Kinnelon Public Library's Reading Blog

"Nature Girl" by Carl Hiaasen

2007-02-13T17:11:06Z

First off, I'm a huge fan of Hiaasen's eco-friendly Florida satires. I love his ability to take zany characters and bizarre plot elements and intersect them in incredibly entertaining ways. Having said that, "Nature Girl" is not one of Hiaasen's best efforts. Here, we get the story of Honey Santana, a mentally unstable single mom who decides to exact revenge on a rude telemarketer, the oily Boyd Shreave. She arranges a free kayak tour of the Florida Keys (read: kidnapping and desertion on a desolate island) for the married Boyd and his sometimes mistress, Eugenie Fonda. On the island, Honey's group meets up with a part-Seminole Indian on the run from the law (Sammy Tigertail) and his own very willing kidnap victim. And, oh yeah, her ex-husband, her son Fry, a private investigator (also a kidnap victim), a deranged fishmonger, and a cult of robe-wearing religious zealots. Do you get the idea?

Hiaasen normally is quite capable of taking this type of screwball comedy to a higher level, but he fails miserably this time. Most of the characters, including ostensible protagonist Honey Santana, are shrill, annoying, or just plain unlikable. Moreover, the comedy often seems forced to elicit the cheap laugh. Missing is the more complex, intelligent humor that Hiassen fans have come to expect. Not an awful book, but very disappointing.

"Lisey's Story" by Stephen King

2007-02-13T16:52:36Z

Not so much a horror story as an often troubling examination of the writer's mind, King's latest novel is a stunner. Lisey Landon's writer husband Scott has died before the story even begins, and we first see Lisey and her agitated older sister Amanda sorting through Scott's Maine loft, where he did most of his work. From there, Lisey begins to receive threats from an obsessive fan of Scott's work and Amanda falls into a nearly catatonic state. Of more interest for the reader are Lisey's newfound memories of an assassination attempt on her husband that occurred decades before. Apparently, Lisey has been hiding from herself the real horrors of that day, and those memories -- and the importance of a silver shovel -- are now starting to make themselves known.

Throughout this story, King takes readers on a disturbing yet incredibly moving trip through Lisey's love affair with Scott, which includes a netherworld known as "Boo'ya Moon." It seems that Scott created Boo'ya Moon from his own imagination, yet it became a real place where, after dark, horrible things can occur. We also find out about Scott's tragically bad childhood in rural Pennsylvania, the deaths of his father and brother, and why it might not be a good idea to eat fruit after sundown. (Seriously.)

So much of "Lisey's Story" seems like it might be Stephen King's own story. It's fascinating for the reader to get such insight into the creative process and to see firsthand how the joys of a fertile imagination can also have a very dark underside. This book is not for the weak of heart, as there are several truly disturbing scenes involving Scott's brother. But for fans of Stephen King, particularly those who may have been disappointed by his last effort, the weak shocker "Cell," "Lisey's Story" will be a most inviting read.

"Bad Blood" by Linda Fairstein

2007-02-13T16:35:17Z

Author Fairstein is a former NYC sex crimes prosecutor, and she brings an expansive knowledge of police and courtroom procedures to all her thrillers. This time around, Assistant DA Alexendra Cooper is prosecuting the wealthy Brendan Quillian, who she believes hired a hitman to strangle his wife. During the course of the trial, an explosion rocks a water tunnel deep beneath the streets of Manhattan, killing three "sandhogs." One of the dead union men is none other than Duke Quillian, the older, long estranged brother of Brendan. Detective Mike Chapman (Alex's frequent partner and possible love interest) investigates the water tunnel explosion, which then leads to an examination of a decades-old unsolved murder.

I personally enjoyed this book far more than Fairstein's last effort, the somewhat tedious "Death Dance." I thought the history of the water tunnels (NYC's hidden city, if you will) worked beautifully with the rest of the story. And the mystery here, while a bit convoluted toward the end, was gripping every step of the way. Highly recommended for mystery fans.

"Hide" by Lisa Gardner

2007-02-13T15:52:38Z

"Hide" is the latest taut thriller from novelist Gardner. It features two characters from her previous books, ex-police sniper Bobby Dodge and the dangerous socialite Catherine Gagnon. Here, Bobby has been promoted to the Massachusetts State Police, and his first case involves the discovery of a hidden tomb on the grounds of an abandoned mental institution. The mummified remains of six young girls are buried deep in the tomb, and the police soon find a locket with the name "Annabelle Granger" inscribed on it. The only problem? The real Annabelle Granger is alive and well, although she's been moving around and changing names since she was a very young girl. Seems that Annabelle's father suspected the family was constantly in danger ... but why?

