The Counterfeit Heiress

A Lady Emily Mystery, Book 9

By: Tasha Alexander

Narrated by: Bianca Amato

After an odd encounter at a grand masquerade ball, Lady Emily becomes embroiled in the murder investigation of one of the guests, a sometime actress trying to pass herself off as the mysterious heiress and world traveler Estella Lamar. Each small discovery, however, leads to more questions. Was the intended victim Miss Lamar or the imposter? And who would want either of them dead?

As Emily and Colin try to make sense of all this, a larger puzzle begins to emerge: No one has actually seen Estella Lamar in years, since her only contact has been through letters and the occasional blurry news photograph. Is she even alive? Emily and Colin's investigation of this double mystery takes them from London to Paris, where, along with their friend Cécile, they must scour the darkest corners of the city in search of the truth.

©2014 Tasha Alexander (P)2014 Macmillan Audio

Paris in a Different Light!

What a great twist on the highlights of Paris! And, of course, Tasha Alexander has spun another wonderful tale to keep us in suspense. Bravo!

Another Winner!

The latest entry in the Lady Emily series continues to prove that a perfect pairing of narrator and author can make a fantastic story even better. Emily finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation after attending a masquerade where an imposter heiress is murdered. The book features chapters split between current day and Estella's past. I found this to be very effective. Narration was superb as always. Although I could tell where the mystery was going before it ended, I didn't find my attention wondering at all. I wonder if the inspiration for Estella was real life heiress Haugette Clark. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Better than the Venice book

I’m finding I don’t like the books that go back and forth between two stories. I hope it’s not a regular thing going forward.

interesting

First time author, that fits into the historical thriller genre. Tasha Alexander is one of several American authors I've come across in the last year that write mysteries set around the turn of the 19th century in London and Paris. I'm not sure what causes them to choose this time frame and geography, maybe an excuse to spend time there researching their stories. This book was set in both London and Paris and had some interesting twists. While not deeply suspenseful it was an interesting listen that was easy to stick with.

Chilling

Unexpected and brilliant mystery that was disturbing to say the least and at times I just wanted to stop it.

I hope for a little more lightness in the next installment!

Creepy

Somewhat creepy and sad. Worth reading as always I thoroughly enjoyed the banter of conversation.

This is my favorite book in the series

I have enjoyed every book in the series. This story is my favorite, the author does a great job of creating suspense and mystery while weaving in historical facts and references to classical literature

Brilliant

After a few chapters I thought that I wouldn't like this story because it seemed that it would end too badly . But once again this author fooled me . It is a convoluted tale that moves from a murder in London to a missing woman in Paris. I loved the chapters that told of the two sides of the story. If you love a well crafted historical mystery you will love this book. The narrator is excellent.

INTELLIGENT REGENCY ERA MYSTERY

What made the experience of listening to The Counterfeit Heiress the most enjoyable?

Bianca Amato is one of my favorite narrators. As usual, she gives a masterful performance. Her voice is so genteel, yet commanding, that the use of different voices for each character is totally unnecessary. She utilizes almost imperceptible nuances to depict females from males, the gentry from the working class.

What did you like best about this story?

It was an intelligent take on turn of the 20th century female detectives. There is nothing of the second-class male dominated nature in Lady Emily. She and her husband Colin are "ride or die" partners in marriage and business, like Bonnie and Clyde. Their friends, Cécile and Jeremy, are perfect supporting characters.

Which scene was your favorite?

I can't say here without spoiling the plot twists and resulting denouement.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

That's not really an applicable question for this kind of work. There are no "extremes", per se, only a respect and appreciation for a unique take on this overdone and overworked genre.

Any additional comments?

Tasha Alexander's research is impeccable. She doesn't waste a lot of effort on creating "atmosphere" with descriptions of period clothing, furniture, lodgings, food, vehicles, or "bon ton" society gathering places such as Almack's or White's. She remains focused on good criminal, psychological and budding forensic investigation, all leading to the resolution of the initial murder and the ancillary crimes. This is my first in this series but it definitely won't be the last!

Enjoyed twisted blot

This was my first introduction to these characters. The author was clever to give the two sides of the plot. Paris was described wonderfully. It was easy to listen to the reader.