First, I love the cover. Lots of things going on that aren't immediately obvious to a quickglance, so enlarge it and give it a good look. Bet it'll make you smile.
As for the book, it was a delightful read. One with a slower build to climax than we're often accustomed to but, hey, it takes place in 1900. Things moved much slower then. As you'll see, you couldn't just pick up a phone and call someone. You had to find someone to deliver a message to them. Then wait for them to get it, read, and respond and do the same on their end. Police investigations of necessity then, moved much slower, too, even when the head detective was a friend.
To be honest, I enjoyed the slower pace, the sense that major events weren't going to slam into my brain every second. That gave me time to relax and even indulge in my history major self. For instance, Frances' husband George is a golf lover. Unsure how popular it was with the masses in 1900, I was curious enough to do a quick search of British golf history. Did you know golf was put on the Olympic calendar for the then upcoming games in Paris? Pretty cool. I also learned what a partner desk was, even taking note of the fact the White House's Wilson Desk, used by Gerald Ford, is an example of one. Okay, history lesson over.
The story begins with a focus on what has made the dowager Viscountess Winstead take ill so suddenly. She literally faints in front of Frances when she visits to sort out the details for the presentation of the Viscountess' niece Kate to Queen Victoria. As it turns out, George, who does "something" for the government, meaning the Home Office, has an interest in the family, too, given his latest case. Then, her nurse is murdered. Frances has George's support as she tries to gather clues, although the one they discover while viewing a play is a surprise. The Viscountess' family seems relatively uninterested in her true situation. Only the niece seems concerned but, well, is it all an act?
Where did the diary/record of Egyptian excavations and finds by the late husband of the Viscountess that George has been tasked with finding go? The British Museum received artifacts but not the written records. Found once, then, poof, gone again? Odd.
Will Kate be a social success? Who knew all the quirky rules and regulations necessary for being presented to the Queen? Do you know how to back away regally while wearing a nine foot train? Me, either. Attending a society ball isn't much less stressful although you do get to dance and socialize more. In other words, while puzzling out the mystery, you get to attend some swank royal and society events as viewed through 1900 eyes. Relax and enjoy your read. I did.
Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for allowing me to time travel back in time to 1900 Britain. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit while also learning something new, always a plus for me.
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