I have to admit, I'm a fan of just about everything Deanna Raybourn has written. Her characters are bright, strong women who remain true to themselves and to those they respect. This book, a third in the Veronica Speedwell Series, has our female heroine every bit a constant as intelligent and witty and courageous to the end. I had found the first two in the series captivating, and was eagerly awaiting this one. It's a book I deliberately read slowly as I knew it would probably be awhile before the author continues the character's stories. I can't recommend it enough.