It's time for the annual Whitsun dance, and this year it is combined with a steam rally (think all things that are run by steam). This time James and Beth are actually asked to help out with a case ... keeping an eye on someone living well beyond his means. He is one nasty fellow, and his son ! ... well, you'll have to read Lord James Harrington and the Whitsun Mystery by Lynn Florkiewicz to learn more! This is a fun series, I'm enjoying learning about local festivals and folk lore.

As with other books by Martin Walker, the reader learns a bit of history in The Children Return. The body that is found turns out to belong to an undercover agent. A missing (and special needs) son has returned home ... where has he been, and what has he been doing? All sorts of international police types are brought in this time, making for a compelling if sometimes uncomfortable read. Is the missing son a maker of bombs? Can he even stand trial? And, as for the history, a woman, a Jewish woman, has returned wanting to see again where she and her brother were hidden from German soldiers. Tracking this down is an adventure in itself! And, of course, there are descriptions of amazing meals.

Reading Hermit With Dog