Scotland Yard superintendent Duncan Kincaid is sent to investigate a suspicious drowning
in the countryside outside of London at the home of distinguished conductor Sir Gerald
Asherton and his wife, Dame Caroline Storm, a renowned soprano. Their son-in-law, Connor
Swann's body has slipped through the local lock and drowned. When the body is recovered,
the police find suspicious bruises around his neck, and determine this is no accident
but a homicide.
Connor's wife and the Asherton's daughter, Julia is separated from Connor who was fond
of alcohol and horse races. She shows no emotion or grief at his death. Though they were
separated, Connor continued to lunch and maintains connection with Julia's parents.
Kincaid brings in Gemma to help him. Kincaid is fascinated by Julia while Gemma becomes
involved with Caroline and opera. The death of Connor recalls the tragedy of 20 years
ago. Julia witnessed the drowning of her brother, Matthew, a musical prodigy. Kincaid
finds a link between the two incidents. Their investigations lead to a startling and
surprising ending.
The mystery is an intriguing one. The description of Matthew's drowning is graphic.
The characters are well developed with Kincaid and Gemma struggling to make a place for
themselves and each other professionally and personally. The solution is surprising and
satisfying. We hope to follow the development of the relationship between Kincaid and
Gemma in future novels.