Beauty in Black is not that well written, (stilted dialogue, clunky prose,) and the supposed mystery propelling the plot very transparent, but I found myself enjoying the book nevertheless - mostly for John Sinclair, the hero, who managed to shine through its technical impediments. His story of redemption and healing (he's scarred from smallpox, and, of course, deeper, emotional wounds as well) is compelling, his happily ever after well deserved.

As for the heroine, Marianne Hughes, the book is very one sided in this regard, fleshing out John considerably, while relegating her as a shadowy character to the sidelines of her own book. Normally I would give Beauty in Black, imbalanced and awkward as it is, a 2 1/2 but John earns the book an extra star for being so likeable beneath his gruff exterior. ( )

headless woman cover