Highwayman Came Riding [Mass Market Paperback]

Joan Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 28, 1998

COULD LOVE SOOTHE THE SAVAGE THIEF?

The penny-pinching duchess, determined not to pay for another night's lodging, insisted her coach travel the perilous roads outside London, all but begging for the unwanted attentions of a roving thief. It was her companion, Marianne Harkness, who first heard the pounding hoofbeats--and who boldly met the gaze of the handsome highwayman Captain Jack.

However, nothing went as planned--for the victims or the criminals--and the duchess leaves it to Marianne to rescue her diamonds from Captain Jack's clutches. But soon adventure turns to mayhem, as Marianne discovers that the only way to reform the scoundrel is to fall in love with him!

Editorial Reviews

Review

Marianne Harkness works as companion to the Duchess of Bixley, a clutch-fisted lady of eighty-two. Her Grace's penny pinching ways heighten the threat of highwaymen attacking the carriage as they journey from Bath to London for her great-granddaughter's wedding. They have only their driver and the postilion armed with an ancient fowling piece for protection. It proves woefully inadequate. They are attacked by the highwayman known as Captain Macheath and his henchman. However, things don't go entirely the Captain's way. The Duchess suffers a heart spell during the course of the robbery and he is forced to take them to a poacher's cottage until her strength returns. The wily old lady sets Marianne to recovering her diamonds, while she "recovers". The Captain is a formidable opponent. His speech and manner are that of a gentleman. His good looks and charm are that of a man few women could resist. Marianne soon finds it is her heart she must recover. A Highwayman Came Riding gives us the lighter side of Joan Smith. The style is informal and the wit rapier sharp. Joan Smith's familiarity with Regency England is evident as she gives us a glimpse of the other side of society and the political reality of the common soldier after war. But then, things are not always what they seem!Joan Smith has added another jewel to her crown ... and it's a diamond! Vastly entertaining and impossible to put down! Linda Fitzner -- Copyright © 080198 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved -- From Literary Times

From the Publisher

Joan Smith is one of Ballantine's most popular writers-- a distinction no doubt brought on by her uniquely diverse talent for writing both straight mysteries and traditional romances. Although A HIGHWAYMAN CAME RIDING technically falls into the latter category; Smith's mystery-writing skills are highly evidenced by her ability to create tension and intrigue.

The story of Captain Jack, the roving thief who places the lives of Marianne Harkness and her party in jeopardy as they travel through the outskirts of London at night, A HIGHWAYMAN CAME RIDING features Smith's dual trademark: heartstopping action and suspense sequences paired with delicate romance. Ballantine is lucky to have all of Joan Smith's talents under its imprints.

-- Brooke Sperry, Subsidiary Rights Assistant

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 186 pages
• Publisher: Ivy Books (March 28, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0449287920
• ISBN-13: 978-0449287927
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,509,052 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Likeable hero & heroine, fun story, February 11, 2011

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M. Greenwood - See all my reviews

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This review is from: A Highwayman Came Riding (Kindle Edition)

Even though it is wildly improbable that the "highwayman" here should choose that lifestyle, this was a fun and entertaining Smith book. It helped that the heroine is a sympathetic and plucky character, and the hero irresistible. But for stories involving "highwaymen" that don't exceed the bounds of credulity, I recommend 'The Black Moth' and 'Talisman Ring' by Georgette Heyer.