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Quaker Midwife Mystery #1
Delivering the Truth
Quaker midwife Rose Carroll hears secrets and keeps confidences as she attends births of the rich and poor alike in an 1888 Massachusetts mill town. When the town’s world-famed carriage industry is threatened by the work of an arsonist, and a carriage factory owner’s adult son is stabbed to death with Rose's own knitting needle, she is drawn into solving the mystery. Things get dicey after the same owner’s mistress is also murdered, leaving her one-week-old baby without a mother. The Quaker poet and abolitionist John Greenleaf Whittier helps Rose by lending words of advice and support. While struggling with being less than the perfect Friend, Rose draws on her strengths as a counselor and problem solver to bring two murderers to justice before they destroy the town’s carriage industry and the people who run it.
297 pages, Paperback
First published April 8, 2016
109 people are currently reading
2682 people want to read
About the author
Edith Maxwell
47 books582 followersEdith Maxwell is an Agatha-winning mystery author who writes the Local Foods Foods Mysteries as well as the historical Quaker Midwife Mysteries, featuring a Quaker midwife sleuth in 1888.
As Maddie Day, she writes the Country Store Mysteries set in southern Indiana, and the Cozy
Capers Book Group Mysteries.
Her short stories have appeared in twenty juried anthologies and magazines. She is active in Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime.
Edith, a fourth-generation Californian, has two grown sons and lives in an antique house north of Boston with her beau, their energizer kitten, a small organic garden, and some impressive garden statuary. She worked as a software technical writer for almost two decades but now writes fiction full time.
As Maddie Day, she writes the Country Store Mysteries set in southern Indiana, and the Cozy
Capers Book Group Mysteries.
Her short stories have appeared in twenty juried anthologies and magazines. She is active in Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime.
Edith, a fourth-generation Californian, has two grown sons and lives in an antique house north of Boston with her beau, their energizer kitten, a small organic garden, and some impressive garden statuary. She worked as a software technical writer for almost two decades but now writes fiction full time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
May 12, 2017
One of the great things about reading historical fiction is that you learn so much. I am not ashamed to admit that before reading this novel I knew next to nothing about Quakers. And I'm also not ashamed to admit that the constant use of 'thy' and 'thee' got to be more than a little annoying while reading the book. That being said, it was necessary to maintain the authenticity of the speech of "The Friends".
The novel takes place shortly after The Great Blizzard of 1888.
Set in Amesbury, Massachusetts in early April of 1888, the novel features Quaker midwife Rose Carroll. At twenty-six years of age, she is unmarried, but has a 'beau', Doctor David Dodge. Rose is a strong, observant, forthright, and intelligent woman who lives in the same house as her brother-in-law and his children after the recent death of her sister. She works as midwife to women of all social status, and she is very skilled at what she does.
"Women giving birth go down into death and bring forth life."
Given that she sees women from all walks of life, it is understandable then that she also inadvertently overhears secrets...
Rose is a contemporary of the famous poet and abolitionist, John Greenleaf Whittier, who is an elder in the 'Society of Friends', and acts as her mentor. A devout Quaker, Rose realizes that non-Quakers have a hard time understanding her faith.
"I have been explaining the odd ways of Friends for twenty some years, ever since I became aware of our differences from the rest of the world."
There has been a deadly fire which has burned many of the town's world famous carriage companies and incurred much loss of life. The town relied heavily on the thriving carriage industry and the townsfolk are appalled that it may have been set deliberately! When she aids in the apprehension of a criminal, a local policeman enlists Rose to keep her ear to the ground to help in finding the arsonist.
Then, the peaceful town experiences the unthinkable. The son of one of the most prominent carriage makers has been murdered! When Rose learns that the murder weapon was one of her own cherished knitting needles, her own reputation is in jeopardy!
Soon after, one of Rose's newly delivered mothers is also murdered. Rose is determined that since the police seem to have no luck in solving these crimes, it is up to her to do so.
In addition to the crimes portrayed, I enjoyed reading of Rose's personal dilemma and thought it added greatly to the story. She is torn about her relationship with Doctor David Dodge. The obstacles and problems that an interfaith marriage would produce are daunting, and could have long-lasting repercussions to a Quaker woman.
Well researched historical detail adds to the allure of this 'cozy' mystery. The time period of this novel was when women had few, if any rights. A time when childbirth often took the life of the new mother and when infant mortality rates were high. A time when technology in the home meant that your sink had a pump right beside it, instead of the need of carrying water in from a well. A time before fingerprints were used in the apprehension of criminals and a time LONG before DNA testing.
As I mentioned earlier, Rose is a strong, independent thinking woman in a time when women were expected to meekly adhere to a man's point of view. For that I quite admired her. On the other hand, I found Rose to be a bit too selfless and noble to be quite believable. Perhaps her Quaker customs and way of thinking were just too vastly different from life as I've experienced it...
This is the first novel in the author's Quaker Midwife series. I don't think this is a series I will pursue, but I did enjoy this book and liked the suspense-filled climax and I appreciated the satisfactory ending. I think it will be relished by those who like spunky heroines and historical mysteries that are cozy, yet well-plotted.
I received a digital copy of this novel from Midnight Ink via NetGalley.
"Delivering the truth" was nominated for the Agatha Award for Best Historical Novel
The novel takes place shortly after The Great Blizzard of 1888.
Set in Amesbury, Massachusetts in early April of 1888, the novel features Quaker midwife Rose Carroll. At twenty-six years of age, she is unmarried, but has a 'beau', Doctor David Dodge. Rose is a strong, observant, forthright, and intelligent woman who lives in the same house as her brother-in-law and his children after the recent death of her sister. She works as midwife to women of all social status, and she is very skilled at what she does.
"Women giving birth go down into death and bring forth life."
Given that she sees women from all walks of life, it is understandable then that she also inadvertently overhears secrets...
Rose is a contemporary of the famous poet and abolitionist, John Greenleaf Whittier, who is an elder in the 'Society of Friends', and acts as her mentor. A devout Quaker, Rose realizes that non-Quakers have a hard time understanding her faith.