There are many twists and turns here, most of which are believable, and Gardner does an excellent job keeping the reader guessing. Fans of Patricia Cornwell or Linda Fairstein -- particularly those tired of the paint-by-numbers Patterson thrillers -- should enjoy "Hide."

"Ghost Dancer" by John Case

2006-11-07T18:07:04Z

This book is the latest thriller from the husband and wife team who wrote the bestselling "Murder Arist." As is typical with books by these authors, there is a nice mix of action, history, and science.

Here, Jack Wilson has just been released from federal prison in Allenwood, PA. He quickly embarks on a criminal mission with his former cell mate, Bobojon, and Bo's al-Qaeda-linked uncle. Jack travels from the US to Lebanon, Turkey, the Ukraine, and the Congo, swapping drugs for guns and guns, ultimately, for money. For much of the first quarter of the novel, Wilson's motivations -- and even the scope of the crime itself -- are murky; all the reader can truly discern is that Wilson has a grand scheme to literally stop the world.

Wilson's story is interwoven with that of Mike Burke, an expat American living in Ireland and grieving the untimely death of his beloved wife Kate. Burke and his father-in-law run a corporate registration business, and after Jack Wilson (as "Francisco D'Anconia") stops by their offices, Burke becomes the subject of an international police investigation. When no one in authority will listen to him, Burke decides to discover who D'Anconia really is ... and what, exactly, he is up to.

From that point on, the book takes off nicely, as we follow the parallel threads of Wilson and Burke's stories all across the globe. Along the way, the reader learns about the life of eccentric Serbian inventor Nikola Tesla, federal patent law, electromagnetic pulses, and, interestingly enough, Wovoka and the Ghost Dance that led to the massacre of Native Americans at Wounded Knee. The authors do a terrific job of weaving these disparate elements together, and, although the ending peters out a bit, this is an intelligent page-turner. Recommended.

"The Collectors" by David Baldacci

2006-11-01T17:33:57Z

While "The Collectors" is technically a sequel to "The Camel Club," readers who missed the first novel will do fine starting here. The Camel Club members -- former government assassin 'Oliver Stone,' army veteran Reuben, super genius Milton, and librarian Caleb -- are back and investigating another conspiracy. The new Speaker of the House is murdered at a D.C. social gathering, and days later the head of the rare books room at the Library of Congress (where Caleb works) is found dead in the archives, apparently of a heart attack. Only the Camel Club suspects the two deaths are linked not just to each other, but to a broader conspiracy involving defense department contractors, stolen government secrets, and even messages hidden inside rare books.

Baldacci has always been able to write a good thriller, and this novel is no exception. What sets this book apart is a parallel plot involving a con woman named Annabelle Conroy, who pulls off a massive scam against an Atlantic City bigwig before coming to the assistance of the Camel Club. Annabelle is a fine addition to the group, and there are great scenes with Annabelle coaxing a very reluctant -- and very scared -- Caleb through various ruses designed to help the Club find out vital information. There is plenty of humor here, which nicely complements the fast pace and genuinely thrilling moments. It's hard not to care about these characters, which is a sure sign of a good story.

Since the book ends with a bit of a cliffhanger, expect Baldacci to bring the Camel Club back again in the future. For readers who enjoy "The Collectors" -- and there will be many -- that's good news indeed.

"Judge & Jury" by James Patterson and Andrew Gross

2006-11-01T17:16:15Z

Definitely a weaker entry from the Patterson factory. Is it just me, or are the margins actually getting larger in his novels?

Patterson here gives us the story of Andie DeGrasse, a struggling single mom / actress; Nick Pellisante, a longtime FBI agent specializing in mafia investigations; and Dominic Cavello, a mob boss, unrepentant murderer, and all-around thug.

Cavello is set to stand trial for, among other things, the murders of several associates. Nick, as the man who finally captured the fugitive Cavello, takes a special interest in the trial, while Andie is selected as a member of Cavello's sequestered jury. The trial goes horribly wrong, as Cavello unleashes a wave of violence against ... you guessed it! ... the judge and jury.

