The Passion of the Purple Plumeria: A Pink Carnation Novel
*Starred Review* There is nothing Miss Gwendolyn Meadows finds more satisfying than secretly thwarting Napoleon’s plans to take over the world. When Gwen’s employer, Miss Jane Wooliston (aka the Pink Carnation), receives news that her youngest sister, Agnes, has disappeared from Miss Climpson’s Seminary, however, Jane has no choice but to return home to England. Upon arriving at the school, the two ladies discover that Agnes is not the only missing student. Agnes’ good friend, Lizzy Reid, is also gone. Working together with Lizzy’s father, Colonel William Reid, to locate the girls would seem to be the most logical course of action, but Gwen’s partnership with William just might turn out to be her wildest adventure yet. With delectable wit and a deft hand at imaginative plotting, Willig expertly matches up the redoubtable, parasol-wielding Gwen (truly a kindred spirit to Elizabeth Peters’ Amelia Peabody) with the perfect hero. The result is a completely captivating tale that fans of this long-running series—10 books and counting—will cherish. --John Charles