Deadly Peril

Alec Halsey Mystery, Book 3

By: Lucinda Brant

Narrated by: Alex Wyndham

Length: 11 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's Summary

Winter 1763. Alec, Lord Halsey, is sent on a diplomatic mission to Midanich, imperial outpost of the Holy Roman Empire, to bargain for the freedom of imprisoned friends. Midanich is a place of great danger and dark secrets - a country at civil war, ruled by a family with madness in its veins. For Alec it is a place of unspeakable memories from which he barely escaped and vowed never to return. But return he must if he is to save the lives of Emily St. Neots and Sir Cosmo Mahon.

In a race against time, Alec and the English delegation journey across the icy wasteland for the castle fortress where Emily and Cosmo are imprisoned. The severe weather is as much an enemy as the soldiers of the opposing armies encamped along the way. Awaiting him at his destination is the Margrave and his sister, demanding nothing less than Alec's head on a pike.

©2015 Lucinda Brant (P)2016 Lucinda Brant

Wow! Just wow! This has to be Lucinda Brant's best

I adored this book, but it is difficult to review for several reasons. First, it is the third volume of the Alex Halsey Mystery series, and the first two books contain a lot of highly relevant backstory. Unlike some series, this one really needs to be read in order. Moreover, there are so many twists, turns, and surprises throughout the story that it is virtually impossible to write a thorough review without spoilers. (The publisher's blurb simply sets up what we learn in the first few chapters.) And finally, this book, and indeed the entire series, is so wonderful that I want you to read for yourself without any hints that I might throw out in my review.

One of the things that I have come to admire about Lucinda Brant's writing is how intricately layered her plots are. She reveals things throughout the story, which keeps the reader from becoming frustrated, but also holds back enough that the ending always is a surprise. She has the ability to deftly combine mystery and romance into one big delightful package that will please fans of both genres.

So – rather than writing a typical review, I'm going to tell you a bit about the series and what I loved about this book, starting with the primary cast of characters who populate all three books.

Alec Halsey – the younger son of the Earl of Devlin, Alec Halsey chose to make his living as a diplomat. He is a truly swoon-worthy romantic hero: handsome, intelligent, somewhat enigmatic, intensely honorable, and decidedly his own man. After the death of Alec's odious elder brother, Alec became the earl but he soon was elevated to a marquessate by the King in recognition of his services to the Crown.

Emily St. Neots – a beautiful, spirited young lady whom Alec had once thought to marry, although he was not deeply in love with her.

Selina Jameson-Lewis – the woman with whom Alec fell deeply in love at a young age. Her family thwarted their romance and forced her into a marriage with an older, cruelly abusive man. Selina is now a widow, but she an Alec have had to deal with some difficulties while rekindling the love that both of them still feel for one another.

The Duchess of Romney-St. Neots – a redoubtable old lady who is Alec's godmother and also Emily's grandmother. Nothing and nobody intimidates her.

Plantagenet Halsey – Alec's uncle and an outspoken member of the House of Commons, who despite his noble connections is something of a republican happy to offer his opinions freely. He is more of a father to Alec than Alec's actual father ever was (and there is a story behind that). He and the Duchess of Romney-St. Neots have a tetchy relationship (and there may be a story behind that too).

Sir Cosmo Mahan – Alec's closest friend, Sir Cosmo is rotund, jovial, and loyal to those he loves. He is a cousin to both Emily St. Neots and Selena Jameson-Lewis.

As the book opens, Alec is emotionally reeling after Selena rejected his proposal of marriage. Then he learns that Emily and Sir Cosmo, who are touring Europe, have been detained and imprisoned by the new Margrave of Midanich, Prince Ernst. Ten years before the events in this book, Alec was a junior official in Midanich, a small principality in the Holy Roman Empire. For reasons that I cannot divulge, he was thrown in the ruler's reputedly escape-proof dungeon, from which he did in fact escape. Now, the Margrave demands that Alec return to Midanich to negotiate for the release of his friends. Although Alec fears that his life could be in danger, his honor and his affection for his friends demand that he go.

Midanich is in the midst of a civil war, following the death of the old Margrave, with Prince Ernst under attack by his younger half-brother Prince Viktor. Ernst is a weak, unstable man, known to be under the influence of his mysterious, insane twin sister Princess Joanna. In the opening chapter, it appears that Joanna hastens the old Margrave's death by placing a pillow over his face. Castle Herzfeld, Prince Ernst's impregnable fortress, is a hotbed of intrigue; courtiers await developments, but nobody can truly trust anyone, and the prince's desires are often irrational and unpredictable. The plight of the people of Midanich is dire; this civil war follows years of occupation by foreign troops in connection with the Seven Years' War. As winter approaches, they face shortages of food and fuel, and Prince Ernst's army maintains control with draconian ruthlessness.

