Like the first book in this series, A Curious Beginning, this book was a light, fun read filled with witty banter and sexual tension between the leads, Veronica Speedwell, a lepidopterist with a penchant for mystery-solving, and Revelstoke Templeton-Vane AKA Stoker, a grumpy but loyal, sweet-loving natural scientist with tattoos and an eyepatch just to add a hint of danger to his appearance. The period is Victorian England, and, like the first book, this story takes place in London. Since both the leads are adventurers, I really hope future books take place in a different location so we can see them in a new environment. 
 Anyway, this was another mystery interspersed with Victorian flair; there's professional mourners, bohemian artists, and an opium den. The only aspect of this story that I didn't enjoy was (view spoiler)[when Veronica and Stoker visit an opium den and Veronica insists on 'wearing a disguise' and basically dressing up like a Chinese servant. It was pretty cringe-worthy, and made me lose some respect for Veronica. I know Orientalism was part of the era, but I was hoping Veronica, being modern and open-minded, would be above that. (hide spoiler)]. The mystery itself wasn't particularly complicated, but it was still a fun journey and Deanna Raybourn has definitely built a world that's easy to get absorbed in even if the mystery isn't super engrossing. Overall, another enjoyable read from Raybourn, and I'll definitely keep reading if new books are released starring Veronica and Stoker. I really hope there is more character development on their end and that Veronica finally gets some action, but it's only book two so there's hope. Recommended if you enjoy witty dialog between leads, historical mysteries, and cheeky detectives.