"Historical Cahill mystery series is compelling, intense and romantic."

New York, 1902 - Francesca Cahill, heiress and dedicated reformer, baffles her family by refusing a conventional life and marriage. She prefers to wed the cynical Calder Hart and continue her career in criminal investigations. Calder respects her intelligence while others censure her actions, including her former love, Rick Bragg. Rick attempts to shield her from the harsh realities of life in New York City's poorest area. Ignoring her critics, Francesca delves into her toughest case as young girls are abducted into prostitution.

Calder, a confirmed bachelor regarded throughout society as a ruthless businessman and notorious rake, meets his match in Francesca. He suppresses his jealousy over the fact that he's her second choice. The first to capture her love was his idealistic, noble brother, Rick. However, Francesca rejected Rick after discovering he was married. Instead of fixating on her past relationship, Calder concentrates on waging a sensual assault, which allows Francesca to explore her sexuality, surprising even the jaded Calder in her intensity. This marriage will never be dull.

Trying to ignore doubts regarding her engagement, Francesca focuses her energy on the kidnappings. As she gets closer to the truth, her life is threatened and a murder occurs, increasing the danger around her.

Ms. Joyce presents a compelling and excellent family saga in the Cahill mystery series. The dynamics of the Cahill, Bragg and Hart families continually alter and the tension within it intensifies with those changes. Each book becomes more fascinating as they reveal more of the families' strengths and foibles.

Reviewed by Suan Wilson
Courtesy Old Book Barn Gazette
Posted October 29, 2003

Summary

It is March of 1902, and Francesca Cahill-Fifth Avenue heiress, undaunted political activist and intrepid amateur sleuth-has just learned of a grave new danger haunting the streets of New York. A beautiful teenage girl named Emily O'Hare is missing and Francesca fears that the girl has been abducted. Only one person can help her learn the child's fate-but Police Commissioner Rick Bragg may not want to get involved because Francesca has just stunned Rick by accepting a proposal of marriage...from none other than his own rival.

Francesca still questions her decision to marry the powerful and notorious Calder Hart. But Rick Bragg is wed to another...and his dazzling wife has just returned after four years abroad to reclaim their marriage. Francesca remains torn between the two very different men-but she desperately tries to set aside the affairs of her heart when she discovers that Emily isn't the first girl to vanish in recent weeks. And when Francesca discovers a trail of deception and lies, when someone very close to her investigation is murdered, Francesca realizes that the evil force behind the girls' abductions may try to find a way to silence her too-if she dares to uncover the truth...