The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla

Pink Carnation, Book 11

By: Lauren Willig

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Length: 12 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's Summary

In the latest Pink Carnation novel from national best-selling author Lauren Willig, rumors spreading among the ton turn deadly as a young couple unites to solve a mystery.

In October of 1806, the Little Season is in full swing, and Sally Fitzhugh has had enough of the endless parties and balls. With a rampant vampire craze sparked by the novel The Convent of Orsino, it seems no one can speak of anything else. But when Sally hears a rumor that the reclusive Duke of Belliston is an actual vampire, she cannot resist the challenge of proving such nonsense false. At a ball in Belliston Square, she ventures across the gardens and encounters the mysterious Duke.

Lucien, Duke of Belliston, is well versed in the trouble gossip can bring. He's returned home to dispel the rumors of scandal surrounding his parents' deaths, which hint at everything from treason to dark sorcery. While he searches for the truth, he welcomes his fearsome reputation - until a woman is found dead in Richmond. Her blood drained from her throat.

Lucien and Sally join forces to stop the so-called vampire from killing again. Someone managed to get away with killing the last Duke of Belliston. But they won't kill this duke - not if Sally has anything to say about it.

©2014 Lauren Willig (P)2014 Penguin Audio

Loved it!

Lauren Willig's Pink Carnation series is absolutely one of my favorite reads and I especially love them on Audible when narrated by Kate Reading (who has read all but one). While they are all enjoyable, this one took me back to the original book that started it all, The Secret History of the Pink Carnation. It was just delightful from beginning to end. If you are one of those lucky folks that haven't yet sampled the Pink series, I envy you. Do yourself a favor and dive in. Only one caution - they should be read in order since the characters are all intertwined and their progression needs to be followed logically.

Great addition to the series

I really liked this book. It was a lot of fun. Okay, there weren't many spies. And Eloise comes across as a 14 year old at times. (That could be Kate Reading's reading of her. That's why I gave the performance only 4 stars. At least she pronounced "Eloise" right this time.) But it's an entertaining book.

Sally's story is funny and easy to read. I totally enjoyed it. I'm so glad there's one more book in the Pink Carnation series. I really like Lauren Willig's books.

Not too impressed.

I hate to sound so cynical, but it seems to me that Willig has made it to the end of the garden with this one. I am not very impressed with the story. It leaves much to be desired, and she seems to be killing off her 21st century heroine's character. I hope the next flower installment is a little less predictable.

Really enjoyed this book!

I really enjoyed this book and I love Sally and Lucien, but I missed Ms. Gwen and Jane. I know that Ms. Gwen was included in the book, but her role was minimal. I actually think that I liked Eloise's and Collin's story the best. I can't wait to see what happens with them in the next book.

I really do love the Pink Carnation series. Lauren Willig is such a talented writer. She can take you back in time 200 plus years or 10 years and make you feel like you are right there with the characters. I enjoy her books so much!

Kate Reading's narration is PERFECT - PERFECT!!!! She switches between an American accent and British accent without any problems and makes every single character believable and brings them to life.

The combination of Ms. Willig and Ms. Reading is spot on!

Another good story

Lauren Willig has written yet another excellent story full of eccentric, loveable characters. Somehow, I imagine the Duke looking sort of like Scissorhands; a dark, lonely person who needs a friend, or more. As his true counterpart, Sally is bright, blonde, and outgoing. With the same conflict between good and evil, the simplicity behind the plot that carries through all the series, this book is the same, but delightfully different. Great villains! The Black Tulip, LaRoche, Uncle Henry, make greater heroines. As a lover of the series, this one does not disappoint.

Great series

I love this series. The narrator is excellent, as is the writing.
Start with the Pink Carnation

Another great novel

I am a true fan of Lauren Willig's entire Pink Carnation series. I can't wait for tomorrow's release of the final book in the series though I hate to see it end. In this installment, I love the play of the vampire hysteria to add a touch of modern culture to the story. I all love how old friends are mentioned throughout the series. It lets me remember the characters like old friends.

I cannot get enough!!!!

I absolutely love the series and I can't wait for the next book. Another great book, Lauren, you hit it out of the park.

Stoats chase chickens.

I think this may be the next to the last of the flower spies. After reading hundreds of series over more years than I care to look back upon, this is the first time I want to say
NO. Don't Stop!

Stating the obvious, this series began as a parody of the Scarlet Pimpernel, and it is done with cheerful affection, as the best parodies do. But in this the heroine saves the hero, in this case quite literally.

Stoats are predators. Sally's pet Stoat is soft and cuddly and goes everywhere with her. We are reminded all through the book that Sally does not want to hear about chickens. When she throws her pet onto her lover's would be killer, we are brought to a new understanding of how small, cuddly animals may be red in tooth and claw.

adore Willig

continue to enjoy Lauren's style and Kate ' s narration ! it's like a date with dear friends and catching up. ..delightful