Alec's trip is fraught with peril, and his plans for a discreet arrival in Midanich are thwarted when both the Duchess of Romney-St. Neots and Selena Jameson-Lewis, as well as Alec's Uncle Plantagenet, finagle their way into his party. As a further complication, the Foreign Minister is sending Sir Gilbert Parsons as an official emissary to accompany Alec. Parsons was Alec's superior when they were posted to Midanich ten years earlier, and when Alec was imprisoned Parsons was expelled from the country. Parsons returned to London in disgrace and still blames Alec for ruining his career. Thus, although Alec is now an experienced diplomat and a marquess to boot, Parsons insists upon treating Alec as his subordinate in all things.

When this ill-assorted party arrives in Midanich, the adventures begin, and the first astounding event occurs shortly after they get off of the boat. To reveal more would deprive the reader of enjoying the myriad twists and turns that follow. As a long-time fan of the mystery genre, I must say that the plotting is impeccable. Midanich is full of intrigue; there were so many developments that I simply did not anticipate, yet none of them was the least bit implausible. There is a touch of romance here, as well, as Alec and Selena begin to find their way back to one another in a most surprising manner.

Novels that convey a strong sense of place have long been a favorite of mine, and in this regard the author's impeccable research impresses beyond description. The bleak winter landscape, along with the accompanying sights and sounds, utterly transport the reader to another time and place. Not everything is left to the imagination, however, and I commend the reader to Ms. Brant's delightful Pinterest page full of images displaying things mentioned in the book – including castles, clothing, furniture, horses, and various accoutrements of late 18th century life.

Although Lucinda Brant has been publishing books for several years, my first encounter with her work was a mere five months ago, and I have now read all nine of her full-length books. Every one of them is worthy of five stars, but I think that Deadly Peril is possibly the best yet. It is, quite simply, a perfect combination of mystery, romance, and history.

This series just gets better and better

What did you love best about Deadly Peril?

To say "every little thing" is too cliche for such a great listen, but that would be my overall answer. I love the characters, I love the settings and the generous descriptions of the environment our protagonists are in. The setting is more gothic, without for the most part beautiful gardens, picnics, balls and the like - it's more sinister, underlining the ever growing peril they are all in. I have to say when I first heard/read who was traveling with Lord Halsey on his latest adventure, I wondered idly how that was going to work - were they just along for the ride? - would they have no part to play. How foolish was I for even thinking that. (So sorry Lucinda! should have known better!). As the story unfolds there is beautiful story play that brings the characters together and their roles, small and large, lift the story/adventure. The richness of the intertwining relationships and how each of them react and behave is a testament to the mastery that Lucinda demonstrates every time she lets these characters out to play. What I did like more than ever is how with each book I learn something new about Lord Halsey (and entourage, new and old), he is never boring, never obvious in his actions and I love the story. "Deadly Peril" had me racing for the end "just" because I had to know - the ending (these are not the spoilers you're looking for!) surprised and blindsided me - and I LOVE that in a book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Alec Halsey hands down and not for the obvious romance reasons of tall dark and handsome. Through Lucinda's rich writing Alec is such a complicated, ever developing character that grows with each book/adventure.

Which scene was your favorite?

There are many and I would typically say the hero/heroine type rescue, the final crescendo when good wins out over evil, but this time I'm torn between two, so I've decided I will tell you it's a draw. I LOVE the scene where Alec draws his sword on the Commander at the docks on arrival... spoiler alert, if you haven't read this then stop reading this bit now...


When Lord Halsey arrives in Midanich, entourage in-tow there is a beautifully satisfying stand-off between Lord Halsey and the Military that is pure chocolate to listen to (a couple of times *cough* ). Lord Halsey has the command presence of Jean Luc Picard in Star Trek, the only other person I'd put in that class.

There is an additional favourite though difficult part to listen to only because of the topic and it's all too real implications in the modern world - it's when Alec enlightens Selena as to what really happened the last time he was the guest of the Margravate of Midanich.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Laugh - at times... Cry - no, not cry - but definitely I experienced trepidation for the characters and their situation.

Any additional comments?

You didn't have any questions on the Narrator? - oh how could you not ask me about Alex Wyndham. Could there be any better? - I think not. So sorry to all the other Narrators, for I am forever taken - Alex Wyndham is beyond perfect and adds richness and depth to the work of Lucinda Brant like no other.

Enjoyable Historical Mystery Series

Compelling book series containing mystery & romance with minimal, unnecessary human suffering and brilliant narration.

