Barbara Metzger, one of the funniest Regency authors today---no, make that one of the funniest authors, period!---has done it again. Though it starts a bit slowly, once the entire disreputable cast of characters is assembled, Miss Treadwell's Talent never lets up. Maylene Treadwell and her mother, Thisbe, Lady Tremont (widow of a dissolute baron who lost all his money) are genteel and impoverished. Lady Tremont is blessed with a rare talent for communicating with the dead; Maylene has a talent for finding things and people thought lost. When the distressed Duke of Mondale comes to them, in desperation over his missing daughter, they will hold seances, send out investigators, and leave no stone unturned to get to the bottom of the mystery. Of course, Socrates Hughes (and don't you just love this hero's name?), the Earl of Hyatt, dismisses the mother-daughter duo and their minions as charlatans, out to cheat the duke and feather their nest handsomely with his gold guineas. Belinda, the duke's missing daughter, is Soc's fiancee (not announced yet, though), and he should want her found, no? Well, yes...and no. Not after meeting Maylene, to whom he is both attracted and repulsed. Their bickering and undeniable attraction is charming and amusing to read. Even as he blisters May with criticism, his lips keep straying to hers...again...and again...and again! And I haven't even started on the hilarious secondary characters yet. Be assured, though, that every Jack will wind up with his Jill. Absurd though some of these matches may seem, all of Ms. Metzger's people (and animals!) are truly made for each other. Her instincts are unerring. The wonderful animals in this Regency include a kitten who's mistaken for a puppy, a dog that comes back from the dead younger and ungelded, and a spectral pooch who saves the day for a young married couple and a fisherman. Terrific, just terrific! And, yes, I agree with the other reviewer who says that Ms. Metzger's books cry out for filming; her sight gags are irrepressible.

Lord Hyatt's betrothed has disappeared, and her worried father insists on consulting the spirits about her whereabouts. Of course, Lord Hyatt himself knows that the Treadwell women--the widowed Lady Tremont and her spinster daughter--are money-grubbing charlatans, but he reluctantly agrees to accompany his prospective father-in-law in order to keep him from being fleeced.

Lady Tremont is a medium who conducts seances, and her daughter's talent as a "finder" of lost things and people is well-known. Grateful clients contribute to the "Fund for Psychical Research," which is in reality the household account and manages to keep the wolf from the door. Although Maylene Treadwell's meticulous "research" adds drama (not to mention credibility) to her mother's performances, Lady Tremont's contacts to the spirit world seem to be quite genuine indeed.

Of course, Lord Hyatt is neither impressed nor convinced. He only attends the seances on his prospective father-in-law's behalf. He could not possibly be attracted to the unconventional Miss Treadwell. No indeed! It is only a coincidence that he is no longer interested in his mistress and that he always seems to be apologizing for taking liberties with Miss Treadwell's luscious lips. Once his fiancée is found, they will be married and he will have no reason to think of the Treadwell women ever again.

On her part, Maylene is certain that the young heiress ran away to escape a forced marriage to a boorish womanizer. No intelligent woman in her right mind would ever wish to marry such a disagreeable cur. Well, not unless kissing happened to be involved, that is. Oddly enough, Maylene's common sense seems to desert her whenever she finds herself in close proximity to the despised earl.

To this delightful comedy, add a missing duke's heir, a silly young viscount who wants to contact his beloved mother for advice on how to go one with his life, and a one-legged soldier with an uncertain future, not to mention a jealous spirit guide named Max, and you end up with a hilarious romp into the Regency world that is so wonderfully typical of Ms. Metzger's novels.

Do yourself a favor and run, don't walk, to pick up this latest masterpiece by Barbara Metzger. You won't regret it!

Ms. Metzger has amazing wit. I savored this book over several days. I did not want to skim over a single funny line or miss out on laughing out loud. All the charecters were a hoot. If this book were made into a movie, it would seriously compete with all the recent Jane Austen movies. Are there any producers out there?

Metzger craftily weaves her plot of two people who need each other and find their hearts' desires during the Christmas season.

I am enchanted withMetzger's zany characters and witty style. The characters are likeable and fun.