"I have been explaining the odd ways of Friends for twenty some years, ever since I became aware of our differences from the rest of the world."
There has been a deadly fire which has burned many of the town's world famous carriage companies and incurred much loss of life. The town relied heavily on the thriving carriage industry and the townsfolk are appalled that it may have been set deliberately! When she aids in the apprehension of a criminal, a local policeman enlists Rose to keep her ear to the ground to help in finding the arsonist.
Then, the peaceful town experiences the unthinkable. The son of one of the most prominent carriage makers has been murdered! When Rose learns that the murder weapon was one of her own cherished knitting needles, her own reputation is in jeopardy!
Soon after, one of Rose's newly delivered mothers is also murdered. Rose is determined that since the police seem to have no luck in solving these crimes, it is up to her to do so.
In addition to the crimes portrayed, I enjoyed reading of Rose's personal dilemma and thought it added greatly to the story. She is torn about her relationship with Doctor David Dodge. The obstacles and problems that an interfaith marriage would produce are daunting, and could have long-lasting repercussions to a Quaker woman.
Well researched historical detail adds to the allure of this 'cozy' mystery. The time period of this novel was when women had few, if any rights. A time when childbirth often took the life of the new mother and when infant mortality rates were high. A time when technology in the home meant that your sink had a pump right beside it, instead of the need of carrying water in from a well. A time before fingerprints were used in the apprehension of criminals and a time LONG before DNA testing.
As I mentioned earlier, Rose is a strong, independent thinking woman in a time when women were expected to meekly adhere to a man's point of view. For that I quite admired her. On the other hand, I found Rose to be a bit too selfless and noble to be quite believable. Perhaps her Quaker customs and way of thinking were just too vastly different from life as I've experienced it...
This is the first novel in the author's Quaker Midwife series. I don't think this is a series I will pursue, but I did enjoy this book and liked the suspense-filled climax and I appreciated the satisfactory ending. I think it will be relished by those who like spunky heroines and historical mysteries that are cozy, yet well-plotted.
I received a digital copy of this novel from Midnight Ink via NetGalley.
"Delivering the truth" was nominated for the Agatha Award for Best Historical Novel
December 5, 2017
It is 1888 in Massachusetts, and Quaker midwife Rose Carroll provides a very good and well-needed job in her town. She values the Quaker belief of all are equal, and provides her services to both the rich and the poor, the wed and the unwed. When a horrible fire happens burning down 3 factories in town and killing some of the workers inside, Rose cannot seem to put away the serious feeling of injustice she feels down to her bones. When the local detective asks her to keep her ears open, she takes that to mean she should ask some questions, which get very dangerous when a murder happens shortly after the fires. What has Rose gotten herself involved in? She is in too deep to stop now.
This was a fantastic book. First I learn a lot about Quakers that I did not know about, at least historically. I had to read up on them to learn more. It was so very interesting. Most Quaker books that I have seen are romances, and I don't read a lot of those. I was thrilled to find a mystery. The mystery wasn't an easy one either. There are plenty of unlikable people in the book, but the ending, the way it happened, surprised me. I loved it. There was a dance that was a bit odd for her to attend though. I don't know why she got special permission or why she would want to jump through this hoop. I know...love, blah, blah, blah. But with her beliefs, it seemed odd. Out of character, I guess. That is just me nitpicking, though.
I definitely recommend this book. Have fun!
This was a fantastic book. First I learn a lot about Quakers that I did not know about, at least historically. I had to read up on them to learn more. It was so very interesting. Most Quaker books that I have seen are romances, and I don't read a lot of those. I was thrilled to find a mystery. The mystery wasn't an easy one either. There are plenty of unlikable people in the book, but the ending, the way it happened, surprised me. I loved it. There was a dance that was a bit odd for her to attend though. I don't know why she got special permission or why she would want to jump through this hoop. I know...love, blah, blah, blah. But with her beliefs, it seemed odd. Out of character, I guess. That is just me nitpicking, though.
I definitely recommend this book. Have fun!
October 28, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the author. This will be my fair and honest review:
I absolutely love Edith Maxwell's writing, in all her noms de plume. In DELIVERING THE TRUTH, Maxwell ventures into the historical mystery genre with a tale that takes place in Amesbury, MA during the late 19th century. The protagonist, Rose Carroll, is a Quaker midwife who attends meetings with John Greenleaf Whittier, who appears as a character in the story. The historical accuracy is beyond reproach, and, as a Friend herself, Maxwell certainly understands the Quaker philosophy and customs. The description of the old town of Amesbury is spot on and one can still visit some of the places mentioned here. And the plot is as original and inventive as any I've ever read.
There is a fire with several fatalities, followed by a murder, and then another murder. The police aren't having any success, but Rose, as a midwife, sees and hears some things the police would never have access to. She knows that some of what she's learned in various households, both rich and poor, will lead to the murderer and the motive. There's also a sweet romance between Rose and a doctor who is both a non-Quaker and from a well-to-do family.
This tale is dear to my heart because I'm descended from a dozen of the founders of Amesbury. It feels a little like coming home; my grandmother lived there during the time period of this book! When this book finally comes out, I urge you all to read it.
I absolutely love Edith Maxwell's writing, in all her noms de plume. In DELIVERING THE TRUTH, Maxwell ventures into the historical mystery genre with a tale that takes place in Amesbury, MA during the late 19th century. The protagonist, Rose Carroll, is a Quaker midwife who attends meetings with John Greenleaf Whittier, who appears as a character in the story. The historical accuracy is beyond reproach, and, as a Friend herself, Maxwell certainly understands the Quaker philosophy and customs. The description of the old town of Amesbury is spot on and one can still visit some of the places mentioned here. And the plot is as original and inventive as any I've ever read.
There is a fire with several fatalities, followed by a murder, and then another murder. The police aren't having any success, but Rose, as a midwife, sees and hears some things the police would never have access to. She knows that some of what she's learned in various households, both rich and poor, will lead to the murderer and the motive. There's also a sweet romance between Rose and a doctor who is both a non-Quaker and from a well-to-do family.