Great Series1

Where does Deadly Peril rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I just loved this series: the characters were fascinating, the plotting very interesting, the period detail was great. I especially loved Alex Wyndham's performance. He gets the voices of the various characters perfectly - even those with foreign accents (which is not easy).

The only complaint I have of the series is that Deadly Kin hasn't been recorded yet. So when can we expect to have that book on audiobook?

Another Brilliant Gift

I feel uncomfortable rehashing the plot of a book when a synopsis does it so much better. But I will tell you that, Lucinda Brant is truly gifted. This third book in the Alec Halsey mystery raises the bar in historical mysteries yet again. The actor Alex Wyndham voices this books as he has done with most of Ms. Brant"s books and he is... I could gush and say gifted, marvelous, stirring, incredible. They would all be the truth.

I adored everything about this book. The continuing story of Alec and his friends and family. He is forced to confront his past, which he does with honor and purpose. It is a joy to behold. As usual Ms. Brant really brings the 18th century to life, she brings all the small details to your attention. Such as fur line trousers, a very cool gaming table and how one would travel in a winters landscape in the low countries, to name a few. History geeks will be in heaven. I can't wait for the next book.

ANOTHER WINNER

Where does Deadly Peril rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is the best so far

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the way it kept me on the edge

What does Alex Wyndham bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Alex is marvelous narrating this story, I love the way he moves from character to character with ease.

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

If it was possible to listen to this on one sitting I would have, but at last, I must work for a living!

Any additional comments?

Lucinda this time took us international to Midanich, an Imperial outpost of the Holy Roman Empire where Alec is forced to return to (after escaping there 10 years ago) in order to save his friends Emily and Cosmo who are imprisoned by an insane Margrave and his even more insane sister. But nothing goes easy for Alec and his companions with all the twist and turns they have to take in order to get to his friends on time. This novel will keep you on the edge of your seat. The ending to this novel will make your jaws drop as it was so totally unexpected and not how you 'think' it will end.

Super series

This is a Great series. Always a pleasure to read one of Lucinda Brant's book.

It paid to read outside my usual genres!

Had this series not included a heavy mystery element I wouldn't have considered it. Turns out that I enjoyed the romantic and historical elements equal to the mystery!

Characters are deliciously and just slightly over the top, which of course makes them compelling. Plot and narrative style, perfect.

By the end of the series (Deadly Peril), I found myself consulting old maps and searching for the kingdom of Midanich, only to find Brant had created it herself. Impressive! I hope she continues the series. Bravo!

As for the narration, I could listen to Alex Wyndham read pharmaceutical labels.

DEADLY PERIL by Lucinda Brant

WOW! What an exciting tale. The narrator simply brought this tale alive for me.
Fast paced, dramatic and emotional. Very compelling and entertaining.
The characters are compelling, complex and will capture your heart and attention.
Another outstanding audible story. Loved the narrator, so effective in getting Ms. Brand's story across to the listener. A must get audible!

*Received for an honest review*

Rating: 4.5
Reviewed by: AprilR

Wonderful Historical Mystery

Brant and Wyndham are back again for the third installment of Alec Halsey's adventure. I'm not going to recap the story, but I can't stress enough how great Brant is at describing the fictional German principality Alec Halsey finds himself force to visit and brings to life the people and setting of the book. Wyndham's narration is spot on; my only compliant is that I have to wait for the next title from this author/narrator duo.

Another fantastic audio book by the Brant/Wyndham team

How can an already fantastic 5* read be improved? By adding the performance of Alex Wyndham of course. This Georgian mystery, rich in historical detail, is set in the fictitious Germanic country of Midanich, torn apart by civil war. Lucinda Brant's clever penmanship actually has the reader/listener believing that this country actually exists.

Alec Halsey arrives to save his friends imprisoned by the regime of Midanich, an act perpetrated to lure Alec back to a place he had sworn never to set foot in ever again. A diplomatic posting 10 years previously had gone disastrously wrong for Alec and he had made a daring escape. He knows that this is a daring and dangerous mission but being the honourable man he is he must save Emily and Cosmo.

Alex Wyndhsm is a superb narrator and Lucinda Brant chose him to narrate her books wisely because he performs rather than narrates and it is difficult to believe that he alone is portraying the vast cast of characters, male and female with their many and varied accents, Dutch, German, Irish, English etc. And for me he will forever be the velvet toned and utterly gorgeous Alec Halsey. This audio book is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED as are the first two in this series and also Lucinda Brant's Roxton series. Long may this fantastic partnership continue.

Marvellous

Would you consider the audio edition of Deadly Peril to be better than the print version?

Without the print edition of the book, there would be no Audio Edition, and a narrator can only be as good as the story he is reading. The story is remarkable, and it's narration equally so.

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed everything in this story, but the very best part has to be the twist that I just did not see coming. I had not even the slightest suspicion what was about to be unveiled, which to me is a real art when it comes to writing a book. Alex Wyndham's narration as always was superlative, he brings the characters to life in such a way that you feel as if you are right there, in the story with them.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

I can never answer this question sufficiently because to tell of a favourite scene is to give spoilers. As I am a lover of romance though, I will just say that all the romantic scenes between Selena and Alec are always a delight to both read, and to listen to. Alex Wyndham's low husky voice when he speaks as Alec to Selena during intimate moments, well you can't help but get goosebumps.

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

I would love to have listened to this book in one sitting, but sadly it was too long to make that an option. I did however listen to it over 2 nights, so nearly one sitting. I had to know how things ended as soon as I could.

Any additional comments?

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and it's narration, Alex and Lucinda are the perfect author/narrator team, and I hope the partnership continues on with every new book that Lucinda writes. I have listened to many audio books narrated by different people, but I believe that Alex Wyndham's performance is both faultless and unrivaled.

Another fabulous addition to this series

This, the third in Ms Brant's Alec Halsey mysteries, is quite possibly the best yet - which is saying something considering how good the previous two are!

Picking up where the last book, DEADLY AFFAIR, left off, Alec is leaving England to travel to the German principality of Midanich on a rescue mission. His best friend and the young lady he was escorting have been imprisoned by the new Margrave of Midanich and he will negotiate with no one but Alec for their release.

Some years earlier, one of Alec's earliest diplomatic postings was to Midanich, and it ended in disaster. As we have been informed in previous stories, something went badly wrong there which led to Alec's incarceration and subsequent escape, and he had vowed never to return. Now, however, he has no alternative but to go back - even though it may cost him his life.

Ms Brant has penned a gripping, well-paced story that is completely un-put-downable. The novel is admirably complex (without being impenetrable) with lots of twists, turns and shocks along the way; and I was kept guessing right up to the end.

Alex Wyndham delivers another outstanding performance, both technically and artistically. His ability to successfully differentiate between large numbers of characters of both sexes at the same time as sustaining a number of foreign (in this case, Germanic) accents is truly impressive, but more than that, his performance in the more emotional moments is absolutely spot on. Anyone who has already read the book will know that there is a scene around the middle of it which is crucial to the story and to listeners' growing knowledge of Alec Halsey as a character - and Mr Wyndham nails it completely.

Deadly Peril is another superb audiobook from this talented author/narrator team, and I am eagerly looking forward to their next collaboration.

Complex and Wordy

This series goes from strength to strength and complexity to complexity!
Even for a mystery series, this has levels of complexity and ambiguity and Shea skulduggery that is both surprising and refreshing in an historical piece.

The Romance is an aside, incidental really, as it should be, but it’s still a force within the tale. Many parts of this saga are reaching a conclusion in this novel, but spin-off elements are now blossoming, therefore the next book, Deadly Kin, will be (or should be), a completely new tale. This is dark, dreary, war-torn, despicable, treacherous, startling, surprising and often sees the English, acting totally privileged! Inappropriately so! (Things haven’t changed today really)!

It was good to see new depths to Alec, sad to see predictable lack of depth to both Selina, the Duchess and Emily... but Cosgrove, is a star! As is Alec’s new valet. I like him.

Alex Wyndham is superb as a narrator. He so, aptly portrays each character. I really enjoyed listening to this.

Note: after the conclusion, relisten to chapter one.

The twist at the end is good.

This is not a muder or mystery book and the romance is thrown in as a sideline. I found it over dramatic, should I marry him or not scenario.
This book follows on from the first, with the same basic characters and a few new ones. It exposes the pompousness of the English, at that time, abroad and their attitude to foreigners. At the same time showing their naivety and how easily they are lead and manipulated by others who live in reality. The mission is to rescue his friends, he goes with idea of sacrificing himself. However, everyone around him manipulates him to suit their own purposes. It is not a book I would read again, I had started it before, but gave up. This time I persevered to the end.

Swashbuckling, intrigue, surprising discoveries and love

An absolute delight of a read. One complaint is that it robbed me of a night’s sleep. Couldn’t put it down once the story unfolded. Riveting read. Complex story of politics, war and peace, intrigues and, of course, a steaming love story. Sad and funny moments, at times so realistic that one forgot that the characters and the country location are fictitious. What more can one ask for in historic fiction?