Sleight of Mind

By posing as the pregnant cast-off of the groom, Harmonie Ashler had stopped more than one wedding, saving the bride from countless unpleasant years. This one would have gone off without a hitch too if not for the buffoon, Wil Bregon. Wil had been hot on the trail of a suspected jewel thief when he collided with Harmonie, causing her pillow pregnancy to fall and the two to get arrested for causing a disturbance. Harmonie had been paid by the mother of the bride to disrupt the wedding. The bride's mother knew that Robert Huberts was a bounder, she just didn't realize to what degree. Wil is released early as his story checks out. He has had no dealings with Ms. Ashler and is free to continue his investigation. Instead he returns as Harmonie's lawyer, getting her charges dismissed through high courtroom drama.

Wil really needs to head back to Denver. Since his arrival in San Francisco he believes that he's seen and heard his late wife, Noelle. This had to be because of Harmonie's uncanny resemblence to her. Wil thinks he's losing his mind, there is no way that Harmonie is Noelle. They have more differences than similarities. Or perhaps it's Harmonie herself trying to convince him that he's seeing a ghost. Wil intends to find out who and why someone would go to such lengths to resurrect long dead emotions and recriminations.

Harmonie's life was knocked off kilter the moment she ran into Wil on the sidewalk. During the ride to the station in the paddy wagon she is struck by his looks under the elderly disguise. Wil is the exact image of her dream man. Harmonie will not be seduced by a pair of emerald green eyes and an above average physique.

Sleight of Mind is an engaging mystery with a subtle twist that the reader almost overlooks. Ms. Biondine has penned an enthralling whodunit with her own unique twist. She has portrayed Hermonie as strong progressive female who has perhaps found the man of her dreams and is undecided as to whether or not the rewards equal the hard work such a relationship will require. Wil is an unsettled soul, haunted by the past. He has become a jack-of-all-trades in order to outrun his own perceived misdeeds. Sleight of Mind had me completely boggled trying to figure out who or what was behind Wil's mysterious incidents concerning Noelle. This is another excellent addition to the tried and true world of mystery.

Reviewed by: Joletta