To Sketch a Scandal

Everlee’s smooth fourth Lucky Lovers of London Victorian romance (after A Bluestocking’s Guide to Decadance) follows Scotland Yard detective Matty Shaw, who, at 25, is eager to take over his retiring mentor’s role as chief detective. However, his undercover work baiting men into committing criminal sodomy has tarnished his reputation, putting his promotion in jeopardy. He has one last job to prove that his investigative prowess extends beyond seduction: pose as an art student to determine if a scammy art school is behind a slew of counterfeit paintings. Meanwhile, Anglo-Indian Warren Bakshi tends bar at a secret gay club to support his mother—until his older brother, Harry, returns after years away with a fortune and wife in tow. This windfall, combined with Harry’s insistence that Warren find a more respectable career, leads him to enroll in the suspect art school, where Matty soon begs Warren’s help in improving his art skills lest he blow his cover. Their attraction is undeniable, but they must keep it under wraps or risk their tenuous positions in society. Even with the high stakes that come from the criminalization of homosexuality, Everlee keeps things on the fluffy side, complete with fun, seductive banter and strong historical ambience. This is a treat. (July)