Finished 3-20-10, rating 4.5/5, romance, pub. 2006

Book 8 of the Deadly series (Book 1) (Book 2) (Book 3) (Book 4) (Book 5) (Book 6) (Book 7)

Her grip on the paperweight tightened.  She debated turning to flee, but in a moment whoever was beyond her would appear and see her.  Instead, she pressed against the wall, waiting.  The shadowy form of a man appeared, carrying a candle.  He saw her against the wall, halted in midstride and lifted the candle higher.

Francesca was illuminated-but so was he.

Chapter 2

If you have been following along as I have been reading this series, you know that Francesca is a modern gal caught in 1902 New York City.  She is headstrong reformer and a brave sleuth in a time that a lady, especially one as well-to-do as she, is not looked upon favorably by most.  Even her family is against he working with the police to solve crimes that put her in the direct path of dangerous criminals.  She does seem to get injured in every book so I understand their concern.

Francesca begins this story being called to the home of her fiance’s ex-mistress and finding her stabbed to death.  Calder is the main suspect, but not the only one and Francesca takes it upon herself to find the real killer.  When Calder is  arrested he breaks off their engagement to save her from scandal and Francesca is devastated.

This is also the continuation of Rick and Leann’s reconciliation and Evan’s downward spiral into gambling debt and ill-chosen mistresses. 

I have now re-read the series that I have always thought to be a favorite and was not disappointed.  The romance could sometimes get a little melodramatic, but the mystery was always spot on and not always easy to figure out.  I love Calder and Francesca and look forward to next year when the next in the series comes out after five long years.

This was from my personal library.