Georgette Heyer was extremely fond of the lethargic, intelligent, sarcastic male character; it was inevitable that she will make such one into a hero in one of her novels. Both the hero and the heroine are extremely appealing characters; the plot is rather simplistic for a Heyer novel (even for her romance), but the characterization of the hero (see above) and of Penelope more than make up for it. Penelope is indeed one of my favorite Heyer females; she is intelligent, charming and innocent, and is believably appealing for such a character as the hero to be (finally) a woman whom he can fall in love with. A gender switch confusion adds to the fun (though it's not made too much of). Strongly recommended.

This was the very first Georgette Heyer book I ever read and probaly the best. I fell in love with her strong yet real characters. They can make you forget your ho-hum life and transport you to Regancy England with the turning of a few pages, where everything and everyoone is beautiful. This book made me go to all 9 libraries in my county looking for more. Thank you whomever decided to bring Georgette Heyer back to print. If you love a good romance and do not want to read a story filled with more sex then story I recommend this book you will be hooked too.

Georgette Heyer's "The Corinthian" starts off deceptively simply. One of London's foremost Corinthians [fashionable sportsmen], Sir Richard Wyndham, is walking home drunk, and brooding despondently on his forthcoming betrothal. Suddenly, from an upper window, a young stripling drops into his arms. He quickly discovers that the young stripling is a actually girl dressed as a boy who is escaping from her Aunt's house and determined to return to find her childhood sweetheart.

Pen Creed, the cross-dressing heroine of the piece can't dissuade Sir Richard from coming along with her and she happily leads him into a labyrinth of problems. From that point Sir Richard is thrown into a series of increasingly twisted, confusing and hilarious events. In between stolen diamond necklaces, suspect looking pick-pocketing coves, an eloping couple and a pursuing Aunt this has to rate as one of Heyer's more complex plots. Numerous stories converge and overlap - and to try to explain it would be a bit like trying to explain the plot of the Marriage of Figaro - impossible.

Needless to say Sir Richard's wit and good humour along with Pen's sense of the ridiculous coupled with her solemnly-uttered naievetes makes this one of Heyer's funniest and most enjoyable books

Its an easy read and make be a good introduction to Heyer for first time readers.

If this were anyone but Heyer, I'd probably give it 3 stars. Her ability to write vivid characters, and her sense of fun, earn this one an extra star.

I haven't checked, but I'm sure this must be one of her earlier Regencies. You can see her experimenting with characters who become archetypes, like the gamester brother, or the perfect gentleman friend who supports the heroine in her trials.

She includes some details that don't appear in later novels, hinting at the darker side of Regency society.

My biggest problem is the hero, Lord Cardross. Her heroes often have a harsh streak, but he comes across as too harsh and cold, without the humor that usually softens her heroes. He and Nell are at outs for most of the story, which doesn't help.

He's a man in his thirties, while Nell is barely nineteen, and that makes them an uneven match. And he has an unkind and ungracious habit of baiting Nell for marrying him for his money. Since she came from a noble but bankrupt family, the rules of their world dictated she didn't have a choice. He knows that as well as she does. It's unpleasant to watch him holding it over her head.

Since Cardross isn't the most sympathetic hero, it's hard to identify with Nell's love for him. She can seem like a bit of a twit. That's especially true since she's got a debt she won't tell her husband about, and all kinds of silly, frustrating scruples about how to get the money to pay it back. She's not all bad, but she reminds me of the kind of female Heyer satirized in later books.

Also strange is that we are asked to believe they both fell in love at first site, and that neither one of them has even suspected it, even though the marriage has been consummated for several months. Possible, I suppose, but not pleasant to think about.

What saves this story for me is the tempestuous Letty, Cardross' half sister and ward. She's more of a risk taker than Heyer's later young ladies. Of course she is head over heels in love with an unsuitable young man. Letty's attempts to get her own way and marry him before he sails abroad are very entertaining. The lover himself is certainly not what you'd expect.

In short, this is not Heyer at the top of her form. For the true fan it is worth collecting, and certainly worth re-reading, but not as often as her best.

Contrary to another reviewer, I absolutely enjoyed this book (then again, it is a Heyer novel). Because of its light-hearted romantic approach in the midst of "the devil's own scrape," this is one of my first recommendations to readers who I am introducing to Heyer.

