Picture this: a luxurious Turkish bath in early 1900s England. It's one of the few places where women of all social classes can gather, free from the watchful eyes of men. Here, under the guise of relaxation, secrets are shared and masks come off.

The Story

The plot kicks off with a simple case of mistaken identity. A well-to-do visitor, Iris, overhears a shocking confession in the steam. What starts as a private scandal soon tangles up the lives of several other bath-goers, including a sharp-witted journalist looking for a story. The mystery isn't about a crime in the traditional sense, but about unraveling the truth behind the gossip before reputations are ruined. The bath itself becomes a character—a pressure cooker where the rules of polite society dissolve.

Why You Should Read It

Rita writes with a sharp, witty eye. She perfectly captures the voices and hidden frustrations of her characters. The real thrill isn't a chase scene; it's the tension of a whispered secret that could blow up a comfortable life. Reading it today, you realize how little human nature has changed. We still gossip, we still judge, and we all wear different faces in public. The book is a brilliant snapshot of its time, but the feelings are timeless.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who enjoy classic authors like Jane Austen or Edith Wharton, but want something with a quicker, gossipy pace. It's a must for anyone curious about social history, or for fans of character-driven mysteries where the puzzle is made of people, not clues. Don't expect fast-paced action—expect a smart, simmering drama that proves sometimes the most dangerous weapons are words.