This tale is dear to my heart because I'm descended from a dozen of the founders of Amesbury. It feels a little like coming home; my grandmother lived there during the time period of this book! When this book finally comes out, I urge you all to read it.
October 15, 2017
Why do I keep trying to like historical cozy mysteries when they are so clearly not my cup of tea? All things considered, this one wasn’t bad. The main character, Rose Carroll, is a 19th century Quaker midwife, with a nose for detection and time for a dose of romance on the side. The plot is complex enough to be somewhat interesting, but the characters are all paper-thin, without depth or complexity. I understand the use of thee and thou to convey the concept of Quaker plain speech, but I am undecided if the accompanying use of only elementary syntax is intended to do the same. I felt like I was reading a sixth-grade reader. If you like the popular Amish romances, but can accept the concept of a career woman, you might like the series, but I will not be returning.
Read
January 30, 2019Too much “thee” and “thy” and the rest of the folk spoke like 20th Century people.
October 2, 2017
What an enjoyable, interesting journey into the world of a Quaker midwife in 1880s small-town Massachusetts who uncovers the secrets behind a sudden rash of crimes. Rose is a practical, straightforward narrator who always keeps readers in the know. The historical details were well-chosen and seemed quite accurate. Getting to see into the life of a midwife at that time kept the book well grounded. I really enjoyed turning to this novel several nights in a row!
January 29, 2018
What a great book! I mean, a really good one. This is one heck of a page turner, its fresh, its unique, its all you could ask for in a good murder mystery. Its not graphic, its clean, its inspirational, the town and its people are all interesting and likable.
I deff recommend this little gem. Ive added the next 2 books in the series to my wishlist.
I deff recommend this little gem. Ive added the next 2 books in the series to my wishlist.
March 24, 2016
This cozy is a treasure for historical fiction lovers and those who have ancestors in Amesbury, Massachusetts. It is set in 1888 and Rose Carroll is a Quaker midwife. Delivering the Truth by Edith Maxwell has the usual double meaning in titles of cozies.
Besides the complex mystery and the indications that the main character and her relatives are Quakers, the author also amuses us with the standard price of the day like $2 for delivery of a baby and the fact that telephone, bicycles and electricity were just starting to be used. Herbal medicines were very common. I also learned more about delivering babies. I remember that when my son was born, my doctor called it a difficult birth. Now, I know what would have happened if he had not turned my baby before my son was born.
Rose Carroll, the main character, has moxie and she is definitely Quaker. She gets invited to a fancy dance frets over whether she would wrong in wearing a special dress for the occasion. She consults with John Greenleaf Whittier, her friend over that subject and at times about the mystery that she has taken herself to investigate because of her need for the truth. There are more than one murders in this story and even more than one case of arson.
The pace is very steady and the story always entertains and at sometimes feel sad. Child labor was still the norm for the children of poor families. I think this type of cozy is especially best for people who love history and genealogy with a passion. I am eager to read the second book in this series. Edith Maxwell crafted an excellent historical cozy.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the Publisher as a win from FirstReads but that in no way made a difference in my thoughts or feelings in this review.
Besides the complex mystery and the indications that the main character and her relatives are Quakers, the author also amuses us with the standard price of the day like $2 for delivery of a baby and the fact that telephone, bicycles and electricity were just starting to be used. Herbal medicines were very common. I also learned more about delivering babies. I remember that when my son was born, my doctor called it a difficult birth. Now, I know what would have happened if he had not turned my baby before my son was born.
Rose Carroll, the main character, has moxie and she is definitely Quaker. She gets invited to a fancy dance frets over whether she would wrong in wearing a special dress for the occasion. She consults with John Greenleaf Whittier, her friend over that subject and at times about the mystery that she has taken herself to investigate because of her need for the truth. There are more than one murders in this story and even more than one case of arson.
The pace is very steady and the story always entertains and at sometimes feel sad. Child labor was still the norm for the children of poor families. I think this type of cozy is especially best for people who love history and genealogy with a passion. I am eager to read the second book in this series. Edith Maxwell crafted an excellent historical cozy.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the Publisher as a win from FirstReads but that in no way made a difference in my thoughts or feelings in this review.
November 19, 2023
I just felt bored reading this. The plot didn’t interest me at all, and our main characters' speech (‘thee’ and ‘thy’) got annoying really fast.
In all the mystery books that I have read before, the main character always finds themselves in the middle of the case because she/he was close to it in some way (friend or family member was involved). This story felt strange in that way. Our main character, Rose, wasn’t really forced into the middle of the whole thing in that way. She was just being nosy. Even when the police told her that her knitting needle was the murder weapon, they told her right away that they knew she didn’t do it, so it wasn’t like she had to prove she was innocent. Something about the way she inserted herself into the case just rubbed me the wrong way.
In all the mystery books that I have read before, the main character always finds themselves in the middle of the case because she/he was close to it in some way (friend or family member was involved). This story felt strange in that way. Our main character, Rose, wasn’t really forced into the middle of the whole thing in that way. She was just being nosy. Even when the police told her that her knitting needle was the murder weapon, they told her right away that they knew she didn’t do it, so it wasn’t like she had to prove she was innocent. Something about the way she inserted herself into the case just rubbed me the wrong way.
August 12, 2018
The first book in Edith Maxwell's Quaker Midwife mystery series does a great job of introducing readers to Rose Carroll, a Quaker woman working as a midwife in 1888 Amesbury, Massachusetts.
Still struggling with the death of her sister, Rose has a busy business aiding women through their pregnancies and delivering their children into the world. She's also helping to care for her sister's family which includes a number of children (also still adapting to life without their mother) and her sister's husband who isn't exactly the warmest of individuals. There's also her friend Bertie and her potential beau, Dr. David Dodge, with whom she consults on some of the more difficult pregnancies that she deals with.
All that changes when one of the carriage makers in town is burned to the ground and the son of the owner is found dead. While the community mourns, another murder occurs and Rose is soon drawn into the investigation because the murder was accomplished by using one of her knitting needles. She's questioned but cleared of the actual murder. However, the idea that one of her needles was the murder weapon galvanizes Rose into trying to help find out who the murderer is.
