This book is written with the memory of a special person in the life of the author. Although there are times that the story is a little slow, the author is building to a really big finish. Behind the humor, of which there is plenty, you will also be thinking about the big issues of life and how they affect the characters and ultimately the reader. The details are in the telling of the story, so pay attention to the details while reading. The second book by this author is deeper in thought and will be with you long after you have closed the cover of the book. It is good to reflect on who one is and how you got there and how you can change for the better, but probably not Buck Schatz.

This is the third novel in the Bess Crawford series, preceded by A Duty to the Dead, and An Impartial Witness. The main character Bess is kind, caring, and sensible as she carries out her duties as a nursing sister during World War I. All of the characters are well drawn, and the author gives an excellent picture of that time in history. Bess gets better and better in each novel. She is the kind of person you would want as a best friend, and the mystery is intriguing and solved by intelligence and determination.