The Case of the Christie Honeymoon Murder, by Kelly Oliver

 

Publication Sept. 26,2026

While this one didn't have quite the deep dive into history that many others of the series have had, the characters of Eliza and Theo were more than enough to keep me engaged. We even got to know Eliza's sister Jane a bit better as well as meet Theo's aristocratic family, albeit under somber circumstances. We're definitely reminded of the weight of expected behavior for both male and females as we also meet Theo's sister and her potential beau. As always I found the characters fascinating, marveling at how well the author shared their innermost thoughts with alternating points of view between them. As usual, I found myself more attuned to Theo than the frequently rigid Eliza, all the while hoping they're manage to find a comfortable middle ground for their wannabe romance. I even found my disapproving take of Theo's parents thawing more than a bit.

As for the murder, as is expected in any story featuring Agatha Christie, in this case a honeymooning Agatha and Max, it's a complex one with many facets. Who killed the rich, overbearing Richard Hardwicke? There are several suspects, many family members, and, speaking of Christie, it happens in a locked room of sorts. Seems they're cruising along the Nile. I have to admit to expecting more pyramids and ancient curses or something given the locale, but while the author does a lovely job weaving the atmosphere of both the area and time, most of the story takes place on the boat, not ashore. We get a fun description of how Theo manages a trip between England and Egypt in the then quick time of about three days, too, a reminder that this isn't modern times. If you're curious, a little puzzle. It's set around the time Christie's "The Seven Dials" has become a major best seller. 

I don't want to give away the plot, it's too much fun to sort it out without preconceptions, but will note that Eliza and Theo aren't exactly there by choice. In fact, neither is particularly comfortable even being there. They even do a pretty good job of staying incognito until....well, until the murder when Eliza just automatically reverts to her former Scotland Yard mode. From there on out, it's fun to watch the duo work both together and apart to sort out whodunit in a relatively short time. Of course, their thoughts do drift toward each other at times, with Eliza's tendency to avoid involvement contrasting with Theo's far more personal realizations of how much he wants her in his life. To be honest, I was probably as into that side of the story as the murder, go figure. 

Bottom line, without saying more, I'll simply say I thoroughly enjoyed this episode and am definitely looking forward to more. I enjoyed the little bits of wisdom scattered throughout, whether focused on topics like duty, indifference, regret,  or Theo's always present weight of expectations. Heck, we even learn a bit about poisons, from the character of Agatha Christie, no less. It you enjoy an mystery with lots of potential complications and well fleshed out characters with interesting back stories, hopes, fears, and dreams, you'll enjoy this one. True, not as fast moving as modern day cozies but the slower pace lets us get to know them all the better, not to mention savor the atmosphere and setting. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for the intro to Eliza and Theo's world as well as the early peek at their Egyptian adventure. People are complicated and it makes this series all the more satisfying. Loved the ending!

The Afternoon Tea Murders (The Secret Detective Agency, #4), by Helena Dixon

 

Jane Treen was one of those characters that wasn't easy to like when I first stumbled into this series. Rather standoffish and prickly, she came across as somewhat self centered and standoffish. I'm happy to say that I've gotten to know her better over this series and quite like her now. She's a woman living not only in a man's world, ie a Whitehall office full of, well, full of themselves men, but a wartime world where women were already secondary characters who weren't expected to have an opinion, much less a supposedly man's job. Her initial focus on ignoring those about her who'd belittle or ignore her made her a tough know and it's been delightful to see how she's evolved into, well, if not necessarily easily likable into a more thoughtful, well rounded person. True, she still brings along her cat despite knowing that poor Arthur, with his asthma will be negatively impacted, but she's making a genuine effort to keep them apart whenever possible and has even taken to not smoking around him. Even more telling, she has taken to worrying about his well being instead of finding him a nuisance for slowing her down, so to speak. She's even learned to slow her walking pace when with Arthur given his breathing issues.

