Nonetheless, Mary is determined to make a go of things and prove to her father (and all of Duluth society) that a woman can run a detective agency - successfully - even if she is being chaperoned by her cousin Jeanette Harrison.
However, reality sets in as no one approaches their office door. But, just as she laments, silently, about not attracting enough business, a few cases land on their desks. Wrapping up the stolen napkin rings case, the two women are appointed to investigate missing felines and a stolen pocket watch.
During their investigations where Mary insists that "applying good old-fashioned shoe leather" will assist in finding clues and answers, the young woman ponders about a recent drowning of a young boy. Detective Sauer who visited them to stress the importance of not interfering in police matters when they carried out Moody work let slip a case he was looking into which had "international implications."
Obviously this piques Mary's interest despite being told categorically to leave matters alone and don't meddle. But when has the young woman ever listened to that advice? The heiress gets involved even more so when it becomes clear that the body belonged to an Ostovian Prince. The lady who makes exquisite lace that adorns her dresses is Ostovian. Surely a few innocent questions won't go amiss?
As Mary becomes embroiled in international intrigue, her personal life is taking a bit of a battering and her cousin's love life is improving. With the death of a young boy consuming her thoughts though, Mary devotes little time to her would-be relationship with Edmond Roy as she finds herself getting deeper into hot water. Will she be the unsung heroine again or become a victim?
In Richard Audry's fourth book about the budding sleuth, the innocent case of a stolen pocket watch develops in to a case that Mary soon realizes is so much more. Despite her concerns and the threat of imminent danger, she can't leave well alone and investigates in her unique way.
An excellent installment in the series, the story is absorbing and filled with great descriptions and historical references as usual. For me, a sign of a good writer is when I get annoyed, smile etc., with a character and I found myself irritated with Mary! In my head I was 'yelling' at her not to investigate, for once listen to Detective Sauer. But that's Mary for you. She has a nose for what's not quite right and has to investigate. With an exciting proposal at the end, it seems that Mary's adventures are set to continue. A recommended read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Then opinions expressed are not my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.
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