Reviewed By: Sandi - RAM
![[5 stars]](../images/spots/6_paw_50.gif)
The Ambitious Stepmother
Amazon UK HC
Fidelis Morgan
Class/Genre: Mystery
Series: Countess Ashby De La Zouche # 3
November 4, 2002 (UK); Collins Crime, 352 pages
Woo-hoo! The Countess Ashby de la Zouche and her maidservant, Alpiew have returned in their most exciting adventure yet!
“The Ambitious Stepmother”, by Fidelis Morgan, is a wildly funny, wickedly decadent and immensely entertaining.
The Countess accepts the offer to chaperone a young lady, Virginia, to France, to find her a suitable husband. She believes, incorrectly, this will be an easy way to earn 100 guineas, and have a frolic in France. Of course, the Countess and Alpiew wouldn’t know good luck if it sat down next to them.
Upon arrival into France, they are faced with political intrigue, abject poverty and a myriad of sexual exploits. The fact that neither speaks French furthers their difficulties. The Countess is reunited with her good friend, Olympe Athenee Montelimar, Duchess de Pigalle in the prison, Bastille (where they find the accommodations are elegant).
With a mysterious release from prison, they are returned to the chateau in St. Germain to solve a murderous mystery riddle. Because they desire to return to London, they take the assignment.
“The Ambitious Stepmother” is a vastly entertaining story with marvelous characters, creative settings and exciting drama. Ms. Morgan is clearly the expert on the Restoration time, as evidenced by her accuracy of dialogue, characterizations and royal history of the era.
Another fantastic adventure to be read and enjoyed!
Sandi - RAM
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Sandi - RAM
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