The novel starts off in a gentle manner and increases in pace and action as the story progresses and the mystery builds. Readers who love period detail, whether in costume, fact, language or law, will revel in this book.
Reviews of The Blackstone Key
The Historical Novel Society
Melikan's prose style has a distinct between-the-wars feel, which perfectly complements her subject matter and soon becomes quite beguiling.
The Yorkshire Evening Post
...Melikan's lively, intelligent debut... Readers will eagerly look forward to the second and third volumes in this historical trilogy.
Publishers Weekly
This is not a book to be missed. Go get it!
BCF Book Reviews
Sensible, intelligent, and forthright, Mary is a delightful new heroine to enjoy as Ms. Melikan begins her Mary Finch trilogy. Based on historical fact, THE BLACKSTONE KEY is a page-turning, excitement-filled mystery with a myriad of interesting characters and a gothic backdrop. Don't miss this excellent mystery.
Romance Reviews Today
With the perfect combination of humour, melodrama and suspense, The Blackstone Key is a classic adventure story - with a charm I couldn't resist!
Topping and Company
The story line is fast-paced and vivid as 1795 England is brought to life. However, it is the support characters who Mary meets in her travels who turn THE BLACKSTONE KEY into a strong thriller. ... Fans will appreciate this deep late eighteenth century tale of intrigue.
Harriet Klausner - Genre Go Round Reviews
With a prose style true to its times and a plucky heroine...Melikan should win fans for this and the succeeding volumes, due in 2009 and 2010.
Booklist
The story line is fast-paced and vivid as 1795 England is brought to life... Melikan provides a fully developed cast yet uses sleight of hand to shrewdly fool the audience and heroine... Fans will appreciate this deep late-eighteenth-century tale of intrigue.
Midwest Book Review
Rose Melikan's debut is a delightful read... a book to relish over tea, with your feet up and an afternoon at your disposal.
Midwest Book Review
All the style and ingredients of a classic tale with memorable characters and thrilling plot twists. It begins a trilogy of smuggling, spying and skulduggery with a plucky, rather impulsive heroine. Good fun.
Lovereading.co.uk
Set in 1795, this action-packed book is the first in a trilogy featuring young Mary Finch...Smugglers, spies and a handsome stranger all add to the plot of this well written piece of escapism.
Sainsbury's Magazine
Packed with excitement, twists and turns, The Blackstone Key is a highly entertaining book that is firmly rooted in historical fact. You are sure to find Mary charming and witty as she pursues her quest to solve a very intriguing mystery.
The People's Friend, Book of the Month for April
...a great historical adventure, set in 1795, when everyone in Britain is terrified of French spies. ... This first novel is full of romance, mystery and suspense, and I look forward to further Mary Finch adventures.
Western Mail
There is more than a hint of Daphne du Maurier in Rose Melikan's rich and dramatic adventure tale set in the dying days of the 18th century. ... A Gothic adventure story with a rich cast of characters and a storyline to leave you guessing. Thrilling.
Lancashire Evening Post
A gothic atmosphere with a touch of espionage and intrigue is sure to please many readers who will return eagerly to Mary's next adventure.
themysteryreader.com
This book is great fun, enhanced by a tightly-constructed, suspenseful plot and Mary's irreverent observations.
rockymountainnews.com
Mary is a delightful heroine, that is witty, sensible, intelligent and forthright, she is a breath of fresh air.
Exclusively Books