BEDLAM: THE FURTHER SECRET ADVENTURES OF CHARLOTTE BRONTE (Laura Jo Rowland)

The author mentions here that she wanted to give Charlotte Bronte the opportunity to experience some things that she obviously missed out on in real life.  I'm not sure how I feel about that!  I've been enjoying the mysteries featuring real people that we've been reading in Christie Capers this year, and most of them have remained pretty true to the real characters' history, aside from the sleuthing.

What I will say about this novel is that it would make a terrific movie, so don't be surprised if it turns up on the big screen.  Charlotte is arrested for murdering an actress, kidnapped and tortured in Bedlam, involved in a hot-air balloon crash, pursued by Russian agents, and reconnects with a man with whom she is passionately in love.  She also escapes a burning building, visits with the queen, and helps to save the world from a mad scientist.  If you are looking for a quiet fictional portrayal of Charlotte Bronte's life, run as fast as you can away from this novel, because you will probably be disappointed.  However, if you are looking for a fast-paced historical thriller with a beloved writer as the main character and more twists and turns than you can shake a stick at, check this one out because you will love it.  Pauline (of The Perils of Pauline) has nothing on Charlotte Bronte!