Orlando's reaction to being released at the end of the war is a great way to open this story. It highlights the general sense of shock and disbelief the survivors of the war feel, along with the knowledge that nothing will be the same. Orlando's heartache and overwhelming sense of loss color every aspect of his life after his return from the war. Even the case he works on, which he uses as a distraction from his despair, reminds him of Jonty and how much they enjoyed solving their cases together. Orlando's struggle to go on without his lover and his determination to solve the case illustrate his inner strength.

Charlie Cochrane has really outdone herself with this story. She has written a fantastic, truly heartwrenching tale about loss and survival. Orlando's pain at the loss of Jonty is haunting and very real, jumping right off the page to squeeze readers' hearts. Some unexpected twists lead to a glimmer of hope piercing the dark loneliness of Orlando's post-war existence, and give some new insight into the case as well. Though this story takes place during a painful time in history, it also offers the possibility of happiness for those who survived. The ending is definitely worth all the heartache that comes before.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Karin
June 16, 2011