W

Yet another established author who escaped my notice until I read two or three starred reviews in Publishers Weekly. I decided to start with her debut novel, published nearly 15 years ago.

The awards [b:Brazen Angel|345008|Brazen Angel (Brazen, #1)|Elizabeth Boyle|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320551863s/345008.jpg|335334] garnered were well deserved. An intricately crafted and carefully paced romantic adventure set against the background of the French Revolution. A talented government agent is pitted against a high-class female thief known as the Brazen Angel, who preys on wealthy aristocrats at masked balls.

The pursuit of the elusive Brazen Angel across London, England and France gradually reveals hidden secrets and complex connections between apparently unrelated side stories.

A full enjoyment of the novel requires a major suspension of disbelief, especially regarding the Brazen Angel's ability to disguise her identity at will, and the government agent's inability to recognize her in her various manifestations.

The Angel's talent for rescuing people from impossible situations is reminiscent of numerous TV series -- not bad in itself, but unoriginal and predictable.

A thoroughly enjoyable read, but not inspiring enough to make me want to read the other books in the series. ( )