As the end of the London season draws to a close, many aristocrats retire to their country homes for lavish parties that last weekends and even weeks. Alexandra is asked to dinner at Edward Boswick, the Fifth Earl of Dunsford's estate and while not entirely uncomfortable, she is certainly not in familiar surroundings. When Elise, one of the maids interrupts dinner brandishing a knife threatening Edward's life, the guests are scandalized, but not as scandalized as they are when Alexandra does not sedate Elise, claiming the young girl is just overwrought from her boyfriend's death.

When Edward is found dead the next morning, the guests blame Alexandra for not sedating Elise. Nick Forsythe, however, appears very intrigued by Alexandra and is willing to take her part as she defends her decision not to sedate Elise and assures the nervous guests that Elise really wasn't dangerous. Once Elise disappears, she looks very guilty, especially to Constable Snow and Alexandra isn't sure how much longer she will be able to continue proclaiming the young girl's innocence.

Symptoms of Death is a delightfully entertaining romp through Victorian England society. The ladies and gentlemen spend much of their nights flirting and running from bedchamber to bedchamber conducting all sorts of delicious illicit affairs. While the ladies do appear simpering and silly, they are just the sort of ladies to populate a light-hearted tale.

Alexandra is very levelheaded and rational, providing balance to the ladies. A great bear of a dog that has the heart of a pussycat usually follows her around. Nick, while the perfect dandy, may prove to be the bit of refreshment that Alexandra needs.

The pace of the mystery is very fast and both the death of Elise's boyfriend and Edward's death are well-laid out with enough clues to help the reader solve easily so they are left to enjoy the atmosphere and delightful characters. Symptoms of Death is a wonderful start to a historical series that should prove to be a welcome edition to the Victorian mystery genre.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry