The Black Mask (Zebra Regency Romance)

Rating:
Summary: a fun read
Review: Here's what I hope will be a helpful hint for readers who would like to read and enjoy (fully) this very diverting book: don't read the plot synopsis at the back cover of the book. When you buy/borrow this book, start reading at once! The plot synopsis gives far too much of the plot away. And while this doesn't really detract too much from allowing one to enjoy the novel, it does (more or less) spell out what's going to happen, thus leaving very little in doubt.

All of London is agog with the deeds of the daring Black Mask, a notorious jewel thief who also seems to have something of a social conscience. For, because of the Black Mask's daring deeds, a well known and rich member of society who was guilty of terrible crimes was exposed and forced to leave the country. Is the Black Mask some sort of Robin Hood? Or a mere thief who just happened to help expose one terrible man? That is the question that is being heatedly debated in the London drawing rooms. Rose Spenser, however has other matters on her mind. Finally in London in order to enjoy her Season, and to (hopefully) find a husband that her family will approve of and she can respect and admire (even though she's secretly hoping that she will find a husband that she will be passionately in love with), much of Rose's enjoyment of the London swirl of balls and entertainments is being dimmed by her discontented brother's (Rupert) rash behaviour.

Rupert wants to join the army. But their father, afraid that his only son will be killed in battle, has forbidden Rupert to do so. So that while the young man will not go against his father's wishes, his deep unhappiness about his situation has caused him to join a slightly wild set of young men who gamble for high stakes. And now, Rupert is deeply in debt to Sir Niles Alardyce, a much sought after bachelor who has a reputation for being rather supercilious, and whom Rose rather dislikes.

Of late, however, Rose's and Sir Niles's paths have began to cross a lot, and Rose keeps seeing flashes of a somewhat different kind of gentleman behind Sir Nile's reserved and stiff ways. Is it just wishful thinking on her part? Or is there something more to Sir Niles? And is there any hope of her being able to approach him about Rupert's debts? And what is it about this very annoying man that has her constantly thinking about him anyway? For there is no denying it Sir Niles is beginning to cut up her peace alarmingly for a gentleman that she proports to despise...

I rather enjoyed this book. It had everything -- an interesting storyline, taking characters, evenly placed plot developments and language that was not too modern. But what I really liked was the conversations that Rose and her Aunt Paige had -- they discussed issues such as marriage and love and Sir Niles -- and in a realistic and pragmatic manner. Some readers however may be a little dissatisfied with the interaction between Sir Niles and Rose because there is a slight barbed edge to most of their encounters until the very end when Rose makes a startling discovery. On the whole, however, I found "The Black Mask" to be rather enjoyable and entertaining read, and I do think that most readers would find it to be the same.

(P.S. What is up with the very modern dustcover illustration though?)