The first book in Marvelle’s Whipping Society trilogy melds the delight of a historical romance in 1830 London with an intriguing mystery and just a touch of BDSM. Evan Oswald Ridley was present for his father’s vicious murder, and he’s spent 20 years hoping to bring down the killer. In the meantime, jaded and coca-addicted, he solves mysteries. His latest case involves 18-year-old Jemdanee, a mixed-race botanist from India. She just arrived in London with her guardian, doctor Peter Watkins, and was almost immediately accused of poisoning someone. Knowing Jemdanee’s sterling reputation as a scientist, Ridley engineers her escape from prison and promises to clear her name. He fights his inappropriate attraction for the vulnerable young Jemdanee, whose humor and survivor’s spirit are evident as she falls head over heels in love with him. Soon the two develop a sensual power-exchange relationship with Evan in the dominant role. Marvelle (Merry Christmas, Mrs. Robinson) focuses on exploring the dom-sub elements and showing off her historical research, sometimes to the detriment of the rest of the story, but the excitement of mystery and taboo keep the story moving. Book one ends on a bit of a cliff-hanger, with Ridley and Jemdanee’s story continuing in the remaining two installments. (BookLife)