The author's exquisitely charming mystery debut set in 1873 features a Pinkerton detective, a riverboat murder, a plucky heroine and a design replete with period photographs and illustrations that suggest more about the character of those times than words alone can convey.
PROTAGONIST: Sadie and Horace Greenstreet SETTING: 1873 Mississippi River RATING: 3.5 WHY: Sadie Greenstreet, a Chicago newspaper advice columnist, has fallen into a rut and has decided to join her husband, Horace, on a Mississippi River cruise. He is a Pinkerton agent who has been hired by the ship's owner to investigate death threats made against him. When he is killed, both Horace and Sadie are deeply involved in the investigation. The relationship between Sadie and Horace is nicely portrayed, with Horace respecting his wife's abilities. I enjoyed the book which also featured several vintage illustrations.