Despite being in a time where religions of all kinds held far more sway over everyday life than it does nowadays, when secrets are revealed, you find that some things NEVER change regardless of the times.
Smart and inquisitive, Rose is both devoted to her religion and yet struggles with some aspects of it. This gives her more depth as a character, making her feel more real more and less one dimensional as a lesser writer might have done.
Maxwell's weaving of John Greenleaf Whittier (a real life famous Quaker poet) into the narrative helps establish the story's setting that much more. I was also intrigued by the police detective Kevin Donovan. He's both competent at his job but also a product of his times when dealing with such things as what is now called domestic violence. You find yourself liking him as he progresses in the investigation but annoyed at times when he is dismissive of Rose (despite having asked for her help).
The resolution to the story lays bare secrets thought buried and leaves Rose in such a place that you can't wait to see what's coming next.
It's not an easy job to take readers back in time 130 years. There are so many differences in life then and now then that I found myself struggling to read the book in the first 30 or so pages, mostly due to the language including Rose's frequent use of "thee" and "thy" in conversation. But like a lot of books I've read that are set in the past, I soon find myself drawn into the story so much that I don't realize how quickly I'm turning the pages. This happened with 'Delivering The Truth' because after that 30 page struggle, I somehow looked up and found that I was on page 182 in the blink of an eye and just surged my way to the book's fantastic conclusion.
The cast of characters that readers are only just getting to know in this book are rather enjoyable. I'm interested to see where things go with not just Rose's growing involvement in helping to solved crimes but how this affects the rest of her life and her family and friends reactions to it. You will also learn about the Quaker life and perhaps more than you ever wanted to know, with apologies to Hattie McDaniel, about birthin' babies.
I've grown immensely fond of the author's Country Story mystery series under her pen name Maddie Day. Given how quickly I've grown attached to Rose Carroll, I daresay that the Quaker Midwife mysteries are going to become must reads as well.
Still struggling with the death of her sister, Rose has a busy business aiding women through their pregnancies and delivering their children into the world. She's also helping to care for her sister's family which includes a number of children (also still adapting to life without their mother) and her sister's husband who isn't exactly the warmest of individuals. There's also her friend Bertie and her potential beau, Dr. David Dodge, with whom she consults on some of the more difficult pregnancies that she deals with.
All that changes when one of the carriage makers in town is burned to the ground and the son of the owner is found dead. While the community mourns, another murder occurs and Rose is soon drawn into the investigation because the murder was accomplished by using one of her knitting needles. She's questioned but cleared of the actual murder. However, the idea that one of her needles was the murder weapon galvanizes Rose into trying to help find out who the murderer is.
Despite being in a time where religions of all kinds held far more sway over everyday life than it does nowadays, when secrets are revealed, you find that some things NEVER change regardless of the times.
Smart and inquisitive, Rose is both devoted to her religion and yet struggles with some aspects of it. This gives her more depth as a character, making her feel more real more and less one dimensional as a lesser writer might have done.
Maxwell's weaving of John Greenleaf Whittier (a real life famous Quaker poet) into the narrative helps establish the story's setting that much more. I was also intrigued by the police detective Kevin Donovan. He's both competent at his job but also a product of his times when dealing with such things as what is now called domestic violence. You find yourself liking him as he progresses in the investigation but annoyed at times when he is dismissive of Rose (despite having asked for her help).
The resolution to the story lays bare secrets thought buried and leaves Rose in such a place that you can't wait to see what's coming next.
It's not an easy job to take readers back in time 130 years. There are so many differences in life then and now then that I found myself struggling to read the book in the first 30 or so pages, mostly due to the language including Rose's frequent use of "thee" and "thy" in conversation. But like a lot of books I've read that are set in the past, I soon find myself drawn into the story so much that I don't realize how quickly I'm turning the pages. This happened with 'Delivering The Truth' because after that 30 page struggle, I somehow looked up and found that I was on page 182 in the blink of an eye and just surged my way to the book's fantastic conclusion.
The cast of characters that readers are only just getting to know in this book are rather enjoyable. I'm interested to see where things go with not just Rose's growing involvement in helping to solved crimes but how this affects the rest of her life and her family and friends reactions to it. You will also learn about the Quaker life and perhaps more than you ever wanted to know, with apologies to Hattie McDaniel, about birthin' babies.
I've grown immensely fond of the author's Country Story mystery series under her pen name Maddie Day. Given how quickly I've grown attached to Rose Carroll, I daresay that the Quaker Midwife mysteries are going to become must reads as well.
March 9, 2017
Excellent first in a series, however I got lost at times with all of the new characters.
December 2, 2015
Edith Maxwell heeds well the old rule of thumb, write of what you know, in Delivering the Truth, A Quaker Midwife Mystery #1, sharing her knowledge and experience of the Quakers and the location of her new cozy mystery series. Not only does the reader learn about Quaker faith and lifestyle but is provided with an artistic panorama of the story's location, descriptions of its climate, and a vision for what it was like to live there more than a century ago. Rose, a single Quaker midwife, somewhat past the usual courting age, lives with her recently deceased sister's spouse and children, while practicing her profession, not the perfect model of a Quaker woman of the 1880s. Although her reputation as a midwife is excellent, the fact that she is discouraging the suit of a prominent Quaker and quietly spending more quality time with a local physician who is not of her community, does not meet with the approval of her irrascible brother in law. The town where they reside faces increasing troubles when an arsonist sets a carriage manufacturing business ablaze, killing multiple workers and spreading abroad to damage other similar industries, the economic backbone of the town. While searching for the arsonist, a man was found murdered and clues tie the crime to Rose. As a strong willed, independent woman, she agrees to become an unofficial part of the investigations. Although the pace begins a bit slowly, it soon picks up, as the suspense builds and possible perpetrators are added. I must admit that I had more than an inkling about halfway through who the criminal(s) might be, but there remained sufficient doubt to keep turning the pages with interest. The variety of characters are rounded and captured the reader's interest and empathy, and the growing romance- a sweet one, provides additional depth to the story line as does Rose's mentor, John Greenleaf Whittier. This series should attract a wide variety of readers and I look forward to reading the sequels. In my opinion, there are topics addressed (for example adultery), unsuitable for readers under age sixteen. I appreciate the opportunity provided by Midnight Ink and Netgalley to read the advanced readers copy in exchange for my objective review.
