The Black Moth

The Black Moth

My Synopsis:


It's hard to believe that beloved novelist Georgette Heyer wrote her first novel at the age of 15. Historical fiction would not be the same without Georgette Heyer's Regency Romances. Mrs. Heyer wrote her first novel, The Black Moth to entertain her brother who was convalescing at the time.

In The Black Moth, Heyer introduces us to some very memorable characters. The highwayman, who just happens to be an Earl, Jack Carstares. The damsel in distress, Diana Beauleigh. The handsome Irishman, Miles O'Hara and 'The Devil' himself, The Duke of Andover.

Jack Carstares left England in disgrace when he took the blame for his brothers indiscretion. Being considered a cheat was no laughing matter. Carstares eventually turns to the way of the highwayman to amuse and distract himself, giving the money to the poor. The Black Moth centers around the Earl's return to grace, his love for the beautiful Diana and his relationship with his adversary, The Duke of Andover.

My Thoughts:

This was my first experience with a Georgette Heyer book. I had often heard of her in historical fiction circles and knew she sounded like an author I would enjoy. This book was excellent! Some people have a hard time with the style of writing from this period, the book was originally published in 1921, but I didn't find it hard to follow at all.

The Black Moth had all the adventure and romance of any contemporary tale. The characters were well developed and the story did not move too quickly. I became invested in Diana's character almost immediately. The young girl at the mercy of the handsome Duke. Not only that, but in love with a disgraced man. The stylish Earl dressed as a highwayman who couldn't bring himself to rob women or old men, was also a very winning character. I even found myself wishing that 'The Devil,' The Duke of Andover would somehow find the straight and narrow path.

An great story, set in a decadent time period. What more can you ask for in a great romance?

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

The Black Moth

Telling by the cover this reminded me of the Princess Bride since in this there is a mention of the sport fence as well is in the Princess Bride. This is the story about Jack who is disgraced and must get back his honor, ask the woman he loves for her hand and marriage and defeat the notorious Black Moth all at the same time. What a multitasker. I liked how the author portrayed her heriones in a different light then how they are today including the heroes of course.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

The Best of Georgette Heyer

Georgette Heyer novels started my passion for romance novels and this book is one of the best. It has a great story, a hero worthy of the sobriquet hero, a great villain, an intrepid heroine and lots of humor. My only complaint is that the book isn't longer. If you aren't acquainted with the works of Georgette Heyer, then you have a real treat awaiting you and this book is one of her gems. These books have been hard to find, so it is wonderful that they are being reprinted.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Crap!

This is the worst book i have ever read! The writing is terrible and the dialect even worse. I read about 20 pages and thought i was going to shoot myself. I am going to attempt to read more, but will probably skip a lot.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Great Romantic Adventure

Disgraced hero rescues heroine from bad guy. Sounds like a simple swashbuckler and yes it is. What sets it apart is the author's use of language, knowledge and description of fashion and stellar characterizations. You'll come to know these people and you are transported to 18th century England. No bodice ripping here and there's no need either! Nobody comes close to G. Heyer for this period and her Regency novels --- she is the Gold Standard. My family (guys and gals) have been reading her for decades! G. Heyer just seemed to have lived in those times; that how good her grasp is on it! Enjoy! Highly recommended and there is some great sword play. I'll never know why her books were never filmed because you will be able to picture them, that's how good this book is.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Great reaading!

Could hardly put it down.

Anonymous

This book is awful. The story itself isnt bad if you could get past the writing and dialect. I have read about 50 pages and not sure I will finish the book. I have really pushed mysef to read that much. Glad it was only 99 cents.

There are sequels to this book.

Some of the reviewers I've read at this site do not seem to be aware that Ms. Heyer brought the Duke back in a later book. In "These Old Shades" it is very easy to recognize that the Duke of Avon & the other protagonists are actually the characters from "The Black Moth" with different names about 20 yrs. down the timeline. "The Devil's Cub" is about the son of the Duke & his very unique wife, Leonie, from "These Old Shades". The son also appears briefly in "An Infamous Army". I have the paperbacks in sad condition from re-reading, & will be buying the ebooks as money becomes available. :-}

FANTASTIC BOOK!!!

THE BLACK MOTH BY GEORGETTE HEYER IS AWESOME!!!

THIS IS DEFINITELY THE BEST VERSION OF THIS EBOOK FOR A COUPLE REASONS.

IT IS THE BEST FORMATTED AND THE VALUE IS SO GREAT.

IT IS WORTH YOUR INVESTMENT OF TIME AND MONEY TO GET THIS BOOK TODAY.

Enjoyed the book

Enjoyed the book

doesn't have the complete ending as the book

doesn't have the complete ending as the book

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