I was expecting a quick "cosy mystery." What I got was a well written picture of the life of an independent girl on the Midwestern prairies of the 1870s. There is enough to learn that it's a bit of a slower read than I expected, but it's engaging enough that I still wanted to keep reading. I was fascinated by the histories and fate of all the characters, and Ms. Steen managed to make me somewhat sympathetic to them all. Even the villain, though I was glad at his downfall, I cared about why he had become what he was.
A bit of a spoiler, I suppose, but although there is plenty of excitement and suspense, we only see one murder. And that isn't any of the women or children. There are three deaths in the book itself: murder, accident and natural causes. And there are, I think, seven deaths mentioned but not pictured. Of these four are thought to be murders and the rest are accidents or disease. Most of the horrible things that happen are left to the imagination, and the people who act horribly are pretty well depicted as horrible people. There is quite a bit of ablism and a bit of racism (I'm sure there would be more but the setting has very few people of color) but this is well portrayed as an action of people who think of no one but themselves.
I enjoyed the story, I loved many of the characters, and as long as the author can keep her style and craft without giving in to the temptation to just churn out a quick book, I think I may read more in this series.
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It is one thing to plan to make plans; it is another thing to execute one’s intentions.Highlighted by 148 Kindle readers- It seemed to me that one lie constantly engendered another, like an ever-replicating swarm.Highlighted by 135 Kindle readers
- “And sometimes the Lord’s perfect will does not conform to society’s dictates.”Highlighted by 122 Kindle readers
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Reviews with images
I really loved this book-it was engrossing with characters that you will either love or hate
This novel will tug at your heart strings as Nell Lillington goes from a sheltered girl who grew up in a wealthy home--to an unwed mother. In 1870 that was a big no no and she was sent to a poor farm to have her baby and then give it up for adoption.Bodies are discovered at the poor farm in an unused portion of the house behind a locked door. Nell is positive that it was murder--but how to prove it. She decides then and there to have her baby and keep it--but how will she get away--who will help her?There is a happy ending for Nell as secrets come out and the murderer found--but not without angst and trouble!I really enjoyed reading this book-it was engrossing with characters that you will either love or hate!
Top reviews from other countries
Barbara Mulcahy
An absolutely brilliant book. It was if I was by her side all the way. I would definitely recommend this book. I am already ordering her second book in the series.
Reviewed in France on May 8, 2021Maria Del Pilar Elias Salazar
House of closed windows
Reviewed in Mexico on May 1, 2017