Poor Cardross is in love with his wife, but doesn't know how to show it so very well. To make things worse, it's just not the thing to sit in your wife's pocket, and the servants always seem to walk in whenever he wants to display affection.

Nellie, always aware of the fact the she had to marry Cardross/his money since her family didn't have a feather to fly with, finds herself equally attached to her husband, but wondering how she can show him that it's not his money she loves (her pockets-to-let spending isn't very convincing). Due to well-meaning but careless comments from his younger sister, Nellie is aware of his past "liaisons", and figures that his current reserve may very well be due to the same.

The difference in the ages ( 30's vs. 19) accounts for much of the misunderstanding. He's a Man of the Town and she's still a bit of a green girl. She is not the cleverest of heroine's but very likable. He is not the completely rakish fellow one loves to laugh at, but the reader feels that he is indeed the strong and wise hero able to smooth over all the heroine's mistakes.

Her unwise choices create many doubts in her husband's mind that he is trying to overlook. His overlooking makes him reserved, causing Nellie to fear his final rejection. Her foolish but generous use of money has created a bit of tension, and sets them up for an amusing conflict that is carried through the book, with laughable little twists-and-turns until the end.

Also, the secondary characters - Cardross's friend and younger sister - add tons of color and wit to the story.

Once again, Georgette Heyer takes the reader on a rambuncious ride with laughs and surpises at every twist and turn and doesn't stop until the very last page. This is a great novel for first-time readers of Regency stories, as the plot and character descriptions sweep you away even as you acclimate yourself to the idioms, mannerisms and delightful dialogue of the English Ton. One of Heyer's more outlandishly comedic novels, you will find yourself laughing at Nell's antics as she tries to settle her debts, which in and of themselves do not seem terribly outrageous but taken in the context of the time period are undoubtably hilarious. I challenge you to be able to put this one down once you realize Nell's predictament -- and wonder how it will resolve.

I'm an avid Georgette Heyer fan, & I'll say this of her-among all the Regency authors, she's the best!! With her its not just romance alone, but humour,sarcasm,wit all get combined to produce a novel to captivate the reader. This book tells about the vivacious heroine Judith Taverner & her battle(of wits)against Lord Worth. It also has a little pinch of mystery- who wants Peregrine dead? But if i tell u the answer to that, u won't read it, will you? so i'll keep mum, & go ahead, buy this book. You won't regret it!

I have read all of Georgette Heyer's books, and Regency Buck remains my favorite -- after a few dozen readings! The mysterious plot, the wonderful dialogue, the splendid Regency settings, the chemistry between the impulsive heroine and the sardonic hero -- all these add up to a Regency masterpiece and the ultimate rainy night comfort read! (I did not, however, enjoy the audio-book version read by Flo Gibson; she makes all the characters -- even the magnificent Lord Worth -- sound odiously prissy).

The antagonism between the %th Earl of Worth and his ward, Judith, starts off early in the book. An unfortunate meeitng, and bad first impressions. All this of course doesn't seem so good when Judith's brother seems to be the target of some conspiracy. Who profits most from his death? a dark horse of a cousin, and whoever weds Judith. Does the Earl have any dark designs? I can't give this one away. It's a read-it-yourself. Of course the conversation sparkles, the characters are real, and the descriptions stand before you. Cant miss it.

This novel is set in the time of William the Conqueror. In the beginning he struggles just to stay alive, betrayal and death lurk in every corner and he never knows who to trust. However, he manages to stay alive and because of this his determination to rule over a peaceful duchy and later England drives him. Some of his decisions shock even his most faithful servant and friend, Raoul de Harcourt. Raoul known as "The Watcher" because he sleeps outside William's door at night to protect him, really does save his life more than once.

More than once I found myself admiring William, for he was a complex ruler and not always ruthless. However, in the end, I still felt for Harold who briefly became King Harold I of England because no matter what novel I have read about the "Oath" made to William by Harold, it always seemed forced.

Once you get past the flowery chivalry-type language you find a worthwhile page turning novel! This book was much better than The Golden Warrior by Hope Muntz...and was more insightful of William's personality during his eventful life and leadership. It is out-of-print but well worth the time to locate and read!

