Set in 1890 London, this Victorian mystery is well written with a bit of a bite to it. Sara Bain Barrett, a crime scene photographer, and her husband Detective Inspector Barrett are on a train when it suddenly crashes. Many people are injured and even killed. The couple helps in the rescue effort and discover a dead woman. Her death was not the result of the crash but has a more sinister cause.

Sarah's father is in prison awaiting his trial for rape and murder which took place two decades prior. Most feel he is guilty, a few feel he is innocent. Sarah and her sister's views differ, too. The Barretts investigate murder and Sarah's father's reputation affects her every move. Not only are there murder and compelling complex family dynamics but also another set of characters at a dicey pleasure park as a side story. The plot and subplots all tie in nicely.

The most interesting aspects in my view are the Jack the Ripper reference and the royal connection. Details like that really add; however, the sex scene does not. The Victorian era is my favourite to read about but for some reason I did not feel the atmosphere here.

My sincere thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this fascinating book!