The Traitor

Sebastian, Baron St. Clair, was abandoned by his family in France during the war against Napoleon. While serving in the French army, he was put in charge of holding and torturing English officers. Despite receiving an official pardon upon his return to England, he is regularly challenged to duels by his former prisoners. Millicent Danforth enters Sebastian’s life as the paid companion of his elderly aunt. Compassionate and intelligent, Milly sees that Sebastian is more than the “Traitor Baron” and isn’t averse to a few kisses as their attraction grows. But someone wants Sebastian dead, and Milly would rather not be widowed. Picking up where The Captive ended, Burrowes continues her examination of imprisonment and the wounds of war from unexpected and intriguing angles. Sebastian is surprisingly sympathetic, and the well built denouement supports his redemption. Subtle, cozy, thoughtful, and gently paced, this is a satisfying read that easily handles a difficult character and avoids any whiff of the middle-book blahs. Agent: Steve Axelrod, Axelrod Literary Agency. (Aug.)