In this acclaimed installment, often hailed as the crowning jewel of the series, Grimes masterfully employs her signature storytelling techniques, yet elevates them with layers of complexity through interconnected scenes and characters. What stands out as particularly distinctive is the clever inclusion of a "disguised" Melrose Plant.

The weaving of interconnected scenes and characters begins dramatically with the novel's prologue. Carole-anne Palutski, the ever-present young neighbor of Jury, joins him on a quest for "antique" jewelry, setting the stage for Jury's first encounter with Jane Holdsworth. Grimes deftly spins a web of intricate relationships in this brief interaction. This moment sets the tone for a future scene in chapter five, where Jury hunts for a true relic—a genuine engagement ring for Jane. Additionally, Carole-anne's sharp eyes spot Jane before Jury does, and she cheekily compares her to Susan, Jury's former flame, whom she nicknames "SB-slash-H" due to her disdain for all of Jury's love interests, reducing them to mere initials. In these preliminary pages, Jury is already reflecting on past romances, both mentally and verbally, a theme echoed in the antique store where the only other patron is Lady Jenny Kennington. Lady Kennington, a pivotal character from The Anodyne Necklace (1983), frequently graces the series with her presence or mention. Her palpable connection with Jury is undeniable, yet fate keeps them apart through unfortunate timing. Through this concise opening, Grimes skillfully lays down a tapestry of intricate character dynamics and thematic elements.

Adding another layer to this narrative tapestry is the intriguing role of Melrose Plant, Jury's unofficial sidekick, who infiltrates the Holdsworths' Lake District abode under the guise of a librarian tasked with cataloging their collection. His true mission, however, is sleuthing on behalf of Jury. Plant's character is multifaceted throughout the series, but his undercover role here is novel, offering Jury—and the reader—a clandestine glimpse into the lair of several suspects. Meanwhile, Jury, not only mourning Jane's untimely demise but also entangled as a suspect, remains tethered to London for a large portion of the narrative. The dual locales, with parallel investigations unfolding, heighten the novel's tension, weaving a spellbinding web of suspense.

This novel revisits the recurring themes of the series, delving deeply into the intertwined issues of justice and the moral duty we bear toward others. Grimes artfully illustrates how murder, though perhaps a relic of the past, casts an enduring shadow over the present and thus demands revelation. Detective Jury finds himself entangled in the enigma of a recent death — uncertain even if it qualifies as murder — until he unravels the perplexing knots of bygone mysteries. Grimes poignantly highlights how the tentacles of murder ensnare many, leaving two unrelated children orphaned and imperiled by a killer's deeds.

Social Concerns and Characters

The narrative also grapples with social issues such as mental illness and its management. Among the characters are two psychiatrists, yet neither proves effective, with one egregiously exploiting the sanctity of the doctor-patient relationship for selfish ends. The specter of suicide looms over several characters, born from the depths of depression, while on a lighter note, the mischievous Lady Cray adds a touch of humor with her kleptomania.

Grimes consistently displays a fascination with characters who face discrimination due to factors such as age, youth, or nationality. Through their stories, she sheds light on the injustice of such biases. In this tale, a memorable, albeit minor, character bears the scars of an automobile accident. Her pragmatic and even buoyant approach to her challenges stands in stark contrast to the ways many other characters confront their misfortunes.

Beyond the foundations laid in The...