Publisher's Weekly Review
More romance than mystery, this middling series kickoff from Cleeland (Tainted Angel) introduces aloof Scotland Yard Chief Insp. Michael Acton and the novice he has plucked from the ranks to assist him in homicide investigations, Constable Kathleen Doyle. Doyle has a "talent for sorting out the truth," but her inexperience shows in such acts as entering a tack room in search of evidence in a horse trainer's murder before a witness, allowing him to lock her in and escape. That error does nothing to lessen her in Acton's eyes. Creepily, each chapter begins with his thoughts about his subordinate (e.g., "He was on a precipice, painful and pleasurable. He could sense she was not indifferent; he had only to risk it"). Risk it he does, and the focus on their burgeoning relationship puts the investigation into several murders, including one with a personal link, too much in the background. Agent: Jane Dystel, Dystel & Goderich Literary Management. (Aug.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Review
An unlikely pair of detectives bond over a case as complex as it is dangerous. Scotland Yard newbie Kathleen Doyle can't understand why Chief Inspector Michael Acton, hereditary peer and public school graduate, chose her of all people to help him solve the murder of a trainer at Kempton Park racetrack. Fresh from Limerick, Doyle has a reputation for being able to spot a liar. Her youth and inexperience, however, get her into trouble time and again. First, she bashes two unmarked cars, forcing her to commute to work by subway. Then, an informant named Danny Capper lures her into a tack room and bolts, shutting the detective constable inside. When she comes unglued at the scene of an apparent murder-suicide, she's sure she'll get the sack. But Acton soon reveals that it's not just her intuition that appeals to him; it's also that little mole at the nape of her neck. Pretty soon, he's showing her moves that aren't included in the CID handbook. Doyle is overwhelmed by his interest but makes it clear that she doesn't want to jeopardize her job. Clearing up the Kempton Park case, as well as the other murders that flow from it, seems the surest way to keep her career on track. But what connects the trainer's murder to the killings of Capper's mistress, a couple in Somers Town and a forensic pathologist? And will her possessive chief inspector let her take the risks that are necessary to solve the crime? Cleeland's series debut focuses on the unorthodox love story. Here's hoping that detection catches up with passion as the Acton and Doyle series moves on.]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Chief Inspector Acton of Scotland Yard, a British lord, and his protegee, first-year Detective Constable Kathleen Doyle, an Irish redhead of humble origins, definitely rate readers' attention. Doyle's gift for reading people makes her invaluable to the veteran inspector, yet she struggles to keep her coveted entry position and build on her meager education by using multisyllabic words she's researched and practiced to enlarge her vocabulary and impress Acton. Their growing bond is deftly depicted by Cleeland as Acton quietly offers a loan to Doyle, who is trying to make ends meet. From pride and professionalism, she declines, but the telling incident lingers powerfully for her, just as this entertaining pair will linger in readers' imaginations, making them want more. Their first venture in a planned series involves a racecourse trainer, possibly involved with dangerous underworld types, whose murder is quickly followed by his girlfriend's. Hopefully, the sequel will follow quickly, too.--Scott, Whitney Copyright 2010 Booklist
Library Journal Review
In this series launch by Cleeland (Tainted Angel), first-year DC Kathleen Doyle can't believe her good luck when her gift for interrogation lands her a spot working with exalted CI Michael Acton, who also happens to be a lord. By all accounts-including those of her jealous coworkers-Doyle has no business working with the seasoned investigator. But the oddball pairing gets results. Doyle, who admires Acton but feels inadequate due to her modest Irish upbringing, is completely taken aback when he suddenly proposes marriage as if it is the most sensible thing in the world. The duo's relationship progresses awkwardly as they investigate a series of murders that, while they appear completely unrelated, have one important similarity: all of the victims are Irish. Acton's feelings for Doyle raise the stakes as he becomes increasingly concerned she may be in the killer's sights. VERDICT The detectives' investigation is secondary to the story, with the real hook being the relationship between Acton and Doyle. Female mystery readers may appreciate the chemistry between the lead characters; however, some may find the pace and situation surrounding the relationship implausible.-Vicki Briner, City Coll. Lib., Fort -Lauderdale, FL (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.