"The Rosebuds return in this well-paced, humorous romantic mystery."

Fueled by an unrequited love for Brand Villiers, Lady Charlotte Quinton admits her actions haven't always had the purest of motives. Five years ago, she was forced to leave London when Brand brought her transgressions to light. But Charlotte is putting all that behind her. She's coming out of self-imposed exile to nurse her grandmother back to health after she and her two friends, the "rosebuds," fall victim to an unfortunate carriage accident.

Brand's grandmother is one of the "rosebuds" involved in the carriage accident, and he's graciously opened his London home for their recuperation. But Charlotte and her pesky dog were not part of the bargain. He does not want her around.

Brand suspects foul play where the accident is concerned. Someone has been killing off members of a now-disbanded club, called the Lucifer League, of which Brand was once a member. He must keep his mind, and his heart, clear so the killer can be found before Brand himself falls victim.

Charlotte doesn't think Brand is doing enough and sets out on her own to discover the killer's identity. As their plans collide, so do their hearts, and both are forced to reevaluate, and finally acknowledge, the deep feelings they have for one another.

The heroine's little dog, Fancy, is a sweet addition to this well-paced romantic mystery featuring the Kenyon family and the "rosebuds." With just the right touch of humor, you're immediately drawn into the plot. Lots of clues are provided in a relentless search for a killer you won't suspect, and the ending keeps you guessing about happily-ever-after until the very last page.

Reviewed by Margaret Ohmes
Courtesy Old Book Barn Gazette
Posted August 19, 2003