Barbara’s rating: 3.75 out of 5 Stars
Series: Doyle & Acton #21
Publication Date: 3/16/25
Period: Contemporary London
Number of Pages: 208

I have been captivated by this series since the beginning, and I always anxiously await each new release. I love all of the eccentric, quirky characters, and I can hardly wait to see what Acton gets up to next – and how Doyle thwarts him. There are always witty and serious moments that combine to present an excellent story.

We have met the victim in previous books – the twice-widowed Mrs. Birdsong – who just doesn’t seem to have much luck choosing husbands. Both of her husbands were villains, with the last one trying to poison her before he died. While he didn’t succeed, someone did, and the investigation now belongs to Detective Sergeant Kathleen Doyle and Special Officer Vadik Gabriel.

Doyle and Gabriel have no readily discernible clues to follow, and decide their investigation should follow two paths. One path would take them back through the investigation of the art theft ring Mrs. Birdsong’s husband was involved in, and the other would be to see if there is a hidden heir somewhere looking to inherit her considerable wealth. The path is a crooked one with red herrings and surprises along the way. Of course, Acton sticks his finger into the mix to make things even more confusing.

I enjoyed the book, and the mystery is a good one, but this is not my favorite book of the series. There just wasn’t as much of the ‘hold your breath’ tension as in previous books. I think it gave us hints of stories to come with the Savoie brothers, which could be interesting.

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