Under a Dark Moon

Brandon Brothers - Adam

By: Stella Riley

Narrated by: Alex Wyndham

Meet Adam Brandon...acutely intelligent and master swordsman but gradually realizing that he isn’t yet ready for the future he had previously planned.

Victim of a cruel deception, Camilla Edgerton-Foxe has a jaundiced view of the male sex and a tongue as sharp as her wits...but she also possesses an extraordinary talent.

A peculiar encounter offers Adam the kind of employment for which he is uniquely suited and that will exercise his mind as well as his muscles. The fly in the ointment is that Miss Edgerton-Foxe comes with it...as does Rainham, viscount and master of disguise, with a frequently misplaced sense of humor.

From Paris, via London, to the mists and mysteries of Romney Marsh, these three are sent on the trail of something darker and infinitely more dangerous than the kegs of brandy that come ashore at the dark of the moon.

©2021 Stella Riley (P)2021 Stella Riley

Nothing really stood put to me. Just another one of Stella Riley’s books.

Too much description of things. The plot was a little hard to follow. Not her best work.

Spies, Smugglers, Super Book

Stella Riley is one of my favorite writers and Under A Dark Moon was another 5* book. Even though I had already read the kindle edition twice, I remained unable to stop listening. Unlike most books with intelligent and independent heroines, Millie was neither annoying nor anachronistic.
This can easily be a stand alone story, however knowledge of all the previous books enhanced my pleasure.
Alex Wyndham performed with his usual elegance and subtlety.

A Georgian espionage/smuggling romance

The second installment of the Brandon Brothers series, set in the author's Georgian world well known from the earlier Rockliffe books brings a new theme I enjoy very much: The protagonists are investigating smuggling and espionage on the coast of Kent. Adam Brandon, younger son of the Brandon family in Yorkshire is a swordfighting expert, can hold his own in any brawl in the deep of the night in Paris and has a taste for adventure - no wonder he gets recruited into a secret semi-official government agency under a powerful Earl. His first assignment unfortunately includes being thrown in the company of the prickly Camilla Edgerton-Foxe (no surprise that sparks fly, in all possible sense). Add some interesting helpmates, an embodiment of Heroine's Stupid Younger Brother and of course, the unique element that is Romney Marsh itself: land reclaimed from the sea and protected by a Wall, mist, rain, sheep, old churches, gruff people - a vividly described background of the mystery that gives the story its special flavor... and the result is pure delight. I should say that Adam himself is a delight too. This spinoff series seems to be characterized by capable, clever, no-nonsense, honorable and kind heroes who can help wounded heroines, appreciate their strength and integrity. Humor, kindness and true partnership creates a wonderful romance and adventure in this thoroughly enjoyable book. Alex Wyndham, as always, narrates in a spectacular way, with warmth and empathy for all characters, he sparkles with the humor, plays with accents and voice timbres masterfully, and overall, adds a new layer of delight in the listening experience of this excellent book.

Incredible

Incredible series, incredible story, incredible narration, incredible and lovable characters!

Stella Riley never fails. Every series, every story, every bit of historical detail are always mesmerizing. And, as always, Alex Wyndham is incomparable and his narration.

Another story that cannot be put down!

Stella Riley has written another of her fabulous volumes of fast-moving story, with serious content perfectly balanced with light-hearted dialog. I had only one disappointment in this book: Adam never keeps his promise to explain the flautist comment to Camilla! I did wonder how many times Alex Wyndham had to record that little paragraph, without laughing himself! Five-star efforts by both Stella Riley and Alex Wyndham! Ms. Riley and Alex, please keep these coming!

Another great book by Stella Riley!

Stella Riley's books are among the very best out there and I have thoroughly enjoyed every one of them. This latest one is no exception - wonderful original characters and an interesting plot. Not to mention the gorgeous narration by Alex Wyndham His voice is smooth, rich and seductive and he has an amazing ability to make the voices of all the different characters distinctive. Don't miss this one- and if you haven't read or listened to the earlier books I highly recommend that you do so.

Another fantastic tale!

Stella Riley weaves enchanting tales of intrigue, romance and subtle humor. Non-UK readers will enjoy learning from her descriptions of English history, culture and landscape. She creates characters that one can’t help but fall in love with. With his narration, Alex Wyndham beautifully brings these characters to life. As a reader, I find it almost impossible to put Stella’s stories down while also dreading when they will come to an end. As a fan of the Rockliffe series, I have equally enjoyed the adventures of the Brandon brothers and look forward to the next installment.

