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Kitty Weeks Mystery #2
Murder Between the Lines: A Kitty Weeks Mystery
Intrepid journalist Kitty Weeks returns in the second book in this acclaimed WW1-era historical mystery series to investigate the death of a boarding school student.
When Kitty's latest assignment for the New York Sentinel Ladies' Page takes her to Westfield Hall, she expects to find an orderly establishment teaching French and dancing – but there's more going on at the school than initially meets the eye.
Tragedy strikes when a student named Elspeth is found frozen to death in Central Park. The doctor's proclaim that the girl's sleepwalking was the cause, but Kitty isn't so sure.
Determined to uncover the truth, Kitty must investigate a more chilling scenario – a murder that may involve Elspeth's scientist father and a new invention by a man named Thomas Edison.
For fans of Jacqueline Winspear and Rhys Bowen, Murder Between the Lines combines true historical events with a thrilling mystery.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2017
113 people are currently reading
979 people want to read
About the author
Radha Vatsal
7 books124 followersRadha Vatsal grew up in Mumbai, India, and came to the United States to attend boarding school when she was sixteen. Her fascination with the 1910s began when she studied women filmmakers and action-film heroines of silent cinema at Duke University, where she earned her Ph.D. from the English Department. A Front Page Affair is her first novel. Radha lives with her husband and two daughters in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
March 31, 2018
Murder Between the Lines is book two in the Kitty Weeks series and I have yet read book one. However, I found this book pretty easy to get into. Kitty Weeks lives with her father and works as a journalist, which economically she doesn't need to do since her father is financially stable. However, working as a journalist is something that she has aspired to do.
In this book is making a reportage about the prestigious boarding school Westfield Hall and there she gets to know a young bright student, Elspeth. Then Kitty, not long after meeting Elspet's outside the school, learns that the girl has been found dead. Apparently, Elspeth has been suffering from sleepwalking, and everyone assumes that she died because of that. Kitty, however, isn't so sure. Could there be someone out there that wanted the young girl dead?
Murder Between the Lines is a book that not really grabbed hold of me. I found the main story, the death of Elspeth to be weak and it was the things happening around that most interested me. Mainly the suffragette moment that Kitty got caught up with after getting the chance to interview Alva Belmont. I found everything concerning Alva Belmont and her impressive life to be far more interesting than Kitty's investigations into Elspeth's life. Honestly, if this book had been more about the suffragette moment than the mysterious death would I have found the story more interesting. The case was just so, meh.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
In this book is making a reportage about the prestigious boarding school Westfield Hall and there she gets to know a young bright student, Elspeth. Then Kitty, not long after meeting Elspet's outside the school, learns that the girl has been found dead. Apparently, Elspeth has been suffering from sleepwalking, and everyone assumes that she died because of that. Kitty, however, isn't so sure. Could there be someone out there that wanted the young girl dead?
Murder Between the Lines is a book that not really grabbed hold of me. I found the main story, the death of Elspeth to be weak and it was the things happening around that most interested me. Mainly the suffragette moment that Kitty got caught up with after getting the chance to interview Alva Belmont. I found everything concerning Alva Belmont and her impressive life to be far more interesting than Kitty's investigations into Elspeth's life. Honestly, if this book had been more about the suffragette moment than the mysterious death would I have found the story more interesting. The case was just so, meh.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
January 2, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed Murder Between the Lines. I had not read the first book in the series and easily picked up the story with book two. Capability “Kitty” Weeks is a highly engaging and original protagonist who struggles to exert her independence while navigating the strictures society places on wealthy young women in 1915. Radha Vatsal makes Kitty likeable and strong-willed while still allowing her to wrestle with how society views women and the erroneous views held by men (even Harvard professors) that working was harmful to upper class women who should instead be focused on having children and keeping house. In this installment, Kitty is assigned a story about Westfield Hall, an esteemed boarding school for girls. Soon after Kitty writes her story, a student from the boarding school, Elspeth Bright, is found frozen to death near her home. The death is ruled an accident and blamed on Bright’s sleepwalking. Kitty senses that there is more to Elspeth’s death and sets out to solve the mystery. Both the path to solving the mystery and the resolution are highly pleasing, and I was glad that I read this book.
Before writing Murder Between the Lines, Vatsal clearly did a ton of research. I learned so much I didn’t know including Woodrow Wilson’s second marriage, Wilson’s views on women’s suffrage, the education of women in the 1910’s, the Waldorf-Astoria’s beginnings, and Edison’s struggles to create a battery that would make submarines safer. I love that Kitty is a journalist, and the glimpses into her world as a journalist in 1915 are riveting. The historical details were my favorite part of the book.
I definitely recommend Murder Between the Lines, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2017
Overall, it was a fairly enjoyable read. The mystery had a lot of potential and was a very interesting topic. However, the plot seemed to stall towards the end. I am also beginning to lose my enthusiasm for Kitty's character that I had in the first book. For me, her character is inconsistent and by the end, was getting on my nerves. Perhaps I am judging her from a "modern" perspective but I didn't feel this way after I finished A Front Page Affair.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I enjoy historical cozies and New York City, pre-WWI is a unique setting.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I enjoy historical cozies and New York City, pre-WWI is a unique setting.
April 17, 2017
An outstanding historical mystery set in in 1915 before the United States enter World War 1. The historical information has been researched and I learn a lot of new information about the time. Kitty Weeks aka Capability is a journalist for the New Your Sentinel 's Lady page interviews girls at a prestigious boarding school. She meets Elspeth's who is interested in science. Later Kitty reads an obituary of her death by sleepwalking and she feels something is wrong. As Kitty investigates she find herself involved in affairs of the Naval Conference checking out an invention by Tomas Edison. Kitty is sent to cover the arrival Woodard Wilson in New York and becomes involved with an attempt to reach the President. These two separate occasions are nicely brought together to form a tale. I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Sourcebooks Landmark through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Sourcebooks Landmark through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
October 7, 2017
Capability "Kitty" Weeks has been assigned to write a story on Westfield Hall, a progressive young ladies' academy. Kitty has fond memories of her own school days and is impressed with some of the subjects the students are learning, such as chemistry. When Kitty meets brilliant chemistry student Elspeth Bright, she is intrigued. Sensing the principal keeps the girls on a short leash, Kitty arranges to interview Elspbeth privately at a later date, hoping to convince Miss Busby to run a story on the future scientist. Elspeth hints she is working on something big, but is not very forthcoming. Nevertheless, Kitty likes the girl and plans to meet with her again at some point. When she learns Elspeth has passed away, Kitty struggles to make sense of the girl's death. While the doctor says Elspeth walked in her sleep, brought on by nerves from too much scholarly activity, and froze to death, Kitty has a hard time believing it. She learns Elspeth was working on something about batteries. What is a battery actually? Did Elspeth's work have something to do with Edison's new electric battery to power submarines? With better batteries, subs can stay active for hours and the U.S. Navy can become second only to Great Britain's. Kitty wonders whether Elspeth was killed for what she knew. Meanwhile, Miss Busby is acting strangely and allowing Kitty to write more progressive stories for the ladies' page. Kitty's father too has something on his mind and Kitty isn't sure she'll like what he has to say.
