River of Fire by Mary Jo Putney

From the Publisher

Rebel, soldier, hero and spy, Kenneth Wilding-the Demon Warrior-returns from the Napoleonic wars to an empty title and a ravaged estate. A stranger offers financial salvation in return for Kenneth's entering the household of England's greatest artist to unmask a terrible crime. But he also discovers a dangerous new way of life-and an irresistible woman.

Publishers Weekly

On his return from the Napoleonic Wars, Captain Kenneth Wilding rides to Sutterton Hall to claim his inheritance, only to discover that his father has ruined the estate. The only way to salvage it and provide a dowry for his sister is to accept his creditor's bargain: Wilding's debt will be forgiven, if he infiltrates a prominent painter's household and solves a murder. Wilding takes a job as secretary to the painter, but finds his task complicated by his growing attraction to his employer's daughter and by his own secret yearning to paint. The mystery itself is little more than a plot device, until the end of the book, by which time the villain will be obvious to most readers. But in this Regency romance, Putney (Uncommon Vows) offers a strong romantic relationship, good writing and memorable characters, and a portrayal of the London art world filled with jealousy and passion. (Nov.)

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Table of Contents