After a humiliating mistake, lawyer Benjamin Booker resolves to never again trust a beautiful woman. When an old friend is killed, the senior partner isn’t satisfied with Bow Street’s efforts and asks Benjamin to investigate. Eager to leave London for a while, Benjamin agrees. Evidence takes him to a remote island on the Thames, a world unto itself, shrouded in mist and mystery. Soon he finds himself falling for the main suspect—a woman who claims not to have left the island in ten years. But should he trust her?
On Belle Island, Isabelle feels safe and leads a productive life, but fear keeps her trapped there. When Mr. Booker arrives with news of her trustee’s murder in London, Isabelle is stunned. She has not left the island, yet she has a recurring dream about the man’s death. Or is it a memory? She had been furious with him, but she never intended…this.
When a second person dies, and evidence shockingly points to her, Isabelle doesn’t know who to trust: the attractive lawyer or the admirer and friends who assemble on the island, each with grudges against the victim. Can she even trust her own mind? While they search for the truth, secrets come to light and danger comes calling.
What I Loved: What a treat! I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a new Klassen novel and I found exactly what I was looking for.
From the moment the story began, I was emersed in the Regency lifestyle and a most intriguing mystery.
The romance was tender and sweet. I enjoy a story where the romantic relationship tenderly unfolds … although I’ll be honest and say that the last couple of chapters were suddenly dragging for my tastes.
The mystery was by far the greatest factor. I was blown away by the many clues and details woven into the story. There was no shortage of solid suspects. It was hard to narrow them down until the end was in sight.
Rating and Recommendation: I’m giving it 5 stars and recommending to those who enjoy Christian Regency or a historical cozy mystery.
~ I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All thoughts are my own. I was not compensated for this review or required to give a favorable one.