KJ Charles set out to write a 1920s Golden Age pulp fiction romantic mystery and she nailed it. I love how theatric and, at times, over-the-top KJC's mysteries feel and how well they play to earlier styles and plot devices. This is a tight first installment, with a single clear arc, a mysterious external conflict and the dawning of romantic interest between our two main characters. It's an emotional journey in very few pages, and I was giddy and confused and angry and then confused again and then eventually content (or as content as you can be when both characters are probably still in some kind of mortal peril). No-one does betrayal like KJ Charles. Looking forward to the next book!