I’ve read a number of Lauren Willig’s earlier books and enjoyed them. When I read “The English Wife”, I was happily surprised at how much the author has grown in her ability to weave a multi-level story and keep my interest riveted throughout the book.
In this book, the story switches back and forth between events in the past and those in the present time of the story (1899.)
In the past storyline, Georgie Evans, a somewhat mediocre actress at a rundown theatre in London, becomes the object of attention of Bayard Van Duyvil, an American who is touring Europe. While she is not willing to do more than see the sights and talk with Bay, they develop a deep relationship. From the confidences she has placed with Bay, he guesses her past.
In the present story line, Bay is found dead with a knife in his chest. His sister, Janie, does not like the conclusions the press jumps to and looks for a way to find the truth. A journalist assists her in this endeavor though they both know she may not like the truth once they find it.
The movement from present to past is down well with the individuals involved in both timelines behaving consistently. There are red herrings and clues left for the reader to find. I guessed the whodunnit shortly before the author provides the answer in the story.
I will certainly be looking for more books by this author in the future. I liked her earlier works and am really impressed by her current work.
I was provided a digital advance reader copy of this book by the publisher via Netgalley.
