Thanks nhl and netgalley for this ARC.

This particular book in the series did not do it for me. I think it just felt drawn out and long.

Gilded Deceit is the thirteenth book in the Malcolm and Suzanne Rannoch historical mystery series; something that can confuse new readers due to the name change midway through the series. However, if you do your homework it's a simple matter of understanding that Malcolm and Suzanne are spies and secret identities are just part of the spy genre.

At this point in the series, Malcolm and Suzanne have overcome some rather big hurdles. Discovering your wife married you to spy on you understandably puts a damper on the finer feelings in a marriage. Yes, this is something that the couple have been able to come to terms with even if it still complicates their lives and their family. Suzanne's past as a spy has been uncovered by Malcom's former spymaster and to protect Suzanne, the family has decided to flee to Italy. And naturally, the couple soon find themselves (and their friends) embroiled in an intrigue.

I have always enjoyed this series, but I did find that this most recent addition to have stretched the bounds of my belief and lent itself more of a "cozy" feel that I found absent from the earlier books in the series. Quite simply, I'm not sure that I buy all of Malcom and Suzanne's friends flocking to Italy to see them amidst a murder investigation. It just seems to convenient. As does the coziness that Malcolm experiences with his father and his rather complicated history with his family. As much as I enjoy Malcom and Suzanne's company of investigators, the circumstances of their coming together just seems too easy and lacking the depth of characterization that was evident in the earlier books of the series.

I enjoy keeping in touch with Malcom and Suzanne and their extended family, but Gilded Deceit is not my favourite book of the series. There are still a number of threads left dangling and I look forward to seeing how the author resolves them.

I am sick of trashy behavior of these people! They are not people who I could be friends with. If I can't be friends, then why read about them?They are as trashy as modern day Kardashians, if they make me sick, this book has totally turned me off! There is no romance, only regrets, what a horrible way to live! No thanks. I don't recommend this book at all!

carolintallahassee​

I have read all the other books in this series and this meets the standard set by the rest. Can't wait for Grant's next book. The interplay of family and friends in this book makes the story a treat to read.

Thanks NYLA and netgalley for this ARC.

It's amazing when you think that this is book number 13! I've read this series from the beginning, and it's like finding a good show on t.v. you thought was canceled. Always exciting, heartfelt, and juicy!

1818 and the Rannochs are fleeing to Lake Como.
To me this is not a stand alone book in the series, there are just too many past events and people mentioned to make it so. This book might have been more interesting after having read the previous 12 books so that you have all the background information of these events, and information about the characters to make them more rounded.
For me there was much too much talk and description and not a lot of action or going forward with the mystery.

I've been reading the Malcolm & Suzanne series since the very first book and this one is my favorite. Taking them to Italy has been a game changer for the series, and a return to the first few books. There is more intrigue and twists than the previous books, and generally the most exciting book yet!