Seven years ago, Jack Carstares disappeared from society when he was caught cheating at cards. Now he survives as a highwayman, leaving his brother Dick to look after things at home and regret the events of the night which saw him and his brother parted. But Jack is brought back into contact with former friends and acquaintances when he comes across an old enemy, the Duke of Andover, in the middle of kidnapping a young lady, and he steps in to put an end to it... Compared to Georgette Heyer's other books, it isn't so insightful and polished, and occasionally tends towards cliche - you can tell it was her first, written when she was still a teenager. But that aside it is a complete joy of gentlemen highwaymen, wicked dukes, naughty flirtatious wives and delicate but direct young ladies. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The Black Moth by Georgette Heyer is a great historical romance that kept me entertained from beginning to end. This is the first novel I have read by this author (and apparently it was her debut novel!) and I really did enjoy it. A witty, sassy, and engaging narrative that takes place in England during the Georgian period, I was fully immersed into life, culture, and activities that took place during that time. There was mystery, suspense, romance, action, and a well-proportioned character cast. I would definitely read more from this author in the future. 4/5 stars

As an avid Georgette Heyer fan, I was keen to re-read this book, especially as it was her debut as an author, first published 100 years ago when she was just 17 years of age. You are drawn into a swashbuckling world of highway robbery, dueling, and glamour. When Richard, the younger brother of Jack, the Earl of Wyncham. cheats at cards, Jack takes the blame and escapes to Europe, leaving Richard to run the family estates. Richard is besotted with his spendthrift wife, Lavinia, giving in to all her selfish demands, putting up with her tantrums if she doesn’t get her own way, along with helping out her two extravagant, spendthrift brothers to pay their debts. Jack, the Earl has been travelling incognito through Europe, doing different jobs, and eventually returning to England as a highwayman. In this guise he rescues a lady called Diana, and their romance begins. Characters are well drawn, witty and entertaining, developing throughout the story. Ms Heyer’s knowledge of the Regency period is legendary; her descriptions of fashion, the ways and whims of the high-born aristocracy bring them to life. I found it a little disappointing that Jack, the Earl, and Diana, hardly appeared until several chapters into the book, though it didn’t detract from this highly amusing, escapist read, with its exciting ending. For a writer of Regency romances who really knows her stuff, Georgette Heyer is second to none, and I highly recommend this book. #TheBlackMoth #NetGalley