October 7, 2020
Lets meet little Miss Marple in her late 20s with a pretty bonnet covering her curls, a midwife bag swinging on her side, very graciously sharing her thys and thees. So graciously in fact that by the 5th page I developed a certain tic whenever I ran into those. Little Miss Marple aka Rose Carroll, thinking nothing of my tics, smiling like an angel and sniffing like a blood hound is after a gruesome murderer. She is pure, she is gentle, she is sweet, she is the embodiment of good will and all the saints in heaven. She has no human quirk, in fact she is not human at all. Everyone loves her and she loves back. All that is missing are the chirping birds and hip-hopping baby deers. “Lets whistle while you work, LA LA LALALA LAA”, I felt like I should sing this along with the book.
I enjoy crime stories, historical much more, involving an unknown religious cult (for me at least) is a plus. And still here I am DNF and deleting superfast the kindle.
It could have been an enjoyable story given all. Probably in an other universe where Rose Carroll has a bend in her halo, a teeny-weeny fault which would have made her human. Some peers would be also welcome – not those in the book, the ultrapolite, ultrasweet, ultragentle other little saints.
Recommend it : for Snow White fans. Don’t forget to sing while reading :
“With a smile and a song
Life is just a bright sunny day
Thy cares fade away
And thy heart is young… „
I enjoy crime stories, historical much more, involving an unknown religious cult (for me at least) is a plus. And still here I am DNF and deleting superfast the kindle.
It could have been an enjoyable story given all. Probably in an other universe where Rose Carroll has a bend in her halo, a teeny-weeny fault which would have made her human. Some peers would be also welcome – not those in the book, the ultrapolite, ultrasweet, ultragentle other little saints.
Recommend it : for Snow White fans. Don’t forget to sing while reading :
“With a smile and a song
Life is just a bright sunny day
Thy cares fade away
And thy heart is young… „
December 4, 2021
I wanted so desperately to love this book as much as I love the other midwife mysteries by Victoria Thompson I read, I just couldn't.
This book was written by a Quaker about Quakers which maybe was part of the problem because she spent so much time promoting the wonderful points of being a Quaker that the mystery felt almost secondary. I wanted a mystery book not a Quaker book.
I don't mind when characters have unusual speech patterns but I do mind when we have dialogue with almost every single person about their speech patterns. After the first few times of this exchange we get it, there is no need for it. You just write a single sentence describing that "X also commented on MC's speaking patterns," honestly would have rather she said when someone didn't mention it.
The whole time I was reading I just felt like I was waiting for something to happen, but it was just frustrating it felt like we were just spinning our wheels. Even the climax of the book left me dissatisfied and wanting more. I really questioned how we were supposed to think the main character is insightful and clever, she didn't seem that way. I know I'm not going to pick up any of the other books which is a bummer because I was so excited when I found this series.
This book was written by a Quaker about Quakers which maybe was part of the problem because she spent so much time promoting the wonderful points of being a Quaker that the mystery felt almost secondary. I wanted a mystery book not a Quaker book.
I don't mind when characters have unusual speech patterns but I do mind when we have dialogue with almost every single person about their speech patterns. After the first few times of this exchange we get it, there is no need for it. You just write a single sentence describing that "X also commented on MC's speaking patterns," honestly would have rather she said when someone didn't mention it.
The whole time I was reading I just felt like I was waiting for something to happen, but it was just frustrating it felt like we were just spinning our wheels. Even the climax of the book left me dissatisfied and wanting more. I really questioned how we were supposed to think the main character is insightful and clever, she didn't seem that way. I know I'm not going to pick up any of the other books which is a bummer because I was so excited when I found this series.
December 11, 2015
1888, weeks after one of the worst blizzards in New England, and in the bustling carriage manufacturing town of Amesbury, Massachusetts, not far from the Maine border, Quaker midwife, Rose Carroll, finds herself not only hard at work attending pregnant women rich and poor, delivering babies, and attending the women and new born afterward, but also in the midst of arson and murder.
And she’s curious. Not only curious, but she finds that several of those she attends o r has met on her rounds might well be guilty of the killings – one with a knitting needle given to her by her mother – or know of the killer and possibly the arsonist.
Join Rose Carroll on her rounds in her 1888 New England town, courted by a doctor from nearby Newburyport, and part of the Society of Friends, given to plain speech and plain dress, as she begins to ask the questions that might well lead the killer to her.
Rich in that period and well founded in the lives of Friends (Quakers), this is a mystery with it all – suspense, terrific characters, and even a dash of romance – what more could you want?
And she’s curious. Not only curious, but she finds that several of those she attends o r has met on her rounds might well be guilty of the killings – one with a knitting needle given to her by her mother – or know of the killer and possibly the arsonist.
Join Rose Carroll on her rounds in her 1888 New England town, courted by a doctor from nearby Newburyport, and part of the Society of Friends, given to plain speech and plain dress, as she begins to ask the questions that might well lead the killer to her.
Rich in that period and well founded in the lives of Friends (Quakers), this is a mystery with it all – suspense, terrific characters, and even a dash of romance – what more could you want?
May 30, 2018
I wanted to like it I really did. But the author has put a 21st century woman in the dress of a 19th century Friend and the fit is awkward and awful. Then she stumbles around asking impertinent questions which people, for no good reason, answer, and finally she happens almost by accident on the person who gives her the final info necessary. Then the obligatory women-in-jeopardy scene and the good guys live happily ever after. Yuck. And these 19th century Friends didn’t seem awfully good at living to their principles. The author repeatedly has them emphasize they believe in equality of women and men. But the 2 church officials mentioned were both men. All the cooking, serving, and cleaning up for their big feast is done by women. When a young man helps his girl clear the table it’s worthy of remark. Two of the women in our heroines’s household have outside jobs, but they still do all the cooking, cleaning, and chores. The man of the house seems to do nothing after his day job, just the women.
