"Third Capt. Lacey mystery is excellent."

Ex-cavalry officer Captain Gabriel Lacey prepares to join his friend, the wealthy Mr. Lucius Grenville, at Lucius' exclusive soiree when Lacey receives a request to identify a corpse of a young woman pulled from the Thames River. Curiosity and deep pity for the unfortunate woman draw Lacey into the investigation. With the aid of well-placed friends and his bitter enemy, Lacey untangles the complicated life of Mrs. Peaches Chapman.

Peaches, a former second-rate actress, had improved her standing by marrying a respectable barrister. Bored in her marriage, Peaches tempted fate by engaging in a passionate affair with a nobleman. However, it's her association with the unsavory Glass House that gives Lacey pause. The house of ill repute is well renowned for catering to men's worst perversions. Lacey knows the answers lay within the Glass House's sordid walls. There he uncovers a series of shattering revelations that alter many lives.

Ms. Gardner's unfolding tale continues to explore the many facets of Gabriel Lacey. A poor and lonely man, Gabriel fights cynicism and melancholy. He's surrounded by fascinating and well-drawn characters. Life is not easy in Lacey's circle, but it's never boring. THE GLASS HOUSE is the third Lacey novel and the series continues with an excellent storyline. Several lingering questions are unanswered, making the wait until June for THE SUDBURY SCHOOL MURDERS more difficult.

Reviewed by Suan Wilson
Posted November 17, 2004

London, 1817 In The Glass House, Captain Lacey investigates the death of a barrister's young wife, and links her to a notorious brothel where the haut ton play. Book Three in the Captain Lacey Regency mysteries. www.gardnermysteries.com

Summary

It's Captain Lacey's duty to unravel the mysteries of Regency England. The Glass House is a place where London's high society can indulge their vices. When one of its regulars is found floating in the Thames, Captain Lacey demands justice, uncovering jealousy and murder--while also confronting some secrets of his own.