The Deception of the Emerald Ring

By: Lauren Willig

Narrated by: Kate Reading

The year is 1803, and England and France remain at odds. Hoping to break the English once and for all, Napoleon backs a ring of Irish rebels in uprisings against England and sends the Black Tulip, France's most deadly spy, to the Emerald Isle to help. What they don't know is that England's top spy is also in Ireland: the Pink Carnation, who is working to shut the rebels down.

Meanwhile, back in England, Letty Alsworthy intercepts a note indicating that her sister, Mary, is about to make the very grave mistake of eloping with Geoffrey Pinghingdale-Snipe (second in command of the League of the Purple Gentian). In an attempt to save the family name, Letty tries to stop the elopement, but instead finds herself swept away in the midnight carriage meant for her sister and is accidentally compromised. Geoff and Letty, to each other's horror, find themselves forced into matrimony. Then Geoff receives word that he is to travel to Ireland to help the Pink Carnation; he disappears immediately after their ceremony. Letty learns of Geoff's disappearance and, not to be outdone by her husband, Letty Alsworthy steals away on a ship bound for Ireland, armed and ready to fight for her spouse and to learn a thing or two about spying for England.

As in her previous tales, The Secret History of the Pink Carnation and The Masque Of the Black Tulip, a modern-day heroine and hero, Eloise Kelly and Colin Selwick, continue their budding romance in this captivating third novel in the series.

Don't miss the first two books in this series: The Secret History of the Pink Carnation and The Masque of the Black Tulip.©2006 Lauren Willig (P)2006 Penguin Audio, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc., and Books on Tape. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Heaving bodices, embellished history, and witty dialogue: What more could you ask for?” (Kirkus Reviews)

“Smart...[a] fast-paced narrative with mistaken identities, double agents, and high-stakes espionage....The historic action is taut and twisting.” (Publishers Weekly)

Worth a listen.

Considerably less entertaining than the first two books, both of which were absolutely smashing. Both leading characters are less well-developed than in previous books: Letty Alsworthy is a country mouse with some little charm, it's true, but Geoffrey Pinghingdale-Snipe remains as quiet and unassuming as a leading man as he was as a backgrounf figure in previous books. Still, it's entertaining enough, especially the bits in between involving the modern day Eloise and Colin. Worth a listen.

Kate is amazing. Lauren is even more!

I picked up the pink carnation book as a suggestion from a friend and I've read the first three and they are amazing. I love the characters and the intertwining relationships. I also love the narrator Eloise, she is so fun to follow and her relationship with Colin is so fun to read.

I LOVE ALL THESE BOOKS

Ok so I am so in love with all these books I get so excited about the next. And all have been soo good and soo well written not to mention the narrator Kate. She is soooo fabulous. Reading this book myself would be great but having someone like her reading it is even better. I can’t wait every month for my credit. I hope I can wait lol !! And the author Lauren I wish I could just tell her how amazing she is. It’s the best books series I have ever read/listened to! And all the books are soo adventurist and fun and romantic. The best kind !!

Extremely enjoyable

I am thoroughly enjoying this series!! The story line is interesting and entertaining. I always enjoy a good historical novel and these are great! Kate Reading’s voice is perfect! The different characters are very easy to discern with her different inflections.

Female Lethal-Weapon Fun!!

Individually entertaining Willig's Pink Carnation spy team are a frolicking good time! Can't wait to read (hear) the next one!

The story goes on

What did you love best about The Deception of the Emerald Ring?

Nothing specific. Letty is a very nice person, maybe a little naive. And Eloise, she is fun and really want to know Colin. I like her and the two stories in this series.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Nobody specific.

Have you listened to any of Kate Reading’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I listened to a lot of books performed by Kate Reading. For me she is the best!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, just hearing it on my daily commute to work.

Any additional comments?

non.

I love this series!

These books were so fun to read in paper and Ms Reading's performance adds tremendously to the experience. Thank you

More mayhem with spies and counterspies

Another fun story of spies and romance. Light and entertaining and ultimately made best by the very deft performance of Kate Reading.

A new venue - spies in Ireland!

Not quite as good as the previous book, but it is fun anyway. The mystery/action is still tight, I just didn't find the romantic premise as engaging. Kate Reading keeps it lively as always.

Love this series

Witty, and makes me wish I found this series on a vacation. I am hooked. Who needs sleep ? Not me!!!