I liked this book a lot but there were a few quibbles I had that brought my rating down and as with the first book, the murder reveal fell flat. The writing style is improving slightly. I felt a little more connected to Kitty and the characters here. I did feel that sometimes the author stepped out of the story to tell too much history. While I appreciated the explanation of batteries, I didn't understand what they were! (If I didn't know what they do anyway). I already knew all about Alva Belmont nee Vanderbilt and the Women's Union. (I'm a proud supporter! I have a Votes for Women pin and a reproduction mini teacup ornament from Alva's Marble House china collections). A reader who doesn't know all that can look it up easily or visit Marble House in Newport. I also felt the real life historical figures speeches were way too long in a novel. I appreciate the author using their own words though. The novel is excellently researched. I loved the sources listed, especially the newspaper articles. I would want to write a novel too if I had seen the same news story. This time muttonchops is used correctly! Frustratingly for me, this time the fashion details are sketchy! Kitty has two new dresses made and I don't know what they look like! She likes to shop at B. Altman so perhaps
This story is a coming-of-age series and Kitty still has a lot of growing up to do. I liked how she felt a connection to Elspeth and wouldn't stop until the mystery was solved. She did use Mrs. Bright for her connections but Kitty was genuinely interested. Kitty learns a lot in this novel, rubbing elbows with Alva Vanderbilt and Margaret Sanger (I am SOOO jealous! I want a time machine!). These women highlight some of the important social issues of the day that Kitty is starting to think about. Kitty behaves childishly with her father but I can't say I wouldn't feel the same way.
Mr. Weeks is a kind father in his own way. He just doesn't know how to deal with a girl child who is fast becoming a woman. He loves her in his own way and his rules make sense. Yet at 20, Kitty SHOULD be independent and strike out on her own. She's not quite ready for that yet.
Miss Busby is a fun character. She's straight laced, old-fashioned, uptight but ironically has strong opinions. She is learning that the new century has brought new moral codes and if she wants new readers to read her page, she has to learn to bend and change with the times. Her secret was easy enough to guess. I think it's nice.
Mr. Musser, the archivist, is my favorite character in the series. He's kind and a little lonely. Kitty brings some joy to his day. Plus, since he's German, he'll provide an example of a GOOD German once America enters the war and Germans become the enemy.
Kitty's friend Amanda has a small cameo here. I wasn't at all surprised at how she came back. I suspected that would happen to her and she didn't even make it to the front. I can't imagine the horrors she endured but a spark of the old Amanda shines through as she listens to Kitty's gossip so I think she'll be OK.
The new characters here are the Brights: Elspeth, a brilliant young scholar who wants to be recognized and go far as a GIRL. She rebels against the roles the principal wants her girls to fill. I don't pretend to understand her mind but she is much smarter than me. I didn't like that she died so soon in the book. I would have liked to have known more about her work. Dr. Bright, a scientist, tries to protect his family. He comes across as sometimes mean and tough but I think he's just trying to keep himself, his wife and sons from being hurt more. Mrs. Bright seems like a nice woman and I especially liked that she was involved in woman suffrage.
There are a few other school girls who appear in the story. I don't think any of them are appealing. At first I liked Virginia and felt sorry for her but when she reappears, she's being nosy and a bit cruel. I felt bad for Prudence that the other girls made fun of her. For all Miss Howe-Jones tries to keep girls from forming best friends to be more inclusive, it backfires. You can't have a school full of teenage girls and not have girls playing tricks, teasing, bullying, etc. I felt bad for Prudence for her nickname but it could be SO much worse and she does not have a nice personality. I felt most sorry for Georgina. Her story surprised me.
Another new character here is Sylvia Lane, an old friend of Kitty's father. Is is Miss Weeks or her brother that Julian is interested in? Sylvia seems nice. She's a career woman and I think Kitty could be friends with her.
Several real life figures appear in the novel as well. Alva Erskine Smith (Vanderbilt) Belmont,
society matron, suffragist, and all around forceful personality. Alva is herself: larger than life and deliberately shocking people with her free speech. (Favorite Alva quote "If you need help, pray to God, SHE will save you!") Margaret Sanger makes a brief appearance to discuss birth control/family planning among the poor. I really admire her for deliberately breaking a stupid law and trying to help poor women (however racist her motives may have been). President Woodrow Wilson also appears here. He made me so mad with his wishy washy lack of dedication to giving women the right to vote. He believed in a conservative state by state approach to suffrage, yet as Kitty notes, for things he is interested in, he takes an active role in campaigning for a cause. He is about to send the husbands, sons and brothers of those women off to war and the women won't even get a say about it. I can't wait to see the suffragists chain themselves to the White House fence in 1917. I hope Kitty gets to write about it!
Though I rated both books 3 stars, I will keep reading the series to see where it goes. I hope the mysteries get better or the author leaves them out and lets Kitty develop as an observer and writer without trying to solve murders.
Content:
Margaret Sanger discusses birth control for poor women
mild violence including descriptions of wounded soldiers
Very light romance
I liked this book a lot but there were a few quibbles I had that brought my rating down and as with the first book, the murder reveal fell flat. The writing style is improving slightly. I felt a little more connected to Kitty and the characters here. I did feel that sometimes the author stepped out of the story to tell too much history. While I appreciated the explanation of batteries, I didn't understand what they were! (If I didn't know what they do anyway). I already knew all about Alva Belmont nee Vanderbilt and the Women's Union. (I'm a proud supporter! I have a Votes for Women pin and a reproduction mini teacup ornament from Alva's Marble House china collections). A reader who doesn't know all that can look it up easily or visit Marble House in Newport. I also felt the real life historical figures speeches were way too long in a novel. I appreciate the author using their own words though. The novel is excellently researched. I loved the sources listed, especially the newspaper articles. I would want to write a novel too if I had seen the same news story. This time muttonchops is used correctly! Frustratingly for me, this time the fashion details are sketchy! Kitty has two new dresses made and I don't know what they look like! She likes to shop at B. Altman so perhaps
This story is a coming-of-age series and Kitty still has a lot of growing up to do. I liked how she felt a connection to Elspeth and wouldn't stop until the mystery was solved. She did use Mrs. Bright for her connections but Kitty was genuinely interested. Kitty learns a lot in this novel, rubbing elbows with Alva Vanderbilt and Margaret Sanger (I am SOOO jealous! I want a time machine!). These women highlight some of the important social issues of the day that Kitty is starting to think about. Kitty behaves childishly with her father but I can't say I wouldn't feel the same way.
Mr. Weeks is a kind father in his own way. He just doesn't know how to deal with a girl child who is fast becoming a woman. He loves her in his own way and his rules make sense. Yet at 20, Kitty SHOULD be independent and strike out on her own. She's not quite ready for that yet.