As for the mystery, it's a good one. Author Helena Dixon does and excellent job of setting the scene. You will sense the feelings of isolation and the underlying sense of wariness and tension in the old manor house where a team of intelligence experts is being housed. Their job is to intercept and decode enemy messages. something is askew, however. What if one of the code breakers is the enemy? How else can you explain the sudden, unexpected shifts of code? Then while visiting the village, Jane and Arthur stumble across a murder scene. Are they connected to the underlying issues of the team? Why is one of the team members showing increasing signs of being suspicious and, yikes, surely it isn't a mere coincidence he winds up dead, at a dance no less? And....oh, that's just the beginning. Spies, servants not doing their jobs, a claustrophobic sense of unease, and a sense of not knowing who to trust. And, oh, yeah, a snow storm. 

Nope, not sharing any more. You'll just have to read the book. As a history buff, I definitely enjoyed this behind the scenes look at the multitude of people involved in the shadows of the war effort where the danger of German spies was always on their minds, and how vital the behind the scenes agents were. I'm bad a decoding anything that isn't pretty cut and dry, so can only imagine the tedium of going through message after message after message looking for patterns and more importantly, being able to see any diversion from them. Watching Jane and Arthur work together with the very able assist from jack-of-all-trades (and jobs) Benson, was impressive. Thanks #Bookouture for introducing me to this fascinating cast and allowing me an early peek back at their time and service. If I've learned nothing else from this series, it is that I'd have made a rotten spy. Grin.  

 

 

 

Murder at Sea (A Miss Underhay Mystery #23), by Helena Dixon

 

Publication Feb.23, 2026

It's 1938 in Devon, England. As the story opens, to set the scene firmly in history's timetable, Kitty and those about her are hearing news reports of the Nazi government stripped of citizenship in Romania. A problem closer to home quickly developed, however, as Kitty's cousin Hattie bursts in in tears, saying she's been robbed. Even worse, by her gentleman friend who seems to have taken her jewelry, including a treasured keepsake, and vanished. A quick investigation later, Kitty and Matt find themselves boarding the ship Bonaventure to New York. It seems the gentleman friend may be none other than the elusive Redvers that Matt has been trying to track down for far longer than he likes. Much to their shock, they find him. Dead. That's just the beginning, of course, with lots of international intrigue quickly becoming apparent. 

That's about all I'm going to share of the plot as it's a fun one, full of everything from a young girl's starry eyed romance to secret plans (military?) that relate to the war creeping every closer to them in England. On, and stolen identities and, sigh, class differences and, well, even Kitty's father in NYC, who takes them in for their brief stay, plays a role. This has become a favorite series and I find that I like the regulars and am always eager to find out what they've been up to since my last virtual visit. There are quite a few side characters to keep up with, too, I admit, but they pretty quickly differentiate themselves and showed unique personalities and backgrounds. I did miss Bertie, Kitty's trusty spaniel, but he wouldn't have enjoyed cruising most likely. Kitty's father's quick thinking was a plus, too, so his quick appearance was definitely a plus. And, hey, the Statue of Liberty gets a mention, too, a definitely perk of their unexpected trip to America.

Bottom line, if you enjoy historical fiction/mysteries, give this one a try. It works well as a standalone although past readers will grasp certain aspects far more quickly than newbies. Dixon does a great job setting the scene, both in the sense of time and aboard the ship with the increasingly anxious captain and involved characters.  The plot moves along nicely and you'll enjoy meeting most of the side characters, even while suspecting them of murder most likely. Having cruised myself, it was interesting to compare Matt and Kitty's shipboard happenings and how passengers were assigned rooms, not to mention the slightly different lifeboat routines. Thanks #Bookouture for introducing me to this delightful couple of sleuths and giving me this early peek at their life and adventures. 

The Seaside Murders (The Secret Detective Agency #2), by Helena Dixon

 

Publication April 30, 2025

I'm hooked. While I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery, it's the characters that brought me back for this second installment. Although I spent a great deal of time being annoyed with Jane in the first book, either she's mellowed a bit or I have. At least she isn't practically chain smoking, much to the detriment of code-breaker extraordinary Arthur, this time. Oh, she hasn't quit completely, just seems more aware of how the smoke impacts his asthma. That said, her one-eyed cat, Marmaduke, once again makes the trip with her.  But, hey, small steps, right? 

