The Masque of the Black Tulip by Lauren Willig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Second in the series, The Masque of the Black Tulip was just as delightful (perhaps more fun even?) as The Secret History of the Pink Carnation. If you’ve read Pink Carnation, then you’ve already met the main hero and heroine of Black Tulip. Henrietta Selwick, younger sister of the notorious Richard Selwick, is funny and bright and even occasionally silly. There’s a scene where she hides from Miles Dorrington that it just hilarious. Miles is, of course, the hero of this story. Being Richard’s best friend from childhood and very close to the whole Selwick family, he is deeply involved in all things spy. Miles is deliciously awkward and gets distressingly tangled up in things he shouldn’t, including Henrietta.
This was a fun romp full of mystery, romance and humor. A fantastic addition to the series. And don’t forget, you get to follow along with modern-day Eloise and her budding crush on Colin Selwick, a descendant of Lord Richard, the Purple Gentian.