London, England – 1825

Gabriel Noble is a man with vengeance in his heart, and to keep it under control he has devoted his life to seeing justice done against people wrongfully accused. Of course, he takes the larger society cases too, at ten thousand pounds apiece, but he also accepts cases of people who can't afford to pay. From them, he expects three favors to be collected upon demand at a future time. Sort of like the Godfather doing you a favor, and expecting your cooperation later. Until one night, a new referral comes to his door with an interesting case . . .

Marietta Winters's brother Kenny has just been arrested as the Middlesex Murderer. Feelings are running high, and after several murders, the public is glad to find someone to accuse and put behind bars, or perhaps hang as soon as possible. A card for Mr. Noble given by a friend appears to be her last chance to free her brother. Since she has no money to pay for his services, three favors would appear to be her payment if Gabriel agrees to help her. But just what kind of favors could a man like him get from her? She might be a poor member of a society that has turned their noses up at her, but Gabriel's unholy beauty and sensual attitude sincerely make her wonder if she could resist him if he dared ask for something more personal.

For the investigation, Marietta must move in with Gabriel and become his accomplice in wearing disguises and stalking the underbelly of London trying to fit together small bits of information. But when a second murder occurs, it doesn't free her brother, but makes people believe her other brother Mark did it to take the pressure off Kenny. Gabriel's mysterious past is under a cloud, and his life is unraveling in a way he cannot stop. But the clues scare Gabriel, and he must make the biggest decision of his life.

Anne Mallory has created a determined, sharp tongued woman at the end of her tether; it's Gabriel’s way or death for her brother. Gabriel has a vast amount of sexual attitude that he uses to his advantage, although he seems not to know why he does it. He has kept himself apart from other women, but what is it about Marietta's attitude that piques his interest? Marietta knows her personality is not appreciated by everybody, but she is certainly tenacious about trying to free her brother. Fully familiar with the London of old, Ms. Mallory leads us a merry dance as she gives out clues in little bits, but never lets us into the big picture until the end.

Gabriel has friends, acquaintances, and contacts all through London, but is essentially a loner, still living with the horrors of his younger years. His brother Jeremy is going to stay in school and get the education denied Gabriel; Jeremy is to be protected at all costs. Dresden is the Bow Street Runner determined to convict Kenny, Marietta's brother Mark, or even her as the Middlesex Murderer. Various other possible people could be the murderer, but when it intersects with Gabriel's life, he has to handle putting himself and his family in danger.

THEE NIGHTS OF SIN has all the elements of a modern mystery, only set in early London, a time of mysterious murders and awful things happening in back parts of town. Rip-roaring action, sexual shenanigans, and tortured characters make THREE NIGHTS OF SIN a fanciful read that will hold your interest all the way through. What three favors could you provide Gabriel in exchange for the life of someone you love?

Carolyn Crisher