A TARNISHED CANVAS

An invitation to an art auction seriously imperils a husband-and-wife sleuthing team.

March 1833 finds Lady Kiera Darby and her husband, Sebastian Gage, in Edinburgh with their infant daughter. Instead of painting portraits of her usual wealthy clientele, Kiera is working on paintings of ordinary people with an eye to mounting her own exhibition. Gage, who’s used to investigating crimes, is restless. When the art collection of the late Lord Eldin is put up for auction, Kiera, who’s interested in several pieces, takes Gage to visit the venue housing the art. On returning the next day, they narrowly escape death when the floor collapses, sending a crowd plummeting to the floor below. Luckily, only one person is killed in what appears to be a terrible accident caused by poor construction. But Sgt. Maclean tells them it was sabotage and asks for their help in figuring out who might have been targeted. Then Bonnie Brock Kincaid calls to see if Kiera’s injured, annoying Gage and leaving Kiera unsure what to think. Bonnie Brock, the head of a criminal enterprise whose feelings for Kiera have saved both her and Gage in the past, warns her that the collapse was no accident. Although some ancient coins that were being auctioned have been replaced with fakes, nothing else is missing after the incident. Seeking a motive, the pair wonders if the collapse was an act of revenge for an earlier calamity that claimed many victims.

An engrossing historical mystery with plenty of twists and engaging characters to enjoy.