The late Georgette Heyer was a very private woman. Her historical novels have charmed and delighted millions of readers for decades, though she rarely reached out to the public to discuss her works or private life. She was born in Wimbledon in August 1902. She wrote her first novel, The Black Moth, at the age of seventeen to amuse her convalescent brother; it was published in 1921 and became an instant success.

Heyer published 56 books over the next 53 years, until her death from lung cancer in 1974. Heyer's large volume of works included Regency romances, mysteries and historical fiction. Known as the Queen of Regency romance, Heyer was legendary for her research, historical accuracy and her extraordinary plots and characterizations. Her last book, My Lord John, was published posthumously in 1975. She was married to George Ronald Rougier, a barrister, and they had one son, Richard.

"I love the characters of this novel over anything else. " -- Bloody Bad Books

"Readers who similarly live for (vicarious) swash and buckle will get much satisfaction - duels, bloodshed, highwaymen halting coaches, balls, aristocratic slights requiring redress, and enigmatic masked rescuers." -- Apprentice-Writer

"[A] deliciously implausible story... The characters are great fun." -- A Hoyden's Look at Literature

"Heyer! You are a fount of easy, fabulous reads! " -- Books I Done Read

"A delightful romp from beginning to end." -- Jane Austen's World

"Sword fighting, cross dressing, secret identities, abductions, people being thrown out of carriages - this book had it all. Good, good fun!" -- Christy's Book Blog

"Heyer is a comedy master... Funny yet plausible at the same time. " -- Books Like Breathing

"A fun escape." -- Starting Fresh

"Witty, sparkling, laugh-out-loud funny and romantic. " -- Revenge of the Book Nerds

"A fun tale of adventurers that is filled with romance, disguises, swash buckling duels, and highwaymen." -- Laura's Reviews

"Georgette Heyer is quite the proficient when it comes to historical fiction and romantic romps." -- Austenesque Reviews

"The plot twists are great fun and the story is full of action." -- Martha's Bookshelf

"Romance, mystery, comedy, duels and even a murder... this was great fun." -- Library Queue

"A delightful romp from beginning to end. " -- Jane Austen's World

"Georgette is truly an artist with words." -- Readaholic

"A fun book with interesting characters and lots of adventure... Georgette Heyer has yet to disappoint." -- Good Clean Reads

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Pub date: 2009-12-01

Length: 336 pages