Miss Busby is a fun character. She's straight laced, old-fashioned, uptight but ironically has strong opinions. She is learning that the new century has brought new moral codes and if she wants new readers to read her page, she has to learn to bend and change with the times. Her secret was easy enough to guess. I think it's nice.
Mr. Musser, the archivist, is my favorite character in the series. He's kind and a little lonely. Kitty brings some joy to his day. Plus, since he's German, he'll provide an example of a GOOD German once America enters the war and Germans become the enemy.
Kitty's friend Amanda has a small cameo here. I wasn't at all surprised at how she came back. I suspected that would happen to her and she didn't even make it to the front. I can't imagine the horrors she endured but a spark of the old Amanda shines through as she listens to Kitty's gossip so I think she'll be OK.
The new characters here are the Brights: Elspeth, a brilliant young scholar who wants to be recognized and go far as a GIRL. She rebels against the roles the principal wants her girls to fill. I don't pretend to understand her mind but she is much smarter than me. I didn't like that she died so soon in the book. I would have liked to have known more about her work. Dr. Bright, a scientist, tries to protect his family. He comes across as sometimes mean and tough but I think he's just trying to keep himself, his wife and sons from being hurt more. Mrs. Bright seems like a nice woman and I especially liked that she was involved in woman suffrage.
There are a few other school girls who appear in the story. I don't think any of them are appealing. At first I liked Virginia and felt sorry for her but when she reappears, she's being nosy and a bit cruel. I felt bad for Prudence that the other girls made fun of her. For all Miss Howe-Jones tries to keep girls from forming best friends to be more inclusive, it backfires. You can't have a school full of teenage girls and not have girls playing tricks, teasing, bullying, etc. I felt bad for Prudence for her nickname but it could be SO much worse and she does not have a nice personality. I felt most sorry for Georgina. Her story surprised me.
Another new character here is Sylvia Lane, an old friend of Kitty's father. Is is Miss Weeks or her brother that Julian is interested in? Sylvia seems nice. She's a career woman and I think Kitty could be friends with her.
Several real life figures appear in the novel as well. Alva Erskine Smith (Vanderbilt) Belmont,
society matron, suffragist, and all around forceful personality. Alva is herself: larger than life and deliberately shocking people with her free speech. (Favorite Alva quote "If you need help, pray to God, SHE will save you!") Margaret Sanger makes a brief appearance to discuss birth control/family planning among the poor. I really admire her for deliberately breaking a stupid law and trying to help poor women (however racist her motives may have been). President Woodrow Wilson also appears here. He made me so mad with his wishy washy lack of dedication to giving women the right to vote. He believed in a conservative state by state approach to suffrage, yet as Kitty notes, for things he is interested in, he takes an active role in campaigning for a cause. He is about to send the husbands, sons and brothers of those women off to war and the women won't even get a say about it. I can't wait to see the suffragists chain themselves to the White House fence in 1917. I hope Kitty gets to write about it!
Though I rated both books 3 stars, I will keep reading the series to see where it goes. I hope the mysteries get better or the author leaves them out and lets Kitty develop as an observer and writer without trying to solve murders.
Content:
Margaret Sanger discusses birth control for poor women
mild violence including descriptions of wounded soldiers
Very light romance
August 14, 2017
Journalist Kitty Weeks is intrigued when a student from Westfield Hall, an exclusive girls’ school in New York City, is found frozen to death from sleepwalking outdoors the night before. Could her research into submarine batteries have led to foul play? On the eve of war, the country needs a safe way to power these vessels, and this factor could be crucial. Then President Wilson comes to town, and the women’s suffrage movement tries to get his support. When a second girl dies, an explosion occurs, and the president’s wife receives a strange visitor in her theater box, Kitty is even more convinced that Elspeth’s death might not have been an accident.
These ideas, somewhat disparate, could have perhaps been woven into a tighter web. The conclusion wasn’t quite what I’d expected, either. But Kitty is a charming heroine and I’d want to read more about her. She’s struggling for independence in an era when the country was on the brink of war and women’s roles were changing.
These ideas, somewhat disparate, could have perhaps been woven into a tighter web. The conclusion wasn’t quite what I’d expected, either. But Kitty is a charming heroine and I’d want to read more about her. She’s struggling for independence in an era when the country was on the brink of war and women’s roles were changing.
May 17, 2018
I have not read/listened to book 1, and I know that I often say it, but honestly, here it truly works as a stand alone. The author smoothly sets the reader into Kitty's life and it is like we always were there lurking.
Kitty is 19 and works as a reporter at a woman's page at a magazine. Sure, she does not get paid and she works half days, but she loves it! She wants to be real reporter, in this man's world. She is curious, nice and young. I liked that it really shows that she is 19 at times. That she still lives with her father and it dependent on him. That she does want to strike out on her own, but is not really ready for that.
What to call this book then. Historical mystery? Sure, yes, and it was light too.
The story then; A girl Kitty just met is found dead. She thinks it is weird and investigates, and this is what I love about historical mysteries, it takes time! She is slowly talking to people and following leads, not even knowing if there was foul play.
And during this there is talk of war (1915-16), submarines and what Germany might do. Suffragettes and women's place in the work place. All neatly woven in as she look for her clues. I liked that Kitty learned more about herself and what she wanted to do as she looked deeper into things.
I liked the ending, it was something to make you think
I enjoyed it and I hope Kitty will have more adventures.
Narrator Justine Eyre
She sounded so familiar, and then she did an accent and I knew! Yes I have listened to her before and I enjoy her voice. I like her male voices and accents. And the friendly tone she has.
Kitty is 19 and works as a reporter at a woman's page at a magazine. Sure, she does not get paid and she works half days, but she loves it! She wants to be real reporter, in this man's world. She is curious, nice and young. I liked that it really shows that she is 19 at times. That she still lives with her father and it dependent on him. That she does want to strike out on her own, but is not really ready for that.
What to call this book then. Historical mystery? Sure, yes, and it was light too.
The story then; A girl Kitty just met is found dead. She thinks it is weird and investigates, and this is what I love about historical mysteries, it takes time! She is slowly talking to people and following leads, not even knowing if there was foul play.
And during this there is talk of war (1915-16), submarines and what Germany might do. Suffragettes and women's place in the work place. All neatly woven in as she look for her clues. I liked that Kitty learned more about herself and what she wanted to do as she looked deeper into things.
I liked the ending, it was something to make you think
I enjoyed it and I hope Kitty will have more adventures.
Narrator Justine Eyre
She sounded so familiar, and then she did an accent and I knew! Yes I have listened to her before and I enjoy her voice. I like her male voices and accents. And the friendly tone she has.
January 3, 2024
Another good story about a young woman and her push to be a serious journalist in a world that still looked at women as incapable of anything but being a caretaker and housekeeper. She continues to make herself known by investigating and finding truths. I’m sorry to see that no more of the planned books for this series have been written. One can hope that it may still happen.
