Dazzled

In 1876, Philadelphia was host to a grand Centennial Exposition. It is here that Hart (Temptation) sets the scene for her dreary tale of a penniless heroine who resorts to thievery in an attempt to ransom her young nephew from his vile father. Andrea Albright is employed as companion to Matty, a dotty but lovable society matron who, the reader is certain, would give Andrea the money to rescue the child if asked. Instead, Andrea chooses to pilfer expensive trinkets from Matty's circle of wealthy friends. Brent Sinclair, working undercover for the Pinkerton Agency, is sent to infiltrate the elite group and nab the thief. Unfortunately, one doubts he could find his way out of a paper bag. He, like Andrea, is annoyingly stupid. They both lack the passion and intellect necessary to engage the reader's emotions, much less solve a mystery or save a child. Ditto for the dialogue, which, more often than not, is stilted and dull. Matty's endearing charm and wit, and Hart's meticulous research of the Exposition, are all that prevent the reader from nodding off. Hart, who ususally writes with such spirit and humor, delivers an unbelievable story that meanders pointlessly and often borders on silliness. (Sept.)