The Cleopatra Fox series, book six, published in 2023, is available on Amazon in hardcover, paperback, Kindle, and audiobook.

In May 1900, in London, the social season is still underway, and mothers are on the hunt for suitable suitors for their daughters, while fathers negotiate marriages. Amidst the chore of balls, parties, afternoon teas, and all the social obligations, Cleo finds herself immersed in a murder investigation when a former guest of the hotel commits suicide at an irreputable pub, The Crown and Anchor. The problem is, the staff who remember him insist he wasn’t the sort. The man was a bully, his past a shroud of mystery; all they confirm is that he made his own fortune. To get to the bottom of this mystery, Cleo must visit the dockside, unearth the victim’s past, and decipher truth from lies.

Knowing that Jonathan, Floyd’s best friend, spoke to her uncle about her continued friendship with Harry Armitage, will upset him, Cleo prepares for the summons and battle, and Cleo manages to gain her uncle’s approval to investigate with Harry, if only because he’s courting someone, alleviating the risk of a romantic relationship developing between the two of them.

Armed with her uncle’s permission to investigate with Harry, Cleo and he go about the city, interrogating suspects, gathering clues, linking one crime to another, and reaching erroneous conclusions before getting to the heart of the matter. Archer’s undercurrent of romance in their interactions remains at a low simmer, which is respectable for the era and the predicament Cleo would land herself in if they pursued the romance. It will be interesting to see how Archer continues walking this tightrope of a relationship.

Although this book did not offer as many twists and turns during the investigation, it was nice to see Floyd step up to the plate and take some responsibility at the Hotel, rather than seeing him galavanting around. And finally, Cleo is no longer sneaking around. Her uncle knows, and the world keeps turning. C.J. Archer’s descriptive voice and endearing characters make this a captivating 3-star read.