In what has to be the funniest, most outrageous opening scene since Beatrice Hyde-Clare caught her husband embracing his former mistress in the front hall*, the sixth Verity Lark book bursts out of the gate with our heroine's love interest, Colson Hardwicke, stumbling upon his father kissing Verity at a Venetian Breakfast. The initial section of this story backtracks to show how Verity and the Marquis of Ware have been crossing paths as separate investigations became intwined. From there, Hardwicke joins the team.

Avoiding spoilers here, the poppy trade is the backdrop of this story and a chemist who isolated the poppy's active element has been killed and his research notes stolen. The investigation has Verity and Ware interacting significantly, which adds to the relationship subplot that's been simmering for the entire series. It also puts Verity back in touch with a villain from her past. Two action scenes related to that character might mean the end of a horrible chapter for Verity.

Lynn Messina knows how to balance the main mystery storyline and the relationship subplot perfectly. I found myself equally delighted by the developments in the investigation and romance between Verity and Hardwicke. As usual, this story is full of ridiculous and outrageous moments. Only Lynn Messina can make you laugh out loud while reading about murder. This was another gem in the Verity Lake series!


*See: A Murderous Tryst