by
It’s 1918. Simon Temple has returned to England with his new wife, Mary-the once Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna. Having only narrowly escaped the grim fate of the Romanov family, together they seek to put Mary’s past behind them and settle into a comfortable, uneventful life. Unfortunately, tranquility proves elusive. Ivan Vasiliev, who hounded them throughout Russia, is now trying to terrorize them from afar. He has been posted to Türkiye to oversee
the Russian interest in the Turkish rebel forces; however, his personal goals are far grander. He is after the crown jewels of the last Russian dynasty, and he believes Simon-and his new Russian bride-have them. Matters are further complicated when Simon's brother Richard, a scoundrel and a spendthrift, disappears along with top secret documents from the British War Office, together with a significant portion of Mary's inheritance. Secret Intelligence. Turkish Revolution. Missing treasures. Tsarina's Jewels is a fast-paced, historical drama that leads the reader through power struggles, greed, and sinister exposé.
Full of action and suspense. And just a little romance.
Richard flipped up his collar against the rain and wind and stuffed his hands in his pockets. He wandered aimlessly, wondering what to do next. As his belly grumbled loud enough to interrupt his thoughts, he found himself standing on a familiar corner. The Eel and Martlet stood across the street, offering warmth, a place to dry his wet coat, a meal, and a visit with Sally Winton.
He waited as a passing lorry meandered through the intersection, then strode toward the pub’s entrance, relieved to finally have purpose in his day. “So much for returning with Mother,” he said to himself as he pulled open the door, anticipating an amusing afternoon followed by an entertaining night with Sally in his arms.
READ MOREHe stood inside the doorway waiting for his eyes to adjust to the changing light. Reaching into his jacket pocket, he located his billfold and counted his cash. That’ll do for a game or two tonight. I’m sure I’ll win enough to keep me going for a while, especially when Sally spots me a glass of her employer’s rot-gut whiskey. Satisfied with his plan, he sauntered into the pub, hailing Sally where she waited on a table.
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