We also get to know her background a bit more as this book largely takes place at her childhood home in Ashbourne, Kent, England. While I knew POW's were used as labor during the war (it's October, 1941), I really didn't know how it worked, so that was interesting, as was finding out how they chose prisoners who'd be of little danger to the community while working on farms and such. It's when an Italian POW is killed that Jane, Arthur, and his manservent Benson are sent to investigate and stay at Jane's late father's home. It holds many memories for Jane and she's never been able to face sorting things out there. There's also the not-so-little matter of black market activity. Victims of bombings are the usual targets and left with even less than they had once the sly criminals are done with them. There are countless twists and turns and secrets hidden away in this once quiet area. The area becomes even livelier with the arrival of Jane's mother, an actress who's always the center of attention and likes it that way. Can you say "diva"? Jane's relationship with her is, uh, complicated. 

Bottom line, I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery and getting to know Jane better. Since I spent most of book one annoyed with her for her thoughtless ways, the fact that I realized I've become quite fond of her was both a delight and surprising. True, she's got a way to go yet but she's making progress and it was fun to see the growing sense of understanding and appreciation of what they each bring to the case between Jane and Arthur. No romance but, hey, it's early. His asthma is an interesting trait to assign to a spy catcher, code-breaker or not, so it's interesting to see how it was managed back then. I'm definitely hoping to learn a bit more about Benson, too. He may be the perfect man-servant and well able to deal with Arthur's health issues, but there's surely more beneath the surface there that hasn't been touched on yet. Let's just say, I'd feel good with him having my back. The plot moves along smoothly and the clues are realistic albeit not always obvious. Thanks #Bookouture for gifting me this advance look at how things are progressing on both the war front and for Jane and Arthur. The history buff in me is definitely enjoying this look at life in wartime England and I'm already anxious to read the next installment to see where it takes us.

The Secret Detective Agency, by Helena Dixon

 Publication March 27, 2025

It's a good thing I took the dog out for her walk before I started reading or I'd have had a very cranky dog. While it wasn't my plan, I found myself reading it straight through with only periodic breaks (I mean, my dog insists on her treats and cannot be ignored) and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it, even if main character Jane Treen is very obviously a cat person. While I was a bit taken aback by Jane's chain smoking and seeming lack of consideration for others, such as worsening Arthur's asthma by smoking, I found myself liking her focused, albeit often prickly personality. Being on the introverted side myself, I probably related more to Arthur Cilento's wish for peace and quiet and routine, especially routine. And, of course, we can't ignore butler Benson, who seems to be terribly efficient and almost know what is needed before Jane or Arthur do. Oh, and Marmaduke, Jane's one-eyed cat rescued from the rubble of a bombing raid prior to the opening of the story. I liked them all, even while hoping Jane cuts back on the smoking, not to mention learns not to distract him when he's concentrating on code breaking. ings

Set in 1941 England at a time when deadly German bombings were common and frequent in London, being at Arthur's safer country home should have been a nice break. Nope. Not when the body count keeps going up. Even worse, they're covert agents under Jane's watch, two of them being killed almost under her nose. Has the intelligence community of Whitehall been compromised? Are there Germans or double-agents amongst them? How to find out? Urgency is obviously of the utmost importance but it seems like for every clue Arthur, Jane, and Benson find, there's another incident or death. Like what? Not telling, you're just going to have to read the book. Our three sleuths/spies show initially unseen sides of themselves as the story progresses, including skills that prove helpful. I found it interesting which of them remained the cool, calm head, too, not to mention Benson's foresight in toting along Arthur's medical kit to treat his breathing problems. I really want to know more about Benson, I must admit.

Bottom line, this series quickly hooked me. I liked the characters and the setting. The author also does an excellent job reminding us what being caught in a bombing raid was like with it's sudden randomness and death. I also have to admit to smiling when it noted they had lunch near Paddington Station, ie a connection to Paddington Bear. Totally unrelated but fun. I did seem to have a bit of trouble sorting out the side characters initially but realized without thinking about it that I'd done so, hence not a real issue. And, oh, boy, wait for that final action scene. That was unexpected, not to mention discovering who Jane's mother was. Oh, boy, thanks #Bookouture for this early intro to the Secret Detectives. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them and am looking forward to their next case together.

