Riddle of the Deplorable Dandy
By Patricia Veryan  

      Vance Clayton becomes a soldier of fortune to improve his family's finances. He is captured and imprisoned while supposedly carrying a letter from Madame Pompadour that could cause political upheaval.

     His sister, Elspeth, tries unsuccessfully to enlist the aid of several friends to free him from the castle in France where he is imprisoned.

     Since they could not help her, she reaches an understanding with quick tempered dandy, Gervaise Valerian. He needs a lady to assist him in his scheme to smuggle his wanted father out of England into France. In return, he will help her free Vance. Though neither is enchanted with the other, they embark on their endeavor. They are pursued by authorities from both sides of the Channel and unknown assailants.

     Riddle of the Deplorable Dandy provides a glimpse of life in Georgian England with its aristocrats' manners and dress beautifully described in rich detail.

     The action is fast paced and suspenseful. The plot is well developed with enough adventure to keep the reader's attention. A light ouch is supplied in comedic relief by Gervais' cousin, Herbert, and Elspeth’s abigail, Freda.