In this exciting 3rd novel in the Archer series, we follow Archer as he is summoned to his hometown of Yorkshire due to his estranged mother. What starts off as an annoying journey home to escort his mother turns into a full blown drama as his mother is pressured to marry in order to avoid destitution. Ghosts of Will’s past come to haunt him. It was interesting to finally see despicable characters that were alluded to in the last 2 novels. Some of the old cast come along for the ride, like Charlie and Sir Francis, but we meet a new varied cast of characters : Sarah, Jack, Will’s grandparents, Squire Ramsdale, Lawyer Palfreyman to name a few. All are layered and have deep motivations that send William in multiple directions. As ever the dialogue shines through its craft, and the plot keeps unfurling into bigger and more tangled avenues. By the middle of the book, his mother’s affairs have led him into a multiple murder intrigue with villains that have significant power and influence. Will learns a whole lot more about his family and himself in the process. This was a quick read, as the pacing was perfect; important plot points were divulged appropriately and made you want to just keep on going. Until the very end, one isn’t sure things will work out for our heroes!
I award this book 5 stars