This review refers to the Hardcover edition.

History textbooks should all be like this! Heyer's lovely potrayal of William the Conqueror is breathtaking, full of magnificence and romance. It is a story of war, a story of friendship and of love and sorrow. A tale set in a time when chivalry was not dead and the sound of the bugle signalled the start of galloping destriers charging to battle. A fine read and I would recommend it to all out there who have ever believed in knights and damsels in distress.

I first read this book when I was a teenager and I've read it many times since. What a great example of dedication to duty for young people.

I love Georgette Heyer, and this book just didn't do it for me. The writing is still great, that can't be denied, utterly charming descriptions and dialogue. I think what got to me was the utter lack of romance here. There weren't even hints to suggest that a romance might be brewing, and I really felt that I was just going on faith that this was indeed a romance novel and I would be rewarded in the end for my perseverence. And I was, I suppose, but I really didn't get any warm and fuzzy feeling out of it. I wasn't reading it because I wanted to read a mystery novel, so by the time she got to the denouement, I was so starved for romance that I couldn't have cared less about the resolution of that part of the plot.

In short, unless you are a die-hard fan of her style, I wouldn't go out of my way to obtain this one.

This was the quote on the back of the book. The story itself begins in a decidedly Gothic fashion, with a seemingly dark, irascible hero, a heroine swept along by fate and a malevolent drunkard who plays her short-lived husband. The stage is set; some papers are missing that must not be allowed to fall into Bonaparte's hands and of course, they're probably secreted in the heroine's new home.

Some familiar personalities make their appearance in this novel; the hero's younger brother is modelled along most younger brothers/cousins, such as Ludovic of The Talisman Ring and Richmond of The Unknown Ajax. Basil, the sneaking and probably up-to-no-good fop is practically the twin of the evil Beau from The Talisman Ring. In fact, this story is a lot like the Talisman Ring, only without the guffaw-inducing nature of that worthy book and with a tamer ending. All in all, a good mystery infused with a lot of humour.

As a long term, well as long as possible at 16, fan of Heyer regency novels, I love the Reluctant Widow. Admittedly the romance between Eleanor and Edward is not nearly as fleshed out as in her other novels because of the focus on the mystery, but I enjoy it anyway. This is mainly because of Nicky. Nicky is a wonderful character and one of the funniest Georgette ever created, along with Rupert in These Old Shades. The book is a delightfully funny and mysterious romp and I heartily recommend it to any Regency lover.

The plot is not great, but the other qualities in the book make up for this deficiency. Her characters are charming and well-developed, and you'd never guess who the murderer is - although that may be because it's so unlikely. One of my favourite Heyer mysteries, along with Why Shoot A Butler and The Unfinished Clue. If you liked Heyer's mysteries, you could also try Mary Stewart, who writes suspense/romance as well.

Although Georgette Heyer is primarely known for her Regency romances, she was also a writer of my classical English mysteries. This one is certainly her best. Although the plot is not exactly brilliant (hence only 4 stars) the characters are up to her usual standards, esp as the odious hero Randall who you love to hate and hate to love. Very entertaining, not only for Heyer's many fans...

Although she cannot be called a great mystery plotter (the murderer is highly unlikely and there is a dire lack of clues), her characters make up for any defects. The lovely dispicable Randall, is hilarious one of my favorite Heyer unheroes. I prefer her Regencies but the mysteries are highly palatable as well.

I still love to read Georgette Heyers books in between other,more meaty books.I own every one written by her and have had this collection for many years. This story is a particularly light weight but still engaging story about a "spinster" of 29 years,thought to be well on the shelf and destined to be just an unpaid servant to her family. She befriend a beautiful,17 year old,just out of the schoolroom.The characters are beautifully drawn and a delicious love story evolves between the older woman and the handsome Sir Gareth Ludlow.Georgette Heyer conveys wonderful love stories without naked bedroom scenes and tasteless lust.

