A lot darker than the earlier three. The reason for the death at the wedding is horrific. The seamier side of polite society is revealed. And Maliha changes from the retiring lass in the earlier books. Definitely deserving of 5 stars.

This is an entertaining installment in the adventures of the intrepid female detective Maliha Anderson. Maliha is in Pondicherry, a colonial area in India ruled by the French. She works to solve a crime that has implications for relations between the French and British and that uncovers unpleasant secrets about her family.

The descriptions of alternate steam technology is detailed and excellent. This story is set in an alternate historical past in the early 20th century when Britain is the most powerful European empire. Maliha is a mixed race young woman who swims through, and struggles with, the cultural world of Indian natives and British rulers.

Fans of Valentine should read this installment to find interesting updates. This book is longer than previous stories about Maliha. There is sexual content so parents who think their children would be interested should read it first. Another solid addition to the the world of Maliha Anderson.

The writing and descriptions were once again great. I liked it for that. I did not like the story. It was a bit twisted for my taste. It did not go to the level of being disgusting, but I would not read another book of this series if it came out. I've certainly read more disturbing stories, but this one bothered me, but I think this one bothered me because it was so unexpected.