The third and final book of this fascinating series following the career, the loves and the hates of the protagonist Elizabeth Teerlinc, International art dealer, whom we’ve also previously known as Judith Rashleigh. Even though this can be read as a stand-alone novel, I would recommend you read them all in the correct order, Maestra, Domina and Ultima, as Judith’s character evolves, grows up and opens up throughout the trilogy. She’s a fascinating figure, sometimes almost totally amoral, yet projecting an unexpected strength and morality an other occasions. Her willingness to do anything to get back at those who have crossed her path is unrelenting, as is her desire to escape from the life she's been living with enough capital to disappear. I have no idea if the high-life participants of the art world behaves as they do in the novels, but nobody would be surprised if they do. The interspacing of art, dubious characters and above all of money, particularly the money obtained from unhealthy and often illegal activities, is told well and makes the book compelling reading and the result is always doubtful right to the end.