April 10, 2023
Very enjoyable! It's a unique kind of cozy mystery series because it is set in the 1800s in a community that has a fair number of Quakers in it. I was very interested in learning about the Quaker beliefs and lifestyle. I quickly enjoyed meeting the characters, especially the protagonist, Rose Carroll. She is still unmarried at the age of 26 and is unashamed of it. She is a midwife, and she helps her patients through both gestation and childbirth, and she provides care for both the mothers and babies after birth. In the process, she learns a lot of secrets and gossip that the women share with her. It gets quite interesting! There were many suspects for murder, and I was kept guessing until the end. I will definitely continue with this series!
April 7, 2016
I admit it. I love a good mystery. And I love books with Quaker characters, if they're well written and not hokey like some of those... um ... genre sectarian "romances" ("Simple Love: A Mennonites Go Mad Book"). So when you put mystery and Quaker characters together, then I'm predisposed to like such a book. As I did with Irene Allen's series of "Elizabeth Elliot" mysteries a few years back (Quaker Silence, Quaker Witness, Quaker Testimony, and Quaker Indictment). Those books are still favorites of mine.
So I was delighted to receive an advance review copy of Delivering the Truth: A Quaker Midwife Mystery (Midnight Ink, 2016) by Edith Maxwell (disclaimer: Edith is a Facebook friend of mine). I was especially intrigued to find out that Quaker poet and abolitionist John Greenleaf Whittier was going to make more than an occasional appearance throughout the book. Poet as a sorta sleuth?! Well, maybe that's not so far-fetched, I thought.
The story is set in 1880's Amesbury, MA where Quaker Rose Carroll is a midwife. As such, she is privy to many of the goings on around town. Plus she is an inquisitive sort who's feeling a bit restricted by society's expectations around women and the Society of Friend's expectations of dress, behavior, and more. The conventions of her time and religion are a bit more than stifling -- and she often breaks out of the molds that society and the Society set for her.
For one, she falls in love with a non-Friend. Yikes. That could get a Quaker kicked out of meeting -- especially if marriage loomed.
For another, her inquisitive nature leads her into nosing around a series of mysterious deaths that come as a result of an arson at a carriage factory and ensuing events. A modern Quaker woman like Elizabeth Elliot playing detective is not so unusual perhaps, but a 19th century Friends woman? This leads her into all sorts of situations -- which also result in her becoming one of the prime suspects in the murders! Now that's my kind "bad Quaker."
The mystery is mysterious (I had suspicions about what was going on, but couldn't exactly figure things out), the characters (even the "baddies") are well drawn (perhaps that comes from the Quaker belief that "there is that of God in everyone -- and Maxwell has drawn it out!), and the writing is spot on. I pretty much read it straight through. And had a hard time putting it down when Quaker midnight (10 pm) drew near. I stayed up late just to finish it. And I never stay up late (as my friends/Friends know).
If you like mysteries (whether or not you like Quakers), you'll enjoy this tale well told. If you enjoy stories with Quaker characters, you'll like this honest portrayal of Quaker faith and life in the 19th century. And if you're fond of Quaker mysteries, then Delivering the Truth will be just your cup of Friendly fiction.
So I was delighted to receive an advance review copy of Delivering the Truth: A Quaker Midwife Mystery (Midnight Ink, 2016) by Edith Maxwell (disclaimer: Edith is a Facebook friend of mine). I was especially intrigued to find out that Quaker poet and abolitionist John Greenleaf Whittier was going to make more than an occasional appearance throughout the book. Poet as a sorta sleuth?! Well, maybe that's not so far-fetched, I thought.
The story is set in 1880's Amesbury, MA where Quaker Rose Carroll is a midwife. As such, she is privy to many of the goings on around town. Plus she is an inquisitive sort who's feeling a bit restricted by society's expectations around women and the Society of Friend's expectations of dress, behavior, and more. The conventions of her time and religion are a bit more than stifling -- and she often breaks out of the molds that society and the Society set for her.
For one, she falls in love with a non-Friend. Yikes. That could get a Quaker kicked out of meeting -- especially if marriage loomed.
For another, her inquisitive nature leads her into nosing around a series of mysterious deaths that come as a result of an arson at a carriage factory and ensuing events. A modern Quaker woman like Elizabeth Elliot playing detective is not so unusual perhaps, but a 19th century Friends woman? This leads her into all sorts of situations -- which also result in her becoming one of the prime suspects in the murders! Now that's my kind "bad Quaker."
The mystery is mysterious (I had suspicions about what was going on, but couldn't exactly figure things out), the characters (even the "baddies") are well drawn (perhaps that comes from the Quaker belief that "there is that of God in everyone -- and Maxwell has drawn it out!), and the writing is spot on. I pretty much read it straight through. And had a hard time putting it down when Quaker midnight (10 pm) drew near. I stayed up late just to finish it. And I never stay up late (as my friends/Friends know).
If you like mysteries (whether or not you like Quakers), you'll enjoy this tale well told. If you enjoy stories with Quaker characters, you'll like this honest portrayal of Quaker faith and life in the 19th century. And if you're fond of Quaker mysteries, then Delivering the Truth will be just your cup of Friendly fiction.
April 17, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This is an excellent debut!
The story takes place in Amesbury, Massachusetts in 1888. Rose Carroll is a midwife and she is also a Quaker. She has been taught from birth to see the best in people and let God’s light shine on everything she says and does and in times of turmoil. Turmoil comes in a fire, an arson, of a carriage factory and all the surrounding buildings. Several lives are lost. The turmoil continues when the owner of the carriage factory’s son is murdered. The weapon just happens to be one of Rose’s knitting needles. This means she knows the killer. When another death occurs, one of her patients, she knows she has to do all she can to uncover the truth and the murderer.
I am so impressed with this author’s writing. The Quaker lifestyle is unique and it is portrayed so well in this story. She is writing about something she know personally and it shines. I appreciate the insight into their Meetings and their quiet form of worship, their views and beliefs on equality and passive resolution. As someone not too familiar with their way of life I really only knew about their manner of speech, their use of thee as an ordinary pronoun, and plain manner of dressing. So in addition to a fine mystery the story was educational as well.
