It Begins in Betrayal

By: Iona Whishaw

Narrated by: Marilla Wex

Finalist for a 2019 Lefty Award

The fourth book in what the Globe and Mail has proclaimed “a terrific series” by “a writer to watch”.

Summer descends over the picturesque King’s Cove as Darling and Lane’s mutual affection blossoms. But their respite from solving crime is cut short when a British government official arrives in Nelson to compel Darling to return to England for questioning about the death of a rear gunner under his command in 1943.

In Darling’s absence, Ames oversees the investigation into the suspicious death of a local elderly woman and uncovers a painful betrayal inflicted 40 years earlier. Meanwhile, Lane follows Darling to London, where he is charged with murder and faces hanging. While desperately seeking answers, Lane is presented with a proposal that could save the man she loves, but only if she returns to the very life she sought to leave behind.

©2018 Iona Whishaw (P)2021 TouchWood Editions

Critic reviews

“Good plot and fun characters keep this series fresh.” (Globe and Mail)

“Brilliant! Absolutely in the spirit of Dorothy Sayers’ Harriet Vane/Peter Wimsey mysteries, but smart and fresh in its own right. For lovers of cozy mysteries and British police procedurals - there’s even a murder investigation in which evidence includes fragments of a broken tea set - this title will not disappoint.... The writing was wonderful, the plotting rock-solid, and I adored these characters. Can’t wait to delve into the backlist and discover what I’ve been missing.” (Kerry Clare, author of Mitzi Bytes)

Exciting and suspenseful

This is the best Lane Winslow book so far. Both the young Canadians - policeman and ex-spy - are back in England, under circumstances far far from pleasant. He is accused of a war crime, and while Lane works to help him, she gets forcefully drawn into her old job. The history, the legal case, the lies and blackmail had me on the edge of my seat. Oh my! Such suspense. And an ending very suitable. Oh, and Sargent Ames, left to hold the fort, has a murder mystery to solve on his own!! Excellent!

Fantastic Addition to Historical Series

When Inspector Darling is summoned back to England to clarify his report about the downing of his bomber in France in 1943, he fears that it is not routine. Within days of his arrival, he is arrested for the murder of a member of his crew. A phone call from Darling's friend and fellow pilot moves Lane to fly to London to clear his name. Methodical and determined, Lane sets about to solve the mystery of why, 4 years after the crash, Darling has been set up. As she gathers information another question begins to take precedent, who is behind this?

I am already a huge fan of author Iona Whishaw's Lane Winslow series, having read the books prior to listening to the audio books. This story is so gripping and well told, that even though I have read it before, I was loathe to set the audio aside for any other task. Expertly narrated by Marilla Wex.

Another good one from Iona wishaw

The characters are beginning to develop with families and histories. The mystery was almost a side story but well done.