Lori has also inherited enough money to be a lady of leisure, though she spends much of her time, when she is not with her twin five-year-old sons, volunteering at local organizations. One of her favorites is a men’s shelter headed by Father Julian Bright and currently she spends time at the Radcliffe Infirmary as a visitor for patients who don’t get many visits.

Lori quickly befriends Elizabeth Beacham who is in the final stages of cancer. Though the two quickly become friends, Lori is surprised when after Elizabeth’s death she receives a letter from Elizabeth’s attorney asking Lori to select any items from the woman’s apartment she would like, particularly a special desk. Lori is shocked when she sees the woman’s apartment and sees the antique furnishings. Lori is hesitant to take the delicate desk with two young boys, but a secret compartment reveals a family photo album and a toy hedgehog. Lori sets out to find Elizabeth’s estranged brother, whom she was apparently very close to at one time. Along the way she learns how altruistic Elizabeth was and meets many people whose lives she touched while she was alive and continues to touch after her death.

The Aunt Dimity series, while often short on murders, is always full of charm. Lori is a delightful character, though the amount of time she is away from her young sons working for her charities is sometimes troubling. She is able to quickly size people up and is usually correct with her judgment. She puts a lot of energy into everything she does and has a pretty nice life. She is a very kind person and teaches her sons respect for everyone, though she does wish they weren’t quite so comfortable with the homeless men from Father Julian’s when they meet on the street. Searching for Elizabeth’s past is satisfying even if the end results aren’t. Those looking for a gentle, afternoon English breeze will enjoy the story, though they shouldn’t be surprised when there are no bodies lying around to be discovered.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry