India Black by Carol K. Carr
India Black – owner of a brothel coerced into being a spy for the British Government. I don’t know if liked her, but I found her fascinating.
The year is 1876. It’s winter in London. Victoria is queen and Disraeli is prime minister. Sir Archibald Latham of the War department dies in India’s brothel, the Lotus House. As she is disposing of the body – bad for business, you know – she is discovered by French who works for the PM. India is basically blackmailed into helping him retrieve documents that Latham had with him and that have disappeared. India falls headfirst into the deadly game of cat and mouse with the Russians.
India is one of a kind. She’s seen a lot in her life, knows that London is a tough city. She’s cynical and carries a gun that she is more than capable of using. She’s a businesswoman at heart, taking care of her tarts so that she can charge a fair penny for their services. But more than that, adventure excites her, the danger.
I can’t help it; a lifetime of fending for myself in the streets of London, scraping for crusts and customers, dodging blows from the peelers and attempts to reform me by assorted God wallahs, has left me with a rather jaundiced view of authority in all its guises. India Black answers to no man, no matter how attractive he might be. Of course, that was only part of the reason I’d laced on a pair of sturdy boots and commandeered a cab for a drive through one of the worst snowstorms I could remember. I’m a sporting woman by nature; even my line of work requires a calculating heart and a bold spirit. I’m not ashamed to confess that I’d become caught-up in the game, thrilling at the chase, and I wanted to be in on the kill. (pg. 182)
She has a truly unique voice. She may be afraid in certain situations, but she’s never going to let you know. She takes what comes and does the best she can in the circumstances. She’s sexy and uses that to her advantage.
The story’s kind of like a James Bond movie set in Victorian London, except the woman is much more than just a side-kick, love interest. She’s the star. Bond would of course be French, who is willing to chase the Russians to France and beyond if he needs to, and always has another weapon hiding somewhere on his person. There’s definitely an attraction between him and India, and the dialogue is pitch perfect.
I really enjoyed this historical spy novel, at least that’s how I’m categorizing it. India is definitely one of the few truly outstanding characters I’ve met this year.
The Giveaway:
I’ve got one copy of India Black to giveaway, thanks to the author. To enter just leave a comment below by January 12. I will choose a random winner January 13. Sorry, but this one’s open to the US and Canada only.
In the meantime, you can always pre-order it at Amazon, an Indie bookstore, or The Book Depository.
Madam of Espionage #1
296 pages
Will be published January 4, 2011 by Berkley Prime Crime
4 out of 5 stars
Challenges: 100+
I received my copy from the author for review and the above is my honest opinion.
This book sounds great. I will definitely be reading this 🙂
Do sign me up for this giveaway-Did you ever read The Private Papers of Eastern Jewel?
No, I haven’t. I just read the synopsis, though, and it does sound good.
A historical spy novel? That sounds great! I’m putting it right on my goodreads list! Thanks for the review and for the chance to win!
knittingandsundries(at)gmail(dot)com
Cool, a like a heroine that takes charge at that era, instead of doing nothing 🙂
I like the cover. I’m a cover gal. If a cover strikes my fancy, I’ll take a closer look. I probably miss out on some really good reads doing that. apparently, I never learned anything from the phrase, “Don’t jusge a book by it’s cover.”
Laurie from Grandma Sez So
Stopping in from Tribute Books Mama. (Stylish award giver)
I have a review/giveaway glog called Grandma Sez So
I’ll be doing pets product reviews starting next year. Yikes, that’s only a couple hours away. I better run!
This looks like a great debut! Please enter me in the giveaway. Thanks!
Sign me up, please! You’ve made me want to meet India.
stacybooks at yahoo
Sounds like an intriguing read. Please enter me to win!
This sounds really cool! Please enter me in the contest.
headlessfowl at gmail dot com
No need to enter me, Carol. I’m dropping in to say thanks for the e-mail. I’ve got this posted at Win a Book for you.
Thanks, Susan.
I already have a bit of a crush on India – she just sounds so cool! Also, the cover is fabulous. Sign me up!
sounds fascinating. i’d love to read it!
It sounds great! Please enter me in the giveaway.
Thanks
I’ve seen this around the net for the past few weeks, and I was immediately drawn to it!
I even put it on my hit list today:
http://www.bookmarkyourthoughts.com/2011/01/on-my-hit-list.html
I want it! hehe
Please include me in the giveaway.
I LOVE this type of book so I would be SUPER excited if I won!
I’d love to enter for this one Carol! Thanks.
bj19662001 (at) yahoo (dot) ca
Please enter me! Thank you so much for the giveaway!
areallibrarian[at]gmail[dot]com
A spy novel that is also a historical novel. Unresistable! Please enter me: harvee44 (at) yahoo.com
This looks amazing! I’m a fan of Deeanna Raybourn’s Lady Julie Grey series and this sounds a bit like that. I love Victorian mysteries, please enter me!
XOXO~ Renee C.
steelergirl83(at)gmail(dot)com
Wow, this sounds like a good one, I’d love to be entered!
Lane
moiraethefates(AT)gmail(DOT)com