Best Georgette Heyer to start with, please?

[TunipTheUnconquerable]

I bought the wrong one - can't remember what it was but it was an early one which I got because it was cheap on Kindle and haven't really got into it.

Please could you Heyer lovers tell me the best 2 or 3 to start off with and I'll get them regardless of cost?

Thanks.

[MooncupGoddess]

I'd suggest Frederica, The Unknown Ajax and Sylvester. Venetia, Black Sheep and Arabella are close runners-up, for me anyway.

A Civil Contract is her best in some ways, but unrepresentative, and in some ways designed to deconstruct the romantic themes she uses in the other books... so maybe worth leaving until a little later.

Do report back when you've read a couple as long as you like them

[JuanPotatoTwo]

Oh how strange - I just wrote in another thread that the first one I read of hers was The Reluctant Widow! Which ones did you buy? Bath Tangle is good, so are Sprig Muslin, Arabella, Faro's Daughter. I'm the wrong person to ask I think though because I love them all :)

[Lancelottie]

Cotillion.

[TunipTheUnconquerable]

Thank you!

[TunipTheUnconquerable]

There, I've ordered The Unknown Ajax.
The one I got before was The Black Moth. Fair dos if she wrote it when she was only 15 but to give her a proper chance I need to see her at her best!

[PiratePanda]

I love Venetia; it's my favourite. Unknown Ajax, Faro's Daughter, Sylvester, The Nonesuch. Also have a soft spot for The Masqueraders. But I am apparently unique in not being that much of a fan of These Old Shades.

Just don't try any of the proper historical ones like My Lord John. Bad.

[Sarsaparillajones]

Cotillion and the Grand Sophy -can't believe no one else mentioned that one !

[FiveExclamations]

Can I chuck in a vote for Sylvester as well?

[FiveExclamations]

If I'd read the thread properly I would have spotted that someone already has [retires].

[ElephantsAndMiasmas]

The Grand Sophy!

[3littlefrogs]

The first one I read was "The convenient marriage". I loved them all though.

[moonblues]

The first one I read was These Old Shades, which I loved, but I was about 14/15 & I'm not sure if it would be the best one to read first as an adult. They're fab though. Nice to have them all ahead of you. :)

[Louise1956]

My favourite is The Talisman Ring, which is absolutely hilarious. I also like The Corinthian, The Reluctant Widow, Faro's Daughter, and The Unknown Ajax very much.

[HoratiaDrelincourt]

The Convenient Marriage (see nickname )
Devil's Cub
Arabella

[HoratiaDrelincourt]

Then search this board for GH book club and see what the rest of us thought.

[Willowkins]

I loved Devil's Cub and Civil Contract. Also Spanish Bride - but I love them all really.

[HelenaJustina]

Grand Sophy to start with, no contest!
Followed by all the rest... am jealous that you have them all ahead of you. I've just finished re-reading Devil's Cub

Her detective fiction is pretty decent as well btw.

[TheFaerieQueene]

Friday's Child was the first one I read when I was v young. It is still my favourite.

[NomNomNominativeDeterminism]

You know Richard Armitage will read Sylvester to you if you don't mind an abridged version on CD? I haven't heard it though ... hmm ... note to self ...

[TheOnlyLivingBoyInNewCross]

The Grand Sophy is THE best. Hard on its heels: These Old Shades. Then Frederica and Venetia and The Talisman Ring...

[mumsiedarlingrevolta]

Adored Grand Sophy-my first.
Have dug this thread out to find more and have just ordered 3.
Love amazon

[scaryteacher]

Pirate I love My Lord John!
OP The first one I read was Friday's Child, followed by Regency Buck. I love These Old Shades, and An Infamous Army.