Gabriel Lacey, retired Dragoon Captain, receives a call
regarding a murder that occurred during a high society
ball. His former sergeant, now a Bow Street Runner, has
arrested Gabriel's ex-commander and once mentor. Col.
Brandon's knife is the murder weapon and several witnesses
saw the colonel arguing with the victim over a woman. Col.
Brandon offers no explanation other than to say he is
innocent. Wishing he could ignore the colonel's
difficulties, Gabriel nevertheless knows Col. Brandon could
not cold-bloodedly kill a man.
Gabriel gathers his friends, which include Lucius Grenville
and Lady Breckenridge, to aid him in unraveling the
mystery. The colonel refuses Gabriel's help, instead trying
to provoke Gabriel into leaving the case by using Gabriel's
deep affection for his wife. If he hangs, Gabriel can
finally claim her. However, Gabriel is coming to terms with
his admiration and love for Louisa. In the past, Gabriel's
life had been a wreck, but now he's building new
relationships with new friends and possibly a new love.
Gabriel's sense of honor compels him to seek the man who
truly committed the crime. With few clues, he delves into
the victim's life trying to find the real connection
between them.
This fifth entry in the historical series featuring Capt.
Lacey is a beguiling Regency mystery. Gabriel Lacey's
complex past is woven into the tale further enriching the
plot. Ashley Gardner develops characters from all
walks of Regency life, which enhances her plot and adds
depth and substance to the tale.
When an opulent ball is marred by murder, Captain Lacey's
insufferably upright former friend, Colonel Brandon, is the
prime suspect. With the man's fate in his hands, Lacey
finally has a chance to avenge the wrongs Brandon has done
to him--but at what price?