The Adventure of the Incognita Countess

Cynthia Ward brings us an international mystery in The Adventure of the Incognitia Contessa (Aqueduct Press, 161976119X, 2017) “Conversation Pieces #53” or should I say inter-galatic? Hmmmmm....

What is supposed to be a simple mission turns very complex for our Lucy on multiple levels and I am surprised this book is not also labeled as “mashup fiction”. There will be characters you have seen or heard of before involved in this case which was a delight for me.

Ward combines these familiar characters with Lucy, the Countess, and the bad guys which of course may or not include the Countess with seamless storytelling. Of course so and so should be there and lending a hand (laugh). Now you thought I was going to give a spoiler away didn't you? (laugh). Nope.

There is a surprise romance for Lucy and of course the moral dilemma as to what to do during the story. This is a fade-to-black romance, which is fine as the mystery as to who is actually the bad guy takes precedence.

Then of course the obvious question...does anyone survive the iceberg? Not telling you have to Ward's Adventure and have just as much fun as I did.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.