If you can get a hold of this book, I guarantee it will be an asset to your regency library.

Chronic pelvic pain is perplexing to all gynecologists. The reason is that not all pelvic pain is straight forward. There are psychological issues, urological, gastrointestinal, neural, and musculoskeletal components that preclude the effectiveness of simple NSAIDs and hysterecomy one size fits all treatment. This text very clearly characterizes the different etiologies with their workup and treatments. It is well organized to zero-in on a particular issue or read cover to cover. The illustrations are nice. This is the best book on this subject...hands down. It should be in every gynecologists library

Barbara Metzger's first book ( Now out of print) is a gem of a find, when you can find it. The contrast between the characters is refreshing, humorous and enchanting.

If you enjoy Regency Books, (and can find this one) I think you will not be disappointed.

I loved this book. I'm tired of reading trashy porn novels that have no good literature in them whatsoever. This book gave me a good feeling inside when I finished it. I would recommend reading it. Especially this time of year.

Good stuff by a master. Very funny and a good dose of "black humor" conserning a body that just won't stay put. You like the characters, and would just like to jump in the book and join the fun. Very like a screwball comedy only in Jane Austin dress!

What a fun tale - the personalities of the dogs make this story so wonderful. How many books have fainting dogs, man-hating dogs, escaping dogs, horse biting dogs, sheep killing dogs (unfairly labeled!), and little blind barking mites of dogs. Throw in a spy in the shape of a French courtesan, a respectable duchess, a "fallen" schoolteacher, a sweet companion (our heroine) and a toplofty viscount (our hero) and you have a delightful romp with all sorts of hilarious situations! Poor Corin (our viscount hero)! All he wants is Primrose Cottage to serve as a place to hide a spy (serving England). Now his Aunt Sophie has died, the place will be his! But Aunt Sophie had other plans and the cottage was left to her companion, Angelina. She is to care for all the remaining dogs that Aunt Sophie has collected during her life, oversee the building of a "home for dogs," and collect a little salary besides. Corin tries hard to find homes for these dogs for the sooner they are gone, the sooner Angelina is gone. But instead he loses his heart as "Angel" becomes less a drab companion and more of a lady. The romance is very sweet. Angelina tries hard not to lose her heart since she believes she is unfit to be a Lord's wife. You will laugh your way through all the dog tales (pun intended) and other intrigues that go on to a very satisfying conclusion. Well worth reading and keeping!

1. Go to your nearest bookstore or library. 2. Purchase/select a copy of "The Primrose Path" by Barbara Metzger. 3. Go to a very private place before you begin to read.

4. Read about the tumultuous events at Primrose Cottage, which, although he truly doesn't need it, the Seventh Viscount Knowle had anticipated to be a part of his inheritance. While he was off fighting Boney, however, his aged Aunt Sophie had not only acquired a companion, Miss Angelina Armstead, but a hoard of hairy 'heirs' as well. The two ladies have turned Primrose Cottage into a sanctuary for problem doggies, or doggies with problems. As the somewhat toplofty Viscount tries to dislodge Miss Angelina along with her doggies, a slightly different outcome occurs. She dislodges his heart from the block of ice in which it had been hiding. As all of this unfolds, you will no doubt --

5. Chuckle. 6. Chortle. 7. Giggle. 8. Guffaw. 9. Wipe tears from eyes. 10. Laugh some more, ad infinitum.

Warning: Do not, under any circumstances, give this book to anyone who is recuperating from surgery. Anyone who has had stitches put into their person within the previous thirty days must avoid this book for at least another thirty days.

This is without doubt, the funniest book I have ever read. If only Ms. Metzger could write for television. She'd keep people off the streets, that's for certain. It's really too bad there can't be extra stars available for such superlative efforts.