The remainder of the book involves Andie and Nick's efforts to bring Cavello and his hired guns to justice, even if it's not justice meted out by a court of law.

The action, as always with Patterson, is quite good. The story is simply so predictable and dull that it's barely worth reading. Patterson fans would likely do better waiting for his "Cross," which comes out in November.

"Deception Point" by Dan Brown

2006-09-29T15:07:14Z

This is a very good thriller, this time using the space agency NASA as the basis for one of Brown's wide-ranging conspiracies. The book begins with scientists having made what appears to be an astounding discovery -- a meteorite buried deep in the remote Milne Ice Shelf provides apparently unequivocal proof of extraterrestrial life. Rachel Sexton, an intelligence agent based in Washington, is sent to the Arctic by the President to help substantiate the find. At the Milne compound, Rachel meets Michael Tolland, an oceanographer made famous by his television specials, and Corky Marlinson, an exceptionally intelligent astrophysicist. When another scientist is found dead, Rachel and Michael begin to discover that some of NASA's meteorite fossil data may have been rigged. Rachel races to stop the President from revealing the find to the American public, but the fact that her father (Senator Sedgewick Sexton) is the President's main rival prevents her information from reaching him in time.

From there, Rachel, Michael, and Corky begin a desperate search for the truth, all the while trying to stay one step ahead of some Delta Force members who are under orders to keep them silent -- at any cost. Who is behind this lethal coverup: the President, his top aide, the NASA administrator, or perhaps someone else in the government? And how does it all relate to some shady campaign dealings discovered by Gabrielle Ashe, Senator Sexton's assistant?

There is lots of scientific information here, but Brown does a great job of making it understandable. The plot moves very briskly, and the dialogue and action scenes are both sharp and, at times, riveting. This is just a very good, very intelligent thriller, which should appeal to all the fans who came to Brown later through "Angels & Demons" and, of course, "The DaVinci Code." It should also find an audience with fans of Tom Clancy. A good read!

"The Lighthouse" by P.D. James

2006-09-15T14:47:12Z

This novel is author James' 13th featuring Scotland Yard Commander Adam Dalgliesh. Here, famous (and famously nasty!) author Nathan Oliver is found hanging from the lighthouse on Combe Island, a private retreat off the Cornish coast. It seems that many of the island's guests and staff had reason to want Oliver dead, including the island's matriarch, its resident doctor, a handyman, a sailor, a visiting scientist, and even the author's own daughter and his editor. James does a masterful job of placing the reader on Combe Island, evoking the setting in wonderful, vivid detail. She also throws some unexpected twists into the murder mystery, carefully revealing a second victim, several secret relationships, and even the existence of a deadly disease. This is a classic mystery in the sense that all the suspects are contained within one setting, and it is up to Dalgliesh and his team to question each person and deduce the truth. If you enjoy rich settings, complex plots, and expert characterizations, this may be the book for you.

"Lifeguard" by James Patterson & Andrew Gross

2006-09-08T13:39:27Z

To me, this was not one of Patterson's better efforts. This is a standalone novel, in the sense that it's not part of the Alex Cross or Lindsay Boxer series. But don't let the title fool you. This book actually has very little to do with beaches or lifeguards. Ned Kelly, the Palm Beach lifeguard of the title, is involved in an art heist that goes terribly wrong. In fact, the art had already disappeared by the time Ned's friends went to steal it. Ned, who set off several home alarms during the ill-fated robbery in an effort to distract police, is the only one who gets away; his three closest friends / art thieves are brutally murdered in their home, leaving Ned as the only suspect. There's also a related murder of a woman named Tess, a beautiful Australian woman Ned had recently met.

The rest of the plot involves Ned trying to figure out who set up his friends, which he accomplishes with the help of a beautiful FBI agent, Ellie Shurtleff. The plot is unbelievably convoluted, and the character development, even for a Patterson novel, is non-existent. There are a few good action scenes, and the pace is brisk enough. Still, expect to be more annoyed than satisfied by the end of this novel.

"Treason's Harbours" by Patrick O'Brian

2006-09-07T19:31:23Z

50 Book Challenge Book Review:

More rousing adventure with Captain Jack, Aubrey and Dr. Stephen Maturin, this time in Malta and the Red Sea. The plot focuses on the complex politics of the Middle East, as well as the French and English spy networks. These books are wonderful for their plots, convincing atmosphere, characters, and depiction of male friendship. You will come to love these men and even learn the difference between a top gallant and a staysail!

