Readers of Anne Perry’s bestselling suspense novels
revel in a world that is all their own, sharing the
privileged existence of Britain’s wealthy and powerful
elite in West End mansions and great country houses. It is
also a world in which danger bides in unsuspected places
and the line between good and evil can be razor thin. This
new novel features Lady Vespasia Cumming-Gould–one of the
most memorable characters from the Thomas Pitt series–who
appears here as a lively young woman, the ultimate
aristocrat who can trace her blood to half the royal houses
of Europe.
It’s Christmas and the Berkshire countryside lies wrapped
in winter chill. But the well-born guests who have gathered
at Applecross for a delicious weekend of innocent intrigue
and passionate romance are warmed by roaring fires and
candlelight, holly and mistletoe, good wine and gorgeously
wrapped gifts. It’s scarcely the setting for misfortune,
and no one–not even that clever young aristocrat and
budding sleuth Vespasia Cumming-Gould–anticipates the
tragedy that is to darken this light-hearted holiday house
party. But soon one young woman lies dead, a suicide, and
another is ostracized, held partly responsible for the
shocking turn of events.
To expiate her guilt, Gwendolen Kilmuir sets out for the
Scottish Highlands, hoping to explain to the dead girl’s
mother the circumstances surrounding the sorrowful act–and
to bring her back to England for the funeral. Gwendolen’s
sole companion on this nightmarish journey is Vespasia. As
Vespasia learns more about the victim and the ugly forces
that shaped her desperate deed, she understands
theheartbreaking truth of the tragedy.
