Dangerous Deceptions

October 1, 2014

Gr 8 Up-Peggy Fitzroy is back with another immersing story of court life and intrigue in this suspenseful sequel to Palace of Spies(Houghton Harcourt, 2013). Peggy, a maid of honor in King George's court, spy and ally to his daughter, Princess Caroline, is confronted with an assortment of inconveniences in this mix of historical fiction and mystery. First, Peggy's despicable fiance informs her that, to both of their chagrin, they are still betrothed. Both wonder why Sebastian's father and Peggy's uncle desire this match so strongly. Her patron, Mr. Tinderflint, is away from court searching for clues regarding Peggy's missing father. If only her father were confirmed alive then Peggy's uncle would hold no authority over her. As if her personal affairs were not enough of a struggle, Peggy must also be on the alert for Jacobite spies scheming to unseat King George. The teen must put all of her skills as a spy to the test. History is expertly interwoven with action in this engaging installment. Descriptions of court life, dress, and fashionable trends are well done. The inclusion of the Jacobite rebellion provides the catalyst for suspense and drama. All of this plus a compelling heroine makes for an exciting edition to a promising series.-Tiffany Davis, Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY

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October 15, 2014
In which our delightful heroine, equal parts Eliza Bennett and Veronica Mars, finds herself yet again incommoded by intrigue, villains and reversals of fortune in this sequel to Palace of Spies (2013). "One of the great frustrations of a maid of honor's life is that her time is not her own," Peggy Fitzroy tells readers ruefully. "That frustration is multiplied when the maid is supposed to be engaged in conspiracy and robbery." And indeed, Peggy's attempts to spy for the crown are continually stymied by the semiotics of life in the Princess of Wales' court. The tricky part of any sequel is to acquaint new readers with the shenanigans that transpired previously without trying the patience of dedicated fans. Zettel dispatches the tension easily, and by the third page, readers are hurtling sympathetically along with Peggy as her espionage leads her yet again headlong into mortal peril. Much of the humor comes from Peggy's gaffes and narrow escapes. But when the quick-witted girl sets out to intentionally make a spectacle of herself in order to entrap and defeat an adversary, the results are gratifyingly suspenseful. Along the way, the tale is woven with historical detail to amuse and educate-as with the introduction of tea into court society-but always in service of the plot and never so pedantic as to bog down the swift-paced action.More thoroughly satisfying mischief and mayhem are afoot. (Historical mystery. 12 & up)

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November 15, 2014
Grades 8-12 Peggy Fitzroy is an orphan, spy, card sharp, teenager in love, and maid of honor in King George's palace. Her misadventures, which began so promisingly in Palace of Spies (2013), continue here with great action, and plentiful humor. Peggy joins forces with her artist paramour and her cousin as she encounters truths of a political and personal nature. Feisty, strong, and quick-witted, Peggy is a welcome change from vapid romance heroines, though there are certainly plenty of passionate (but discrete) moments. Zettel weaves in history in an engaging fashion, along with numerous period fashion details. Happily, at least one more title is in the works.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)