Speller's writing style is very pleasing and this is an engrossing story that doesn't always go where you are expecting it to. It evokes the years after WWI in England well, where most people are still haunted by the enormous cost in lives. Laurence is a sensible, not infallible, character and most of the players are well drawn and you care about most of them. Recommended, especially for fans of the Inspector Rutledge stories of Charles Todd.