To be perfectly honest, this has the least believable plot of the series so far -- I apparently don't believe in the long reach of spymasters and I really hope I never have to lose that outlook. Nonetheless, I opened the book and could not put it down. Nonetheless, we see a wonderful furthering of romantic intent between Winslow and Darling with a bonus of Ames proving his skills as a solo detective. Nonetheless, the plot hooks you and carries you along. While I missed the glorious atmospheric BC setting of the other books, this one had much to recommend it in pulling back the curtain of Darling's wartime experiences. Delighted despite myself, and looking forward to more. Tried an audio version very briefly and it definitely isn't the right medium for this series for me. ( )

A departure from the West Kootenay saga of mysteries in the Nelson-Balfour-Procter area. I didn't care for this episode very much. The author wrote well but I had a major niggle with the implausible scenario that took Insp. Darling to England. The novel was redeemed only by Ames' managment of the murder over the river at Harrop. ( )

The story begins in wartime Europe when a British plane goes down in France. Two crew members are lost, but the other crew members manage to return home. Four years later Flight Lieutenant Darling, who is now, Inspector Darling in British Columbia, Canada, is called to investigate the possible murder of a British woman just outside the small town of King's Cove. Before the investigation can get underway, Inspector Darling is called back to England where he is charged with the murder of one of his airmen in the 1943 crash.

Inspector Darling's good friend Lane Winslow decides to follow him to London to find out why Darling has been charged with murder. She suspects that there is more to the story and witnesses are lying or covering for someone else. She is determined to help clear Darling's name. While they are away in London, Darling's subordinate, Constable Ames must take over the case of the murdered British woman, but it isn't long before Ames has to look towards England as well for answers to his case.

It Begins in Betrayal is a complex, multilayered and rather addictive wartime story. I'm so glad I had a chance to read this one. I can't wait to discover more in the Lane Winslow Mystery series.

Thanks to Touchwood Editions for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
More reviews at: www.susannesbooklist.blogspot.com ( )