While this is not my favorite Layton novel, it is still a very good read, primarily because of the delicious male protagonist. He manages to be both manly and sensitive and behaves just as a hero ought. Granted, the heroine is a little single-minded in her pursuit of a "safe" older man, but the reader should remember that this is an abused woman who has been fighting for survival for many years. If it takes her a while to realize that she has developed beyond what she originally thought she wanted, that is to be expected.



Definitely recommended.