Publisher's Weekly
Businesswoman Alison Hope, having set up shop and residence in Little Hopford, England, promptly becomes the chief suspect in the murder of her partner in this lively debut mystery. The victim, a roue who had recently deserted his family, had attempted to extort money from Hope, learns investigating officer Detective Inspector Trevellyan, who becomes smitten with a beautiful and volatile young woman. As other suspects turn up, among them an IRA assassin, a penny-dreadful journalist, and a bookie with a penchant for brutalizing gamblers, Trevellyan believes he'll find the killer and reach romantic bliss. Unhappily, another slaying, for which Hope has motive and opportunity, forestalls his plans. Blinded by love, Trevellyan overlooks the most obvious suspect, making himself and Hope targets for murder. Kelly creates a spicy plot with strong characters and an old-fashioned love affair in this first of a projected series.

Library Journal
Also already known as a writer in England, Kelly now tries her hand at traditional village mystery, introducing detective Nick Trevellyan and friend Alison Hope. Rural Hop Valley plays host to a small group of well-drawn characters, most of whom gather at Hope's open house only to find themselves suspect in the bludgeon murder of Hope's cousin late that night. As Trevellyan probes into alibis and motives, he becomes increasingly involved with the independent and attractive Alison. This is a pleasant diversion and a promise of more good things to come.