It's been a while since I read this trilogy, and I totally forgot Sam threw an apple at Bill Ferny. It's always the little things in this series that brighten my day.

Veronica could be less of a "know-it-all" heroine, but I enjoyed the banter between her and Stoker enough to be eager for the next installment. Plus, I'm a fan of Raybourn's side characters. Curious to see them in the second novel.

I enjoy her Julia Gray novels far more, but Veronica and Stoker are finally growing on me. I've had quite a few laughs at their banter.

"Shall I pause whilst you sing out a few verses of 'Nearer, My God, to Thee' or do you want to move directly to committing your soul into the hands of Jesus? I can wait."

The main character's internal dialogue was painfully repetitive. It was like reading an essay someone had BS'ed the night before it was due. Made it halfway, but I can't continue.