Touchstone by Laurie King – one of the best I’ve read in awhile. King writes a couple series that I’ve followed for years — the Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes series is fabulous, while her Kate Martinelli series is okay. This book is a departure from both and is really well-done. Set just after World War I in England, the story follows American agent Harris Stuyvesant as he pursues a British anarchist bomber who has been practicing his craft in America. In order to get close to the anarchist, Stuyvesant enlists the help of Bennett Grey, a decorated but much wounded WWI vet. Grey’s sister, Sarah, is a close confidant of the anarchist and provides Stuyvesant with a way to become part of their inner circle. Grey’s injury in the war left him a virtual anntenna for human emotion and dissonance. He can tell if someone is lying as easily as he can tell gold from gilt. Rolled up in this mix is the sinister British agent Carstairs, who is working to develop a lie detector and wants Grey as his lab rat. Supporting the story is a cast of well-developed characters, lush country settings, and spot on dialogue. If you like tightly plotted mysteries in the vein of Renie Airth, you’ll love this one.
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