Changes

Therefore, it's fast forward to Lady Maccon and a step up the Victorian social ladder for Alexia. The book opens in the marital bed-chamber. And judging by the conversation between husband and wife, their mutual physical attraction is alive and well. Lots of grunts in the appropriate places , as well as the careless tossing aside of flimsy underthings by Lord Maccon , make for great reading. Carriger is on fine form once again with her delightful and bitingly (no pun intended) clever style. There are examples littered all over the place and it's a bit difficult to restrain myself to just one or two. For example , there's a lovely line ''Lord Maccon was Scottish-big; this gentleman was only English-big.'' I had no trouble in rustling up a mental picture. And the English gentleman in question? No other than ... wait for it ... ''Major Channing Channing of the Chesterfield Channings.'' I was about to say that you couldn't make it up - but that's exactly what Carriger's done. And it works. Well, it certainly works for me. She put a smile on my face several times.

The plot takes the reader to Scotland. So, cue lots of dreadful weather, awful men in equally awful kilts and draughty castles and big houses. Ghosts, disappearances and the like all put in an appearance, so to speak. Great fun. And while the story itself is good, for me, it's the telling of it which is the best part. Some of the old favourites from the first book remain and one or two engaging characters are introduced in this book. I was charmed all over again. Pour yourself a glass of something chilled, park yourself in a comfy spot and enjoy. Recommended.

If this book appeals and you've already read [[Soulless: The Parasol Protectorate by Gail Carriger|Soulless]], try [[Dead Men's Boots: A Felix Castor Novel by Mike Carey]]. We also have a review of [[Blameless: The Parasol Protectorate by Gail Carriger]].