Ahoy there me mateys!  In this second book of the series, Din and Ana are back.  Several years and cases have passed since the first book.  The duo finds themselves in Yarrowdale on the edges of the Empire.  Yarrowdale is still run by a King and negotiations continue about transitioning the country into the Empire.  The problem this time is a locked room mystery where a Treasury official from the Empire has been found dead in a canal.  How did an assassin get into the official's locked room at the top of the tower without being seen?  How will the diplomatic interests of the Empire be affected?

Din, at this point in his career, is downhearted and rather jaded.  His work does not bring him personal satisfaction and he wants a department transfer to fight Leviathans on the Wall.  His family debts are smothering him and the only way to calm his mind is by a series of one-night stands.  He continues to do his best because of personal pride.  Ana at first seems her regular crazy self but time in Yarrowdale will stretch her to breaking.  Din and Ana still work well together but Din seems irritated at having to always do Ana's footwork for her.  Luckily, Din has Warden Malo with her excellent nose to help him deal with local formalities.  She was an excellent character addition and also provides lighthearted humor and banter with Din.

Of course the Treasurer's murder is just the start.  There is a lot going on with this book from the monarchy, to missing treasure, to smugglers, to Leviathans, to lots of secrets, to contagion, etc.  I was able to guess a couple of big plot twists and many smaller ones but there is plenty to discover about how the murder happened, how politics are effected, and how relationships evolve.  I really enjoyed this novel and I cannot wait for the next book.  Arrr!

Side note:  I adored the scene with Ana and the oysters!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.