Mysterious Saturday Review: Orchid Affair

Laura Grey doesn't want to be a governess anymore. She applies to the Selwick Spy School. After completing her training, she's sent to France to infiltrate the house of Andre Jaouen - as a governess.

Known as the Silver Orchid, she's to teach his two children. On her first day, she takes the children to the bookstore to select reading material for them. It's also the place where she'll receive messages from the Pink Carnation herself.

However, as soon as they return, Monsieur Jaouen forbids them to leave the house. Laura isn't sure how she'll receive her messages now, but she's determined not to let M. Jaouen intimidate her. She stands up to him as much as she possibly can without getting fired.

Gradually she begins to unravel the secrets in the house of the man second in line to Bonaparte's minister of police. As she learns more about her employer, will she find her heart changing?

My Thoughts: I love this series! It's one of my favorites. I enjoyed this new spy's tale in the heat of the French Revolution. I liked the devious plots, the false leads, and how everyone wasn't what they seemed. I liked watching the relationship between Laura and the children grow. I loved the banter between Laura and M. Jaouen. I loved the present day parallel story between Eloise and Colin. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

Cover Thoughts: I love the parts of the city in the background and how it goes with the rest of the books in the series.

Source: My Library

I also met Lauren Willig last month in New Haven. She was charming and funny. Sadly I didn't take any pictures of the event. She did pass around cupcakes. I was very happy to see her. Plus YA author Jennifer Lynn Barnes was there too. It was great seeing her again.