Bess Crawford, home on leave from her nursing duties in World War I France, finds a woman cowering in the cold doorway of her London flat. Julianna has run from her abusive husband and has nowhere to turn. At Julianna’s request Bess returns with her to Vixen Hill, the Ellis family estate in Sussex. To say the Ellis family is dysfunctional would be an understatement. Per the other Bess Crawford mysteries, murder ensues and Bess and family friend Simon are there to help set things right. An interesting, if somewhat unbelievable story sends Bess back to France in search of the illegitimate daughter of Julianna’s husband – where Bess meets a charming Aussie army officer with the moniker “Kingfisher”. A fun read for mystery lovers, with some gothic moors and World War I atmosphere to add interest.