Published in December 2025, the eleventh Cleopatra Fox mystery explores medical malpractice when a patient receiving electrotreatment gets electrocuted by the device. Was it tampered with? Who is responsible for her death? The book is available on Amazon in hardcover, paperback, Kindle, and audiobook.

In October 1900, London and the Mayfair Hotel are quiet until the manufacturer of Aunt Lilian’s addictive tonic books the hotel for a major medical presentation to important clients. Aunt Lilian supports the venture for the hotel’s benefit.

Aunt Lilian’s former doctor, who prescribed the tonic, hires Harry when the device electrocutes a patient receiving electric shock therapies for female nervous conditions, and he gets arrested for her murder. Because of the connection to her aunt, Harry asks Cleo to help with the investigation. Together, they must ask delicate questions to patients, family, loved ones, and staff to uncover why the patient died and who killed her.

Their questions lead to dead ends, hard truths, and revelations that could destroy reputations, but are they motives for murder?

Archer continues the slow burn between Harry and Cleo, keeping their relationship secret from Cleo’s family but known to Harry’s. This balancing act and sneaking around feel childish. Archer explains from Cleo’s perspective that she must handle her family carefully, especially her uncle, and it is best to wait for him to see Harry as her equal before introducing him as her suitor. Still, what about the repercussions of secrecy? Floyd already suspects, and Cleo keeps deflecting and blackmailing him. Aunt Lilian, dealing with withdrawal from her tonic, is more attuned to Cleo, and Archer suggests she has an inkling. Flossy remains self-absorbed in her own world and problems.

The book provides a good murder mystery with undercurrents of romance and endearing characters. Archer’s vivid descriptions transport her audience back in time alongside Cleo and Harry as they pursue the truth in their whodunit adventures, making this a 3-star read.