This book is part of the author’s substantial ‘Ironwood’ series, and as such it does assume, to some extent, the reader’s knowledge of the set-up of the establishment in which it takes place, one dedicated to the training of young ladies in the amatory arts, all for the benefit of a male membership with specialised tastes. However, lack of such knowledge hardly hinders appreciation of the interactions that take place there. The goals of the training have much in common with the training methods employed, which invariably involve the application of punitive instruments to the tender back parts of the trainees. Suitably stimulating rewards are usually provided to complement such applications. Within this disciplinary set-up, rigorous obedience is expected, and this book reports a series of episodic encounters between a member and a number of the skilled inmates. The erotic writing is superb, and highly atmospheric, although a certain formulaic element may be detected. ( )