The Merchant and the Rogue

Sarah Eden has become one of my favorite authors, especially with her Dread Penny Society series. Her use of intriguing plots and fabulous characters are seamless as you read first one book and then another. Each member of the secret Dread Penny Society (DPS) helps in combating evil and helping others who need them.

Brogan Donnelly is a likable Irish penny dreadful author who feels like he isn’t a fully contributing member of the DPS like his colleagues. Imagine his surprise when the mysterious unseen head of the organization asks him to go undercover and unmask a diabolical plan that would rock British society. 

With mysterious comings and goings at a print shop, Brogan begins to suspect that Mr. Sorokin and his lovely daughter, Vera, may be a part of this criminal plot. Both seem secretive and cautious to trust anyone. As both Brogan and Vera become attracted to each other, Brogan is going to have to make a decision about what he has done to learn about this plot. 

The brilliant use of two penny dreadfuls that are interspersed throughout the book add details and some symbolism to the main story. These stories are filled with superstition, suspense, and Gothic elements. The three intriguing stories all wrapped up into one book made me clear my calendar so I could finish without being interrupted. I like how Ms. Eden uses these historical pieces from literature to create her own versions in order to write her own unique books. 

I am always disappointed when each book end because there are questions of, “What happens next?”.  This particular story because I see all kinds of possibilities with what is presented at the end of the story. (no spoilers here!) This is the third book in the Dread Penny Society and I would begin with The Lady and the Highwayman for a better understanding of the characters, although this can be read independently. I highly recommend this series if you enjoy mysteries, romance, or Gothic novels. This has all of these elements. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for a electronic advanced reader’s copy of this book. I was not required to write a review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.