Lady Julia fled to Italy to recover her health after the investigation into her late husband's murder nearly cost Julia her life. Tired of the mundane needlepoint and endless sightseeing, Julia readily accedes to her father's demand that she and her brothers return home. They arrive to discover an odd assortment of guests her father has invited to a house party and a small wedding ceremony for her cousin. Among the guests is the enigmatic Brisbane, who investigated and solved Julia's husband's death with her. Their relationship is ill-defined with both reluctant to explore their feelings, yet powerless to let it end.

The house party takes a chilling turn when the murder of a guest occurs. Julia's young cousin confesses to the crime, but there are too many inconsistencies. Julia and a reluctant Brisbane once again join forces to find a killer. Their probing uncovers the dark side of the unconventional household and its members. Other hidden crimes are revealed with confusing and conflicting clues. No one is above suspicion. The arrival of a sudden snowstorm heightens the tension as no one can leave -- including the killer.

Ms. Raybourn's darkly atmospheric novel unfolds slowly as she defines her multifaceted characters. The pace picks up halfway through and she delivers an excellently plotted mystery filled with red herrings and suspects galore. The second book in the Lady Julia Grey mystery leaves readers wanting to watch Julia and Brisbane solve the next murder.