Her descriptions of Amesbury make the town come to life. Following Rose from place to place we have a clear bird’s eye view. I loved traveling back in time, no cars and only a few telephones. It was amusing to see Rose handling the new invention of the safety bicycle (both wheels the same size.) She also shows us the dark things of this period. Children working at a very young age and the poverty families faced. Most people worked so hard to provide so little.
I love Rose. She has such a good heart and is an wonderful midwife. Amazing to think she was only paid $2 per child and when people could not afford to pay she worked things out in trade. Being a midwife and a Friend enabled her to get close to people to ask questions about the deaths. She also has a beau who is not a member of her faith. This makes for interesting times together like meeting his parents.
Edith Maxwell has written a complicated mystery. She gives us plenty of suspects with different types of motive. It keeps a good pace and then ramps up at the end with an edge of you seat climax.
If you are a fan of historical mysteries you will love this book. If you are looking for something fresh and new that takes you back in time this is the perfect book for you. For me this one goes on the keeper shelf and gets a paradise rating.
This is an excellent debut!
The story takes place in Amesbury, Massachusetts in 1888. Rose Carroll is a midwife and she is also a Quaker. She has been taught from birth to see the best in people and let God’s light shine on everything she says and does and in times of turmoil. Turmoil comes in a fire, an arson, of a carriage factory and all the surrounding buildings. Several lives are lost. The turmoil continues when the owner of the carriage factory’s son is murdered. The weapon just happens to be one of Rose’s knitting needles. This means she knows the killer. When another death occurs, one of her patients, she knows she has to do all she can to uncover the truth and the murderer.
I am so impressed with this author’s writing. The Quaker lifestyle is unique and it is portrayed so well in this story. She is writing about something she know personally and it shines. I appreciate the insight into their Meetings and their quiet form of worship, their views and beliefs on equality and passive resolution. As someone not too familiar with their way of life I really only knew about their manner of speech, their use of thee as an ordinary pronoun, and plain manner of dressing. So in addition to a fine mystery the story was educational as well.
Her descriptions of Amesbury make the town come to life. Following Rose from place to place we have a clear bird’s eye view. I loved traveling back in time, no cars and only a few telephones. It was amusing to see Rose handling the new invention of the safety bicycle (both wheels the same size.) She also shows us the dark things of this period. Children working at a very young age and the poverty families faced. Most people worked so hard to provide so little.
I love Rose. She has such a good heart and is an wonderful midwife. Amazing to think she was only paid $2 per child and when people could not afford to pay she worked things out in trade. Being a midwife and a Friend enabled her to get close to people to ask questions about the deaths. She also has a beau who is not a member of her faith. This makes for interesting times together like meeting his parents.
Edith Maxwell has written a complicated mystery. She gives us plenty of suspects with different types of motive. It keeps a good pace and then ramps up at the end with an edge of you seat climax.
If you are a fan of historical mysteries you will love this book. If you are looking for something fresh and new that takes you back in time this is the perfect book for you. For me this one goes on the keeper shelf and gets a paradise rating.
April 30, 2016
Delivering the Truth is the first book in a new cozy mystery series by Edith Maxwell. I was eagerly awaiting this book because I like the premise of an historical mystery setting. The idea is not something being done right now with cozy mysteries available right now to read. Normally its a food book, Amish, a hobby, etc. so the idea of a Quaker midwife in 1888 who finds herself in the middle of a mystery intrigued me. I had high hopes for this book because I like cozy mysteries and always enjoy getting lost in them as a palette cleanser in between more in depth reading.
The book started off with introducing characters of the series and laying the ground work of the novel. Sadly though I found myself losing interest due to how slowly the story was taking off. I know in first books they can be sometimes slow because the author is laying out the ground work for the series but I just couldn't get myself interested in the story. I found myself plodding through just trying to get to the end so I would know how things would end. In fairness of it being the first book in the series I do plan on reading the second book to see if things improve or if I need to give up on this series, knowing that not all books are for me to like. I try not to give negative reviews so please know that a book that might not be for me might be the next greatest book for you.
*Disclaimer: I received an advance copy of this book for my honest review. All opinions are freely mine.
The book started off with introducing characters of the series and laying the ground work of the novel. Sadly though I found myself losing interest due to how slowly the story was taking off. I know in first books they can be sometimes slow because the author is laying out the ground work for the series but I just couldn't get myself interested in the story. I found myself plodding through just trying to get to the end so I would know how things would end. In fairness of it being the first book in the series I do plan on reading the second book to see if things improve or if I need to give up on this series, knowing that not all books are for me to like. I try not to give negative reviews so please know that a book that might not be for me might be the next greatest book for you.
*Disclaimer: I received an advance copy of this book for my honest review. All opinions are freely mine.
March 13, 2016
DELIVERING THE TRUTH, the first mystery in Edith Maxwell’s new Quaker Midwife mystery series, is a satisfying pageturner. Set in 1888 Amesbury, Massachusetts, with many carriage factories and fabric mills, young Rose Carroll is a busy midwife. She rubs shoulders with all classes in Amesbury as she provides prenatal and neonatal home care for her clients. Rose knows a lot of residents, including the Quaker poet John Greenleaf Whittier, and gets around town at all hours to help her clients.
A fire believed to be arson strikes a factory owned by the husband of one of Rose’s well-to-do clients. A death in the fire strikes close to home for many families in Amesbury, including Rose’s. Out of sympathy for a bereaved relative, then civic-mindedness, with the unusual blessing of the local police, Rose starts asking questions under the guise of interested citizens talking. Soon, two murders strike fear in the hearts of residents. Evidence connected to Rose comes to light.
The characters and the community make this book. I wasn’t familiar with Quaker beliefs, but the modern view of “holding someone in the light” and quiet contemplation seems to have its roots in what Rose practices. Also, gritty business of childbirth is described unflinchingly as we see Rose on the job. FWIW, if you can handle watching “The Incredible Doctor Pol” on TV, you can handle the birthing scenes.