January 4, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for an advance copy of Murder Between The Lines, the second book to feature girl reporter, Capability "Kitty" Weeks.
It is late 1915 and America is gearing up for "preparedness" and at the same time the suffragette movement is gaining pace. In the middle of this Kitty is sent to Westfield Hall school to write a piece on it for The Sentinel's Ladies Page. While there she meets pupil Elspeth Bright who interests her with her scientific experiments and unconventional attitudes. A few days later Elspeth is found dead in the local park after an apparent sleep walking incident. Mrs Bright asks Kitty to investigate Elspeth's state of mind with her friends but nothing goes according to plan and she finds herself in deeper waters than she anticipated.
Murder Between The Lines is a light read. It is full of historical detail about the issues facing young women at the time which is very interesting but it is also full of dates and timings of actual historical events which are not in keeping with the tone of the novel, weigh it down and are largely superfluous.
The plot takes a bit of a scattergun approach as Kitty's attention is diverted from Elspeth's death down various related and unrelated avenues (I don't want to enumerate these as it would give away too much of the plot) but it does give a sense of a lack of tightness and the feeling that the novel might have been better as a series of connected short stories.
Kitty is, however, a delightful heroine. Not given to introspection she sails through all the political and personal upheaval with her eye on the main prize - to be a proper reporter, not just a feature writer on the Ladies Page.
Murder Between The Lines is a light read with some interesting historical detail and it is an easy way to pass a few hours.
It is late 1915 and America is gearing up for "preparedness" and at the same time the suffragette movement is gaining pace. In the middle of this Kitty is sent to Westfield Hall school to write a piece on it for The Sentinel's Ladies Page. While there she meets pupil Elspeth Bright who interests her with her scientific experiments and unconventional attitudes. A few days later Elspeth is found dead in the local park after an apparent sleep walking incident. Mrs Bright asks Kitty to investigate Elspeth's state of mind with her friends but nothing goes according to plan and she finds herself in deeper waters than she anticipated.
Murder Between The Lines is a light read. It is full of historical detail about the issues facing young women at the time which is very interesting but it is also full of dates and timings of actual historical events which are not in keeping with the tone of the novel, weigh it down and are largely superfluous.
The plot takes a bit of a scattergun approach as Kitty's attention is diverted from Elspeth's death down various related and unrelated avenues (I don't want to enumerate these as it would give away too much of the plot) but it does give a sense of a lack of tightness and the feeling that the novel might have been better as a series of connected short stories.
Kitty is, however, a delightful heroine. Not given to introspection she sails through all the political and personal upheaval with her eye on the main prize - to be a proper reporter, not just a feature writer on the Ladies Page.
Murder Between The Lines is a light read with some interesting historical detail and it is an easy way to pass a few hours.
January 1, 2017
This book had two of my favorite things-mystery and pre-World War I New York. I adore a book that while getting me totally lost in a murder mystery will also take me on a trip to the early 1900's in New York City. I love seeing the awesome clothes and visiting the sites throughout NY City. This book was chock full of history that often had me going to my laptop to check out and read more in depth on. I haven't read the first book in this series which in no way lessened my enjoyment of it but I do intend to go back and read it as I have fallen in love with this author.
March 23, 2017
Capability "Kitty" Weeks a feature female reporter, in 1915, is assigned to write a feature about Westfield Hall boarding school. But when one of the students is found dead Kitty decides to investigate.
I unfortunately found it difficult to get really involved in the story, I just about liked it, but not a great deal. Also I am not too sure that I cared much for Kitty, she wants to be a serious reporter but seems still too reliant on a rich father rather than herself. As this is only the second in the series that may well change.
A NetGalley Book.
I unfortunately found it difficult to get really involved in the story, I just about liked it, but not a great deal. Also I am not too sure that I cared much for Kitty, she wants to be a serious reporter but seems still too reliant on a rich father rather than herself. As this is only the second in the series that may well change.
A NetGalley Book.
April 7, 2017
I could definitely tell that this book was set in the early 1900's. The women wearing their gloves and not allowed to go out without an escort. Oh, the shame. The author did a great job with that, I really felt like I was back in that era. And poor Kitty when she thought she was going to be found out at a women's suffragette meeting and her father told. The girl was a working women and of age! So glad I wasn't living in those times.
I enjoyed reading this book, however, a teenage girl dies in the cold right after talking to Kitty Weeks. A smart girl full of hope and dreams. Kitty feels bad for this girl and can't believe that this happened to her and starts investigating. What she finds out is a whole different story than what she has been told. There are a lot of secrets being kept. Those secrets end up taking Kitty to the Naval Yard, to a dinner with President Wilson and to investigating a real news story instead of her usual "ladies stories"
A great mystery read that did not fail to enjoy thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this entertaining book.
I enjoyed reading this book, however, a teenage girl dies in the cold right after talking to Kitty Weeks. A smart girl full of hope and dreams. Kitty feels bad for this girl and can't believe that this happened to her and starts investigating. What she finds out is a whole different story than what she has been told. There are a lot of secrets being kept. Those secrets end up taking Kitty to the Naval Yard, to a dinner with President Wilson and to investigating a real news story instead of her usual "ladies stories"
A great mystery read that did not fail to enjoy thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this entertaining book.
November 4, 2017
My favorite thing about this was how well Vatsal evoked the feeling of 1915. There's a lot of historical information here about the women's suffrage and Woodrow Wilson and early 20th century battery building and submarines and girl's boarding schools and old time-y medicine and it's all relayed in a very user friendly way. This information is skillfully integrated into the engaging mystery plot and written in a way that isn't overwhelming or info dumpy.
The characters aren't very deep but Vatsal does a good job making them realistic to the time period and they and their circumstances are interesting enough to keep you turning the pages. I'm also really happy that a lame romance wasn't shoe horned in. I'm not anti-romance at all, but I encounter a lot of books where a subpar romance is tacked on seemingly out of a sense of obligation and I don't care for that. It is refreshing to read a young female protagonist who isn't boy crazy.
The first book in this series is a real fun read too. I look forward to reading Kitty's future adventures.
The characters aren't very deep but Vatsal does a good job making them realistic to the time period and they and their circumstances are interesting enough to keep you turning the pages. I'm also really happy that a lame romance wasn't shoe horned in. I'm not anti-romance at all, but I encounter a lot of books where a subpar romance is tacked on seemingly out of a sense of obligation and I don't care for that. It is refreshing to read a young female protagonist who isn't boy crazy.
The first book in this series is a real fun read too. I look forward to reading Kitty's future adventures.
December 27, 2018
Three and a half stars...second in a newish series which is well-researched and provides an interesting mystery as well; will look forward to reading #3.
September 12, 2019
Another light read but we'll written and I enjoyed it.
August 21, 2022
I was expecting Edwardian-esque Nancy Drew and was sorely disappointed.
Capability "Kitty" Weeks is a 19yo reporter and that's about it. To me, she comes off wish washy and naive particularly for a reporter.
