Second in the Paradise Cafe series, this is another interesting, enjoyable read, with a likable heroine, an evocative setting in Depression-era 1936 Toronto, and not one, but two mysteries to solve.

When Charlotte Frayne, PI, is hired to investigate the suspicious suicide of a severely disfigured veteran, she must confront the impact of the horrors of wartime injuries (to both the victims and their ravaged families) head-on. As Charlotte delves deeper into the past of the mutilated victim and his recent relationships, a chilling sign of the times sees her empathetic but somewhat matter-of-fact acknowledgement of the horrific realities of wartime living, and the destitution of those left homeless and desperate in its wake.

A second case sees Charlotte seeking to rout out a union instigator from among the ranks of a women’s clothing manufacturer. With the appalling treatment of employees in general, and women in particular, during this time period, it’s no surprise that Charlotte’s undercover infiltration of the factory leads to discoveries both sickening and criminal.

As usual, handsome Detective Jack Murdoch plays a supporting role, as well as Charlotte’s new beau, the now divorced Hilliard Taylor, and his partners and employees in the Paradise Cafe.

A terrific series, I’m looking forward to the next read by this author, and another heart-tugging and thoughtful visit with Charlotte and her contemporaries.

A great big thank you to the publisher and the author for an ARC of this book. All thoughts provided are my own.