I enjoyed Ann Granger's new offering very much. I was, at first, hesitant about the story being set in Victorian times but am now a complete convert and was very reluctant to leave 1864 as the book was coming to an end. The action starts immediately when we meet Lizzie Martin who arrives in London from Derbyshire to become companion to her late godfather's wealthy widow, Mrs Parry. Lizzie becomes entangled in the mystery of her predecessor's kidnap and murder. She meets again a figure from her past who also is involved in the investigation of the murder of Madeleine Hexham. Lizzie's feisty spirit is a joy to see in an era where repression of womankind is the norm and helps her through the many twists, turns, and characters she encounters till the identity of the murderer is finally uncovered. Ann Granger's excellent atmospheric descriptions take the reader on a unique journey in time to a London during Queen Victoria's reign in 1864, from the slums to the wealthy neighbourhoods, to the social and economical disparities of the class system, and the way people lived in those days in very basic circumstances and without modern conveniences. I found this a fascinating read. Well done M/s Granger!