Poison in Piccadilly (Fiona Figg & Kitty Lane Mystery #6), by Kelly Oliver

Publication Sept. 14, 2024

Hang on to your hat. You're about to go on another wild, unpredictable adventure with Fiona Figg. One never quite knows what to expect when Fiona is involved and this time is no exception. As the book opens, she's preparing to her wedding to the dashing Captain Archie Somersby. That comes to a sudden halt, however, when her "niece" Kitty Lane is found unconscious at the jujitsu club where she's training for a competition. She has amnesia as a result and much of the book deals with how this very capable woman deals with being a marked woman but doesn't even know who she is let alone why someone would try to kill her. Her points of view were both intriguing and scary as one imagines oneself in the same situation. Fiona, needless to say, is determined to figure it all out, never mind the wedding. And, that's when things get really complicated and the twists and turns come rapidly and unexpectedly. Even women's struggle to earn the right to vote, not to mention equal rights, comes into play.

Needless to say, I'm not even going to attempt to share the plot further than that. Well, other than to say the charming enigma that is Fredricks is involved, very involved, and Archie goes missing. Well, so does Kitty, Rather hard to have a wedding with neither the bride's maid or groom. In the meantime, the war rages on, with no one quite sure what side anyone is really on. Fiona's hormones seem to be raging on, too, but, oops, no more about that. 

Seriously, this is always a fun, quick read with some characters loosely based on real people. After allowing myself to get distracted in previous books by the sudden need to know if so-and-so was real or not, I've learned to check the author's historical notes at the end early on. Always fascinating to see how she weaves fiction into the reality of WWI. I've met some fascinating people that way, btw, so prepare to  both enjoy the roller coaster ride that comes along with Fiona and experience bits of life long past. My thanks to #BoldwoodBooks for sharing this early peek into Fiona's always bemusing, fascinating world. This history and cozy mystery loving buff thoroughly enjoys the ride.
 

Murder in the Library (Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mysteries #2), by Anita Davison

 

Publication February 19, 2024

In a sense, you're getting two mysteries in one with this book. The "whodunit" and "where is..." kinds. The first deals with the body Hannah Merrill finds in the hospital library. She's volunteering there as a way of offering her services in 1916 as World War I rages. The second is focused on the disappearance of a young, very attractive volunteer nurse at the same hospital. In the process of solving these mysteries, you'll get a feel for what it was like to be attacked by the enemy, not to mention the reality of dead and seriously wounded soldiers. There's even romance woven into all this. 

Hannah is young and caring, albeit she grated on my nerves a bit with her attitude toward Inspector Aiden Ferrell. Nevermind that Ferrell just happens to be her Aunt Violet's boyfriend, Hannah chafes under the weight of being dismissed as a woman and not given her due when it comes to solving a crime. Then there is Darius Clifford, who seems to be an intelligence officer. Or is he a spy? Hannah and Darius have been dancing around each other romantically for years, so it's nice to see this romance progressing a bit, too. All are likable, with strengths and weaknesses, especially given that this series is currently taking place during a world war. Archie, the bookshop assistant is quite likable and even shows fortitude and a less reticent side of himself during the story. And, oh, Bartleby, the bookstore cat makes an appearance. 

So, who killed Sgt. Tillman? Why does it appear no one particularly mourns his death? What was he doing in the library anyway, especially up on the stage? Are the nurses keeping secrets, too? Is Alice, the nurse's aide who goes missing, really being watched or it is all in her imagination? She comes from an aristocratic background, so it's odd she's working in the military hospital ward to begin with. Why is Hannah so determined to keep asking questions? What lovely gift of a sort does Darius give her? How does Darius know all he knows about the war effort? Are he and Aiden, who works for Scotland Yard, somehow linked? Why does Hannah feel so guilty about certain events? What huge decision is Violet facing? 

Who ... oh, enough teasers. While slow building in comparison to many cozy mysteries, this one caught and held my attention nicely and would work nicely as a standalone. You'll like the characters or, at the very least, find them intriguing. Human behavior is odd sometimes, isn't it? You'll also gain a feel for life when under threat of bombardment at any given time. If you're like me, you'll even be a bit bewildered to find the book seeming to wrap up whodunit almost mid-way with so much of the book left. Don't let that throw you. There is much, much more to come. Thanks #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for giving me a sneak peek at how challenging life in this time period could be for all involved, no matter what their status. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what happens next for our main characters.

A Most Intriguing Lady, by Sarah Ferguson

 

Like many, I'm sure, I opted to read this book out of curiosity. It was highly publicized given Ferguson's title as Duchess of York, but I'd somehow never gotten around to it until now. Honestly, my expectations weren't high. I was pleased to discover, however, that I was wrong. It was an interesting, well-written read. 

