Book Review: The Black Moth by Georgette Heyer (Historical Romance)

Title: The Black Moth
Author: Georgette Heyer
Publisher: William Heinemann
Publication Date: 26 August (1921)
Pages: 320
Format: eBook - PDF
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: ARC via NetGalley

Diana Beauleigh is caught between two men.

Seven long years ago, Jack Carstares, the Earl of Wyncham, sacrificed his honour for his brother and has been in exile ever since.

Returning to England, Jack pretends to be a gentleman named Sir Anthony Ferndale but makes his living in a most ungentlemanly fashion, as a highwayman and a gambler.

When Jack encounters his nemesis, the Duke of Andover, in the midst of kidnapping Diana Beauleigh, the two old enemies come to blows.

Can Jack save the beautiful Diana from rakes, kidnap and ruin…?

 

The Black Moth is an early work of Heyer's and in some ways that shows. The pacing at the start is very slow and there are perhaps a few too many subplots taking away from the main action. However, in this work we can see the seeds of what would become her trademark style, with excellent character portrayal and dialogue that is witty and also instrumental in helping to set the scene of the era in which the story takes place. Once things did properly take off in the plot, I found The Black Moth an enjoyable read, with daring highwaymen and epic duels. Plus, of course, a good dose of romance. If you are already a Heyer fan, you'll want to take a look at this book. If you are new to her works, I would recommend starting with one of her later, more accomplished pieces, coming back to this one later.

I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.