I love classic era mysteries with Bright Young Things in grand country houses, and this is a good one with plenty going on at all times. The author has researched the period thoroughly, and the shadow of the Great War hangs over everything, as it should do for historical accuracy. Jack is a sympathetic sleuth with a living to earn and a genuine affection for his friends but a sensibly impartial view when he has a case to solve. As such, he makes a good protagonist who stands a little aside from the entanglements, which allows him to get on with finding whodunit as well as lifting the spirits of the story. There is romance in here as well as abundant action, and despite the anguished Arthur and war reminiscences this is still a cozy in the broadest sense of the term. Ignore the mention of "torture" on the flyleaf as there isn’t any; this is just not that type of novel. Instead, sit back with a pot of tea, and enjoy a real classic era novel that will doubtlessly make my Top Ten again.