"Fifth entry in Cahill/Bragg mystery series turns up the heat."
Society sleuth Francesca Cahill enters into her fifth
murder investigation with Commissioner Rick Bragg at her
side. This time the stakes are higher as the murder victim
is her wastrel brother's mistress. Francesca's alliance
with Bragg has dramatically altered since his estranged
wife's unexpected return, thus complicating their
relationship and investigations. Tempers ignite as
expectations between them change. A disillusioned Francesca
observes Bragg's conflicting emotions regarding his wife,
causing her to revise her judgments and goals. Bragg's half-brother, Calder Hart, enters into the fray
determined to marry Francesca. A notorious and flamboyant
womanizer, Calder is the exact opposite of his noble and
righteous brother. Rivals all their life, their competition
turns ugly as they battle for Francesca's love. Refusing to
be either man's pawn, Francesca endeavors to unravel the
perplexing case as the killer strikes again. Time is
running out for Francesca to discover the killer before she
becomes the next victim. This unfolding family drama set in turn-of-the-century
New York is a skillfully crafted mystery. The returning
characters are given added depth and more of their flaws
are exposed. Joyce concludes a few dangling storylines
while turning up the fire and chemistry between Francesca
and Calder, as Rick fumes and attempts to extricate himself
from his seductive and desperate wife. It's going to be
nearly impossible to wait for the next Francesca Cahill
novel.
Reviewed by Suan Wilson
Courtesy Old Book Barn Gazette
Posted March 15, 2003
In 1902 New York City, a famous stage actress is found
strangled in an artist's studio--and the artist has
vanished. Francesca Cahill is on the case, for the murder
victim is her brother's mistress, and she'll need help from
dynamic Police Commissioner Rick Bragg.
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