Published By: Central Avenue
Pages: 301
Released On: 05/04/2022
The third book in the darkly romantic Gentleman Spy Mysteries.
Eliza Broad has overcome trauma and loss to become the confident woman and spy she is today, much in thanks to the care and attention of Sir Henry March, spy to the Crown. Fellow spy and good friend to Sir Henry, Allen Strathem has loved Eliza from the moment he first set eyes on her. But out of respect, he never told her and left England for a mission on the Crimea with his secret buried deeply. But the memory of Eliza kept him sane during the relentless horrors of his captivity.
When he returns, Eliza is tasked with helping Allen recover, and she dedicates herself to restoring the sparkle in his eyes and banishing the specters of his Russian captivity.
As Allen recuperates, and they realise danger has followed him back to England, Eliza is elated that Allen not only accepts her help, but respects her skill. Together they set a trap and defeat the man who tortured Allen, only to discover something far more dangerous afoot. With danger and intrigue around every corner, Eliza and Allen rely on and trust each other, and soon their once-buried love for each other becomes a driving force. The dangerous adventure they both share and thrive on binds them together, but will that be enough to protect them from those who wish to see them dead?
*****
Thanks to Central Avenue for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I was sent number 2 in this series “The Gentleman’s Daughter” before I’d read the first, “The Innkeeper’s Daughter”, so I bought that one first and then devoured both in a matter of days, so I was super keen that Bianca has continued the story in “The Memory of Her”.
This one is a bit more action-heavy right from the off. The character, story and world building have been built over the first two books, so much so that this one can get stuck in quite early on.
I found this one more…human. I felt the other two had a mystery, almost fantasy quality about them, whereas this one seems more accessible – if not completely relateable (unless you are a spy in the early 1800s).
What I particularly like is how the female characters are front and centre. It doesn’t shove feminism down your throat just for the sake of it; it just shows that even in the 19th Century, women were more than capable of holding their own against men, if only they’re given the chance.
I like how restrained this book is. Let me explain what I mean by that. It must be so tempting when writing a spy book – no matter the era it is set in – to throw everything and the kitchen sink at it, and make it very fantasy and make-believe. But this is concise, with only what is needed, and yet it still feels fast paced, exciting, and thrilling, but real.
I am super excited to see another in the series is due in 2023; I could read this series forever and I sincerely hope Bianca continues to write instalments for many years to come.
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