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"People do such strange things to cover their guilt."

The wealthy upper crust of Paragon Walk squeezed the mind-dulling monotony of friendships and marriage into embarrassments and silence. Trivialities and flaws were hidden behind a polished front. As much as propriety would permit, men were allowed to play their games. That is, until it lead to murder.

A darker conflict drove this story. The he-said, she-said camaraderie that I was hoping to occur between Thomas and his wife, Charlotte, was seriously lacking. Their baby girl, Jemima, was written in as a nonplus. Actually, now that I have the opportunity to think about it, Ms. Perry has the gift of imagination but lacked the ability to include depth into her characters' relationships. The closest this point came into being was between Charlotte and her sister, Emily. But even then, confidences were glossed over.

This was the third story in this series. By now I had expected, at minimum, to attach myself to the main protagonists. I awaited the experience of stepping back in time for clues that make a great historical mystery. It may have just come down to personal taste and the correct frame of mind but I was disappointed with Paragon Walk. Most likely I will read one more book to see if things pick up; if not, I am done.