Devil's Cub (by Georgette Heyer)

(Amazon UK link)

'Devil's Cub' is one of Georgette Heyer's earlier novels, set in the early 19th century. The hero of the book is the violent, cold-hearted and promiscuous Lord Vidal. He falls for the innocent (but rather grasping) Sophia, and plans to carry her off to be his mistress only to have his scheme foiled by her straight-laced elder sister Mary.

The bulk of the story follows Vidal and Mary - two highly unlikely characters for hero and heroine - as they get to know each other. 

It's years since I last read this book and I had forgotten most of the plot. With this author the characterisations are what matter, anyway. She was very clever at creating people who seem to jump out of the pages. She also managed to show that even the worst of people can have a pleasant side buried beneath the veneer.

On the whole I thought this book very enjoyable. Having started it last night I spent about three hours today finishing it, and loved almost every moment. Admittedly the cast-list was a bit over-big and I got slightly muddled earlier in the book; it might have helped if I had recently read 'These Old Shades' since 'Devil's Cub' is a sort of sequel - albeit occurring over twenty years later.

Recommended.