Interesting, Suspenseful, Romantic, Well-Narrated

Another excellent historical love story by Stella Riley, expertly narrated by Alex Wyndham. The book is an entertaining divergence from the Rockliffe series, with a countryside setting, a plot centered on crime detection, and a heroine (Camilla) most notable for her intellectual prowess. The former make for less of a "society" plot (replaced by intrigue), and the latter makes for an even more sympathetic and believable female protagonist, IMO. The entirely satisfactory hero, Adam, is Gabriel Oak in values and Sergeant Troy in appearance (wait, there are even sheep...). The remote setting and rural criminal element add fun gothic flavor and make for enjoyable guessing along with the characters as they sleuth their way through the twists and turns of the plot. The "historical romantic detective" genre is a favorite of mine, and I could hope for a sequel(s) in the "Miss Fisher" or "Tommy and Tuppence" vein. Wyndham deftly navigates a omnium gatherum of characters and accents, and seems to use nearly all tools available to the human voice as far as pitch, accent and cadence to imbue the dialogue with personality, humor and pathos. If you happen to possess a semi-freakish auditory memory (*'hem!*), then, in the first minutes, the repeated narrative falling intonation (which also cleverly conveys the initial confidence/rigidity of the characters) is a little, well, repetitive, but it quickly gains variety. If you like the historical romance magic that is Stella Riley read by Alex Wyndham, then you'll surely be pleased to tuck in to this tasty dish of a novel. If you're new to their particular alchemy, then you might as well treat yourself, sweetheart. You most certainly deserve it.

Exciting Adventure, Sensuous Love

Everything you could want in an historical spy adventure and meltingly sensuous romance. Heyer meets James Bond with perfect historical details in fascinating setting. Narrated with perfection. Very smart heroine and dashing, tough yet tender hero. Great listen.

A banquet for the senses

Once again Stella Riley has delivered a sumptuous story, layered and delicately written, about two people who don’t fit in their society but must make their way through it. They start as solitary figures, who really have eschewed the social scene and have become strong and independent in their own right. This of course is much harder for the woman who does not conform, as there is a much more rigid code, but Camilla has developed a very tough skin and due to a failed romance has withdrawn entirely from the social circle, to live in her very isolated country estate. Her family are concerned, as they understand but feel she has shut herself off. Camilla (Milly) as she is called by family and old retainers, is prickly and resentful of any measures to bring her back, so her first few meetings with Adam set them at loggerheads. Adam is instructed to accompany her to her home, which Milly considers intrusive and unnecessary. Adam is at first frustrated, but he too is used to being in charge and soon they begin the process of gradually starting to admire the characteristics that each possess. This is a nuanced journey as always in any book Stella writes, which I love.

Adam and Milly are not just two people falling in love however, as they below to a secret group of operatives headed up by her Uncle Hugh a powerful aristocratic spymaster. Hugh has tasked Adam with stopping a smuggling ring, who are believed to be involved in treason as well as treading on the toes of the East India company tea business, by importing large amounts of contraband tea. Both Milly and another operative, Viscount Rainham, who goes by multiple names and disguises get involved in trying to discover who funds and controls this lucrative business, as no-one in the gang has ever met the leader. While Adam and Rainham are thwarted in their attempts at first, Milly who plays a less active but crucial roll, is also concerned by the dangerous and unruly behaviour of her brother Guy, who unknown to her, has actually become a part of the smuggling gang The mystery is nicely complicated and as they struggle with solving the identity of the leader, they learn to compromise and rely on each other for understanding and acceptance of each others strengths. The atmosphere of the story is charged and quick paced and completely enjoyable. The uncovering of the puzzle is unexpected and interesting. An additional plus is the sense of humour that breaks through and lightens the mood. I particularly like the interaction between Adam and his would be valet the ham handed Finch, who is excellent in a fight but hopeless as the valet he aspires to be.

I love the length and well researched detail of Ms Riley’s writing, which does not rush one through the story but is also never slow or too long. Each character is filled in beautifully and so well written that it truly is a banquet for the senses. As soon as you start the audiobook you are drawn in by the incredible voice of Alec Wyndham, whose sensual and character driven narration brings each person and every detail of the story to life. This truly is the icing on top of the decadent and delicious cake and will leave you very satisfied.