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“Paris, 1792. Each day scores of the French nobility feed the guillotine. They are trapped in the capital. There is no escape.

But rumours whisper of a league of young English gentlemen of unparalleled daring who are risking their lives to spirit aristocats across the Channel. They leave no trace behind them except a note from the ‘Scarlet Pimpernel’.

The ruthless spy master Chauvelin is determined to stop the rescuers by fair means or foul, and, desperately outnumbered, the Scarlet Pimpernel and his men must use all their wits to evade capture and stay alive.”

I really enjoyed this and it helped me through a few difficult days. It’s a classic tale of love and adventure. The scene at the ball and Marguerite’s inner turmoil was particularly well done, I loved the scheming and unpredictability of it all. In fact, right up until they all left for France I was thinking this book was a wow.

I am glad I read this book when I did as the romance was laid on a tad thick for my taste and even in my softened up state I did find Marguerite’s constant wallowing a tad irritating, not to mention her immense stupidity. If she was the cleverest woman in Europe, I really had to worry about the rest of them.

I think, though, that the reader is suppost to know what’s coming and to see the blindingly obvious things that are seemingly hidden from the perceptions of Margeurite and Chauvelin. It creates great excitement in a ‘he’s behind you!’ kind of way!

So, I am not sure what the fully aware and ruthless Abi would have made of it but ill and fed up Abi was greatly entertained and all the jollier for it. Thank you Scarlet Pimpernel for a great trip!