Library Journal
Law ( A Scent of Lilac, Regency Morning, Double Deception) is not the first to write a suspenseful Regency nor the first to use a couple as the mystery solvers. Joan Smith has done this well for several years. The ''sealed knot'' of the title refers to the secret signal used by followers of the long dead Bonnie Prince Charlie in their plot to set his grandson on the English throne in the first year of the Regency (1811). That is about as much plot as this charming book has. Its purpose seems to be to introduce Sparrow Harvey and Simon Adair to the reader and set them on their course as ''advisers and investigators.'' This conceit could work well in future stories; however, a bit more mystery and suspense is definitely needed. Law, author of many historicals under several names, is an accomplished writer. Her characters are well formed and her dialogue is sprightly. This could become a very popular series.-- Paula M. Zieselman, Debevoise & Plimpton Lib., New York