Harriet Klausner's Review Archive
Madeline "The Wicked Widow" Deveridge demands that Artemis Hunt, owner of the Dreams Pavilion, help her find her abducted maid. After he successfully completes the mission, he demands she explain how she knows so much about his affairs. He learns about her deceased father's journal that provides information on the followers of Vanza who include Artemis and Madeline's deceased spouse Renwick. In exchange for the book, he agrees to help her with the apparent ghost of her dead husband, whom she allegedly murdered.
As they investigate the seemingly supernatural presence, Madeline and Artemis fall in love with each another. However, after the machinations of her first husband, she does not trust anyone who follows the philosophy of Vanza. He still pines over the murder of his first love. With that much baggage, a permanent relationship between the Vanza disciple and the WICKED WIDOW appears remote.
Overall, the WICKED WIDOW is an exciting historical romance that contains all of the elements that have made Amanda Quick a fan favorite. However, the constant use of Vanza philosophy slows down the plot but otherwise this is a very interesting historical intrigue. The lead characters are a charming duo and the support cast provides depth. Ms. Quick's latest tale is an entertaining story that generally will provide much satisfaction to sub-genre fans.