Another lovely novel from the Victorian Christmas range. It really hit me reading this book how the class system has much less weight than it used to, or it seems that way to me at least. I think a police rank would be far more respected across the board now than in those days. I am so glad that a happy ending was arrived at - although we could have been treated to a bit more detail but that is being sentimental. In reality a whole new book could be written as a follow up... ( )

I enjoyed the book but the conclusion was rather sudden. ( )

This book helped the reader get more insight into a character in the Monk series: Runcorn. Very enjoyable. ( )

The class consciousness that overlays this story is very distasteful. It is intrusive. It is repetitive. And it takes away from the story which is quite well done. As usual, Perry does an excellent job of scene setting. Her "warm rooms" are very inviting and the biting winds suggest a sweater to the reader. ( )

I've been reading this series out of order as I find the books. I don't see that it makes a difference in the telling of the stories. This one took a while to bring all of the characters into view and with substance. I felt for a while it dragged and then half way through the book the story got a shot of espresso and information was flying at the reader. Non fact, I had to re-read portions to get people and situations in order. It really does get good but I think I'll re-read it just to glean information or hints I missed in the beginning. ( )