The Secret History of the Pink Carnation - by Lauren Willig (Paperback)

About the Book

Eloise Kelly, a smart but slightly fumbling Jimmy Choo-clad American, uncovers the secret history of the Pink Carnation--a tale of espionage, adventure, and romance. And she just might find a hero of her own along the way.

Book Synopsis

Nothing goes right for Eloise. The one day she wears her new suede boots, it rains cats and dogs. When the subway stops short, she's always the one thrown into some stranger's lap. Plus, she's had more than her share of misfortune in the way of love. In fact, ever since she realized romantic heroes are a thing of the past, she's decided it's time for a fresh start.

Setting off for England, Eloise is determined to finish her dissertation on that dashing pair of spies, the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian. But what she discovers is something the finest historians have missed: the secret history of the Pink Carnation--the most elusive spy of all time. As she works to unmask this obscure spy, Eloise stumbles across answers to all kinds of questions. Like how did the Pink Carnation save England from Napoleon? What became of the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian? And will Eloise Kelly escape her bad luck and find a living, breathing hero all her own?

Review Quotes

"Lauren Willig balances her knowledge of English history with a veritable passion for English spies, turning out a deftly hilarious, sexy novel." --Eloisa James, author of Kiss Me, Annabel

"In her swashbuckling debut...Willig reimagines France under Napoleon besieged by a whole bouquet of spying floral foes...Bad news for the Bonapartes but barrels of good-natured fun for the rest of us." --Library Journal

"A juicy mystery...Chick-lit never had it so good!" --Complete Woman

"[A] breezy historical romance... The sparks fly." --Publishers Weekly

"[A] playful romp...effervescent prose... A sexy [and] determined-to-charm historical-romance debut." --Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Lauren Willig is a law student and Ph.D. candidate in history at Harvard University. She is the author of The Secret History of the Pink Carnation.