I'm looking forward to more books in the series.
A fire believed to be arson strikes a factory owned by the husband of one of Rose’s well-to-do clients. A death in the fire strikes close to home for many families in Amesbury, including Rose’s. Out of sympathy for a bereaved relative, then civic-mindedness, with the unusual blessing of the local police, Rose starts asking questions under the guise of interested citizens talking. Soon, two murders strike fear in the hearts of residents. Evidence connected to Rose comes to light.
The characters and the community make this book. I wasn’t familiar with Quaker beliefs, but the modern view of “holding someone in the light” and quiet contemplation seems to have its roots in what Rose practices. Also, gritty business of childbirth is described unflinchingly as we see Rose on the job. FWIW, if you can handle watching “The Incredible Doctor Pol” on TV, you can handle the birthing scenes.
I'm looking forward to more books in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2017
Author Edith Maxwell is a masterful storyteller. Indeed, only this series can take me away from my reading material of choice, cozy mysteries.
Ms. Maxwell has created a strong protagonist in Quaker midwife, Rose Carroll. Rose, is compassionate, and brilliant. She’s a woman who knows how to take care of things is an era when men dominated.
This historical mystery was very hard to put down. Read in almost one full setting, I was enthralled with the mystery Maxwell created in CALLED TO JUSTICE. From the beginning of the story until all becomes known and things are solved, I was riveted to my chair.
If you’re a fan of historical novels, the Quaker Midlife Mysteries are for you! Even if you’re not, I have a feeling these books will convert you!
Ms. Maxwell has created a strong protagonist in Quaker midwife, Rose Carroll. Rose, is compassionate, and brilliant. She’s a woman who knows how to take care of things is an era when men dominated.
This historical mystery was very hard to put down. Read in almost one full setting, I was enthralled with the mystery Maxwell created in CALLED TO JUSTICE. From the beginning of the story until all becomes known and things are solved, I was riveted to my chair.
If you’re a fan of historical novels, the Quaker Midlife Mysteries are for you! Even if you’re not, I have a feeling these books will convert you!
December 3, 2018
I had very mixed feelings about this book. It was fun to read a book with a Quaker protagonist. Modern Friends do not "thee & thou" or dress plainly any longer, but we do still "hold people in the light" and look for "that of God" in everyone. I felt at home here in a way I seldom do as I read. Then why does this author (a Quaker herself, I believe) have her protagonist resolve the final conflict violently? Why do that? It does not fit the character or the story. It reinforces the notion that non-violence is a nice idea, but when things get tough you need to resort to violence.
July 4, 2016
The characterization and atmosphere were good, but the mystery was horrible. It wasn't crafted well, and there wasn't much of a possibility for readers to solve one murder (and the second was easy to solve).
August 14, 2017
This title in the Quaker Midwife mystery series takes place in 1988 Massachusetts. Midwife Rose Carroll delivers a healthy baby to Minnie O’Toole. A single mother, Minnie likely had an affair with wealthy and married William Parry. Willian’s wife Lillian is also pregnant and a client of Rose’s. Then a series of murders occur that affect these two families. Rose gets involved in solving the crime while practicing her profession and dating the town’s doctor. She’s known and respected by the populace and can get away with asking pointed questions. Lots of folks have possible motives, but what ties them all together? Rose is a delightful heroine as readers learn about her beliefs and her midwifery practice.
November 18, 2021
Finally, I have circled back around to see how the Quaker Midwife series all started. What a book! Arson and murder share the stage with a new invention called the safety bicycle (same size wheels) and romance.
I’m actually glad I started this series in the middle as knowing the last book has been released has made me appreciate starting at the beginning now. Rose is a strong female during a time when it was frowned upon especially within her religion. She shows us how strong we can be with the right people around us.
Be aware that they speak in using thee and thou. It’s not difficult to get the hang of it.
I’m actually glad I started this series in the middle as knowing the last book has been released has made me appreciate starting at the beginning now. Rose is a strong female during a time when it was frowned upon especially within her religion. She shows us how strong we can be with the right people around us.
Be aware that they speak in using thee and thou. It’s not difficult to get the hang of it.
June 15, 2019
A pretty nice read with a unique angle, that of a 19th-century Quaker midwife. The Friends' speech patterns can be a bit off-putting but it helps to place the story in time and to round out the personality of the main character. Almost more worthwhile as social history than a murder-mystery, so I may or may not continue with the series, but it was appreciated as a different flavor in the genre.
July 17, 2021
Good cozy mystery.
November 16, 2018
My first time reading a book in this series.
Being a Midwife in those days was certainly a challenge.
Being a Midwife in those days was certainly a challenge.
December 15, 2016
Under various names, Edith Maxwell writes cozy mysteries. Delivering the Truth is the first in a series of historical novels: The Quaker Midwife series. In these books, Maxwell draws on her own life experience: She is a member of the Quaker Meeting in Amesbury, as is midwife Rose Carroll. Maxwell's keen interest in local history infuses the story with a sense of authenticity.
The story takes place in the 1880s. Rose serves the women of Amesbury as midwife and also as a listening ear and sometimes, counselor. When a mysterious fire breaks out and two murders occur in the small New England town, Rose fears for everyone's safety and begins asking questions. The Quaker poet, John Greenleaf Whittier, makes an appearance as a consultant to Rose.
I have loved all of Edith's books so far, but I love this series above all the rest. I can hardly wait for the next one. The story is the usual fast-paced plot I've come to expect - enhanced by the historical details - some I knew and much I learned from this book.
The story takes place in the 1880s. Rose serves the women of Amesbury as midwife and also as a listening ear and sometimes, counselor. When a mysterious fire breaks out and two murders occur in the small New England town, Rose fears for everyone's safety and begins asking questions. The Quaker poet, John Greenleaf Whittier, makes an appearance as a consultant to Rose.
I have loved all of Edith's books so far, but I love this series above all the rest. I can hardly wait for the next one. The story is the usual fast-paced plot I've come to expect - enhanced by the historical details - some I knew and much I learned from this book.
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