The scene set at a wedding is the start of something bizarre. Bessie is convinced her husband is trying to murder and get rid of her. She finds divorce out of the question but seeks Emma’s help to confirm her worst fears.
1903 and the times were not favorable for women despite it being the dawn of more modern times. Husbands and men in general controlled their women folk and the finances and there was a rigid set of rules that governed high society. Emma and Derrick are not fully accepted in this society by some, because their attitudes do not fall within society’s strict guidelines but this does not bother them at all. Emma tries to diplomatically see whether what Bessie is convinced of and there are many things which seem off but all can be also accounted for. When murder happens and Emma is personally threatened, the investigation steps up.
There is a lot of history mingled with the mystery and this certainly adds to the interest in this story. The characters are varied some are typical but people like Emma and Derrick are the breakthrough into more progressive times. It all adds weight to the story.
Sent by Kensington Books for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.
I like reading about this time period, even though it wasn't a great time for women. But it is interesting to look back at what society was like back then.
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