How could a publisher with any business -- or otherwise! -- sense allow any book of Barbara Metzger's to go out of print? She is one of the Regency genre's best writers, and one of the wittiest authors in any genre. One of the reviews here cited saw this as a movie, and I heartily concur---the situations and slapstick in The Primrose Path are positively hilarious. Viscount Knowle (aka Knolly) finds himself up to his champagne-polished Hessian boots in dogs, long-lost sisters, French spies, ex-mistresses, languishing possible fiancees, and others, when he tangles with the formidable Angelina Armistead, his late aunt's companion. Knowle has to remove Angelina from Primrose Cottage in order to house a fleeing French spy, but Lena aka Angel has been mandated by the late aunt's will to provide a home for her numerous dogs. A clash of wills and personalities becomes a charming love story. Knowle is a marvelous hero, even as he fends off the monstrous Ajax and the problematic Puddles, and tries to keep upwind of old Windy. A smart BBC producer would do well to snap this up. But do BBC producers (or any producers at all) read Regency romances???? Well, they should!

Viscount Hartleigh, Lesley,is one of the sexiest, funniest, endearing men I have read in a regency to date. He is an adonis and the poor housekeeper (really, a daughter of an earl) and a widow with a small daughter, ends up being crazy about him and his baby daughter, who is left on his front steps. It was a great story and a fun romance. I did not really like the bit with the ex-husband, whom Carissa thought was dead. It went on too long. Also, the night when Carissa approaches Lesley to sleep with him, he says no, was silly. He was obsessed with her, he desperately wanted to sleep with her; he should not have turned her down. He already wanted to marry her. It really is okay for a regency to have a couple share a night of passion!

I just moved house. I just finished Edith Layton's deep and somewhat dark "The Devil's Bargain". Ergo, I needed some light relief! Bingo - Barbara to the rescue!

This author produces some very light, frothy but excellently written and tightly constructed regencies. They say it is harder to be a comedian than a tragedian and I think Metzger demonstrates this. Lord Heartless is one of my favourite examples of this.

The story strains credibility and is certainly told with tongue firmly in cheek. Just allow yourself to be swept up into the nonsensical story of Viscount Hartleigh and his prim, proper and titled housekeeper, Mrs Carissa Kane. There is an abandoned wife, a rake, a foundling, an enchanting child, assorted silly and profane animals and a supporting cast of weird and wonderful servants.

Take it at face value and give yourself a laugh - a farcical tour de force which gave me a moment's amusement whilst unpacking too many boxes off the moving van!

This book was absolutely delightful. I found Viscount Hartleigh to be an original, and Carissa, thankfully, not one of those ridiculous missish women regency books seem to favor. The dialogue was wonderful and witty. This is the book that should have won the 1998 RITA award.

What a delightful romp through a London Season! Some of it told through the words of a dog (a loyal companion). Those parts were not as annoying as it sounds. Sonia, a rather sweet and spoiled young lady charms London with Fitz her four legged guardian by her side. When Fitz is lost, hurt, saved and returned to Sonia by "dastardly" Darius Conover and his three young wards, a special bond develops between all of them! Sonia sets out to prove he is innocent of charges spread years earlier that have made him a pariah to society. There is the usual villain who is out to spoil all the joy. Darius takes care of him several times over! Charming tale.

Using the device of a canine's thoughts, this very clever author moves the plot and characters--villains, heroine and handsome hero--into and out of several schemes, strategies and brouhahas to a happily-ever-after conclusion. It's a delightful read.

This Regency is formated as a "typical" regency except our narrator is the herorine's dog. You'll laugh and laugh as you will with most of Metzger's books. . . but, if you are a dog lover, you'll want to share it with all your dog loving friends. However, keep track of who you loan it to. They'll want to share it with their friends and family who love dogs. This book is a hoot and a tour d'force for Metzger. I just wish she wrote more more often.

Dukes did not paint, or did they? For Kennard (Kasey) Cartland, Duke of Caswell, painting was not merely a hobby, but a way of life. He would collect models as he would have collected priceless art objects, but there was a woman in his life who didn't consider herself an object at all. Miss Lilyanne Bannister dreamed of wearing finery and enjoying a London Season like many of her contemporaries. She had to put those dreams on hold when her parents were killed and she was placed in the care of a stern uncle. Could the images Kasey painted of bright scenes brighten Lilyanne's life? Barbara Metzger handles the give and take of a relationship deftly. Like the brilliant colors of Kasey's palette, this story also has its brilliance.

