Reviews with content warning for Death - La otra Miss Bridgerton

Returning to the links between the Rokesby and Bridgerton families, this book tells the story of Poppy Bridgerton, a cousin of Edmund Bridgerton and so second cousin to the protagonists of the original series. While out exploring, she finds herself kidnapped by pirates (or privateers, as they are properly known) and left at the mercy of the ship's captain, who might just be more than he seems.

I have to firstly say that the setting at the beginning of the book made me smile; I've not long been to Charmouth! So it was incredibly easy to picture the beach, the cliffs, the caves etc. and Poppy wandering along. But even if I hadn't been there, the images invoked by the author almost have an Enid Blyton-esque feel to them, particularly when you add smugglers into the mix. However, I'd say about 75% of the story takes place in a single room; the captain's quarters on the ship Infinity. As you would expect, this quite severely limits the exploration of setting, but nevertheless compliments the plot. Because of this static scenery, I was able to visualise the story more as a stage play in my mind.

When you do leave the ship, however, the author demonstrates her ability to allow her reader to feel as excited and transported as her characters. Poppy's exploration of a foreign land is portrayed in such a way as to make you feel like you're right there with her, seeing this new culture for the first time and not always fully understanding the tour guide who waxes lyrical about the buildings, architecture, history and so on.

Poppy is certainly a strong character, fairly typical of the modern yet era-appropriate women Quinn writes. However, she doesn't come across as such a 'distinct' character as some of the other girls; her concern for her reputation is referred to throughout, which does become a little tedious. The flirty trading of insults is lighthearted and a little funny, but it just doesn't quite hit the mark in the same way as the brotherly/sisterly banter familiar from the other books.

I also wasn't as enamoured with the development of the characters' relationship in this book; because of the limited setting, there's actually very little for their relationship to be 'hung' on and effectively feels like it's only come about because of the forced proximity. I just wanted a bit more from that strand of writing.

In some ways, the plot reminds me of a farcical comedy - the repeated kidnappings being a major highlight of this. Except there aren't that many laughs and it's taking itself just a little too seriously to properly work. I'm just not sure that the plot couldn't have developed a lot more to give the story more depth and substance. As it is, it feels very single stranded and, while readable, not overly enjoyable.

It's not terrible, but I have read better.

Content Warnings