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The Masque of the Black Tulip: A Novel (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "I bit my lip on an "Are we there yet?..." (more)
Key Phrases: phantom monk, horrid novel, ribbon shop, Lord Vaughn, Lady Uppington, Lady Henrietta (more...)
3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)

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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Willig picks up where she left readers breathlessly hanging with 2005's The Secret History of the Pink Carnation. After discovering the identity of the Pink Carnation, one of England's most successful spies during the Napoleonic wars, modern-day graduate student Eloise Kelly is hot on the trail of the Black Tulip, the Pink Carnation's French counterpart. While researching the archives of dashing-but-grumpy Colin Selwick (a descendant of the Selwick spy family), Eloise learns that spy Purple Gentian (Richard Selwick) safely retired to the countryside; meanwhile, the Pink Carnation continues her mission with the help of Richard's younger sister. Spirited Henrietta Selwick discovers that the Black Tulip has resurfaced after a 10-year silence with the intent of eliminating the Pink Carnation. Miles Dorrington (Richard's best friend) works for the War Office and is directed to unearth the deadly spy. As he and Henrietta investigate, they try to deny their attraction for each other—and avoid becoming the Black Tulip's next victims. Hero and heroine can be quite silly, and there are overlong ballroom shenanigans aplenty; like last time, Eloise and Colin's will-they-won't-they dance isn't nearly as interesting as what takes place in 1803. No matter. Willig knows her audience; Regency purists may gnash their teeth in frustration, but many more will delight in this easy-to-read romp and line up for the next installment. (Jan.)
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Review

'Romance, mystery, and adventure. Pure fun!' Meg Cabot --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
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Product Details

  • Hardcover: 416 pages
  • Publisher: Dutton Adult (December 29, 2005)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0525949208
  • ISBN-13: 978-0525949206
  • Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1.5 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
  • Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.com Sales Rank: #335,969 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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More About the Author

Lauren Willig
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› Visit Amazon's Lauren Willig Page
Front Cover | Front Flap | First Pages | Back Flap | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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First Sentence:
I bit my lip on an "Are we there yet?" Read the first page
Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
phantom monk, horrid novel, ribbon shop, ginger biscuits, quizzing glass
Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Lord Vaughn, Lady Uppington, Lady Henrietta, Black Tulip, War Office, Personal Codebook of the Pink Carnation, Purple Gentian, Selwick Hall, Dowager Duchess, Loring House, Uppington House, Donwell Abbey, Miss Grey, Lord Uppington, Turnip Fitzhugh, Ministry of Police, Signor Marconi, Jane Wooliston, Lady Jersey, Madame Fiorila, Mary Alsworthy, Mme Fiorila, Belliston Square, Colin Selwick, Fred Tholmondelay
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Customer Reviews

37 Reviews
5 star:
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Average Customer Review
3.7 out of 5 stars (37 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful Continuation of a Fun, Clever Series, May 25, 2006
By Nicholas' Mom (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews
The Masque of the Black Tulip is the second in what I hope will be a long series. I know a few reviewers thought this installment was weaker than the first novel (The Secret History of the Pink Carnation), but I don't agree. The only thing the first book offered that this one doesn't is the benefit of being the first. Everything was new and exciting and interesting about the writing and the story precisely because it was new. But to my mind, The Masque of the Black Tulip is just as enjoyable a read as The Secret History.

Just as with the first book, this novel is a blend of regency romance, humor, history, clever allusions to popular culture and historical events, and spy intrigue. As the order of those descriptions suggest, this is primarily a romance novel, and a wonderful one at that. I see Lauren Willig as a cross between Julia Quinn and Helen Fielding and the result is a very readable book that rises above the mediocre romance novels and chick lit that's published every year.

This installment follows Miles and Henrietta, two friends who suddenly find themselves attracted to each other. There's a little less of the heavy-duty spy stuff than in the first, but that was fine with me. The plot rolls along, the romance unfolds, the Eloise/Colin interludes break up the story here and there (but in an enjoyable way, I thought) and it's all a joy to read. Lauren Willig has a distinctive, truly witty voice and knows how to deliver a satisfying read.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys regency romances, chick lit, or fun beach reads with a historical twist.
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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Not quite as good as Carnation (the first book) but far above average, March 6, 2006
By Alena "alenabean" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
These books (The Masque of the Black Tulip and The Pink Carnation) are great books. I love fiction and romance, so I am very impressed with Willig's witty novels. Her characters are actually funny yet interesting and the books are long enough to develop the characters as well.

This is the second installment of the series. This is the story of Harriet and Miles who find love while trying to stop the Napoleonic invasion of England by France. They are both out to find the elusive and dangerous Black Tulip. This book is great for those of you who love historical romance, but will also have some fiction fans as well.
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars worth reading, March 19, 2006
If you like slightly silly romantic historical fiction (as I do) then you will probably be very satisfied by this book. It's not the kind of book you're going to brag about reading at a party; yet it is a quick read. I read it in a few hours; and enjoyed it just as much as the first one. The parallel story with the narrator is slightly better than in the first book; but can still be an unwanted interruption. Overall- a guilty pleasure.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Adventure
If you are a fan of The Scarlet Pimpernel and all things related, you will love this series by Laura Willig. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Hoosier Woman

3.0 out of 5 stars Calgon, take me away ...
As with my review of The Pink Carnation, I also used this book as a cleanser of the mind. The plot is similar to its predecessor, making me think that Ms. Read more
Published 6 months ago by CathyB

5.0 out of 5 stars Hillarious and entertaining.
The Masque of the Black Tulip brings us once again into the modern day life of Eloise the grad student and Colin the Selwick descendent. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Ambrosia Jefferson

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun (and a little kissing too)
I loved this book as much as the first, The Secret History of the Pink Carnation. This one was more romance than mystery, but there's a healthy dose of each. And humor! Read more
Published 7 months ago by J. Shetrone

1.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly Disappointed
This is the first of the Eloise Kelly books I've read, and it was a complete waste of time. I picked the book up from the library, expecting a historical mystery with spies... Read more
Published 11 months ago by Tyansh

1.0 out of 5 stars A literary soporific
If you have trouble sleeping you may become fond of this book. Instead of taking a sleeping pill, keep it handy on the night table. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Diogenes

2.0 out of 5 stars Seriously lacking
I avoided the Pink Carnation for a long time because it was a "popular" book, and my preferences rarely run with the crowd. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Dionne Obeso

2.0 out of 5 stars Not as good as the first
I read the pink carnation and found it entertaining albeit hard to believe. Almost too cartoonish. This second book is just a recycling of themes and doesn't really bring any... Read more
Published 14 months ago by Su H. Yi

5.0 out of 5 stars Romance, mystery, action, comedy, history - what more could a girl want?
The Masque of the Black Tulip (and the first book in the series - The Secret History of the Pink Carnation) are both exactly the type of book I enjoy reading - something with... Read more
Published 21 months ago by Marla Johnson

5.0 out of 5 stars She does it again!!
Ahhh Lauren Willig, you sly wonderful woman! How you've done it again! Although I loved The Secret History of the Pink Carnation, in many ways I liked Black Tulip better... Read more
Published 22 months ago by Raymond M. Rose

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