Deceitful Designs

Although it's the final book in the trilogy, it can be read on its own. The first book in the series is called Riot and Retribution, which was followed by Napoleon's Gold - The Wages of Sin.

Deceitful Designs is a historical thriller set in the 1830s (late Regency Era), soon after the historical settings for the film productions of Poldark, Taboo, Bridgerton and adaptations of Jane Austen's books. It will appeal both to female/male readers aged 16+. It is not for the squeamish or prude, as it contains material of a sexual nature and deals with the realities of life. Tales of passion, deceit and intrigue are set against a backcloth of political change, the opium trade and white slavery. There are male and female heroes/villains, ladies (virtuous and insufferable) and British/Chinese secret agents. The lead author of the Trilogy, Dr Alex Kolaczkowski, described it as: "Plenty of darkness as well as light. Think Taboo (2017, TV series) meets Sense and Sensibility."

Great care has been taken with the historical backdrop and the selection of artwork which features in the plots. The locations are real and include England (Bath, Bristol, London, Norfolk); Holland (Delft); France (the Medoc); Poland (Krakow); Canton (China). At the start of each chapter, there is a sketch to help set the scene. At the back of the book are extended notes from the authors, to help distinguish between historical facts and fiction, which in themselves add an extra dimension of reality to the plots. The novel is set in a period when the British Government supports the sale of opium to China. Against this backdrop, Nathaniel Parry (British Agent) investigates forged paintings and collaborates with Cornelius Lee (Chinese Agent) who is on a mission for his Emperor, to disrupt the Count's trade in opium and the kidnapping of women and children. They discover the whereabouts of the Count, and they must react to the revenge he inflicts. Coco, the 'femme fatale', and Amanda the 'free widow', join forces with the Agents as they take decisive action against the Count. Deceit flows at every level and artworks such as: Girl with a Pearl Earring and Christ in a Storm on the Sea of Galilee feature in the plots.

Further information is available on: www.alexerobertson.com

Alex E. Robertson is a pen name under which the books in the trilogy have been written. The lead author of the first two books is Dr Alex Kolaczkowski who trained as a teacher and studied History. She had taught history in Bath and Bristol, as well as in Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey. Her expertise in Bath history and the 1830s, stemmed from her years spent researching the city as a case-study for her PhD thesis. This provided her with specialist background knowledge of the 1830s and places in which the novel is set. She was closely supported by her husband, Stan Kolaczkowski who through his training and experience in Judo and Karate was able to provide guidance on the action and tension scenes reflected in the trilogy. Support was also obtained from Robert Hayes, an avid reader of historical fiction who provided the overarching plot which initiated the first book Riot and Retribution, in the trilogy.

Sadly, after the launch of the second book, Alex fell seriously ill and in January 2025 passed away. This final book, Deceitful Designs, is completed as a tribute to Alex, to finish what she had started and planned. To help with that process, Nicole Varley a close friend of Alex's and who trained as a teacher and studied History with Alex, joined as a co-author. Then together with Stan Kolaczkowski and Robert Hayes, the final book was completed. And for those of us who knew Alex, we will remember: her smile, dress style, short skirts, banter, sharp sense of the absurd, her kindness, great wife and mum, her lively spirit, her passion for history, an inspiring teacher...