This is a book full of characters - past and present, as well as twists and turns. Aunt Frances' diaries hold clues to secrets that continue to be uncovered in this book in the series. It is useful, although not essential, to have read the previous book to follow this easily from the beginning. The old house is once more the epicentre for events, and almost becomes a character in its own right. The intrigue is shaped around the people and the village life and there is a weave of back and forth to events of the past to see what crime was committed, how and by whom. It isn't one that can be worked out from the clues in the text and so it was an intriguing read .

It was a delight to be back in Castle Knoll with Annie Adams. Annie inherited Gravesdown Hall from her Great Aunt Frances Gravesdown. The story is told over different timelines and we see so much of the history of Castle Knoll and the residents and how they play a part in this book. It was lovely to return with Annie, Detective Crane, Archie and Beth and how they interact with each other. One Autumn day, Annie speaks with Peony Lane, now Peony is a fortune teller and the famous one, who foretold things to Aunt Frances. Unfortunately, Annie discovers her body in her home with a dagger in her back. This leads Annie to suspect there is more to this and decides to become an amateur sleuth investigating and to learn the truth. So is it fate, fortune or luck in how Annie finds out the truth behind certain happenings both past and present. All I know is, you will always find within family and friends, there are secrets and lies to uncover. It was an unputdownable read full of twists and turns with a few red herrings and it led to a dramatic conclusion.