The latest in the very enjoyable series set in 19th century San Francisco sees Celia and her cousin Barbara on a trip inland to visit hot springs in the company of an acquaintance. A murder at the springs quickly created questions for Celia about the acquaintance’s complicated family ties and potential political corruption. Celia presses on to try to find answers alongside Nick, who as always worries about her safety. The plot is well done as always, and the writing strong. In this book more than its predecessors I struggled a little more to understand why Celia is so strongly motivated to solve a murder that didn’t really directly affect her, especially when she seems to ignore any social convention to keep pushing. That said, though, this is a very enjoyable read with the promise that perhaps some of the personal relationships might develop at last. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All views are entirely my own and offered voluntarily.

I love, love, love this series! I wish it were more widely read because the mystery is just spectacular. The relationships move at a glacial place, but it’s always so satisfying when then do. And cousin Barbara is such a fascinating character. I so often want to yell at her to be nice! But then I think how there are so rarely truly grouchy main characters (and perhaps even without in soft hidden depths), and I want her to stay the young lady version of a grumpy old man forever. Thanks to Beyond the Page for the ARC.