The villain in Rivals in the City is familiar. Mrs. Thorold is expected to return to London, as her husband is dying. Even though Mary doesn't work for the agency any more, Anne has asked her to do some surveillance since Mary is most likely to recognize Mrs. Thorold.
Mary and James are working cases together, and she is very worried that one of the things Mrs. Thorold will do when she returns is come after James. They decide to stay away from each other for one week.
These two are just the cutest. This is a very strict Victorian romance, so it's proper, and clean, and slow. The honest relationship they have and the frank and thoughtful conversations are a big part of why I love this series.
Yes, there are some contrivances. Some pretty lucky things happen to save the day, but the story is very entertaining.
The historical setting and customs make these books special. The challenges of being a woman investigator in the world of men add much to the story.
The end of Rivals in the City is very exciting and tense, as one would hope. And not only is the case solved, everyone is safe, and let's just say the romance is progressing.
Published by Candlewick, March 10, 2015
eARC obtained from NetGalley
304 pages
Rating: 4/5
I'm glad to hear you enjoyed this! I need to read this series, I keep hearing wonderful things about it. Mary and James sound wonderful, I can't wait to meet them!
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