The plot and the seafare are really extremely intriguing and enjoyable to read, but this time around, I was annoyed by the extreme improbability of how clueless and gullible not only the main characters were, but also the frickin’ FBI agent.

The story was still enjoyable, but both that and the editing that was not to the same quality throughout the book, made it that little harder to lose myself in the story entirely.

Still a mild recommendation, though!

The idea, the plot points, the mise-en-scène: none of it is novel or groundbreaking, but it just works! This is a wonderful story brought together with charming characters and lovely antiques, set in picturesque country surroundings like all good cosy crime novels ought to be!

While the constant change in points of view was somewhat unnecessary to the story (and caused one or two editorial oversights), the mystery throughout the book was fair to the reader, with not too many red herrings, without being too obvious to a layperson reader – though I like to think seasoned cosy crime fans would connect the clues in the book easily.

What was very lovely about this book is that I actually really liked the main characters. Maybe I am becoming a thrawn auld thing, but I tend more and more to dislike characters in books if they are not well-rounded; and I am happy that both ladies in this book were age-appropriately well-rounded – if a little flamboyant in one particular case.

All in all, a solid addition to my cosy crime bookshelf!