The mystery is poorly put together; Kitty doesn't do anything of real substance to put anything together. Everyone involved simply tells her what happens in pieces. She doesn't end up doing anything about her discovery in the end anyway, making the whole book pointless.
Its about 200 pages too long. The writing style itself isn't terrible, but the book is chock full of informational fluff that does little to move the plot whatsoever.
I enjoyed reading about suffrage in the 1910s, especially from today's perspective. You can tell the author thoroughly researched the time period thought out every historical detail. I just wish she would put that much effort into her character and mystery building. Perhaps I'd feel differently if I'd read the first installment, but I suspect not.
Capability "Kitty" Weeks is a 19yo reporter and that's about it. To me, she comes off wish washy and naive particularly for a reporter.
The mystery is poorly put together; Kitty doesn't do anything of real substance to put anything together. Everyone involved simply tells her what happens in pieces. She doesn't end up doing anything about her discovery in the end anyway, making the whole book pointless.
Its about 200 pages too long. The writing style itself isn't terrible, but the book is chock full of informational fluff that does little to move the plot whatsoever.
I enjoyed reading about suffrage in the 1910s, especially from today's perspective. You can tell the author thoroughly researched the time period thought out every historical detail. I just wish she would put that much effort into her character and mystery building. Perhaps I'd feel differently if I'd read the first installment, but I suspect not.
September 10, 2024
A library find. September 2024.
Well written.
Interesting.
Well written.
Interesting.
May 5, 2017
In her second Kitty Weeks novel, Rhada Vatsal again takes us back to the 1910s, a tumultuous time in U.S. history, where women are demanding the long promised right to vote, and, as World War I bloodies Europe, the American government and defense industries are quietly preparing for war.
Set in 1915, New York City, "Murder Between the Lines," depicts an America that, on the surface, appears to be as it has been for decades. Kitty Weeks, the daughter of a wealthy man who simultaneously tries to protect her as he encourages her to be independent, knows that war is coming. The signs are not hidden well. Her best friend returns from nursing soldiers on the battlefields of Europe a broken woman. She has seen the horror of trench warfare first hand. At the same time, former President Theodore Roosevelt has "called for a navy that would be second in size and efficiency only to that of Great Britain," and government money is pouring in to test Edison's batteries for use in submarines.
A writer for the ladies' page of "The Sentinel" newspaper, Kitty has pushed hard against covering tea parties and has successfully convinced her editor to allow her to cover suffragettes and Woodrow Wilson's visit to New York City. When Elspeth Bright, a young, vibrant woman, connected to the Edison battery-research, is found frozen to death in Central Park, Kitty is driven to use her journalist skills to try to bring her justice.
Vatsal's meticulous historical research broadens Kitty's world to include the famous suffragette, Alva Belmont (also known as Alva Vanderbilt), and the actress Marie Dressler, known later for, among other things, her brilliant performance in "Dinner at Eight." We also attend the "first annual dinner of the Motion Picture Board of Trade of America" at the newish Waldorf-Astoria. Here, President Woodrow Wilson prophetically states: “America will always seek to the last point at which her honor is involved to avoid the things which disturb the peace of the world, ...there will come that day when the world will say, ‘This America that we thought was full of a multitude of contrary counsels now speaks with the great volume of the heart’s accord, and that great heart of America has behind it the supreme moral force of righteousness and hope and the liberty of mankind!'”
Rhada Vatsal is an exceptional writer and gifted historian. In the first Kitty Weeks novel, "The Front Page," and again in this second novel, Vatsal has successfully recreated the mood, the sights, smells and controversies of New York City in the years leading up to the deployment of American soldiers to fight in the Great War. As the United States enters into the centennial anniversary of America's involvement in that war, Vatsal's books allow us to reflect on the small fires that led to the conflagration, and they allow us to recognize that the fight for female equality is not a recent endeavor.
"Murder Between the Lines" deserves more than five stars. Read it and you will agree.
Set in 1915, New York City, "Murder Between the Lines," depicts an America that, on the surface, appears to be as it has been for decades. Kitty Weeks, the daughter of a wealthy man who simultaneously tries to protect her as he encourages her to be independent, knows that war is coming. The signs are not hidden well. Her best friend returns from nursing soldiers on the battlefields of Europe a broken woman. She has seen the horror of trench warfare first hand. At the same time, former President Theodore Roosevelt has "called for a navy that would be second in size and efficiency only to that of Great Britain," and government money is pouring in to test Edison's batteries for use in submarines.
A writer for the ladies' page of "The Sentinel" newspaper, Kitty has pushed hard against covering tea parties and has successfully convinced her editor to allow her to cover suffragettes and Woodrow Wilson's visit to New York City. When Elspeth Bright, a young, vibrant woman, connected to the Edison battery-research, is found frozen to death in Central Park, Kitty is driven to use her journalist skills to try to bring her justice.
Vatsal's meticulous historical research broadens Kitty's world to include the famous suffragette, Alva Belmont (also known as Alva Vanderbilt), and the actress Marie Dressler, known later for, among other things, her brilliant performance in "Dinner at Eight." We also attend the "first annual dinner of the Motion Picture Board of Trade of America" at the newish Waldorf-Astoria. Here, President Woodrow Wilson prophetically states: “America will always seek to the last point at which her honor is involved to avoid the things which disturb the peace of the world, ...there will come that day when the world will say, ‘This America that we thought was full of a multitude of contrary counsels now speaks with the great volume of the heart’s accord, and that great heart of America has behind it the supreme moral force of righteousness and hope and the liberty of mankind!'”
Rhada Vatsal is an exceptional writer and gifted historian. In the first Kitty Weeks novel, "The Front Page," and again in this second novel, Vatsal has successfully recreated the mood, the sights, smells and controversies of New York City in the years leading up to the deployment of American soldiers to fight in the Great War. As the United States enters into the centennial anniversary of America's involvement in that war, Vatsal's books allow us to reflect on the small fires that led to the conflagration, and they allow us to recognize that the fight for female equality is not a recent endeavor.
"Murder Between the Lines" deserves more than five stars. Read it and you will agree.
March 24, 2017
The year is 1915, Capability (Kitty) Weeks works as a reporter on the women's page of the New York Sentinel. She lives with her widowed father in a very comfortable apartment. Her life is a life of luxury compared to many people of the day.
One of her stories will be a report on a boarding school for the daughters of wealthy parents. While at the school, Kitty meets a girl devoted to science and a girl who desires to be a reporter. Both these girls make impressions on Kitty because of their passion and their dreams. Kitty is not too much older than these girls and she spent time in a boarding school, so it is easy to feel a connection to the girls she meets.
When one of those girls is found dead, frozen in the snow, Kitty simply must find out what happened.
This is a terrific book. The reader gets to follow Kitty as she looks into a death that appears accidental. But, when the girl's mother asks Kitty to try to help her understand what happened, she can't resist the mystery.
History is a major part of this story and what is written here, is very true to what happened.
