Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Series: Angus Brodie and Mikaela Forsythe Murder Mystery #3
Publication Date: 5/23/23
Period: Victorian London – 1890
Number of Pages: 408

I’ve loved every book in this series, and this one is no exception. Lady Mikaela Forsythe’s ex-betrothed has contacted her to look for his missing son. At the same time, Mr. Angus Brodie has been contacted at his inquiry agency to find a missing boy named Kip. Both Mikaela and Brodie know Kip, and they don’t believe he would just run away on his own. However, a bit of the green-eyed monster raises his ugly head when Mikaela tells Brodie of the request to find a missing boy as well. Since the two boys are from entirely different classes, they pursue each case separately. As time passes and neither boy returns – nor are there any clues – everyone begins to fear the very worst for both boys. When evidence of more missing boys turns up, they redouble their efforts. Nothing connects them, so why have they suddenly vanished? Clues are few, but there are some – strange clues, but clues nonetheless. With attempts on Mikaela’s life, a massive fire at Brodie’s office, the death of Mikaela’s ex-betrothed, and a missing boy who turns up beaten nearly to death, none of them may live long enough to solve the case.

I love the growing relationship between Mikaela and Brodie and I can’t wait for them to finally realize they care for each other. I love the step-by-step solving of each mystery with the two of them playing off each other for ideas and respecting the other’s abilities. Mikaela can get a tad TSTL on occasion because she is so very confident of her ability to defend herself, but she does usually try to let Brodie know what she’s doing so she’ll have some backup. The supporting cast is great as well. There is Mikaela’s very eccentric Aunt, the wounded war veteran with no legs, a large ferocious street dog who has taken a liking to Mikaela, and various scientific experts upon whom they call for answers. I’m sure the author is heading toward a romantic relationship between Mikaela and Brodie and I’ll be very interested to see how she manages to make it work in British society. Brodie is a man who grew up on the streets – first in Scotland and then in London – and Mikaela is a Lady. Oh – and did I mention – Brodie is also performing certain services for their Secret Service? Oh! My! Goodness!

I can recommend this book and this series. While you could read this as a standalone without too much head-scratching, I would recommend reading the series in order. The characters and their relationships have changed through the books, with each building on the previous, so you’d want to read each of the books to get a complete picture.

The books are excellently written, well-paced, and include a tad of humor with Brodie’s exasperation with Mikaela’s exploits. You’ll smile, you’ll scratch your head trying to figure out who the villains are, and you’ll laugh at whatever Mikaela’s aunt gets up to. Worth reading!

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