The brilliant young detective-hero Xavier Kilgarven is confronted with three baffling cases that tax his genius for detection to the utmost, just as his forbidden passion for his cousin Perdita becomes an obsession that shapes his life.

Originally published in 1984 by The Ontario Review Press.

The virgin in the rose-bower; or, The tragedy of Glen Mawr Manor -- Devil's half-acre; or, The mystery of the "cruel suitor" -- The bloodstained bridal gown; or, Xavier Kilgarvan's last case.