The country is embroiled in at least two major subjects which divide the country. There is a war brewing in Europe and President Wilson may or may not be trying to lead the US into becoming a participant.
Women want to be treated as equals, they want the vote. There are many women who feel very strongly that the Constitution must be changed in order to give women the right to vote. There are a few western states which have given women the vote, but the Suffrage Movement feels that an amendment to the Constitution is what is needed for the entire nation.
Kitty is a terrific protagonist. Her personal life has its ups and downs. Her father may be considering remarrying, her editor is a woman who does not want to face the real world, and the newspaper does not allow women to enter the area where actual reporters (men) do their work.
This is a very well constructed book. I am new to the writing of Radha Vastal and this has been a wonderful surprise for me.
The characters are very well developed. Kitty's father is devoted to her but he is considering a life of his own. The other newspaper staff, the families of the boarding school girls as well as some possible anarchists all add a great deal to the texture of the story. Each secondary character is an important part the plot.
Historical events are so well recreated that the reader feels immersed in the action.
This is the second in a series. Although I have not read the first book, at no time did I feel as though I was lost.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are my own.
One of her stories will be a report on a boarding school for the daughters of wealthy parents. While at the school, Kitty meets a girl devoted to science and a girl who desires to be a reporter. Both these girls make impressions on Kitty because of their passion and their dreams. Kitty is not too much older than these girls and she spent time in a boarding school, so it is easy to feel a connection to the girls she meets.
When one of those girls is found dead, frozen in the snow, Kitty simply must find out what happened.
This is a terrific book. The reader gets to follow Kitty as she looks into a death that appears accidental. But, when the girl's mother asks Kitty to try to help her understand what happened, she can't resist the mystery.
History is a major part of this story and what is written here, is very true to what happened.
The country is embroiled in at least two major subjects which divide the country. There is a war brewing in Europe and President Wilson may or may not be trying to lead the US into becoming a participant.
Women want to be treated as equals, they want the vote. There are many women who feel very strongly that the Constitution must be changed in order to give women the right to vote. There are a few western states which have given women the vote, but the Suffrage Movement feels that an amendment to the Constitution is what is needed for the entire nation.
Kitty is a terrific protagonist. Her personal life has its ups and downs. Her father may be considering remarrying, her editor is a woman who does not want to face the real world, and the newspaper does not allow women to enter the area where actual reporters (men) do their work.
This is a very well constructed book. I am new to the writing of Radha Vastal and this has been a wonderful surprise for me.
The characters are very well developed. Kitty's father is devoted to her but he is considering a life of his own. The other newspaper staff, the families of the boarding school girls as well as some possible anarchists all add a great deal to the texture of the story. Each secondary character is an important part the plot.
Historical events are so well recreated that the reader feels immersed in the action.
This is the second in a series. Although I have not read the first book, at no time did I feel as though I was lost.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are my own.
May 6, 2017
Originally posted on You Have Your Hands Full
I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Murder Between the Lines is the second book in Radha Vatsal’s Kitty Weeks mystery series. These books take place during World War I- but before the United States has entered the war. Kitty is a young woman who works as a newspaper reporter for the Ladies’ Page of The New York Sentinel. She doesn’t intend to become a detective, but her dedication to discovering the truth compels her to pursue irregularities until victims receive the justice they deserve.
In this book, a routine story about a girls’ boarding school places Kitty back in investigator mode. At the school, Kitty meets a bright girl named Elspeth. They arrange to get together when Elspeth returns home for Christmas vacation. She is excited about something she wants to tell Kitty, but the next morning, Elspeth is found outside- dead. The death is labeled a tragic accident, a side effect of Elspeth’s childhood sleepwalking. Naturally, Kitty is suspicious, and as she probes deeper, she realizes that she has every reason to feel that way.
This was a satisfying book. Vatsal is a talented writer with an eye for period details. I was especially pleased with her “name-dropping” of the Automobile Girls books series at the beginning of the book; these titles are free on the Kindle, and I can imagine how these fun books would have displeased the stern headmistress of a girls’ school. But, I digress- another aspect of the book that I liked was the way in which Vatsal combined Kitty’s personal life with her sleuthing. In fact, it is Kitty’s relatively high position in society that grants her entrée to prominent people in the city.
I would recommend Murder Between the Lines. Reading the first book is not a requirement; this book functions well as a standalone. I’m not positive, but I’m fairly confident that the mystery from the first book is not spoiled in this book. I was not able to solve the mystery before the “big reveal”; hints are dropped, but many are red herrings. Kitty Weeks is a charming protagonist; she has a quiet charm and confidence that make her easy to like. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series!
I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Murder Between the Lines is the second book in Radha Vatsal’s Kitty Weeks mystery series. These books take place during World War I- but before the United States has entered the war. Kitty is a young woman who works as a newspaper reporter for the Ladies’ Page of The New York Sentinel. She doesn’t intend to become a detective, but her dedication to discovering the truth compels her to pursue irregularities until victims receive the justice they deserve.
In this book, a routine story about a girls’ boarding school places Kitty back in investigator mode. At the school, Kitty meets a bright girl named Elspeth. They arrange to get together when Elspeth returns home for Christmas vacation. She is excited about something she wants to tell Kitty, but the next morning, Elspeth is found outside- dead. The death is labeled a tragic accident, a side effect of Elspeth’s childhood sleepwalking. Naturally, Kitty is suspicious, and as she probes deeper, she realizes that she has every reason to feel that way.
This was a satisfying book. Vatsal is a talented writer with an eye for period details. I was especially pleased with her “name-dropping” of the Automobile Girls books series at the beginning of the book; these titles are free on the Kindle, and I can imagine how these fun books would have displeased the stern headmistress of a girls’ school. But, I digress- another aspect of the book that I liked was the way in which Vatsal combined Kitty’s personal life with her sleuthing. In fact, it is Kitty’s relatively high position in society that grants her entrée to prominent people in the city.
I would recommend Murder Between the Lines. Reading the first book is not a requirement; this book functions well as a standalone. I’m not positive, but I’m fairly confident that the mystery from the first book is not spoiled in this book. I was not able to solve the mystery before the “big reveal”; hints are dropped, but many are red herrings. Kitty Weeks is a charming protagonist; she has a quiet charm and confidence that make her easy to like. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series!
May 5, 2017
Part of a series which I did not know about, this book was a good stand alone one which did not detract from its story or the series.
Set at the very end of 1915 and going into January of 1916 it depicts an era of change in America like it was all around the world especially for women. We have Kitty Weeks employed as a journalist, but in her father's eyes it is more or less a hobby. He wanted her to do this job without pay as she did not need the money at all and for Kitty it was more about asserting herself as an independent woman more than anything else. There was no vote for women as yet, the suffrage movement was just picking up and the position of women in public life was almost nil.