Come join in ...

2006-09-07T17:17:11Z

Even though summer is over, our reading blog continues on.

Please join us by emailing your original reviews to liddy@main.morris.org or by filling out a review slip in the Library.

If you've read a book that's already included in the blog, click on the "Leave a Comment" link below the entry and type in your thoughts. You won't need to sign up or give your name ... just your opinions!

We look forward to your participation. Happy reading!

"Memory in Death" by JD Robb

2006-09-07T17:14:09Z

This book is the latest in author Nora Roberts' (aka JD Robb) series set in New York City in 2059. Although there are some references to futuristic gadgets, like domestic droids and auto-chef machines, this is basically a crime series with a twist. Tough police lieutenant Eve Dallas, her wealthy Irish husband Roarke, her partner Peabody, and the rest of the crew are all back for this 22nd (!) installment in the series.

This time around, one of Eve's foster mothers, Trudy Lombard, shows up in New York City ostensibly to catch up with Eve. That Trudy was a horrible, abusive caregiver seems to be lost on the woman. When Trudy is found murdered in her hotel room -- after trying to unsuccessfully blackmail Eve and Roarke -- Eve soon discovers that Trudy left behind a long line of blackmail victims. After Trudy's good-hearted son, Bobby, is thrown in front of a cab while his sweet wife looks on, Eve knows she must act quickly to catch a killer and prevent any further harm.

Eve Dallas is such a great character -- she's the quintessential hard-boiled detective, but with a heart of gold buried deep underneath -- that the reader can't help but be swept along by the story. And Eve's relationship with Roarke, seen here over the Christmas holiday, is charming, funny, and believable. This is just a good, fun, interesting read.

Note: While knowledge of the prior novels will enrich the experience, readers can jump right in here. Enough back story is provided to help the reader along. Also, keep an eye out for the newest JD Robb novel, "Born in Death," coming this fall.

"Break No Bones" by Kathy Reichs

2006-09-07T16:56:02Z

Reichs' forensic anthropologist, Dr. Temperance Brennan, returns in her latest mystery / thriller. This time, Tempe is leading some archeology students on a summer dig on Dewees Island, off the coast of South Carolina. When the students find human bones, Tempe stays in South Carolina to help her ill friend, the county coroner Emma Rousseau, investigate the death.

After a private investigator is found dead, Tempe, her estranged husband, attorney Pete, and her current boyfriend, Montreal cop Ryan, begin to see connections between the two corpses, several missing area residents, and a clinic run by a church.

Not as good as Reichs' last book, "Cross Bones," but there are certainly enough plot twists and medical details to keep the reader's attention. If you've read the previous novels in this series -- or have watched the Fox show "Bones," which is based on this character -- then you'll probably be satisfied with this novel.

"The Camel Club" by David Baldacci

2006-09-07T16:10:03Z

"Oliver Stone" and his friends Caleb, Milton, and Reuben have formed the Camel Club to expose government conspiracies. Oliver, a caretaker at a cemetery, also maintains a tent in the park across from the White House, where he has befriended an activist named Adelphia and a Secret Service Agent named Alex Ford. At one of their meetings late at night on Roosevelt Island, the Camel Club members witness a man being killed. It is later revealed that the dead man was a computer specialist with the Secret Service, responsible for updating and maintaining their terrorist database ... and that the assassins are, in fact, government agents!

The plot takes off quickly from there, with the various Camel Club members investigating the murder, at first alone and later with the help of Alex and his new girlfriend, a Department of Justice attorney. Baldacci weaves several intersecting plots throughout the narrative, and the tension builds as a terrorist plot directed against the President of the United States -- and possibly engineered by members of the US government -- begins to take shape.

The friends who make up the Camel Club have enough quirks (one has OCD) and interesting abilities (another is a Librarian at the Library of Congress) to keep the reader's attention. Moreover, the interactions between the Camel Club members are funny and genuine; in other words, they seem like real friends. The plot moves at a quick pace, and the twists and turns are both surprising and believable. Some readers may be distracted by several long passages on the political history of the Middle East, but those can be safely skimmed, if need be.

This is a compelling read, with themes that correlate nicely with our current political climate. Look for the sequel, "The Collectors," coming this fall.

