Edith wakes up on Christmas morning to a dead husband who she didn’t really like all that much. She goes on a journey to figure out some mysteries her husband left behind, but instead solves some mysteries about herself she didn’t realize needed solving.

I loved the way the author handles race in this novel. Edith’s (who is white) sleuthing takes her to a predominantly black establishment and her dialogue (both internal and external) is so honest. She doesn’t try to be politically correct and that was refreshing.

This book is marketed as HenLit, and it is, but please do not let that deter you from reading if you’re not of a certain age. I don’t fall into the target audience and probably wasn’t super excited about reading it initially, but I would have seriously missed out on a wonderful book if I hadn’t decided to jump in. I can’t wait to read the other two novels she has out.

It did not disappoint.

The heroine, Eliza, is beautiful, smart, strong, and by all accounts, should be damaged beyond belief. But it was the hero, Sir Henry, who stole the show for me. He is a proper hero: physically attractive, brave, insanely rich, but most of all, kind and good. He doesn’t give a second thought to do for others, especially Eliza in her broken state.

As the mystery unfolds, we are introduced to the author’s vivid descriptions. At the retelling of a particularly horrendous act, we are dumped into the scene – the last place we want to be. The graphic nature with how Daisie tells her story had me both angry and uncomfortable, however, it is not gratuitous. When we are finally confronted with the actual environment from Daisie’s story, even knowing the space was unoccupied, I stilled skimmed through.

I would have liked to have seen more of Sir Henry’s relationship with his daughter, Emily, earlier rather than only hearing about it. I believe the stakes would have felt higher for me. Maybe more actual involvement of Emily to the plot as well. But those are small complaints that are easily overlooked because of the overall enjoyment of reading this book.

I highly recommend to any reader.