Kitty's assignment is Westfield Hall a prestigious school for girls, forward thinking for their times and supportive of girls higher education. A student found frozen to death supposedly whilst sleep walking makes an enquiry necessary but Kitty is not sure that all is what it seems. There seems to be a cover up from several people including most strangely the girl's parents themselves. That Elspeth was herself of a scientific bent of mind and was trying to disprove a theory re batteries involving the Navy Yard and the new ships being built were all pointers to Kitty that a conspiracy was afoot. Big names are involved with lucrative contracts involved and Kitty puts her investigative journalistic skills to play to uncover what actually happened. A second death under very mysterious circumstances adds to the intensity of the story.
Apart from the actual mystery, the story highlighted American politics in the White House of the time. President Wilson was in the White House and he did not seem progressive at all! there were strong women lobbying for women's rights but they would have a long way to go before they were successful. These stories added much interest to the book.
Set at the very end of 1915 and going into January of 1916 it depicts an era of change in America like it was all around the world especially for women. We have Kitty Weeks employed as a journalist, but in her father's eyes it is more or less a hobby. He wanted her to do this job without pay as she did not need the money at all and for Kitty it was more about asserting herself as an independent woman more than anything else. There was no vote for women as yet, the suffrage movement was just picking up and the position of women in public life was almost nil.
Kitty's assignment is Westfield Hall a prestigious school for girls, forward thinking for their times and supportive of girls higher education. A student found frozen to death supposedly whilst sleep walking makes an enquiry necessary but Kitty is not sure that all is what it seems. There seems to be a cover up from several people including most strangely the girl's parents themselves. That Elspeth was herself of a scientific bent of mind and was trying to disprove a theory re batteries involving the Navy Yard and the new ships being built were all pointers to Kitty that a conspiracy was afoot. Big names are involved with lucrative contracts involved and Kitty puts her investigative journalistic skills to play to uncover what actually happened. A second death under very mysterious circumstances adds to the intensity of the story.
Apart from the actual mystery, the story highlighted American politics in the White House of the time. President Wilson was in the White House and he did not seem progressive at all! there were strong women lobbying for women's rights but they would have a long way to go before they were successful. These stories added much interest to the book.
May 16, 2017
I'm happy to say that Murder Between the Lines is even better than Vatsal’s A Front Page Affair, the first in the series. This time young New York Sentinel Ladies' Page reporter Capability "Kitty" Weeks is writing a story about a Westfield Hall, an exclusive girls' school in New York City in 1915.
Kitty is delighted to speak with Elspeth Bright, a student whose interest in science is ahead of her time. When Elspeth is found dead in Central Park, the result of her freezing to death during a sleepwalking episode, Kitty is led to believe that there is more to it than just an accident and begins investigating.
Vatsal does a great deal of research, which she said is made much easier now that old copies of The New York Times are now archived online, and she saw a headline "Girl Sommnambulist Freezes" that gave her the storyline.
I love the historical context of these books, and Vatsal's research is evident on the page. In Murder Between the Lines she manages to work in sleepwalking, Thomas Edison's new batteries to be used in naval technology, President Woodrow Wilson's marriage to Edith Galt, and the burgeoning suffragette movement into her story. You get a real context for events of that time period.
The scene set in the Waldorf Astoria, where President Wilson is set to give a speech and where the suffragettes hope to meet with him, is so evocative. If you close your eyes, you feel as if you are walking in Peacock Alley in the iconic hotel, which, sadly, is closed for renovations now and under new ownership.
If you are a fan of Victoria Thompson's Gaslight Mysteries, or Jacqueline Winspear's Maisie Dobbs series, you will want to read Radha Vatsal's Kitty Weeks mysteries. I highly recommend Murder Between the Lines.
Kitty is delighted to speak with Elspeth Bright, a student whose interest in science is ahead of her time. When Elspeth is found dead in Central Park, the result of her freezing to death during a sleepwalking episode, Kitty is led to believe that there is more to it than just an accident and begins investigating.
Vatsal does a great deal of research, which she said is made much easier now that old copies of The New York Times are now archived online, and she saw a headline "Girl Sommnambulist Freezes" that gave her the storyline.
I love the historical context of these books, and Vatsal's research is evident on the page. In Murder Between the Lines she manages to work in sleepwalking, Thomas Edison's new batteries to be used in naval technology, President Woodrow Wilson's marriage to Edith Galt, and the burgeoning suffragette movement into her story. You get a real context for events of that time period.
The scene set in the Waldorf Astoria, where President Wilson is set to give a speech and where the suffragettes hope to meet with him, is so evocative. If you close your eyes, you feel as if you are walking in Peacock Alley in the iconic hotel, which, sadly, is closed for renovations now and under new ownership.
If you are a fan of Victoria Thompson's Gaslight Mysteries, or Jacqueline Winspear's Maisie Dobbs series, you will want to read Radha Vatsal's Kitty Weeks mysteries. I highly recommend Murder Between the Lines.
July 15, 2017
Murder Between the Lines is the second novel by Radha Vassal about Kitty Weeks, a beginning journalist in an age when the rare female journalist is by default a writer for the women’s pages. The setting is 1915-1916, the U.S. has not yet entered the Great War, Woodrow Wilson is president, and women do not have the right to vote.
The “Kitty” in the first third of the book is a flat, undeveloped character. At first I thought this problem was a reflection of the way women were treated by men and by other women as a social norm. Later in the book, however, Kitty takes on some depth as the plot picks up its pace.
There are several plot threads. They deal with women’s suffrage, political intrigue and an anti-war movement, women as journalists, women’s education, Edison’s inventions, and several deaths. The author manages to tie the threads together, but some resolutions seem forced.
The author researched the era well, and the information was interesting. Of particular note was the apparent frailty of the “weaker sex” and doctors’ views on women’s health and recovery from accidents.
It is difficult to sort out attitudes about the characters given the freedoms and responsibilities women in the U.S. have today. Are the women in the book weak or are they victims of the time? I think the answer may be a little of both. Women were generally dependent financially on men, but there have been women of every era who were powerful and knew how to wield that power. In Kitty’s case, she has to break down social barriers to achieve financial independence.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Sourcebooks (Landmark) for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The “Kitty” in the first third of the book is a flat, undeveloped character. At first I thought this problem was a reflection of the way women were treated by men and by other women as a social norm. Later in the book, however, Kitty takes on some depth as the plot picks up its pace.
There are several plot threads. They deal with women’s suffrage, political intrigue and an anti-war movement, women as journalists, women’s education, Edison’s inventions, and several deaths. The author manages to tie the threads together, but some resolutions seem forced.
The author researched the era well, and the information was interesting. Of particular note was the apparent frailty of the “weaker sex” and doctors’ views on women’s health and recovery from accidents.
It is difficult to sort out attitudes about the characters given the freedoms and responsibilities women in the U.S. have today. Are the women in the book weak or are they victims of the time? I think the answer may be a little of both. Women were generally dependent financially on men, but there have been women of every era who were powerful and knew how to wield that power. In Kitty’s case, she has to break down social barriers to achieve financial independence.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Sourcebooks (Landmark) for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2019
I wanted to like this so much more than I do!! I'm so sad!!
