DELILAH DIRK AND THE KING'S SHILLING

Delilah and Selim head to England in this sequel to Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant (2013).

Delilah Dirk, an English gentlewoman, and Erdemoglu Selim, a former Turkish janissary, have now been unlikely friends and traveling companions for two years. Their escapades are derailed, however, when they encounter a corrupt British army officer while traveling across Portugal during the Peninsular War. Angered by Delilah’s open lack of respect for his position, Maj. Jason Merrick decides to blame her for his own treasonous activities. She resolves (over Selim’s practical protests) to pursue Maj. Merrick back to England—ostensibly to protect her reputation but clearly also to settle their increasingly personal feud. Cliff’s vibrant art continues to thrill during the many daring rescues, narrow escapes, and thrilling swordfights, conveying not just the action, but also Delilah’s irrepressible love of danger and derring-do. The illustrations and script also shine during the story’s quieter moments of humor and heart. England tests Delilah and Selim’s friendship, especially as he discovers how much she hasn’t shared about her family and past, and both are fish out of water when it comes to proper behavior in elegant British society. The character development adds welcome depth to an already absorbing adventure.

Irresistible and exhilarating.