Review: My first Veryan unfortunately. The plot was really stretching reality and the supporting details made no sense. What was Consuela's family doing camped out in the hero's home? Why would the hero be at all interested in Consuela? Was this really a romance? Lots of questions, few answers.
Rating:
Summary: More of a mystery than a romance
Review: Patricia Veryan is another author who bases her novels in the Georgian and Regency times. In depth characters, a sense of humour, who else would introduce the hero to his caretaker when the caretaker was locked up in the stocks?
Rating: 
Summary: Classic Regency
Review: Patricia Veryan is another author who bases her novels in the Georgian and Regency times. In depth characters, a sense of humour, who else would introduce the hero to his caretaker when the caretaker was locked up in the stocks?
Rating:
Summary: Ignore Its Billing; It's Not a Romance
Review: Patricia Veryan, where art thou? Where is the talented and entrancing author of _The Mandarin of Mayfair_ and _Love Alters Not_? Well, wherever she may be, her talents are certainly not shown to advantage in this adventure tale set in the Regency. Perhaps if I had not expected another of the touching and authentic romances Ms. Veryan writes so well, I wouldn't have been so greatly disappointed with Alabaster Royal. The mystery itself is very well-written, and despite the clues I didn't guess the identity of the villain until the very end. Unfortunately, the hero is a pale shadow of the strong, honorable man I've come to expect from this author, and the heroine is so completely stupid and headstrong that she makes the reader absolutely *long* for her to get a good swift slap. She's a throwback to Deidre from _The Lord and the Gypsy_, only five times worse. If you are trying Patricia Veryan for the first time, I would greatly recommend you read her "Jewelled Men" or "Golden Chronicles" series. This book will give you absolutely no idea of her true worth as an author.
Rating:
Summary: A Jolly Good Book
Review: Perhaps I am partial to the Riddle of Alabaster Royal because it is the first Veryan book I read. But I really thought it was good. I suppose it is more of a mystery than a romance, but that doesn't make it a bad book. The story is of Captain Jack Vespa, a wounded soldier just returned home. Wishing to recover from his wounds in peace, he leaves the London and goes to a country estate left to him by his grandmother. The name of the estate is Alabaster Royal, and needless to say there is a riddle to solve about this home. The riddle has to do with a rock quarry, a dead painter, and Miss Consuela Jones, living in Jack's house when he gets there. And I can't forget Jack's friends Paige Manderville and Toby Broderick, who help him to solve the mystery. They are wonderful characters whom you can't help but love. I really recommend this book if you love a good mystery and if you love Veryan's other books. And once you get to the end you will want to move on to The Riddle of the Lost Lover which continues Jack's story. Now I wish Ms. Veryan would write some stories for Paige and Toby.
Rating:
Summary: A good set up novel leaving the reader hungry for more
Review: The exciting and surprising ending makes this a great read. The story of Jack's encounter with villians, possible ghosts and a quirky set of servants in his run down mansion is engrossing and amusing. I certainly did not see the end coming! It is true that the book did not contain as many humorous scenes as previous novels by Ms. Veryan and I would have enjoyed more insight on Consuela's thoughts. Perhaps there was so much information to impart about the mystery, as well as the minor characters like Paige and Toby, that she couldn't fit all her reader-pleasing techniques in. I believe there is a sequel coming. (Soon I hope!) Though the mystery concerning the quarry is solved, there is a very big question for Jack remaining. Two questions, actually. I felt that this novel is a set up for others, just as Time's Fool (not one of Ms. Veryan's best) was a set up for the Tales of the Jeweled Men series. Although some titles are better than others, I have never been disappointed by Ms. Veryan and The Riddle of Alabaster Royal lived up to my expectations.
Rating:
Summary: Another winner
Review: The Riddle of Alabastor Royal is a must for all Veryan fans. As usual, Veryan delivers humor, adventure, heart-breaking characters, and mystery. I had no clue as to the identity of the villain and I was stunned when I turned to the last page because there were so many things left unsaid and unresolved! No immediate happy ending for Consuela and Jack, either. Veryan leaves us hanging but I'll gladly wait for the next installment (as long as she brings back Paige and Toby!!!).
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