The Makepeaces are better as central characters than secondary.
I used to find Asa aggravating, but in this? Not so much. I loved his patience, although he wasn't. I loved his dirty yet sweet mouth, and I loved his passion for his job.
When I read [b:The Governess Affair|13190596|The Governess Affair (Brothers Sinister, #0.5)|Courtney Milan|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1363009352s/13190596.jpg|18371803], I realized that hair pins can be ridiculously hot. They worked here too.
Though this book wasn't dealing with light subjects, with Eve (smart-as-a-whip Eve) having suffered trauma-I did like how light it seemed. Asa and Eve gave great banter. I also liked that extra little insight into Val.
Basically, I'm busy bingeing. (4.5)