Readers are eased into the real action after a chapter to establish the relaxed atmosphere Jonty and Orlando have been experiencing since their last involvement in a murder case. Their affection for each other is clearly evident and highlights the great relationship they have, regardless of Orlando’s jealousy over Jonty’s love affair with his Lagonda. That peacefulness does not last long, though, and once the action starts it does not let up until the end.

The characters once again come to life as they deal with everything life insists on throwing at them. Luckily, they have each other, as well as Jonty’s family and the ever trusty Ariadne Sheridan and Mrs. Ward to count on to help them through. Their relationship is really tested when Orlando disappears overnight, leaving a bewildered Jonty behind with his parents. Orlando’s torment over not knowing who his family really is jumps right off the page and grips the reader by the throat, but so does Jonty’s despondency over not knowing where Orlando is. But their time apart reinforces how much they truly belong together, both for them and the readers.

Though this story definitely has a bleak feeling while Jonty and Orlando are apart, there are definitely moments of levity that will make the readers smile if not laugh outright. The subplot about Lavinia and Ralph is very clever and finally gets its own ending. Everything about this story is wonderful and makes a fantastic addition to the series.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Karin
October 19, 2010