The Spy (Liars Club, Book 3) [Mass Market Paperback]

Celeste Bradley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 3, 2004

James Cunnington has a pressing mission at had: He must find the daughter of a missing code breaker for the Liar's Club, a man suspected of turning traitor for Napoleon. Time is of the utmost concern. While it is evident that his ward's new tutor has something to hide, James in unaware that the woman he seeks now resides under his very roof...

Desperate and near destitute, Philippa Atwater must don gentleman's clothing to pass herself off as a scholarly young tutor. Her clever--if itchy--disguise allows her time to pursue her quest to find her father, ruthlessly abducted by French spies. Closely guarding the cryptic notebook he entrusted to her care, she sense danger all around her--even in the home of her roguishly handsome new employer, James Cunnington. Now Philippa is about to discover that the desire can be as lethal as a well-aimed bullet...

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

For Phillipa Atwater what is more vexing than anything--even being pursued by Napoleon's soldiers--is how easily she can disguise herself as a man. While it is true that a lack of food and proper rest have taken a toll on her looks, Phillipa is still amazed at how quickly James Cunnington hires "Phillip" as his young ward Robbie's new tutor. Since the only clue Phillipa has to her missing father's whereabouts is the enigmatic message to "keep a close watch on James Cunnington," Phillipa will maintain her charade even though she finds it more and more difficult to hide her desire for her new employer. What Phillipa doesn't realize is that James has a mission of his own: find the missing daughter of Rupert Atwater! With its wonderfully witty writing, superbly matched protagonists, and intrigue-steeped plot, the third of Bradley's Liars Club historicals is every bit as much fun as The Pretender (2003) and The Imposter (2003). John Charles
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

"* "Bradley knows how to hook a reader with wit, sensuality... and a strong plot" - Romantic Times BOOKreviews" --This text refers to an alternate Mass Market Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks (February 3, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312987846
• ISBN-13: 978-0312987848
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #956,367 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Hi, my name is Celeste Bradley and I write "brain chocolate." That is, I write fun and sexy escapism is for hardworking women everywhere. We deserve a little man-candy, too!

Reviewers like to say I write about misfit heroines getting the man of their dreams. Maybe that's true, but don't we all feel like misfits sometimes? Even if the rest of the world thinks we have all our balls in the air, aren't we juggling like mad on the inside, desperately trying not to drop one?

I'm the kind of woman who never truly has a clean house (not all at once!), who can't seem to have Christmas projects finished by Dec 25, who is stunned by how fast weeds can take over a perfectly well-behaved garden, who is mystified by high-altitude baking rules, who doesn't quite get the kids to the dentist appointment on time...well, you get the picture. Rather than having all my ducklings in a row, I just try to make sure none of the rotten little rebels are playing in the middle of the street!

I love this manic, scattered life I lead. I love to write, craft, garden, bake and mother, even if I don't always do it all perfectly. I love living in the Southwest, with its big sky and vast desert views. I love venturing out of my quiet life to meet readers and other writers, and then I love to come back to my haven, full of ideas and renewed passion and creativity.

Maybe one of those times I'll meet you!

Hugs,
and thanks for reading!

Celeste

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars awesome, February 23, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The Spy (Liars Club, Book 3) (Mass Market Paperback)

This was the best regency novel I've read in a long time. Spies, loyalty to the crown, and wonderful characters, it's got real plot. In this "Liar's Club" series, the men are dangerous, not just by being rich/titled, but also from their secret occupations serving the Crown. The women are smart, in no way absurdly silly in their mannerisms (like some other books). Sometimes I tire of the Stephanie Laurens series (her first series only has danger present from the ton, her new series being too long-winded), or the emptiness of some other Regency novelists. But Celeste Bradley writes excellent books, exciting, realistic, and wonderful plots. I will buy all her books. Highly recommended.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good but not the best in the series, June 18, 2004

By 

S. Reader "scibarfan" (Franklin, TN) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Spy (Liars Club, Book 3) (Mass Market Paperback)

I debated about the rating on this one. James had been built up from the first book, so I was really looking forward to his story. However, he is so full of guilt (understandable as it is) that it quickly becomes tiresome. Fewer but more poignant instances would have been a better approach. Phillipa, while intelligent and brave, also seems very young.

As is typical of the series, the hero-spy has trouble unmasking the heroine, that is, seeing her for who she truly is and determining her guilt or innocence. Makes you wonder about their spying abilities, which is actually mentioned by the heroines. This time that flaw is more grating somehow.

Robbie is a delightful boy and is well used to bring out traits of both protagonists. The intrigue is more prominent in this book. There is less humor and true romance, though the chemistry is there. At first, it's all friendship for James--thankfully no "lusting for a man" stuff. But Phillipa (Flip) is smitten early on. Her decisions serve to bring up James' guilt and self-directed anger. Their reconciliation seems too quick and the epilogue adds little that's new.

I'm waiting to learn what happened, will happen to Ren.

Somewhere between 3 & 1/2 and 4 stars.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can't wait for the next book!, February 17, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The Spy (Liars Club, Book 3) (Mass Market Paperback)

I've really enjoyed all three books in Celeste Bradley's series so far and eagerly anticipate the next one! James does come across as rather obtuse for a master spy, but there is a suggestion in the book that perhaps his talents really lay in other areas. James is far from the typical calm and collected spy that populates the pages of most romance novels. Rather, he's passionate, kind and rather impetuous. One senses that of the two Phillipa would have made the better spy! Kudos to Ms. Bradley for not going with the clichéd "Why am I lusting after a man?" plotline but rather developing a true friendship between the lead characters (and their sidekicks).