Set in post-Civil War Boston, the author creates a most likable character in Nell Sweeney. When a retired former actress is murdered along with her maid who supposedly murdered her employer, Nell seeks to discover if this is the case. Her surrogate father, Brady, is the maid's uncle. Devastated by her death and the verdict, he assures Nell that his niece would never do such a thing.As Nell begins to investigate, she encounters Will Hewitt, the father of her daughter. They have remained friends and he will help her with the investigation. They begin to explore the suspects, Orville Pratt, a rather unusual lover; Dr. Isaac Foster who seemingly loved the woman for who she was, Maximilian Thurston, a neighbor and friend and others.While I felt that one section moved slowly, the tale spiraled into conclusion with a most unlikely murderer and I felt that the author wrote an enjoyable mystery with a unique twist to end it. This is a good one and the series is recommended for those who like historical mysteries. This one went through the entire investigation unbelievably quickly, and some of the confessions/evidence that Nell and Will turfed up seemed so unlikely. I had a harder time suspending reality this time around, and the only thing that really has me coming back at this point is the hints of romance between Will and Nell. If it weren't for that, I probably would have abandoned the series after this one.
What do You think about Death On Beacon Hill (2010)?
love these charachters! Also love historical Boston setting.
—john
