Tears of Pearl: A Novel of Suspense (Lady Emily Mysteries Book 4)

Ironically, after saying that one really needs to read this series from the beginning in my last review from this series, what’s the next book I grab to dive into?! Book 4! Really, Sarah, really?... Yes, OK, I did the big bad and completely did what I myself said not to do. But you know what? It actually wasn't as big an error as it could have been.I got a real feel for the characters and their relationships in this one, something that was sorely lacking in Book 9. The whole reason I grabbed this book, actually, was ‘cause I had heard it’s the “honeymoon” book between Colin and Emily, and I really wanted more of these two. And for the most part, I got it. I relished the real love connection between these two; it was a true treat to see Emily treasured for more than just her beauty and to see how much Colin really meant to Emily.I also got some quality time in Emily’s head, seeing her confidence in her investigative skills, her insecurities with her own body and place in society, and fears from her past that impact her in the present. I actually really enjoyed exploring Emily in this book, getting to know her so to speak, even if several of my co-reviewers weren't that thrilled about it.The world of late 19th century Constantinople and the world of the Ottoman court and harem life was also a treat. Tasha delivers again in her vivid descriptive passages and in her world-building. She transports her readers to this exotic and not often explored world with great skill. I especially treasured seeing how the inner politics of the harem were seen from the POV of an English lady and how different life in this part of world was different for women in general during this time period.Now the mystery portion of the book? Not such a great feature in this volume. Don’t get me wrong. I was intrigued to find out the whodunit, and the eventual culprit was a surprise to me as I was reading along. But there were instances where I was very surprised at the ease in which Emily was given access to the harem itself. Some of the coincidences of evidence appearing like magic and some of the logic leaps were also eyebrow raising for me.For me, the attractions and detraction for this volume versus book 9 were almost exact opposites. The time spent exploring the characters and their relationships were a treasure. Yet, the mystery portion was lackluster in areas and just downright audacious at times. I’m definitely glad I grabbed this book as it evens out the 9th volume very well. I got a feel for the characters even if the mystery part wasn't up to snuff. I’m going to be reading more of this series for sure; this volume just cemented my love for the characters and their relationships.

It's hard for me to keep perspective on these books because they have been part of a special bond between my mother and myself. My mother doesn't read fiction very often while I read it endlessly in great variety. A few years ago I offered the first Lady Emily book up for her consideration. She read it, or should I say devoured it. She has been a fan through the entire series and as such I have been able to enjoy a series with her, discussing and even attending a few of Tasha Alexander's book signings together. That, in itself, has been a great gift.Lady Emily and Colin Hargreaves are finally married--another plus for this series is that the central relationship has been a key part of the series and has moved along at a fine pace, neither too slow or too fast--prior to the beginning of this fourth novel. (Alexander has a short story of their nuptials available through Amazon and her website if you are a fan and didn't want to miss the event.) Now they are on their honeymoon and of course fall into a mystery of kidnapping, murder and danger. Emily and Colin work together and learn about another culture as they explore Istanbul.Is this novel the height of excitement? No, but it is intriguing and keeps the reader involved as the mystery takes twists and turns. This is a light historical mystery, well-executed. I'll continue to recommend the series to friends. Best yet, Mom and I will look forward to hopefully a fifth entry in the series.

This the the 4th book in the Lady Emily series. Emily and her new husband, Colin, are on their honeymoon tour and are visiting the Ottoman Empire. When a harem girl, who turns out to be an English girl that had been kidnapped, ends up murdered, Emily is pulled in to help investigate from the inside. She meets several strong willed women associated with the harem, one of whom is in exile and has fortune telling skills. As she worries for her pregnant friend at home, she begins to fear that she is herself pregnant. Emily meets a variety of women in the harem, some content, while some are desperate for a way out. While I found the setting to be fascinating, this one was a little less plausible than the prior mysteries, but still held my interest. I enjoyed Emily's banter with Colin as they jockeyed to see who could solve the mystery first. I look forward to the next in the series.

Very enjoyable series - having read the first three books I had to read the next in the series. It is going to be a bit expensive though because now I want to find out what happens in the next book...and the next! An interesting set of characters all of whom grow and change with every book plus well plotted stories. I am going to have to pace myself!!

This is the 3rd book in the series that I have read. I've found them to be an easy enjoyable read that keeps you interested. The plot is a bit far fetched in some ways and it is often obvious that Lady Emily is on the wrong track and who the real bad guy is. But this is till a well written and well researched book and is a very good read.

I would recommend this book to any one who likes historical novels. I loved it, it had twists and turns and a quite unexpected ending. Brilliant read.

This series is under way with more intrigue, mystery etc. Looking forward to more.

Great book to