"To Write a Wrong" by Jen Turano - The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency, book 2

Miss Daphne Beekman is a mystery writer by day, inquiry agent by night. Known for her ability to puzzle out plots, she happily works behind the scenes for the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, staying well away from danger. However, when Mr. Herman Henderson arrives on the doorstep of the agency, desperate for someone to investigate numerous attempts on his life, Daphne soon finds herself in the thick of a case she's determined to solve. Mr. Herman Henderson is also a mystery writer, but unlike the dashing heroes he pens, he prefers living a quiet life, determined to avoid the fate of his adventurous parents, who perished while searching for the Lost City of Gold. As the list of suspects grows and sinister plots are directed at Daphne, the situation quickly deteriorates, and a revealed secret jeopardizes their newfound affection. Only time will tell if Daphne will be able to regain Herman's trust and save both their lives.

This book was delightful, full of Turano's trademark humor. Daphne cracked me up, both her actual personality and whatever peculiar persona she adopts under cover. Some of her peculiarities make a lot more sense as we learn her history, and it was fun to meet her family (whom she clearly loves dearly, but is also frequently exasperated with). In spite of being a man who avoids adventure, Herman manages to be quite dashing anyway, especially as his affection for Daphne grows. 

There are some mature themes in the story--primarily related to assault--that were handled well: neither graphic nor victim-shaming, but also neither downplaying the wrong. I wouldn't hesitate to let a teenager read it. On the mystery aspect, I was highly amused by the author's treatment of "trite tropes," as Daphne called them. 

I loved their discussion on the famed notion of love at first sight--that maybe it's not love at first sight, but the possibility of love from one glimpse. I think that's a more accurate description; it's hard to truly fall in love with someone you don't know, but sometimes one can recognize that this is someone I could easily fall in love with after meeting only once. I wasn't expecting such a thought-provoking line, but there you go!

Thank you Bethany House and NetGalley for the complimentary e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency
1. To Steal a Heart
2. To Write a Wrong
3. To Disguise the Truth