And Only to Deceive by Tasha Alexander

Description

And Only to Deceive” is a historical mystery novel written by Tasha Alexander. It was first published in 2005 and is the debut novel in the Lady Emily series. The book is set in Victorian England and follows Lady Emily Ashton, a young widow who becomes intrigued by her late husband’s passion for ancient artifacts and his mysterious past.

The story begins with Lady Emily discovering that her late husband, Philip, had a hidden life and interests she never knew about. As she delves into his world of antiquities and explores his letters and journals, she becomes entangled in a web of secrets, intrigue, and murder. Along the way, Lady Emily also finds herself drawn to Colin Hargreaves, a close friend of her husband’s, who helps her unravel the truth behind Philip’s activities.

The novel combines elements of historical fiction, mystery, and romance, offering readers a glimpse into the societal norms and challenges faced by women in the Victorian era while also providing an engaging mystery plot. “And Only to Deceive” received positive reviews for its well-researched historical setting, strong characters, and intriguing storyline.

Tasha Alexander went on to write several more novels in the Lady Emily series, each featuring the intelligent and adventurous Lady Emily Ashton as she solves mysteries and uncovers secrets in various historical settings. If you enjoyed “And Only to Deceive,” you might want to explore the rest of the series to follow Lady Emily’s further adventures.