Carole's Sunday Review: India Black - Carol C Carr

Author: Carol K. Carr

Title: India Black (Madam of Espionage #1)

Genre: Historical Fiction & Mystery

Pages: 296

First Published: November 2010 

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

When Sir Archibald Latham of the War Office dies from a heart attack while visiting her brothel, Madam India Black is unexpectedly thrust into a deadly game between Russian and British agents who are seeking the military secrets Latham carried.

Blackmailed into recovering the missing documents by the British spy known as French, India finds herself dodging Russian agents-and the attraction she starts to feel for the handsome conspirator.

I have been eyeballing this book for a while now especially thanks to Blodeudd and Anachronist reading and reviewing this. When I got a gift card for Christmas, I went on a book binge and bought a few books. Since it was cheap on Amazon, I went ahead and nabbed it up. However, I continued to put it on the back-burner. Why? I have no idea. Other books found itself on my plate and so I pushed it back. What the hell is wrong with me? I'm an idiot of course.

This is a lot like my Pink Carnation series, but instead with a top whore playing spy. Love spies and I love that the government had to turn to this poor chit. Yes, I do feel bad for her. All she wants to do is run her whore house in piece, but the government can play nasty and force her to join or they'll shut her down. What is a girl to do in Victorian England? You must do what you have to do. 

I liked her a lot. She made me laugh with her honesty. It did read as a diary of sorts and I liked it. Maybe not a diary, but more of her writing her tale down. I am curious to see what happens next.

I  did enjoy French. I want to see more of him. I want to learn more him. He was daft some of the time. Do I think they should get together? Maybe....I am unsure, but I do like them working as a team. I am glad, though, that this didn't turn into a romance, I would have lost respect for India if she swooned over French and etc. India is a hardened mistress of her own establishment, so swooning would ruin her character. They do make an epic duo though: The whore and the prime minister's whore of a sort (doesn't matter who the PM is, he is to do whatever he wants for pay...so yes, I call him a whore of the PM). Honestly, she seems to be the brains and he the muscles at some points. 

Speaking of the word "whore". Such a strange word especially back then. Humanity has put such a strong disdain in that word. Its so harsh sounding and ugly. Just thought I'd add that bit.

My biggest complaint was indeed the lack of mystery. It was a mystery, mind you, but it not overly exciting and easily guessable. Especially with the conclusion. Everything seemed for naught. Maybe the next book will have a deeper mystery and challenge India more. Maybe this was a simple one just to warm her up? I am ever so hopeful. 

There also seemed to be some plot holes laying around.

In the end, this was a fun book. I loved the narration style and I loved India. I am interested to read the next one of the series. The mystery was meh and there seemed some plot holes scattered about. I highly recommend this to those that like some intrigue in their historical fictions. Or for those looking for something to shake up their reading. This shall be stamped with 3 stars.

India Black and the Shadows of Anarchy - Carol K. Carr

In Victorian London, India Black has all the attributes a high-class madam needs to run a successful brothel—wit, beauty, and an ability to lie with a smile. Luckily for Her Majesty’s Government, all these talents also make her a first-rate spy.

India Black, full-time madam and occasional secret agent, is feeling restless, when one of Disraeli’s men calls on her to meet the prime minister—alone. Even though all her previous meetings have been organized by the rakishly handsome spy French, it’s been decided this is a mission India must attempt on her own.

Revolt has spread across Europe and reached the shores of England—anarchists have begun assassinating lords and earls, one by one. Now India must infiltrate the ranks of the underground group responsible for those attacks, the sinister Dark Legion. To stop their dread plot, India will go from the murkiest slums of London to the highest levels of society, uncovering secrets that threaten her very existence…

My thoughts:

First, the end, the end. It had me shaking my fist at the ceiling. It was not an omg cliffie!! Instead it was the opening of a revelation I had long wanted, but sadly will not know now. I need book 4 so I get to find out about this revelation.

India Black, Madam to a bunch of tarts is in the heat of things again. She is called to duty and will have to infiltrate an anarchist cell. Dangerous business and she must do it without French ( I still need his secrets too btw!). People and buildings are getting blown up, but India had a good head on her shoulders and goes nowhere without her trusting gun.

We have a bunch of anarchist crying out for liberty, freedom and wanting to kill people. India trying to stay alive. A new trollop to school in (I am afraid amazon wont like the other word.) Where is French? Who is French? And the whole enigma of what was shouted out in the last book, who was India's mother really?

Conclusion:

The end comes and makes me crave more. It's a good spy book with enough suspense to keep me hooked.

Cover

Ok

Paperback, 336 pages
Published June 13th 2014 by Titan Books (first published February 5th 2013)
Madam of Espionage Mysteries #3
Historical fiction / suspense / spy
For review

India Black and the Widow of Windsor - Carol K.Carr

Black is back—Her Majesty’s favorite spy is off to Scotland in this new adventure to ensure the Queen doesn’t end up getting killed.

When Queen Victoria attends a séance, the spirit of her departed husband, Prince Albert, insists she spend Christmas at their Scottish home in Balmoral. Prime Minister Disraeli suspects the Scottish nationalists plan to assassinate the Queen—and sends the ever resourceful India and the handsome British spy, French, to the Scottish highlands.

French will take the high road, looking for a traitor among the guests-and India will take the low road, disguised as a servant in case an assassin is hiding among the household staff. India is certain that someone at Balmoral is determined to make this Her Majesty’s last Christmas…

My thoughts:

I do think I liked this one even better than book 1. It might have been the downstairs/upstairs things ;)

Right, so our favorite brothel owner has been sent to Scotland. There she will play the part of a servant. Being a former whore, India does know how to act and get information. Sure she is not the best all the time, but who would be that when put in a situation like this without any schooling. So I like her.

French is there too playing the bored aristocrat who does what he wants. And there was something almost said that the beginning that sure had me wondering. Will we never learn more about him?

Amusing situations, danger, spying and one strange old lady. India sure has her hands full in this book. I also wonder if the almost flirting between her and French will lead somewhere...oh yes the questions. I guess I just need to read book 3.

Conclusion:

A Christmas gathering turned deadly. Two spies, a lusty nobleman to avoid and the question of who is trying to kill the queen. A fun book that had me guessing.

Cover

works

Paperback, 320 pages

Published April 17th 2014 by Titan Books (first published October 4th 2011)

Madam of Espionage Mysteries #2

Historical /suspense/spy/mystery

For review

India Black - Carol K.Carr

When Sir Archibald Latham of the War Office dies from a heart attack while visiting her brothel, Madam India Black is unexpectedly thrust into a deadly game between Russian and British agents who are seeking the military secrets Latham carried. Blackmailed into recovering the missing documents, India finds herself dodging Russian agents, seducing spies and embarking on midnight sleigh rides.

My thoughts:

Now this was a different kind of heroine. India is a former whore who is now the proud owner of her own brothel, you go girl. She can now rest her feet and have a glass of whisky while she tries to keep her girls in line.

But more than that is happening as this is a mystery/spy novel. India gets blackmailed to help her country. And a former whore does have her charm and that is why they want her. But India was cool, and continued to help everyone through the book. Because this woman does not give up. Which is of course why there are more books about her helping the government ;)

To her help she has a street rat (I am just gonna call him that) that comes in handy. And the mysterious spy Mr French. I can't wait to get to know him more for here it felt like we just brushed the surface.

Mystery, danger, spy-game, a touch of humour and a resourceful woman is what you get in this book. And that is takes place in the late 1800s is truly the best part. It make it a bit more exciting, and harder for them too.

Conclusion:

A fun book, and I can't wait to see what India comes up with next.

Cover

nice

Paperback, 320 pages
Expected publication: April 17th 2014 by Titan Books (first published November 23rd 2010)
Madam of Espionage Mysteries #1
Historical Fiction / mystery
for review