The closeness exhibited by Jonty and Orlando in the very beginning of the story highlights how devastating Orlando’s memory loss is after his fall. Readers will be drawn in by the emotion that permeates the opening chapters – Jonty’s devastation at the loss of the closeness he and Orlando had and Orlando’s wonder at having a friend for the first time in his memory. Watching Jonty help Orlando rediscover the man he has grown into over the past year illuminates the tender caring that pervades their relationship.

While their relationship remains the focal point of the story, the Woodville Ward case is a nice subplot that gives them something to work on together as they grow closer for a second time. It also keeps the story moving at a nice pace, giving it a somewhat strict timeline as there is a deadline by which Jonty and Orlando must discover the answers.

This is an eminently enjoyable story. Jonty and Orlando are wonderful characters whose feelings for each other are clear in all of their interactions, in spite of Orlando’s loss of memory. There are many light-hearted moments between them that ease the tension of the seriousness of both the murder case and the memory loss. The ending is completely satisfying and I most definitely look forward to the next story in the series.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Karin
February 11, 2010