I won't belabor the plot as I'm sure it's been retold countless times by now. Instead, just a quick look at the characters that kept me reading, Lady Mary Montague Douglas Scott and Colonel Walter Trefusis. Tre, as Mary winds up calling him, seems an unlikely hero. He's obviously suffering from some sort of PTSD and has a splitting headache and is feeling woozy. Unfortunately, he's seated at a crowded table while leaving the table is seen as, at best, rude. Yet, he manages to leave the crowded space and go outside from some much needed air. Much to his surprise, he notices the young woman who was seated across from him is outside, too. Lady Mary. Even more surprising, she isn't just taking in some fresh air, she's doing a sort of tight-rope walk across a narrow, raised area. Mary hadn't planned on doing it but, well, she just couldn't resist. It thus becomes obvious that though she's spent her life in the background, rarely garnering attention, there's another side to her. A more daring side. 

Inevitably, the two connect and find kindred spirits in each other. While there's an underlying current of romance, the story focuses on how they're able to combine their strengths to solve crimes. Already intrigued by their characters, I thoroughly enjoyed the story of how they worked together, which was far more the focus than any budding romance. I have to admit, I found that refreshing. You'll certainly learn a bit about expectations based on rank and sex during this time period, as well as what motivates Tre and Mary. Glad I finally got around to reading this #Avon book that blends in some real events, I might note.

Arsenic at Ascot, by Kelly Oliver

 

Publication Nov. 28, 2023

The book opens with Fiona Figg, fresh from a successful mission for the War Office, back in the file room. She's chaffing at being what surely amounts to being demoted back into the office where her main job is to file and, grr, be expected to make coffee for the male dominated decoding staff. She also, much to her annoyance, finds she rather misses Kitty, her "niece" and partner on assignments that allow her to use her love of disguises to ferret out spies. That soon changes, however, when she is elated to not only get a new assignment but one that allows her to use her disguises and acting abilities to portray both a male admiral and female aristocrat. It also puts her into contact with the males vying for her favor, one with the British service, Archie, the other, well, we're never quite sure where Fredrick Fredricks' loyalty rests. 

Unfortunately, Fiona is alternately attracted to both of them. To be honest, her wildly fluctuating hormones seemed to guide her actions more than usual even in this book, becoming rather tedious when I was ready to get on with the story. Fredricks seems the more interesting of the pair, however, and does have the knack of disappearing and reappearing regularly. Too bad Archie wants to kill him and, in fact, has tried to in a previous book. Both say the other isn't to be trusted although Fredrick claims to have changed and is searching for peace now, not looking to blow things up or kill. Fiona isn't sure she believes him but, then, she just plain seems unsure about her own heart, let alone the men who want to claim it. 

As for the mystery, it happens relatively late in the story. A man is murdered in the room next to where Fiona is staying. Archie shows up with Fredricks and Kitty arriving soon after. Fiona more or less abandons her guise as a society Lady to ask questions but it isn't easy. Even the murder investigation is tinged by the war effort, something always just on the edge of the story, especially as it impacts the rich vrs. poor. You'll meet some characters who turned out to be based on real-life people, too. Be sure to read the Notes From the Author at the end for a fascinating look at those who inspired them. It is such fun to watch Fiona investigate, even when she's forced to admit Kitty's skills at forensics and the men's muscle are helpful. 

To be honest, the murder seemed the side-story in this book, interestingly enough, as I found myself more invested in keeping track of which way Fiona's heart was leaning from scene to scene and being appalled at the "monkey gland" experiment and such. As a result, I wound up going with a 4 star rating but will still highly recommend the book. It's a quick, full of action read, with characters that will intrigue you. Thanks #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for allowing me to catch up on Fiona's world. That teaser chapter at the end, though. Whew, that next book is going to be super exciting, too.

Murder in the Bookshop, by Anita Davison

 Publication August 22, 2023

World War I, German spies, obnoxious employees, suffragettes, bombings, hidden identities, family secrets, and, well, more abound. Being a history buff, I was drawn to the historical aspects of it. Although I ultimately liked the characters and found the mystery intriguing, like all first-in-a-series books, it seemed to take its time unfolding. Unfortunately, while it had its moments, the pace rarely picked up, even in the wake of bombings and wreckage. I do see a great deal of potential here, however, given the era and characters, so wound up rounding up my 3.5 to a 4 star rating.