"Kill Me" by Stephen White

2006-07-18T16:46:25Z

While this is another thriller in White's series involving Colorado psychiatrist Dr. Alan Gregory, this book is actually narrated by an anonymous patient of Gregory's. It is slowly revealed, through a series of flashbacks, that the anonymous man, a fabulously wealthy and successful person, has contracted with the "Death Angels," a secret company that is hired in advance to kill its clients when their quality of life becomes severely impaired due to trauma or terminal illness. Without giving too much away, the anonymous man changes his mind about his Death Angels contract; unfortunately, it might be too late. The action and suspense here are quite good, and the debate about end-of-life issues plays well into the story. The ending is a bit contrived -- and somewhat underwhelming -- but the story as a whole is strong enough to overcome this.

"Whiteout" by Ken Follett

2006-07-18T16:14:02Z

It's Christmas in Scotland, and Toni Gallo, a former police inspector turned security consultant for pharmaceutical company Oxenford, must prevent a potential catastrophe after the deadly "Madoba-2" virus is stolen from Oxenford's laboratory. Follett does an excellent job of weaving several storylines involving different generations of the family of Stanley Oxenford, the older owner of the company and Toni's good friend and possible love interest. In fact, the reader learns right away that Kit, Stanley's son, assisted the thieves. The theft takes place during a blinding snowstorm, paralyzing local law enforcement, leaving the Oxenford estate cut off from the outside world, and forcing Toni to take matters into her own hands. There is a wonderful sense of atmosphere in this story, particularly as the snowstorm whips its way across Scotland. And the bio-terrorism angle is both timely and well executed. A smart and suspenseful thriller.

"Two Little Girls in Blue" by Mary Higgins Clark

2006-07-18T15:40:18Z

Twins girls, Kelly and Kathy, are kidnapped and held for ransom. One is returned safely to her family, while the second, whose body is never found, is believed to have been killed by her captors. In reality, that twin, Kathy, was kept by one of the kidnappers, an abusive woman named Angie, who eventually drags the increasingly ill girl up to Cape Cod. Kelly, using "twin telepathy," can sense that her sister is still alive and even communicate with her. The twins' mom, Margaret, knows right away that Kelly is telling the truth; a skeptical police force takes some more convincing.

Clark has written a very compelling story here. The scenes of Kathy's abuse and her subsequent fear are simply heartbreaking. There is a real sense of danger, which keeps the reader turning the pages. The story takes some unexpected yet believable turns on the way to reaching a satisfying conclusion.

"The Cold Moon" by Jeffery Deaver

2006-07-18T14:30:11Z

Lincoln Rhyme, the quadriplegic forensics expert for the NYPD, returns in Deaver's latest novel. The Watchmaker is torturing and killing victims, leaving behind no evidence save poetry and old-fashioned clocks. Rhyme's investigation, conducted from his state-of-the-art townhouse with the help of his usual team, ultimately intersects with partner Amelia Sachs' investigation into an ever-widening police corruption scandal.

There are lots of interesting clues and pieces of evidence along the way, which Deaver helpfully summarizes in list form for the reader at regular intervals. And Deaver certainly knows how to write a briskly paced thriller. The problem here is that the plot takes so many twists and turns -- particularly at the end -- that it becomes both ridiculous and exceedingly convoluted.

This is a good read, but most readers will likely be scratching their heads, or muttering in disgust, by its conclusion.

"Black Order" by James Rollins

2006-07-18T14:16:57Z

Sigma Force -- the ultra-elite, supersecret Defense Department team -- is back in Rollins' latest international thriller. This time, the team investigates a strange malady affecting monks in a remote section of the Himalayas. From there, Sigma Force learns about a long-hidden Nazi eugenics experiment, "The Bell," that was designed to produce a master race for Himmler's Black Order. Lots of World War II-era history intersects with the plot, which takes the reader to Mt. Everest, Copenhagen, Germany, and, ultimately, a fortress-like estate deep in South Africa. The science behind The Bell -- there is much discussion of quantum physics -- can get confusing, but Rollins does an admirable job of making these complexities interesting for the reader. There is also lots of compelling action to keep the pages turning.

Fans of Dan Brown or Tom Clancy might want to give this book a try.

