In O'Brien's exciting eighth Anne Cartier mystery (after 2008's Assassins' Rage), Anne learns while visiting London in the fall of 1789 that her well-to-do deaf friend, Janice Parker, was almost killed by a large stone that fell off a scaffold. Anne travels to Bath, the residence of Janice's uncle and guardian, Thomas Parker, to help Janice and also keep tabs on Parker as well as his half-brother, Capt. Seth Judd, both of whom have their eyes on Janice's fortune. As Anne tries to find evidence to implicate those behind what she comes to believe was an attempt on Janice's life, she must navigate both the legal and criminal worlds of Bath, Bristol and London, all while defying the period's social expectations for her gender. Despite the extensive cast of characters, the author manages to make each one lively and memorable. History enthusiasts will especially appreciate the careful research that O'Brien manages to seamlessly weave throughout the plot.

Booklist, June 1, 2009.

O'Brien offers up another fine historical mystery featuring Frenchwoman Anne Cartier. France is in the throes of revolution, and Anne's husband urges her to escape to England to visit her grandfather until the tumult dies down. Arriving in England, she is delighted to reacquaint herself with young heiress Janice Parker, whom Anne met a year earlier in Nice. Janice's parents drowned at sea 10 years ago, and Janice was made the ward of her uncle Thomas, who has mostly ignored her. Learning that Janice has recently been the victim of what certainly seems to be an attempt on her life, Anne resolves to find the perpetrator. Her search pairs her with London policeman Dick Burton, and the two are soon on the trail of Thomas, his evil mistress, and his dastardly half-brother, all of whom will stop at nothing to get their hands on Janice's considerable fortune. A suspenseful plot, authentic details of life in eighteenth-century England, and a healthy dose of intrigue and adventure make this a satisfying read for historical mystery and romance fans.

Kirkus, July 1, 2009.

O'Brien's meticulous period mysteries always provide the pleasures of historical detail. . . .