Courtney J. Hall

Exciting and intriguing, "The Not Exactly Scarlet Pimpernel" is a brilliant reworking of the classic novel by Baroness Orczy. I have to admit that although I was casually familiar with the premise of the original, I'd never read it. That wasn't a problem here, though, as C.P. Lesley cleverly reveals Orczy's plot before diving headfirst into her own, and does it in such a way that I don't think it would ruin it for anyone who hadn't yet read the original. Lesley's characters are well-drawn, likeable and sympathetic, the plot unpredictable and exciting, and the resolution is satisfying. Add to that Lesley's knack for injecting just the right amount of accurate historical detail and you have a wonderful book, a perfect companion with which to curl up on a rainy day (or whatever setting you prefer when you want to be swept away). I couldn't recommend this book more and look forward to more from the author.