Playing the Part: (A Historical Romantic Comedy set in the Gilded Age of New York City's High Society)

Playing the Part by Jen Turano is the third book in A Class of Their Own series. Playing the Part is set in New York in 1882. Lucetta Plum is an actress and currently doing a new play written by the reclusive and mysterious Mr. Grimstone. Her step-father Nigel Wolfe pays her a visit (which is not good). Nigel has managed to gamble away the deed to the family plantation, Plum Hill. Unfortunately for Nigel, he does not own the plantation nor does he have the deed. It belongs to Lucetta, and she left the deed with a friend (who will make sure her step-father cannot get ahold of it). The man to whom Nigel lost was Silas Ruff. He is an awful man who has been pursuing Lucetta for some time. Lucetta thought he had learned his lesson after the last incident. Mr. Skukman, Lucetta's personal bodyguard, believes she needs to leave town and lay low for a little while (which will make Lucetta's understudy very happy). Abigail Hart, society lady, widow, friend, and determined matchmaker/meddler, agrees with him. Abigail suggests that they go to her grandson's estate (do we detect a little matchmaking). It certainly sounds like a good idea. They arrive at Ravenwood (which seems to be behind a cemetery) and are not warmly welcomed. They are barely in the drive when they are attacked. Bram Haverstein, Abigail's grandson, has been having trouble with marriageable young women dropping in (plus he has a secret). After being attacked by dogs and falling into the moat, Lucetta finally gets into the house. This visit is not off to a good start. The visit is plagued by a woman hating goat in Lucetta's room, walking suit of armor, jewels hidden in the fireplace, and a falling knife (more like a sword). What is going on at Ravenwood? Someone seems determined to get rid of the occupants of the house. Lucetta and Bram are intent on getting to the bottom of the matter (and Abigail is thrilled that they are spending time together). Will Abigail get her wish? What happens when Silas Ruff tracks down Lucetta? You will have to read Playing the Part to find out.

Playing the Part was humorous. I did enjoy reading this novel. It was a little over-the-top at times but it provided me with many laughs (which made my mother keep asking me why I was laughing). Playing the Part has great characters and an interesting setting (loved Ravenwood). Playing the Part was a great end to the series. You do need to read all the books in the series in order to understand what is going on in Playing the Part (you will want to read them). I have read all three books in the series and enjoyed each of them. I give Playing the Part 4 out of 5 stars. Playing the Part is nicely written, and I was pulled into the book right away (which I love). It was nice to catch up with the characters from the previous novels to see how they were doing. If you enjoy reading historical romance novels with a little mystery (and a lot of humor), you will love Playing the Part.

I received a complimentary copy of Playing the Part from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.