Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Angus Brodie and Mikaela Forsythe #10 (Goodness what a long series name)
Publication Date: 10/29/24
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 291

Brodie and Mikaela have taken on some dangerous and tense cases, but this one hit very close to home. When a beautiful, kind, musically gifted young woman is murdered outside the printshop where she had just picked up the invitations to her wedding, Mikaela’s ward, Lily, is devastated. The young woman, Miss Charlotte Mallory, is Lily’s music instructor and friend. Charlotte is also the only child of prominent barrister, Sir Edward Mallory. Who would want to murder such a lovely and kind young woman? Lily wants to know and she doesn’t trust Scotland Yard to find out. So, what does any intelligent young woman with a set of talented detectives as relatives do? She ‘hires’ them, of course!

With few clues and some less-than-cooperative witnesses, Brodie and Mikaela will have a tough time solving the murder. However, as with all cases, one small clue leads to another, which leads to another, and before you know it, you have all the clues you need. You just have to figure out what all of those clues mean.

Just a few days later, the body of another lovely young lady is found – murdered in the same manner as Charlotte. This young woman, Miss Margaret Cameron, is the daughter of prominent judge Harold Cameron. The murders are frighteningly similar. Are they related? If so, how?

I love the way Mikaela and Brodie work both separately and together as they investigate and evaluate the clues to this vicious killer. Things really become intense when Lily disappears and one of the murderer’s ‘signature’ calling cards is left for them. Can they solve the case and rescue Lily before the unthinkable happens?

One thing I particularly loved about this book – aside from the mystery – is how Mikaela and Brody’s relationship evolves. They are both learning to accept and work with each other’s faults and strengths. They are becoming accepting of each other in a very good way. They love and need each other and they are finally figuring out how to make it all work.

This excellently written mystery will grab your attention from the first page and won’t let you go until it is done. So, for your safety and comfort, be sure you have taken care of all personal needs and that you have a full supply of eats and drinks before you begin reading. Why? You won’t be able to put the book down once you start reading. Happy Reading!

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.