Book Review: India Black by Carol K. Carr

India Black by Carol K. Carr
Book 1 of the Madam of Espionage Mystery series

Paperback, 304 pages

Berkley Trade

January 4, 2011

★★★★½☆

Genre: Historical Fiction/Mystery

Source: Received from author for review during blog tour

“When Sir Archibald Latham of the War Office dies from a heart attack while visiting her brothel, Madam India Black is unexpectedly thrust into a deadly game between Russian and British agents who are seeking the military secrets Latham carried. Blackmailed into recovering the missing documents by the British spy known as French, India finds herself dodging Russian agents—and the attraction she starts to feel for her handsome conspirator.”

I had no idea what to expect when I picked up this book. I had not read an HF/Mystery book before and my experience with novelized prostitutes or “ladies of the night” was next to nothing. I didn't know if this was going to be bawdy or what. If you are having these same thoughts when regarding this book, let those fly away because this was a hilariously funny read. Yes, much of it takes place in a brothel, but the comedy that ensues in the process is awesome.

India Black is a wonderful narrator for this story – she is frank, open, and to the point. She speaks right to the reader and tells you just what is going on. I loved how she is retelling this story and adds in little tidbits here and there that you wouldn’t have know if this story was being told as it was happening. One of the strengths of the author is her descriptions, especially of her characters. Let me show you one of my favorite examples about a street urchin you will grow to love from early in the book:

“In summer, he attracted more flies than a Cairo camel market, and in winter you could just tolerate being in the same room provided the fire was low and the window cracked open” (30).

I also loved French, a British spy, he is so dashing if he is a little cold.  But he will certainly grow on you too.

Carol Carr is also superb at keeping the story moving along full speed ahead. You learn what you have to of back story but you don’t get bogged down in it. It really is a lively romp across England – by carriage, sleigh, foot, and boat! One of the ways she keeps you reading is the cliff hangers at the end of almost every chapter – for someone who likes to stop at the end of the chapter it is impossible to put down because you don’t stop for breath – must…keep…reading…

This is a light weight, fun, mystery. This would be perfect to read between two books that are heavy or very emotional because it lets you put your guard down. I am interested in reading book 2 and possibly beyond (if it is picked up for that). This would be a series I would always enjoy reading.

There were a couple of minor, trivial things that bothered me as I read, but the journey was so fun that by the time I reached the end and thought back over the book, I really can’t remember what they were! So they can’t have been that troubling.

In lieu of an excerpt, how about reading this short blog post written by none other than India Black about Valentine’s Day (a little late I know, but I couldn’t resist. It will give you the feel of the book).

Reviews of this book by other bloggers:

• Dear Author
• Mysterious Reviews

Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | RJ Julia 

Also by Carol K. Carr

India Black and the Rajah’s Ruby (Book 0.5)

India Black and the Widow of Windsor (Book 2)

India Black and the Shadows of Anarchy (Book 3)

India Black and the City of Light (Book 3.5)

India Black and the Gentleman Thief (Book 4)

Find Carol K. Carr: Website

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Here are the other stops in this blog tour:





*March 8th and 9th: Let Them Read Books
*March 14th: Deb's Book Bag
*March 19th: Historical Tapestry
*March 15th and 16th: Chrisbookarama 
*March 16th and 17th: One Book Shy of a Full Shelf
March 17th: The Adventures of an Intrepid Reader

* Guest post, interview, and or giveaway

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