The Wicked Cousin

An outstanding book meriting a 5-star review.
From the moment I began reading the Prologue, one of the best and most moving I have read for a very long time, Stella Riley’s words transported me into her world of pure magic. She has to be one of the best Georgian storytellers currently writing.
The hero in this, the fourth book of the superb Rockliffe series, is Sebastian Audley – who is just eight years old when his twin brother dies and Sebastian’s life takes a dramatic turn. For what follows is that Sebastian has little control of his life and this continues until he graduates from Cambridge with a first class degree, freedom and a plan. And boy how he enjoys his plan!
However, after a thoroughly good romp throughout Europe where he has lived life to the full, performing dare devil escapades, enjoying many liaisons and learning to excel at chess – something that becomes so relevant and touching at the end of the book - fate plays a hand and Sebastian finally returns home realising he would like a less hectic life.
Once back, he enters London society – but the young bucks challenge him with absurd wagers and all wait with eager anticipation to see what Sebastian will do next. Needless to say it’s not what one expects … after all, this is a Stella Riley story.
I’ll say no more as this would spoil the entertainment but Ms Riley once again writes a terrific story with several twists.
What I will add is that Stella Riley is a tremendously talented writer and deserves a wider audience. Ms Riley’s writing is concise and articulate, avoiding irrelevances to concentrate on her characters. Her strength in creating dialogue between her characters results in people who actually live off the page.
Thank you once again Stella Riley because this book is wonderful and merits 5-star review.