Kris Tualla

A Discreet Gentleman of Discovery is book 1 of the Discreet Gentlemen series. I've read both books 1 and 2 so far of the series and am eagerly looking forward to reading more. The first few books feature Brander Hansen of Norway, in the early 1700's. I enjoy historical fiction because past events become alive when seen through the eyes of a character we learn to care about. This author is talented at creating living, breathing characters that are just like that. Kris Tualla has also mastered creating intriguing circumstances to throw at her protagonists. She has woven in a good feel for the era, some authentic voice to her heroes and heroines, baffling mysteries, fast-paced action, a romance and much more. The sum total equals a compelling read.

For the previous nine years, Brander Hansen has only been known as Lord Olaf Olsen, a discreet gentleman of discovery--someone we would call a private eye or detective today. He loved to solve puzzles, but how he accomplished this is a puzzle in itself because Lord Olsen is completely deaf. By the age of seven, he lost the final vestiges of his hearing. His wealthy family employed a young cousin a little older than Brander to be his ears and voice. The two have been inseparable since then. Growing up together, the boys invented their own language using gestures (similar to modern sign language) to communicate. In social situations, Niels would interpret for Brander. But under the perceptions and prejudices of the day, Brander was viewed as stupid, helpless, and useless. It became a matter of pride to him to live independently and thrive successfully as his alter ego, Lord Olsen.

It was in this capacity that Brander met one of his clients, the Baroness of Hamar, Lady Regin Kildahl Skogan. She hired Lord Olsen to investigate her husband's debts which were bankrupting the family estate. At the same time Lord Olsen had been hired by her husband's debtors to collect on his unpaid gambling debts. As a man with a solid reputation, he pondered how to solves these problems to everyone's satisfaction.

In the meantime, Lady Regin worked tirelessly to keep her estate functional, take care of her tenants, work the fields and prepare for the harsh northern winter. Through all her difficulties, the reader comes to know Regin's character and relates to the struggles she must endure. After her errant husband of 7 years died of opium mixed with poison, she was forced to deal repeatedly with Lord Olsen to save her people. Finally in desperation, she announced she was in search of a creditor who would pay all her debts in exchange for the title of Baron, and take her to wife as well. The complication: she had fallen in love with Lord Olsen.

I find so many reasons to love this book and storyline. First, there is an underlying attraction between Brander and Regin when they are together. But they are trapped by the social conventions of the day. How they overcome this obstacle makes this book worth reading over and over. Second, there is the unique circumstances that Brander has had to face all his 31 years--his deafness and the prejudice even within his own family. His bright intelligence helped him overcome all this, even superceding his disadvantage to the point of becoming a superb detective, because he often noticed details most other men did not. I became entranced with how the author developed this particular hero.

Third, there is an intriguing mystery that Brander and Niels must solve that keeps this storyline moving along quickly, throws the reader's expectations to the wind from time to time, and adds suspense and danger to the mix. Brander's resourcefulness is often astounding. All this combined together kept my eyes glued to the pages in suspense.

One cautionary comment: There are some scenes with explicit sexual content. It is written within the context of the starkness of the times, reflecting the social inequality of people of different standing. The author skillfully avoided the crudeness often found in modern so-called romance books. It was tastefully written and does not distract from the character development and the major and secondary plots.

Overall, I recommend this book, especially if you enjoy historical romances which involves suspense and mystery.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy (ARC) of this book from the author, Kris Tualla. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.… (meer)