The Queen and the Knave ~ Review

The Queen and the Knave

The Dread Penny Society #5

By Sarah Eden

The truth about the Dread Master has finally been revealed, at least to the reader. And danger has just upped its hand as the truth of who has been behind all the dastardly doings of London has been discovered. But who is the Tempest? Going by various names and having even gained the sympathy and trust of the Dread Penny Society, the Tempest has situated herself in a unique position to take down her most feared rivals. 

Móirín Donnelly has little choice but to step into the fray caused by the chaos Tempest has created. She isn't about to lose her closest friends or her family to this danger that has come looking for them. And to do this, she'll have to reach out to Detective Fitzgerald (Fitz) Parkington for help. And Móirín never seeks the help of anyone, especially not a member of the police force, but desperate times and all that nonsense must be dealt with and sooner than later.

But when the secrets Móirín has been holding close come out, will those who've known her accept the truth of who she really is?

I have to admit I'm really sad that this delightful series is coming to a close. I absolutely love these books. And in my opinion, you have to read the books as a series and in order. Each book builds on the one before it. And each is needed to fully understand what comes next. I love how the story moves forward with installments of Penny Dreadfuls staggered throughout. And in this offering, we are yet again presented with a tale of danger and intrigue from Mr. King, but also a new Dreadful author, Chauncey Finnegan. And, btw, LOVE the newest story from Mr. King, which just so happens to share a title with this book. These are fun and engaging stories that take the reader a step back in time, and I highly recommend them - these are clean reads with light touches of romance and intrigue sprinkled throughout, making them the perfect escape.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

If you like audiobooks, I highly recommend this option for these books. The story plays well, and the narration by Justine Eyre brings this story to life. I found this to be the perfect commute companion. So, no matter how you enjoy your books, any option works with this book!

About the Book:

Romance and mystery come full circle in the fifth and final book of Sarah M. Eden’s best-selling Victorian Proper Romance series.

London, 1866

Móirín Donnelly has spent the last five years working in the shadows for the Dread Penny Society, but spending so much of her life in secret is taking a toll on her soul—and her heart.

When members of the Dread Penny Society begin disappearing, Móirín turns to Detective Constable Fitzgerald Parkington for help. The two have developed a friendly rapport, and Móirín feels like she can trust him, though perhaps not with all of her secrets.

Fitzgerald Parkington has a sixth sense when it comes to hunting down criminals, which is why he’s recently been transferred to the Detective Department at Scotland Yard. But when red tape keeps him from tracking down the criminal mastermind known as “The Tempest,” he must rely on the one woman who has unexpectedly captured his heart—the bold and fiery Irish lass, Móirín Donnelly.

As the Tempest’s deadly reach threatens to overwhelm all of London, Móirín and Fitz are caught in an elaborate game of cat and mouse that leads down back alleys, through dark London buildings, and right to the gates of Kensington Palace. Móirín has one chance to save Fitz and the Dread Penny Society from the Tempest, and she might have to sacrifice her one chance at love to do so.