Diamonds and Deceit

December 1, 2013
More scheming servants and conniving debutantes at Somerton. On the eve of World War I, technology and shifting social mores are eroding the fabric of London society as the pace of life accelerates. In the second installment of this soapy series, the focus shifts to Lady Ada's secret half sister, Rose, who was raised as a housemaid at Somerton and elevated to a member of the family at the conclusion of Cinders & Sapphires (2013). As Rose attempts to navigate her first London season as a participant instead of a supporting player, she is confounded at every turn by malicious rivals and conflicting messages about her role in the evolving societal landscape. Gossip (and the fear of it) is the driving force at the heart of the story. Although there is some mustache-twirling villainy--and brutal consequences for aristocratic license--most of Rasheed's characters are satisfyingly complex and flawed. With a few notable exceptions, no one is all good or all bad, leaving plenty of room for outlandish plot twists and changes of heart. Deft descriptions embroider the subplots that provide the historical context and intrigue--the trains of London's Underground Railway roar "like an imprisoned dragon"--and the anxiety of the age is leavened somewhat by humorous touches. Add this to the list of recommended reading for Downton Abbey enthusiasts. (Historical fiction. 12 & up)

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March 1, 2014

Gr 8 Up-The intrigue continues in this addition to the series. The Averleys are in London for "the Season," a ceaseless parade of parties and events designed to foster advantageous family alliances. Having failed to secure a suitable match in her first two seasons, Charlotte is determined to snare a husband this summer but is unwilling to let go of Lord Fintan, Ada's betrothed, and he seems unable to resist her advances. Ada is keenly aware that becoming Lady Fintan will save her family from the financial ruin wrought by her brother William's gambling debts. She is fond of Lord Fintan and believes she has resigned herself to give up her love for Ravi. Rose is still trying to adjust to her new position as the recognized daughter of Lord Westlake but cannot escape her past as a lady's maid. She is unwittingly drawn into a relationship with the heir to one of the wealthiest families in England, completely unaware of his playboy reputation. Michael returns to Eton so that he will be better able to provide for Priya. William takes advantage of his absence to take unwanted liberties with her. Meanwhile, Sebastian continues his desperate search for a solution to Oliver's imprisonment. Despite the multitude of characters, Rasheed does an admirable job of keeping each of their stories enticing, steadily bringing each situation to a soap-opera-worthy cliffhanger. While there are a few satisfying resolutions, enough remains unsettled to keep fans anxiously awaiting the next installment.-Cary Frostick, formerly at Mary Riley Styles Public Library, Falls Church, VA

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July 1, 2014
In this second installment, lines are further blurred between upstairs and downstairs as former housemaid Rose transitions into her new role as a lady and Lady Ada attempts to save her family from financial ruin. In this period soap opera (forbidden trysts, rape, unrequited love, etc.), Rasheed effectively highlights early-twentieth-century culture, and plenty of subplots and much intrigue offer surprises.

(Copyright 2014 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)