When a painting goes missing from Sir Balfour’s manor followed by the disappearance of his cook’s young soldier son means that police duo Stubbs and Furnivall are dispatched to investigate. When a mysterious person begins to take an interest, a body is found where it shouldn’t be and the painting appear to have more to them than meets the eye, the two officers have there work cut out for them.

This is the third book in the series starring Officers Stubbs and Furnivall and as a result their quirks and background are only briefly touched upon, but still give enough depth for a new reader to follow them. The mystery of what occurred was engaging enough that you were curious to see what had the resolution was, but the main problem is that the tale of them getting there is a lot longer that it possibly needs to be. The story does drag in the middle during the investigation, but if you can manage to get through it, how the investigation is completed is worthwhile. The writing style is descriptive, and paints a very clear picture of what has happened, vital for anyone looking to go back and see some of the clues afterwards as they are laid out.

Overall, the book is a touch long and dry but worth it, at least for the well-executed mystery being uncovered. I would also suggest reading the earlier books to see the previous adventure of the two protagonists.