"12 Sharp" by Janet Evanovich

2006-07-18T14:02:26Z

In this latest installment, Trenton-based bounty hunter Stephanie Plum works to help mysterious fellow bounty hunter Ranger -- the third point in the love triangle that also includes her sometimes boyfriend, Trenton cop Morelli -- exonerate himself in a murder and kidnapping committed by a Ranger imposter. Ranger the victim of identity theft? Yeah, it sounds a bit implausible, and reads the same on the page. The main story is predictable, right down to the moment when both Ranger and Morelli are forced to camp out in Stephanie's small apartment.

The fun here, as always, is in the supporting cast of characters, who are a hoot. Grandma Mauzr even joins a rock band (!) and nearly causes a riot during a viewing at the local funeral home, Stiva's. This is a good beach read with some genuinely funny moments, even if the plot seems a bit recycled. Just don't expect too much more.

"Game of Shadows" by Mark Fainaru-Wada and Lance Williams

2006-07-18T13:52:24Z

The authors are two reporters for the San Francisco Chronicle who initially broke the story of the BALCO scandal. For the uninitiated, BALCO was a San Francisco area "nutritional" lab that was suspected of providing steroids and human growth hormone to such high-profile athletes as baseball stars Barry Bonds, Gary Sheffield, and Jason Giambi, and track stars Marion Jones and Tim Montgomery.

This book reads almost like fiction. The pages fly by as the authors detail how the designer drugs were created and distributed to athletes, and how those drugs spurred record-breaking performances. Each page contains a new revelation tying a world-famous athlete to illegal drugs, and the authors support their allegations with extensive research including grand jury testimony, interviews, and other documents. This is a must-read for baseball fans, although those outside the game may also be pulled in by the gripping narrative.

"The Fifth Horseman" by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

2006-07-18T13:47:32Z

This book is the latest installment in Patterson's "Women's Murder Club" mystery series. This series follows cases investigated by San Francisco Police Department Lieutenant Lindsay Boxer and three of her friends -- medical examiner Claire Washburn, reporter Cindy Sheehan, and, the newest addition, attorney Yuki Castellano.

As usual with Patterson, there are simultaneous plots at work. Here, Lindsay is trying to find a pair of murderers who kill young women, dress them in fancy clothes, and position them in expensive cars. At the same time, she is investigating whether a string of mysterious deaths at a local hospital are the result of simple negligence or outright murder.

Fans of Patterson will find everything they've come to expect from this extremely prolific author -- short chapters, a breakneck pace, little characterization to slow down the plot, some gore and violence, and a good enough mystery to solve. This is a decent book for summer reading, and newcomers to the series can start here with little difficulty.

What did you think?

"Dark Tort" by Diane Mott Davidson

2006-07-18T13:42:46Z

This book is the latest "culinary mystery" in Davidson's Goldy the Caterer series. As readers of the series know, Goldy (Bear) Schultz runs a catering company out of her home in Aspen Meadow, Colorado. She also has a strange knack for finding dead bodies and solving murders, despite the pleas of her detective husband to leave crime-solving to the professionals.

In this installment, Goldy stumbles over a paralegal friend's body one late night at a posh law firm, where the two had been scheduled for a cooking lesson. Goldy had also been catering breakfasts and lunches at the firm, so she has an inside track into investigating Dusty's murder. Goldy's sleuthing leads her to look more closely at the gorgeous food paintings of the deceased Charlie Baker, a local artist, chef, and former client of the law firm. Why was Dusty spending so much time at Charlie's house after his death? And did Charlie really slip down his stairs, or could he have been pushed?

This is an enjoyable whodunit with great discussions of food and cooking (recipes are included, too). The relationships between Goldy and her husband, family, and friends are believable, and there is nothing too violent or offensive here. All in all, fans of culinary mysteries will find this a satisfying read with lots of twists and turns to keep things interesting.

READERS: If you liked this book, you might also want to try the books of Joanne Fluke and Ellen Hart.

"Birds of a Feather" by Jacqueline Winspear

2006-07-14T20:32:48Z

50 Book Challenge Review:

It’s 1930 and Maisie Bobbs, “Psychologist and Investigator,” with the help of her assistant, Billy, has made a success of her agency. In their latest assignment, Maisie and Billy must find a runaway heiress. They solve the case using her eclectic skills -- intuition, yoga and psychology. In the process, they once again run up against the far-reaching consequences of World War I. You will find out something you might not have known about the World War I era in England. Second in a series.