A Hint of Wicked by Jennifer Haymore

Over the 4th of July vacation in Tahoe this summer, I read Jennifer Haymore’s book “A Hint of Wicked”… voraciously! I haven’t read very many regencies before (I’m more into the ancient histories), though I will have to say I don’t know why. This one was delightful. Characters were fully built, a plot that could happen to any woman and easy to see settings all made for a moveable feast. Descriptions blended smoothly with each scene, making it unnecessary to overload the reader with decor details and clothing tidbits.

Other interviewers have already discussed Ms. Haymore’s story in terms of the three main characters’ sexual desires, however few to none have talked about the exploration of being held prisoner in one’s own home. That, I think, was truly brave especially in light of our current state of affairs – people out of work often are inadvertently made to be ‘homebodies’ and this story telling technique may have hit home for a lot of readers albeit, unconsciously. It was, however a very clever venue for isolating lovers so they could explore their unique relationship.

I also liked how an investigation was made to express old world views of servants verses our modern life-style. Garrett, who has been altered by his horrific wartime experiences, comes home unable to tolerate the numerous maids, footmen and other domestic helpers. His new view could be our own, modern view, while the remainder of the cast ignored the servants and the servants in turn expected this behavior from their ‘masters’. It all rang true - I’d say Jennifer has done her research well.

All in all, the landscape of this tale was alive and changing all the time, creating a real and fresh journey, which I thoroughly enjoyed.