Hannah seems a mild-mannered sort initially, simply trying to help out her much flashier Aunt Violet. Aunt Violet has secrets of her own, but is quite well-known in suffragette circles and her unconventional life style, which Hannah learns more about as the book progresses. All is not as it seems, let's just say. Hannah, of course, has her own troubles, some romantic, some not, but seems to be growing in confidence as the story progresses, hence my hope for future books. There's also a potential romantic interest, albeit with major complications. And, let's not forget Bartleby, the bookshop cat. Ivy may not like him but he's doing marvels at reducing the mice population at the bookshop. 

So, who killed Hannah's friend Lily-Anne? Why had Lily-Anne urgently wanted to talk to Hannah? Should Hannah be worried when Monty tells her she'll be sorry for firing him? He does seem awfully confident. And, Darius? Is he a good guy or not? Why is Hannah (among many) so reluctant to believe bombings have actually happened? How do the Germans get their info on where to bomb anyway? Why is Hannah so determined to....oh, never mind. Enough teasers. While this one didn't quite capture my reader's heart, it has the potential do so, I believe, and I'll be on the lookout for the next offering. Thanks. #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for introducing me to Hannah. I've read a bunch of books set in England in WWII but found it intriguing to get a glimpse of the WWI, 1915 life in England.

Mayhem in the Mountains (A Fiona Figg & Kitty Lane Mystery #3), by Kelly Oliver

 Publication August 15, 2023

I'm hooked. It took me awhile to warm up to Fiona Figg but this book definitely put me on her team. She's smart, not to mention smarts under the thumb of the male dominated espionage career she aspires to, and while she makes some mistakes, she's also full of heart and compassion. I'm not sure the latter is a good trait for a wannabe spy but, well, it is what it is. Moral dilemmas are the worst, even in the middle of a war, it seems, for Fiona. She's also not particularly patient but, then, neither is the somewhat mysterious Kitty whose spy talents are formidable. 

I also liked Clifford, who Fiona calls her chaperone, so to speak, but is surely more. I mean, he's friends with Fredrick Fredricks, the master spy that Fiona and Kitty are rather obsessed with capturing. Kitty because, well, it's her job, at least that's what we're meant to think, and Fiona because....well, uh, because he makes her blush and her heart pound when he's near. We get to see more of the human side of him this go-round, too, I'll note.

The mystery itself is fun, full of interesting characters and quirky humor. Like what? Well, how about Fiona being barely aware of a than new author, Agatha "Crispy". That's the sort of subtle humor the author excels at, some of which is almost past you before you suddenly come to a pause, re-read, and grin. Toss in Kelly Oliver's talent for sprinkling historical events and characters about in her stories -- we've even got an arrogant Benito Mussolini this go-round - and this history lover was in her element reading. Oliver sent me to Google, too, when I wondered if the amazing female aviator introduced rather dramatically into the story, Marie Marvingt was a real person or not. Oh, she was real and what an amazing person she must have been. That said, I'll simply say do a search on her as I don't want to take up this entire review gushing about her many, many accomplishments, among them being the force behind the creation of air ambulances.

But, oh, yeah, back to the mystery. Well, there are several. Who will ultimately win Fiona's heart. Let's just say her "official" beau, Archie, didn't exactly help himself this go-round. How many times can Conti die, only to suddenly come alive again? That was a bit of a stretch, yes, but added to the mystery. Could Mussolini be the killer? If not, why did someone identify him as the killer? Why can't they find the weapon? Who is that quiet, subdued lady who basically says nothing? How good are you at deciphering codes? Not as good as Fiona, probably. I know I wasn't. And, will Fiona manage to find an excuse to don a disguise? I mean, even Marie seems to appreciated her array of disguises.

In other words, there is a ton of stuff going on. And, I haven't even mentioned the rock throwing, poisonings, wolverine, and the dilemma of trying to catagorize what is good and bad in wartime service. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, that's for sure, and was ready for the next even before peeking at the teaser chapter at the end. Thanks #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for letting me tag along on Fiona's last assignment.