Now, because of all the advance press Moore has given him, and because the famous Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is taken with him, LeBrun is drawn into the Scotland Yard investigation, along with the distinguished author. London is full of distractions for the Southern sheriff, including the coquettish stepdaughter of Godwin, Veronica, who, at the not so tender age of twenty-one (or so she claims) tries to, and almost succeeds in seducing the fifty plus lawman.

Though some in the late Victorian social city might consider him provincial, LeBrun is able to hold his own with the most sophisticated and pretentious citizens. The Civil War veteran is an interesting insertion as his world, not entirely different, is juxtaposed against the ornate, possession conscious London.

The women LeBrun meets run the gamut from Moore's demanding, shallow, overindulged wife and daughters, to Veronica and her mother, the secret-holding Irish Maeve. The men for the most part are rogues and dandies, but a delightful bunch. It is the characterization along with several subtle hints that will ultimately reveal the murderer and motivations.

Brent Monahan describes early twentieth century London with the same ease and immediacy he did late nineteenth century Georgia in The Jekyl Island Club. This is an engrossing read that will transport readers to an earlier time.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry