Unbecoming a Lady

by D.Z. Church

A friend knocks on Cora Countryman’s front door seeking help with the torn sleeve of her work dress, claiming she ripped it on a bush. As the town’s seamstress, Cora has mended many a dress. So, when she sees a ragged tear in her friend’s forearm and a bruise left by a thumb, Cora questions her friend’s story. When Cora asks about the wounds, her friend is evasive. Worried by the lack of answers, Cora starts her own investigation.

When murder is done, Cora won’t give in, back down, or submit to the behavior expected of a young lady in 1876 in a burgeoning Illinois prairie town. Why should she, she never expected to stay. That is until her mother abandoned her, leaving her heavily in debt, her reputation on the line, and the drudgery of a boarding house to run for one boarder.

Her intended life of mystery and adventure never seemed so far away.

Genres: Mystery

300 pages, Paperback

Published March 12, 2023

About the author

D.Z. Church served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam Era as a Division, Security and Public Affairs Officer. She has since been an award-winning Advertising Creative Director, and worked educational assessment, specifically the assessment of writing. Raised in the mid-West, she has lived in the Eastern, Southern and Western United States and Barbados. Along the way, she discovered that people aren't always as they seem, and that revenge is best served in a whopping good tale. The kind people like to read with a little history, some foul weather, an absorbing mystery, and a whole helping of suspense.

Reviews

[Christine Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

I read the 2nd book in this series first and loved it. It was a great story entwined with a great mystery. When I saw this first book in the series, I decided to read it to fill in some of the history behind the second book. This one was just as good, and I loved filling in some of the blanks. Now I need to read the 3rd and final book in the series. I highly recommend this author.

[Hannahlynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

terrific read!

Totally enjoyable mystery story with a charming protagonist. I think readers will be kept entertained with the historical, homey quality of the way of life portrayed in the story. The mystery is well-developed as well. With charming counterpoints in the male characters, women will especially appreciate this book!

[Cheryl Ladd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of slow; the "clues" to uncover the mystery were a bit farfetched and trying to connect all the pieces of the story was a bit confusing. There are several sequels...I am not planning to read them.

[Sanderella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good book.... Except for the ending. I hope that there's going to be a sequel.

[Carolyn Sackett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining! Young, independent woman gets away with defying social norms in this entertaining story.