I just read this book 2 days ago, & I must say, it could have been a little better. This book features the impressive, but kind Sir Gareth Ludlow, the beautiful, spirited & wildly imaginative Amanda, & the quiet, docile Lady Hester Theale. The adventure begins, when Sir Gareth, on his way to Brancaster (Lady Hester's house), comes across Amanda, who accounts her tale of woe. Sir Gareth knows it is his duty to restore her to her grandfather, but she refuses to supply either her grandfather's name or her lover's name. So, he is forced to take her to Brancaster, where it is his desire to offer for Lady Hester. Lady Hester, if I may take leave to mention, is entirely lacking in looks. And moreover, she is 29 yrs of age. Almost an old maid. It is not on account of love, that Sir Gareth proposes to her, but in order to satisfy his sister, by producing a heir. What happens after he reaches Brancaster & the adventures which he encounters, are best left to be read. I won't spoil the story by relating all the adventures. Instead, I'll stop here, & allow you to read it by yourself. It's quite a nice book, if you can get over the wild-spirited Amanda, (I personally couldn't stand any more of they fairy tales which she created), & the some-what rushed ending.

In Sprig Muslin, Georgette Heyer stands romantic convention on its ear. The true heroine of the piece is NOT the beautiful, tempestuous young ingenue, but instead a shy, quiet "spinster" whose humor and courage gradually emerge as the ingenious plot unfolds. Sprig Muslin was not one of my favorite Heyer novels the first time I read it, but I have come to treasure it more with each reading.

An old-fashioned murder mystery set in the days when life was simpler. I hardly ever figure out 'whodunit', and thus probably enjoy these types of books more than more discerning readers. But even I figured this one out fairly quickly. Maybe I've finally read enough to see the clues. Still, I recommend this as a lite-snack for the brain.

I am a long-time reader of Georgette Heyer and, unfortunately, this is one of her few books that completely failed to draw me in. Perhaps it was because I was expecting a Regency and ended up with a mystery novel, but the book failed to evoke my interest, much less, perhaps, than some of her other mysteries, and I never managed to finish it. Some people will like the idea of a Regency/mystery, but I prefer them separated- it's something to keep in mind before purchasing this book.

I am an unabashed "Heyer" fan and own almost everything she has ever written but I believe that this is one of her best as far as humor and wit are concerned. These "characters" all grab your heart, make you both laugh and cry ... sometimes all at once! One of my favorites that I have read and re-read many times over. Enjoy!

Georgette Heyer is noted as a writer of Regency romances (she established the genre) and of murder mysteries. In this book she integrates the two into a seamless whole, producing an mystery that is inseparable from a romance (and which is set during the Regency). This sounds an unlikely juxtaposition, but Heyer pulls it off without a jarring note.

Captain John Staple, at a loose end now that the war against Napoleon is over, stumbles across an anomaly: an unattended tollgate. He takes shelter for the night, and in the morning finds a reason to stay in the area: Miss Stornaway. The two turn out connected, which is not to the Captain's liking, and he finds it necessary to disentangle them before he can let justice take its course.

This is one of the view novels Georgette Heyer (her own sternest critic) suppressed. If youre expecting one of the lighthearted, feel-good romances Georgette Heyer usually writes, prepare yourself for a shock. The title is aptly chosen and rather gives it away: this book is barren, lacking warmth. Dont get me wrong, it is very well written and you find no difficulty in falling in love with the heroin, crying when she cries,but unable to laugh for the simple reason that there is nothing to laugh at. The story is devoid of even a light sprinkle of wit or irony, leaving it rather stark and chilling. Heyer also fails to provide us with her usual charming hero, which could have been a saving grace. A good book, well worth reading, but if this is your first Heyer novel it might be wise to start with another titel, as this will give you quite a wrong immpression of the rest of Heyers incomparable works.

This contemporary novel of Heyer's (i.e. one that she placed in the 1900s) isn't quite as powerful as her other novels, "Pastel" and "Helen", but it nevertheless a wonderful book in the best tradition of Heyer. Heyer touches upon the difficulties of marriages between a woman who was bred in the middle class, and a man bred in the aristocratic class, in an age and society not quite tolerant towards such unions. In a way, Heyer seems to say that "love does not conquer all", which is a realistic moral and confirms with Heyer's conservative values, if a somewhat distasteful one to our more tolerant age. I still thinks it holds, however, and in a way Heyer presents a realisic, if not satisfactory, story. The ending is still a trifle dramatic, but it touched me as a reader (I actually liked Laura better than some other Heyer heroines like Helen, though the book itself was artistically inferior). Overall, a very good book.