This is the second book in the Sophie Rathenau series. Still trying to cope with past grief while hiding from Important Powers, Sophie gets further embroiled in trouble when she tries to locate a missing Jesuit priest.

Matters aren't completely as they seem on the surface, and all the characters are deliciously plotting against each other. Despite her personal stresses, Sophie manages (most of the time) to keep a clear head as she heads deeper into danger.

Neilson's prose is considerably richer than I generally read, and this isn't a book to rush through. With the plot and language both being complex, it's probably best enjoyed in small bites (but quickly enough that you don't lose track what's going on).

The entire book is narrated by Sophie, and she has such a distinctive voice (and modern attitude) that I found myself chuckling at times.

Well worth reading if you enjoy historical fiction, mysteries, social machinations or mellifluent language. And of course a strong female lead.