"Delightful historical mystery"
In 1902 New York, Police Chief Rick Bragg asks bluestocking
amateur sleuth Francesca Cahill to help investigate a
homicide as she has had some previous success. At first
the police thought the deceased was artist Melinda Neville
as the body was found in her apartment, but Francesca
identifies the corpse as Grace Conway, the mistress of her
brother Evan. The art studio was trashed just like that of
Evan's artist fiancé was last week. Francesca's sibling is
the link between the two crimes and is the prime suspect. As Rick and Francesca work closely together to uncover the
identity of a killer, they struggle with their love for one
another that cannot be fulfilled as he is unhappily
married. Though his wife left him to travel Europe for
four years, she is back and expects to restart their
relationship. His half-brother Calder Hart adds to the mix
as he informs Francesca she will soon become his fiancée. The fifth Cahill tale includes several unexpected personal
twists that add excitement to a delightful historical
mystery that uses amateur sleuth and police procedural
elements. The investigative story line is fun to follow as
Rick leans towards Evan being guilty while Francesca plans
to prove his innocence. Though the personnel rectangle
slows down the who-done-it, fans will enjoy seeing the
directions the lead couple goes setting up some intriguing
scenarios for future installments. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted March 25, 2003
In 1902 New York City, a famous stage actress is found
strangled in an artist's studio--and the artist has
vanished. Francesca Cahill is on the case, for the murder
victim is her brother's mistress, and she'll need help from
dynamic Police Commissioner Rick Bragg.
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