These Georgian era mysteries are exceptionally vivid with a feel for the details of the period that goes beyond aristocratic dress and manners. March moves confidently through various levels of society including such lesser known events as the enclosures, slavery, and the controversial rise of Methodism. Her characters are well drawn and generally very believable.

One caveat that I have, not so much a criticism of the writing as a piece of information for readers, March has no qualms about breaking the reader's heart by killing off likable victims by murderers seemed appealing and whose crimes seem almost like a betrayal of trust. The solving of the crime doesn't necessary solve all the characters' problems; there is sometimes an aching sense of futility. I assume that readers know their own tastes. ( )