Publication date UK format 6/12/22 book 224 pages
I would like to thank the author, publishers and Netgalley for allowing me to pick this to read and review. all my reviews are honest.
please note the UK have a different cover. this is the US cover from my review copy. In my opinion this is the better cover.
Synopsis
From the beloved Pulitzer Prize-winning and best-selling author of A Thousand Acres: a mystery set in 1850s Gold Rush California, as two young prostitutes—best friends Eliza and Jean—follow a trail of missing girls. Monterey, 1851. Ever since her husband was killed in a bar fight, Eliza Ripple has been working in a brothel. It seems like a better life, at least at first. The madam, Mrs. Parks, is kind, the men are (relatively) well behaved, and Eliza has attained what few women have: financial security. But when the dead bodies of young women start appearing outside of town, a darkness descends that she can’t resist confronting. Side by side with her friend Jean, and inspired by her reading, especially by Edgar Allan Poe’s detective Dupin, Eliza pieces together an array of clues to try to catch the killer, all the while juggling clients who begin to seem more and more suspicious. Eliza and Jean are determined not just to survive, but to find their way in a lawless town on the fringes of the Wild West—a bewitching combination of beauty and danger—as what will become the Civil War looms on the horizon. As Mrs. Parks says, “Everyone knows that this is a dangerous business, but between you and me, being a woman is a dangerous business, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise …”
My Review
This was such a brilliant story. I loved every second. It is definitely a page-turner story for me. It was so interesting. Not only do you have a murder mystery, but you also get to learn about slavery and the troubles it caused when some states were against it, but others were not. It was extremely well written for a short book at a little over 200 pages. The storyline was thrilling with plenty going on. The characters were brilliant, easy to connect with, and very interesting and realistic to the time. I just loved everything about this book. Being set in a brothel, I liked the way that it didn't go into any detail about their antics. This book was souly about this history. I definitely recommend reading this book if you love murder mystery and historical fiction. I must say how much I loved the ending. It certainly had me on the edge of my seat.
Only the highest of praise goes out to the author and publishers for creating such a wonderful story. I can't wait to read more from this wonderful author.
Where you can buy this book
Amazon US K $14.99, AUDIBLE, HC $22.99, HC 22.99 PB $29.04
Waterstones HC £16.99
B&N HC $22.99, EB $14.99
Kobo EB £9.99, AUDIO £21.99
Amazon UK K £9.99, AUDIBLE, HC £13.07
All prices are subject to change at any time. Please remember to review all books you finish reading so others can find these amazing books. All reviews help just remember not to tell people what the book is about as everyone has already read the synopsis. Just include what you liked and felt when reading the book.
HAPPY READING