LOVE DIES TWICE

In the sixth book of Wilson’s mystery series, amateur sleuth Cassandra Reilly must figure out who killed a gay activist editor before she becomes a victim herself.

Cassandra, a busy professional translator of novels from Spanish into English, reluctantly attends an academic lecture in London at the behest of Avery Armstrong, a literary agent of her acquaintance. Avery is worried that well-known lesbian writer Vonn Henley will accost Fiona Craig, who’s written a biography about her sister-in-law, beloved mystery writer Stella Terwicker. Fiona’s book explores Stella’s literary greatness but fails to mention the same-sex relationships in her past. Vonn causes no stir but later winds up suspiciously drowned. Cassandra starts investigating, traveling throughout England and to the medieval city of Bruges, Belgium, where most of Stella’s mysteries are set. She discovers a web of secret entanglements dating back to Vonn’s involvement with a feminist publishing collective in the 1980s. In her youth, Vonn made plenty of enemies with her philandering ways and cutting editorial remarks; Vonn’s ex-lover Gayle,the acerbic Vida Carrasco, and Vonn’s dodgy neighbor Kristi all have secrets, as do Fiona and Avery. As Cassandra gets closer to the truth, she also finds danger. With faithful friend Nicky Gibbons’ help, can she expose the culprit? Wilson’s latest Reilly mystery is the second after a two-decade break in the series. Although this installment’s plot doesn’t lead to a huge surprise, the characterization is excellent. As one would expect from a Lambda Literary Award winner, Wilson’s characters are well rounded with multiple strengths and weaknesses, including the highly self-aware Cassandra, who often doubts then reaffirms herself. The vibrant principals are all over 60 and lead refreshingly passionate lives. The author’s senses of place and history, particularly regarding the Beguine community at Bruges, are masterful, and her discussion of the nuances of love is well rendered.

A winning mystery featuring complex discussions of sexuality and feminist history.