“The fourth in this excellent series, beautifully written in the style of Jane Austen, will leave even die-hard mystery mavens puzzled.” —Kirkus Review
The dependably sharp Miss Dido Kent has successfully evaded her sister-in-law’s ploy to marry her off. Now, as punishment, she must accompany her wealthy Aunt Manners on a trip to Charcombe Manor. The family hopes that revisiting her childhood home will keep Aunt Manners in good spirits, and Dido in her good graces. But it soon becomes clear to Dido that there is much more at stake.
The rich heiress Letitia Verney has disappeared while visiting Charcombe, and Mr. Tom Lomax is suspected of abducting her. Dido is inclined to believe in his innocence, but how is she to explain by what method a young lady could enter through the front door and not appear on the other side? And this isn’t the only enigma that the Elizabethan manor holds: there is a deserted wing in which lights mysteriously appear at night, a crying ghost which keeps visitors awake, and memories of old family quarrels.
When the senior Mr. Lomax arrives to defend his son, the mystery intensifies—and so does Dido’s romantic life. With lives and reputations on the line, it’s up to Dido to put the pieces together to save the Lomaxes and find the vanished young Miss Verney.
