Ah, one of my all-time favorite authors! It’s rare I can come across a new one of hers, since I’ve read so many, but I was fortunate today. For those poor souls who are unfamiliar with this author, her main genre is what is known as Regency Romance. I had never once considered reading anything of the sort, until people I trusted kept nudging her in my direction. Boy were they right. If you would like a taste, try The Grand Sophy – so funny! In addition, she wrote Georgian Romance, and various other bits of historical fiction.
The bulk of her work, however, was in the detective genre. They are brilliant and sparkling, rather in the Nick and Nora tradition, excessive drinking and all, except English. This book is one of those, and yes, there are two murders, although spaced apart a bit. The first occurs at a large bridge party, and although there were dozens there, the layout of the room limits the number of suspects to a handful. The murder was rather gruesome but, since it was committed in a manner such that anyone, regardless of sex or age, could have done it, that does not rule any of the suspects out. So as we learn more about the attendees, and their backgrounds and shady undertakings, a second (and duplicate!) murder is committed in the same location.
Chief Inspector Hemmingway and his right-hand Gaelic-speaking Inspector Grant, are on the case however, so it all gets properly sorted out, and the villains receive appropriate justice. A fun read. Keep track of all the characters, mind you!
