Tempted at Every Turn

July 9, 2007
The battle of the sexes tests more than just wills in this charming Victorian whodunit romance, the third installment in DeHart’s Ladies’ Amateur Sleuth Society series. The handsome and cocky Insp. James Sterling is known for his anything-goes daring-do, often implementing illegal but successful strategies to catch criminals, a habit that angers his superiors—and frustrates his new partner, by-the-rules Willow. Willow Mabson is a dutiful daughter with a secret penchant for crime solving; she fulfills her Sherlockian impulses with the help of her three closest friends, who make up the aforementioned Sleuth Society. After the inspector challenges her, the two put their heads together to solve the case of a murdered society photographer. James learns to see past Willow’s homely facade, discovering a passionate, intelligent and curvaceous lady beneath. When the investigation strikes close to home, however, Willow must re-evaluate her values, the strength of her family bonds and the importance love plays in her life. Though the romance proves predictable, DeHart’s thoroughly enjoyable mystery bolsters it nicely, which should make this a pleasure for fans of the off-beat series.