Gr 7 Up-In this delightful romp, Nix turns his considerable fantasy talents to a different milieu, that of the Regency romance. Lady Truthful Newington is the daughter and heir of country gentleman Admiral the Viscount Newington. She is not only heir to his estate but also heir to the fabulous Newington Emerald, which the Admiral displays at a private family dinner on the occasion of her 18th birthday. Storm winds and sprites blow in the windows and when the confusion clears the gem is missing. Truthful resolves to search for the Emerald while spending time with her great-aunt Lady Badgery to be launched into London society. Her great-aunt uses her skills as a sorceress to provide Truthful with a glamour that allows her to go abroad in the guise of her cousin, Chevalier Henri de Vienne. It is as Henri that she meets the captivating Major Harnett, who becomes instrumental in her search. The two follow clues in high and low society to search for the Emerald, which they discover to be far more important than a mere family heirloom. There are dastardly plots and romantic confusions here that would do Jane Austen proud. Truthful is a satisfying heroine, rescuing at least as often as she is rescued. VERDICT Fans of the author and of fantasy or Regency romance will enjoy this tale immensely. Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Starred Review Lady Truthful Newington cannot wait to turn 18. Once of age, she will be introduced to fashionable London society and be shown the Newington Emerald, which she will one day inherit. Unfortunately, a mighty storm blows through on her birthday, dowsing the lights just as the emerald is revealed, and giving a thief "naughty storm-sprite" e perfect cover to steal the gem. Ever the devoted daughter, Truthful leaves early for London to make inquiries into its whereabouts. Thus fantasy pro Nix (To Hold the Bridge, 2015) begins his Regency romance, to which he adds a dash of farce and a sprinkle of magic. With the help of her feisty aunt ("Parkins! My sword cane") and an ensorcelled false mustache, Truthful o possesses a modest bit of weather magic sguises herself as a gentleman and begins her search for the emerald. Also joining the jewel hunt is the dashing Major Harnett, with whom Truthful butts heads, yet infuriatingly can't stop thinking about. Quick-changes, mistaken identities, treachery, and an evil sorceress make this story an utter delight. Truthful and Harnett's rapport smacks of Austen's Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, as propriety and quips mask their begrudging affection for each other. Part comedy of manners, part fantasy adventure, this lighthearted romp is ridiculous fun.