But wait, there’s more. Wimsey is the ex-wife of an international communications company head recently arrested for felony who wants some damaging information she has in her possession. And the murder victim—fellow residence-facility tenant, the wealthy Madelyn Treschler—is not completely what she seems. We find out half way through the book that she “liked the look of expensive furniture, but not the cost, so had reproductions made of quality pieces” which she told everyone were authentic. But how does that relate to her dog? You’ll be amazed. And the surprise ending capitalizes on this kind of duplicity.

Robin Hardy is a polished writer and there isn’t a misstep in this excellent book (which is part of a series). Besides the homage to past mystery writers (including a couple quotes from Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes) she has a wonderful way of ending each chapter that just makes you want to read on: “’Has my Wimsey taken a fancy to being alone?’ She quickly looked up at Chas, smiling down at her from behind the bench.” Plus we find out what MMV men are; male residents with Money, Mobility and Viagra.