5 stars- this one had side mysteries that were powerful on their own but what I really enjoyed was the interpersonal relationships. Bels mother is a hoot, I loved seeing the interaction with Ari as well and the time apart sweetens the bond between her and Riot.
Money issues have cropped up and adds to Riot's overflowing plate.
Jin, Sarah, Tobias, they all have a part in this story and we get to see their healing as they navigate relationships. I love their stories as well.
The mystery that Bel unravels was sad, sad in the abuse towards Samuel and the situation for Titus. I was sure the Dr. was guilty but no. And the adventure for Riot leads to actual treasure. Really well done story.
Highlights & Spoilers:
the twins-
"Where the hell have you been?" he said through his teeth.
"You've always had a knack for voices, Ari. That sounded just like me."
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"What drivel are you reading?" she asked, nodding to his book.
"I'm on holiday."
"A holiday away from your stress as a dancer and a whore?"
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Isobel said nothing, which was far worse than prodding him about it.
"Oh, say it," he growled.
"Dr. Bright is worried about you."
"He should worry about you instead," Lotario said.
"He'll worry when I strangle the next nurse who speaks soothingly to me. I need stimulation."
Lotario opened his mouth.
"Mental," she growled.
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"Everything is dangerous with you. Since you've been back, I've been seduced by a mad coroner, abducted, nearly drowned, and shot."
"I'm not asking for your help." She took back the dress, and briefly considered shoving her twin into the wardrobe, but Lotario always made such an awful racket.
Riots advice to Jin was really good:
"You might like China, or you might hate it. But it's your choice.
Once you make that choice—you best put your all into it."
and
"What if Captain Morgan does not marry you?" Jin asked after a time.
"Then I suppose you're both stuck with just me."
Sarah took his arm. "Hardly stuck, Mr.—" She tilted her head. "Should we call you Pa now?" "Whatever you like, Sarah. Though I feel like I've aged decades in an hour."
Her mother:
Isobel sighed, and turned to pace, but a bony hand snaked out and held her fast. It was her mother's.
Catarina looked up at her with red-rimmed eyes. "How could you think me so cruel?"
"You generally have something critical to say," she replied truthfully.
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Catarina took a steadying breath. "I am overjoyed, Isobel."
"You are?"
The hand around her own tightened. "Yes."
"Why?" Isobel asked with no small amount of suspicion.
"Because Sao Jin will give you every bit as much aggravation as you give me."
And this gem:
"You made Ravenwood Agency famous, Bel."
"It was famous long before I came along."
"Then at the very least you breathed life back into it. We've had a number of clients come in with fabricated stories."
The line crackled when she snorted. "Don't you dare pin all this on me—you did your fair share, Mr. Frequently-energetically-and-thoroughly."
"I didn't hear any complaints from you at the time."
When her laughter died, Riot sobered.