Ever wondered what Galatea would have said to Pygmalion before she came to life, especially if she also possessed a sharp wit and a caustic tongue to boot?

Kennard Cartland, the Duke of Casewell, is very much a man of the ton. He's rich, good looking, a responsible duke, and has a reputation of being a very generous and excellent lover. He also has a deep, dark secret. He is a brilliant artist. Each night, he repairs to his house in Lonsdale Street, where he spends the night (after having indulged with the lady of the night, literally) painting nudes. One night, instead of painting his latest conquest, he creates a beautiful woman out of his imagination. In fact, she's so beautiful and perfect that he even finds himself drooling over her, for all that she's a figment of his imagination. So you can well imagine his shock when the lady in the painting starts talking to him and upbraiding him for everything from his many self indulgences, his casual use of women, and the cold manner in which he has chosen his future wife. The duke is fit to be tied -- could he be losing his mind?

Afraid that this may be the case, he repairs promptly to the estate of a Dr. Bannister, who had at one time been King George III's physician. Dr. Bannister now runs a sort of sanitarium where the aristocracy send their difficult and wayward daughters and wives. Bannister is keen to take on the duke's case. However the duke soon finds that if the good doctor cannot cure him, Bannister's regime of boiled food and rigorous exercise and knitting, will soon drive the duke quite daft from boredom. Everything the duke takes pleasure in (reading, good food, painting, & conversation) seems to be on the doctor's forbidden list. Indeed the only bright spot in this very grim landscape seems to be Bannister's niece, Lilyanne. But Lilyanne is convinced that the duke is dangerous, and so keeps her distance. Stung that (for once) his rank, good looks and legendary charm seems not to be working on Lilyanne, the duke goes all out to win her trust and approval. And the more time he gets to spend with Lilyanne, the more she's proving to be just too irresistible a temptation. Surely he cannot be falling for a young woman of modest means and background?

Lilyanne Bannister has all but given up hope of ever finding happiness and love. Orphaned at an early age, Lilyanne and her sister, are quite dependent on their uncle. And in order to give her sister a chance at some kind of life, Lilyanne has all but resigned herself to acting as her uncle's assistant at the sanitarium. She was quite resigned to her fate; and then one day, rich, charming and handsome Kennard Cartland enters her life. From the very start Lilyanne knew that she would have to arm herself against his charm. But it isn't too long before she's falling under his spell, esp since he actually seems to enjoy talking to her and listening to her opinions. Knowing that nothing can come from this friendship, Lilyanne is quite stoic about the fact that they will never ever meet again once he leaves the sanitarium. But then the duke finds himself in the middle of a scandal involving two missing ex-mistresses. And he turns to Lilyanne for help. Now Lilyanne finds herself in London, living in his London house, and seeing him everyday. Could this renewed contact mean a second chance at love for the Lilyanne and the duke?

With "The Painted Lady," Barbara Metzger has delivered yet another gem. And this time, she's written the novel in a really droll manner, full of dry asides and hilarious observations. Metzger spares no one -- she's even witty at her hero's expense. I couldn't contain my laughter, esp when the 'painted lady' mocked and upbraided the duke. And Metzger does a wonderful job of depicting the duke's confusion over his feelings for Lilyanne, and that he can hear his 'painted lady' talk; as well as Lilyanne's wistful hopes of one day leading a life quite different form the one she's currently living. Only two things detracted a little from my overall enjoyment of this novel: the rushed manner in which Metzger tied things up at the end, and the manner in which she would lapse every now and then into 20th century colloqualisms. However this is a wickedly funny romance novel, and is definitely a book that you can read and reread over and over again.

This is a brilliantly funny book, and is definitely a keeper!

This is Metzger at her very best. Witty, warm, and very funny, with charming characters in an original and captivating story. She pushes the Regency envelope while at the same time hewing to the best of the Regency genre with clever dialogue in a bright and breezy plot - which I won't spoil for you by describing too closely. But there's a handsome hero with a strange obsession, a beleaguered heroine with a growing obsession for him in spite of her best resolves, and a mysterious painted lady with pointed and perceptive commentary and.. Oh - read it for yourself! And then reread it. This one's a winner and a oner.