When Gemma’s friend Erika rings her for help, Gemma quickly finds herself embroiled in a decades old mystery of a valuable broach stolen from a Jewish refugee that has suddenly reappeared at auction. And when the young woman at the auction house who handled it is killed, Gemma doesn’t believe it’s a coincidence. Unfortunately, it’s not just the case that demands her attention as her mother has just been diagnosed with cancer.
I loved the fact that this one was more focused on Gemma than Duncan. Not that I don’t like Duncan, but Gemma is the more interesting character to me. Erika is a character that was introduced several books back when Gemma was assigned to Notting Hill, and she’s popped up a few times as a minor character. It was nice to see her more of a focus character. I also liked the fact that Kit was more involved with this one as well. This was also another book where the weaving of the past and present worked really well. Erika’s story past and present is what ties everything together.
Duncan spends a fair amount of time supporting Gemma in this one which is a change of dynamic for them and nice to see. I also like the fact that their personal dynamic seems to finally be settling in well rather than suffering more changes and challenges. While I like the fact that their relationship hasn’t been stagnant, it’s been frustrating when all they seem to have is setbacks. Between this and the last book, it finally feels like it’s not one step forward and two steps back for the couple, and I’m excited to see what might be next for them. Four out of five stars.