It's not my favorite in the series, mostly I think because of the Will They Won't They between Jane and a character named Lord Harold Trowbridge. Barron is great at bringing Austen's historical family and acquaintances to life, but Trowbridge is rare for the series in that he's a recurring character created entirely by Barron herself. And he's great.
He was introduced in the first Austen mystery as a potential suspect in the murder, a gentleman rogue who both infuriates and intrigues Austen. At least at first. When all is revealed, she's more intrigued than infuriated.
He mostly sits out the second book, but makes a full, welcome return in this one. We know enough about him now that we also know he's going to be an ally in Austen's investigation, but Barron reintroduces tension by showing that Austen and Trowbridge are clearly attracted to each other. Sadly, they come from very different social stations and Trowbridge's work keeps him moving around, so there are Obstacles.
It's a fun, compelling relationship, but in the Will They Won't They of it all, history has clearly revealed that They Won't. What keeps me interested is the question of Why Not. Barron is too good a writer not to have thought this through, so I trust that she has a plan for the couple. And I'm along for the ride of learning what that plan is.
Not that Wandering Eye gives any clues about that, which is what affects my enjoyment of the story some. It's only Trowbridge's second appearance, so the goal of the book (as far their relationship is concerned) is to push them back together and make us dig them as a potential couple. Which it does. I'm just impatient for more.
As for the mystery itself, it's good, but the backdrop of Bath's theatre community can't compare with the ghosts and pirates of the first two novels.
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