A cosy fantasy mystery set in 1917. Lynet and a fellow crafter have developed magical journals that can pass messages to each other, and now they have orders to produce the journals en masse -- but more quickly and cheaply than they believe is possible. Her request for more assistance gets her assigned, not another skilled crafter, but a Schola man who has recently been invalided out of the war.

Much like Carry On (which I proceeded to reread), this explores the difficulties challenging problematic workplace practises during wartime, when people can be expected to obey orders without question (either because the answers are classified or because questions are seen as disloyalty) -- or because the questioner is dismissed because of their class status.

I liked Reggie’s clear respect for Lynet’s skill and achievements, and how the romance arises despite their class differences because of the way they respect each other and learn to work together. ( )