THE CAPTAIN AND THE WALLFLOWER is a magical story about finding love like in a fairy tale. Good versus evil, beauty versus ugly all great elements in a satisfying story filled with passion and drama.

Stone ingeniously weaves a tale involving a murder plot where each turn brings an ah-ha moment only to find yourself casting doubt on the validity of the current deduction. At any moment anyone could be cast in the role of villain as this book becomes a real page turner.

First let's get this out of the way -- Grace is no wallflower. Sure she might have been hanging out on the fringe of the dance floor trying hard not to get noticed but it was precaution not shyness that put her in that position. Her reason for being at this event was to assure everyone that word of her demise was premature. Her uncle had for many months kept her virtually a prisoner out of the public's eye. But he now worries that he is being suspected of foul play. Suffice it to say he is definitely cruel to Grace and his mind games have caused her to fear for her life.

Caine Morleigh needs a wife. His uncle the earl dictated that condition. That's why he finds himself at a social gathering with his friend Trent to help him find the suitable match. However he is almost immediately attracted to this waiflike creature, Grace -- it is something in her eyes that convinces him she would be perfect. She appears to need a match as much as he does. And by her looks she would be content with the kind of life he pictures for them. Pretty sorry reason for introducing yourself to a woman but Caine is in for a surprise.

Grace may look like a sorry mess, but she is sharp and exhibits great pride. She battles wits with Caine and he has to admire the fact that she is coming out on top. It will come to pass that Caine realizes there is much more to Grace than on the surface. One thing she isn't put off or frightened by his obviously scarred face. She too looks beyond the surface. Could be they might have a future.

But they never counted on some nefarious person whose goal is to stop their wedding even if it means killing one or both of them. Both Grace and Caine are aware that they each have some notable suspects. Narrowing down the list would certainly take time and time was running out. They needed a plan...

Even a seasoned mystery expert will find it challenging eliminating the murderer from what becomes an ever growing population of suspects. Add to it a list of an endearing group of characters who add spice and humor to this delightfully engaging story.