Lily Donaldson lost her father in a
fire that also claimed the life of her fiancé, Andy's, father. After
the fire, Andy, disappears, and she's left to wonder why.
When Lily's mother dies, she takes a
position in Austin. It's 1904 and the city is bursting with wealth
and intrigue. Lily settles into her duties at the Butterfly Palace,
the palatial home where she's a maid, but the past comes alive when
she recognizes one of the guests and her ex-fiancé.
She's disappointed when he pretends to not recognize her.
Andy's coldness is not the only problem
in Austin. Lily is attacked in the churchyard by a man who is
probably the Servant Girl Killer. She escapes, but now she wonders is
anyone safe?
Unlike most of Colleen Coble's books
this one has a very complex plot with political intrigue, murder, and
counterfeiting. It's almost too many threads for one story. The
characters seem superficial and behave in ways I doubt would have
been allowed in the Austin society of 1904.
I also felt the book was rushed. There
are many instances where the clues and what they characters know are
contradictory. It even happens when the author is describing the
weather. I rather enjoyed the plot, but all the errors detracted from
the story. If you like Colleen Coble's books you may enjoy this one,
but it's not one of her best.
I reviewed this book for Net Galley.
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