This is the story of a murder, the murder of a college student at Cambridge University. As the story unfolds, Mariana, the aunt and guardian of Zoe, whose roommate is the murder victim, tries to help Zoe with her grief. As a licensed therapist, Mariana not only tries to help Zoe recover but also find the murderer. It's definitely a slow burn but an enjoyable journey. I liked the references to Persephone and Demeter, Persephone, being the bride of Hades, King of the Underworld. I did have to look up some very english words that were not explained as well as a bedder, like a buttery and a punt, and punting is boating in a punt, and the punter moves the punt with a pole! The well drawn characters of Mariana and Zoe are easy to like and the author really makes you want them to survive and thrive, especially when faced with horrific obstacles and grief.