Belgravia

If you've been missing Downton Abbey on TV, Julian Fellowes has provided an equally addictive novel in Belgravia (#631).

The story begins as Miss Sophia Trenchard prepares to attend the Duchess of Richmond's ball in Brussels on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo.  It is an unexpected invitation arranged by her beau, but much to the delight of Mr. Trenchard, who hopes to climb the heady heights of society,  From his humble beginnings as a market stall holder in Covent Gardens, he has already risen to be one of Wellington's right hand men in supplying the army waiting on Napoleon in Brussels.  Although history is being made on the battlefield, the events of these days will leave a mark on all those attend the ball as well.

Twenty six years have passed when we next meet the Trenchards.  Chance meetings lead to the unraveling of secrets that have lain hidden for a quarter of a century.  There are those who wish to continue to keep the secrets, but there are those who will work equally hard to reveal them.  Reputations and fortunes are at stake!

I found it hard to put this book down.  The reader is let into the secret partway through the book, and it becomes all the more delicious to watch the maneuvering as one after another, the principals involved learn the truth.  If you enjoyed the twists and turns in Downton Abbey. you'll certainly enjoy Belgravia!