New York literature professor Rose Asher appears to have it all; a successful career at Hudson College, on the verge of making tenure and carrying on a steamy affair with Mark, the college president. But of course "that" part of her life is a secret. Then things come crashing down when Robin Weiss, her star pupil, dies after the debut of his academic film.

There was something about Robin's film that put everyone in the academic world on edge. And so much talk had been going on about lost poems written to Shakespeare by a mystery woman, also known as Shakespeare's Dark Lady. The poem at the end of Robin's film was said to be one of them. Where did he get it? Even Hollywood wants to make a movie about the lost poems.

During the reception, while everyone was all abuzz about his film, Robin handed Rose an envelope that contained a copy of the poem that was in the film and a letter. The letter indicates he found the poems and urges Rose to return to Italy. There was something more to be discussed during their meeting the next day, which never happened because later that evening he fell to his death.

Rose returns to Italy to the villa where Robin had spent the summer, which is also the very same villa where she studied many years ago and fell in love with Bruno. Now she's back to find the poems. She also finds Bruno is still at the villa and still with his wife.

Rose's excellent research skills lead her to many hiding places but will they reveal the poems? With so much at stake and Hollywood trying to make deals with the college, Rose doesn't know who to trust. She's even having a difficult time trusting Mark. The only one she feels close to is Bruno but, of course, he's still married. Will the poems ever be found? Why did Robin have to die and who was responsible?

THE SONNET LOVER by Carol Goodman is a baffling mystery that takes so many turns, it's not until the final page that you know the outcome. It's beautifully written and has just the right amount of romance.