I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. I read a lot of historical fiction which often hops between time periods and in this book this is done very well. I imagine many of us can relate to the storyline of struggling with the mother in law and I liked the way the characters were presented as real people with their own flaws and misread intentions rather than as two-dimensional villains and goodies. The mystery was enough to keep me coming back to read this over a fairly short space of time, though towards the end I had guessed the outcome. What I hadn't guessed was the saddest parts of the book which shone a new light on the character of Eugenia and offered a little insight into the way she behaved.
For me the dialogue was sometimes a little contrived which is why I am giving the book 4 stars. However this wasn't enough to put me off and I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good historical mystery.
For me the dialogue was sometimes a little contrived which is why I am giving the book 4 stars. However this wasn't enough to put me off and I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good historical mystery.