After Midnight

I just finished reading After Midnight by Diane Shute. It is a historical romance and mystery set in the 1830's.  I love mystery novels but rarely read historical mysteries. I have to say that I really enjoyed After Midnight. It is a little slow to start, but then I could not put it down. 

Alix and Lily are identical twin sisters but they are very different. Lily is married to Lord Nicholas Griffon and spends her days going shopping, having tea, going to parties, and having illicit affairs with inappropriate gentlemen. Alix runs a stable for thoroughbred horses as well as racing them. She is used to working hard and very long hours. Alix works with her uncle and another good family friend. 

Lily has gotten herself into a bit of a predicament and needs Alix to switch places with her. Alix is not used to having servants, wearing fancy clothes, nor going to tea parties, dances, or etc. Alix steps into her sister's life and does her best to blend in, avoid Nicholas, and find something to occupy her time. 

Nicolas starts to notice something different about his wife. She is staying in, drawing, playing the piano (quite well), speaks French, and is very withdrawn (nothing like his wife). Nicholas figures she is up to something and with the help of his valet tries to figure out what is going on. 

While the switch is taking place, Alix's uncle, Quenton, goes to France to see about getting back his legacy as well as Alix's. There is more to Alix's and her family history than she knows or remembers. Some of the scenes in France are not as well written as the rest of the book. It was like they were added in as an afterthought. 

After Midnight is a good book. There is romance, humor, and mystery all in one book. I would give it 3.5 stars out of 5. I was a little disappointed by the ending. I am hoping that there will be another book and it picks up where After Midnight ended. After Midnight is available on Amazon.com. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for visiting!  I hope you are having a great weekend and reading a wonderful book.  Happy Reading!

Kris