Lindsey Graham loves the season. Not only does her aunt ignore many of the strictures of a chaperone, she uses the events she attends to write a newspaper column under the name of "Lady Smart". Her only real concern is that her brother is wasting his life carousing and earning a reputation as a rake.

As prostitutes start dying, each one in some way associated with her brother, Lindsey decides that the police aren't intersted in the real killer. They just want to prove her brother's guilt so they can reassure the public that they can stop the killing. Lindsey must investigate on her own.

She starts off getting what information she can from a Lieutenant in the police force. He isn't going to jeopardize his career by giving her all the information but he does give her a place to start.

When Lindsey refuses the help offered her, her friend and employer, convinces her brother-in-law, Thor Draugr to follow her. Afer Lindsey is assualted, she reluctantly accepts Thor's help in her investigation. When Rudy is arrested after the third murder, Lindsey steps up her investigation and the danger to her increases. The killer has set up Rudy very effectively and will do his best to prevent Lindsey from exposing his identity.

Thor comes from a remote island where the Viking tradition is very strong. Lindsey doesn't fit his idea of the ideal woman but he is very attracted to her. When his offer of help is refused, he knows that Lindsey won't give up. The more time he spends with her, the less convinced he is that there isn't more than just attraction between them. As the danger to Lindsey increases, Thor will have to decide once and for all what his feelings are for her.

HEART OF COURAGE is the sequel to Heart of Honor. Kat Martin is talented writer who has once again crafted a very readable story with some interesting characters and an intricate plot. My only quibble with the story is Thor's neanderthal attitude about women and their place in society. He does come across as overbearing at times.

Putting that aside, I really enjoyed the story of an independent young woman who is determined to protect her brother and her persistence in the face of danger. Fans of Ms. Martin won't be disappointed.