A good story and an interesting look into post-Civil War Boston.
Christina B. (catyasdo) -
Quoted from my review @ http://misscz.wordpress.com
The Hewitts have gone to the Cape for their annual summer retreat, but Nell has remained in Boston to clear Detective Cook's name. The odious, and disgraced, ex-detective Charles Skinner is sure that Nell is conspiring to keep him hidden, and he has threatened Nell. This doesn't weaken her resolve to help her friend, but it puts her in danger. Before she gets far in the investigation, Will shows up and offers to help her - and protect her from Skinner.
Will has returned from Shanghai, having realized that it's too easy to give in to temptation. Will rather not loose his hard-won battle against opium addiction, or loose Nell's regard, by returning to old habits. But nothing has changed for him in Boston, so Will is still in the same predicament he was before - in love with a woman he can't have. He has two job offers to contemplate while helping Nell clear Cook's name: take the five year teaching contract at Harvard, or go to France at President Grant's request. Something has changed, though. Nell has begun to question her devotion to the Catholic Church. Will's words to her at Gracie's birthday party,the previous year, have affected her more than he knows - that it would be the Church, not God, turning its back on her if she was excommunicated. For the first time, Nell is willing to pursue a divorce.
The ending is even more heart breaking than the previous book.
Favorite Quote:
"You befriended me when I needed a friend, you saved me when I needed a savior. Your presence in my life has shone a light upon my soul that will never be extinguished. For that precious gift, I shall be forever in your debt."
- Will's note to Nell
The Hewitts have gone to the Cape for their annual summer retreat, but Nell has remained in Boston to clear Detective Cook's name. The odious, and disgraced, ex-detective Charles Skinner is sure that Nell is conspiring to keep him hidden, and he has threatened Nell. This doesn't weaken her resolve to help her friend, but it puts her in danger. Before she gets far in the investigation, Will shows up and offers to help her - and protect her from Skinner.
Will has returned from Shanghai, having realized that it's too easy to give in to temptation. Will rather not loose his hard-won battle against opium addiction, or loose Nell's regard, by returning to old habits. But nothing has changed for him in Boston, so Will is still in the same predicament he was before - in love with a woman he can't have. He has two job offers to contemplate while helping Nell clear Cook's name: take the five year teaching contract at Harvard, or go to France at President Grant's request. Something has changed, though. Nell has begun to question her devotion to the Catholic Church. Will's words to her at Gracie's birthday party,the previous year, have affected her more than he knows - that it would be the Church, not God, turning its back on her if she was excommunicated. For the first time, Nell is willing to pursue a divorce.
The ending is even more heart breaking than the previous book.
Favorite Quote:
"You befriended me when I needed a friend, you saved me when I needed a savior. Your presence in my life has shone a light upon my soul that will never be extinguished. For that precious gift, I shall be forever in your debt."
- Will's note to Nell
Very good mystery
These stories are stand-alone novels but because of the changes in the relationships between characters, it is best to read them in order. Nell's friend, Colin Cook, a state constable is being hunted for killing a man in the North End. Because this is such a dangerous section of London, Will Hewitt won't let Nell search for clues to find the real killer by herself. They are developing into a fascinating pair of sleuths.
The author has her finger on the pulse of London in the late 1860s and early 1870s. Her descriptions make the odors and sounds of this immigrant slum area come alive. It is clear that the Irish immigrants are not afforded any respect from the people of Boston.
The real joy is this book is the continuing development of the characters and the thorny dilemmas they must face. The romance is very understated. Nell can't get a divorce without destroying her life and Will knows he cannot maintain his distance from Nell, as he has promised. What are they to do? Â
Gilded Age Mystery
1. Still Life with Murder (2003)
2. Murder in a Mill Town (2004)
3.Death on Beacon Hill (2005)
4. Murder on Black Friday (2005)Â
** 5.Murder in the North End (2006)
6. A Bucket of Ashes (2007)Â Â
The author has her finger on the pulse of London in the late 1860s and early 1870s. Her descriptions make the odors and sounds of this immigrant slum area come alive. It is clear that the Irish immigrants are not afforded any respect from the people of Boston.
The real joy is this book is the continuing development of the characters and the thorny dilemmas they must face. The romance is very understated. Nell can't get a divorce without destroying her life and Will knows he cannot maintain his distance from Nell, as he has promised. What are they to do? Â
Gilded Age Mystery
1. Still Life with Murder (2003)
2. Murder in a Mill Town (2004)
3.Death on Beacon Hill (2005)
4. Murder on Black Friday (2005)Â
** 5.Murder in the North End (2006)
6. A Bucket of Ashes (2007)Â Â
