Set in small but cosmopolitan coastal villages in southeast England and northwest France, this Inspector Roderick Alleyn mystery centering on drugs and murder is as comforting and satisfying as a cup of Earl Grey tea. With the deft touch of a master, Marsh paints her highly visual English countryside sets and charming, gracious characters--mixing a broad canvas of upper-class aristocrats, Bohemian artists, channel-faring sailors and dock hands, with the odd village nutter thrown in for good measure. Nadia May is unfaltering in carrying off this wonderful work which, in its simplicity, is a throwback to a less complicated, more gently paced period. M.D.H. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine