Merula has hatched a rare, exotic, and large butterfly. She is thrilled when she and Uncle Rupert attend a zoological lecture. Attendants do not believe that the butterfly is real and that its glass case contained something with only the illusion of life. Once the butterfly emerges from the case it lands on the arm of the guest of honor Lady Sophia, and she promptly dies.

Uncle Rupert is arrested for murder and Merula sets out to prove his innocence. She has help along the way from Lord Raven Royston, the same man who had encouraged the release of the butterfly from the case. If Uncle Rupert didn’t kill Lady Sophie, and we know he did not, who did? How will a young woman and a mysterious Lord find the truth without the murderer coming after them too?

This is an intriguing series debut featuring characters whom the reader won’t soon forget. The setting of Victorian England is something I find I enjoy more and more, and I was delighted to be given the opportunity to read and review this book.

There are times when I am inclined to think that history shows us much slower and not as busy lifestyles. The details and the intricacy of maintaining one’s place in proper society prove me wrong. Things were just as hurried and quite busy, but in a manner different from modern society.

This is an August release so would make for good late summer reading, or to kick off the fall with an engaging and informative story that will keep you reading for hours on end. Highly recommended!