Love just about anything from this period of time, and since I could never find fault with Muller or Pronzini, so how could I not read and like this mystery novel? So I did. Never set it down, except once to fill my coffee cup. Characters, most especially John Quincannon and Sabina Carpenter, our illustrious detectives, turn this late 18th century Chicago into a most excellent backdrop for two of the most interesting detectives to come to our attention. Smart, with interesting quirks and personalities, and super skills at what they do, and the history of the 18th Century to provide the texture, a great plot can hardly miss. And it doesn't. And, by the way, S. Holmes' cameo appearance only adds to a terrific tale. ( )

This book was another installment in a light, entertaining series. I don't find these characters as engrossing as either Muller's Sharon McCone or Pronzini's Nameless Detective, but these authors are skilled enough that you can't go far wrong with any of their books. In this book, I was delighted to learn more about "Sherlock." I begin to wonder if Quincannon ever manages to hang on to the bad guys when he arrests them the first time. I wish the two of them would start courting already, and I wish they would discuss their cases more with each other. ( )

This is the 4th book in the Carpenter and Quincannon series. These novels take place in the late 1800’s in San Francisco. When we start Quincannon is in the middle of case for a local brewer, and he’s pretty sure he has his man. When he goes to make the citizen’s arrest his target knocks him over and escapes into a store room with only one entrance. There is a gunshot and when Quincannon gets someone to open the doors for him, his quarry appears to have done himself in.

Miss Sabina Carpenter on the other hand has been tasked with finding the eccentric detective claiming to be Sherlock Holmes. His cousin has come to find him, because ‘Sherlocks’ father has passed away leaving him as the sole heir. Miss Carpenter agrees to try and find the elusive man. He shows while Sabina is working for a different client guarding famous and valuable handbags. One of which was owned by Marie Antoinette. Mr. Holmes had heard someone was planning on stealing the handbag and thought Sabina was looking for his assistance in preventing it.

Both the sleuths have their hands full and both have murderers they need to capture, one disguised his murders as an accident and a suicide, the other was able to blame an innocent for the deed. They both have their work cut out for them.

I found these to be two fun characters to follow and I felt the book did a reasonable job of bringing Southern California to life from the late 1800’s. Though unlike some other historical mystery writers, I felt the authors were more interested in having fun than being strictly accurate. Which made for a great cozy style mystery. And since Quincannon and Carpenter were on different cases, you get a two-fer! These were more ‘fun’ than real mystery but I enjoyed them and I do plan on reading the first 3 in the series at some time. Fun read, worth the time! ( )