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SERIES REVIEW

The premise is that the new viscount Piers Withan has been forced into the position unexpectedly after the death of several relatives. Despondent, the new Lord Petteril arrives at the London mansion and finds a young boy looting valuables from the house. The viscount, who has the unfortunate condition of “face-blindness,” decides not to turn the burglar over to the authorities and instead employs him as his tiger. Together, they begin to solve mysteries, the first one being: which of Lord Petteril’s unkind relatives stole an heirloom necklace from the safe?

Piers is the best kind of hero: competent, kind, and brooding. Ape, his new tiger, quickly becomes attached to the viscount, assisting by quietly reminding him who individuals are so that Piers can recognize people without embarrassment.

It’s hard to review a series without giving spoilers, and (knowing nothing about the series when I started it) I greatly enjoyed all the surprises as the story unfolded. I will simply say that each book has its own mystery to solve, but the overarching story and the well-drawn characters will keep you reaching for the next one.