In book one I liked that Kitty understood she was able to be a reporter because of her father's generosity. He was a good father who tried to understand his daughter. Now? He was basically the total opposite. Constantly telling Kitty what he would allow her to do, they were bickering the whole time. He has a potential love interest in this book. I didn't like the lady at all, she seemed a bit presumptuous to me. And in the end it's come to nothing, so what was the point of her? Just to cause conflict and then kindly disappear what it was time for father and daughter to reconcile?
Kitty herself was rather annoying. She works part time as a reporter, complains how she's not allowed to be an actual reporter...but then when she does discover some news she fails to report it and quite often goes home early (from her already shortened working day mind you) because she's too tired. Her potential romance has fizzled to barely a footnote and she makes so many silly decisions.
I do like how the author handles history. She writes from the prospective of those living the events, not in hindsight. I really appreciate that. Unfortunately, this is primarily a murder mystery, not a historical book. And that mystery is weak. The ending is so abrupt with very little resolution, it was almost like the author suddenly remembered she was supposed to be wrapping up a mystery. I really do like this author and her writing style. I really wish she would let go of trying to write a mystery, and just write about a young woman trying to reach independence in those times. She would do so amazing writing that style.
In book one I liked that Kitty understood she was able to be a reporter because of her father's generosity. He was a good father who tried to understand his daughter. Now? He was basically the total opposite. Constantly telling Kitty what he would allow her to do, they were bickering the whole time. He has a potential love interest in this book. I didn't like the lady at all, she seemed a bit presumptuous to me. And in the end it's come to nothing, so what was the point of her? Just to cause conflict and then kindly disappear what it was time for father and daughter to reconcile?
Kitty herself was rather annoying. She works part time as a reporter, complains how she's not allowed to be an actual reporter...but then when she does discover some news she fails to report it and quite often goes home early (from her already shortened working day mind you) because she's too tired. Her potential romance has fizzled to barely a footnote and she makes so many silly decisions.
I do like how the author handles history. She writes from the prospective of those living the events, not in hindsight. I really appreciate that. Unfortunately, this is primarily a murder mystery, not a historical book. And that mystery is weak. The ending is so abrupt with very little resolution, it was almost like the author suddenly remembered she was supposed to be wrapping up a mystery. I really do like this author and her writing style. I really wish she would let go of trying to write a mystery, and just write about a young woman trying to reach independence in those times. She would do so amazing writing that style.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2017
I love historical fiction and detective novels and am excited to review the latest Kitty Weeks mystery. Like Carola Dunn's Daisy Dalrymple, Radha Vatsal's Kitty Weeks is a journalist for a women's magazine working around the time of WWI and the years thereafter. While Daisy lost the family estate when her father and brother died and the fortune passed to the next male heir, Kitty Weeks lives in luxury in Manhattan with her widowed father. Kitty's social connections and wealth allow her to access exclusive circles. She's able to identify and understand incongruities that would have been lost to the less socially savvy. Fortunately, Kitty is both likable and socially liberal so while she spends time at the Waldorf Astoria or among "The First Four Hundred" we cheer for her and appreciate the peek into the New York's high society.
In Kitty's second adventure, Murder Between the Lines, Kitty meets a brilliant young woman scientist during her visit to Westfield Hall. When young Elspeth Bright is found dead in the snow, her mother asks Kitty's help to find out what might have led her daughter to Central Park in the middle of the night. Kitty's investigations take her back to Westfield Hall, to the Brooklyn Navy Yard to investigate the manufacturing and use of batteries, a new and untested technology and to suffragette meetings at the Waldorf. Jealous girlfriends, good-looking executives, women's rights advocates and an unexpected visit from President Wilson -- Radha Vatsal brings this time period to life and delivers an unusual mystery.
In Kitty's second adventure, Murder Between the Lines, Kitty meets a brilliant young woman scientist during her visit to Westfield Hall. When young Elspeth Bright is found dead in the snow, her mother asks Kitty's help to find out what might have led her daughter to Central Park in the middle of the night. Kitty's investigations take her back to Westfield Hall, to the Brooklyn Navy Yard to investigate the manufacturing and use of batteries, a new and untested technology and to suffragette meetings at the Waldorf. Jealous girlfriends, good-looking executives, women's rights advocates and an unexpected visit from President Wilson -- Radha Vatsal brings this time period to life and delivers an unusual mystery.
September 6, 2017
Wow, I am just amazed at the research that the author has done in writing this book. I was born and raised in the United States and studied American history in high school and college and still had not idea of some of the things she talked about in her book. This is the second book in the series I have read and I highly recommend both to anyone who likes historical fiction with a murder to solve.
Kitty Weeks is tasked with writing a story about Westfield Hall, a prestigious girls’ boarding school. Tragedy strikes when a student named Elspeth is found frozen to death in Central Park. The doctors proclaim that the girl’s sleepwalking was the cause, but Kitty isn’t so sure. Determined to uncover the truth, Kitty must investigate a more chilling scenario—a murder that may involve Elspeth’s scientist father and a new invention by a man named Thomas Edison.
But that’s not the only storyline in the book. She artfully weaves women’s suffrage and even a little romance here and there throughout the story. Kitty is a very likeable person, as is her dad with whom she lives. And despite having resources at her disposal, she wants to make her way in the world by being a journalist. But the author did show some of Kitty’s vulnerabilities as she was trying to deal with her father’s developing friendship with Miss Lane.
My aha moment came when I learned that President Wilson was married a second time and a lot of women refused to acknowledge his new wife. There was that and much more to be learned from the book.
As with most series, the book had threads that were somewhat left dangling. I know that is purposely a part of a book’s conclusion to convince the reader that they need to read the next book in the series.
Kitty Weeks is tasked with writing a story about Westfield Hall, a prestigious girls’ boarding school. Tragedy strikes when a student named Elspeth is found frozen to death in Central Park. The doctors proclaim that the girl’s sleepwalking was the cause, but Kitty isn’t so sure. Determined to uncover the truth, Kitty must investigate a more chilling scenario—a murder that may involve Elspeth’s scientist father and a new invention by a man named Thomas Edison.
But that’s not the only storyline in the book. She artfully weaves women’s suffrage and even a little romance here and there throughout the story. Kitty is a very likeable person, as is her dad with whom she lives. And despite having resources at her disposal, she wants to make her way in the world by being a journalist. But the author did show some of Kitty’s vulnerabilities as she was trying to deal with her father’s developing friendship with Miss Lane.
My aha moment came when I learned that President Wilson was married a second time and a lot of women refused to acknowledge his new wife. There was that and much more to be learned from the book.
As with most series, the book had threads that were somewhat left dangling. I know that is purposely a part of a book’s conclusion to convince the reader that they need to read the next book in the series.
January 27, 2018
Despite this being a slow reading month for me that is no reflection on this book. Kitty is quickly becoming another favourite of mine. This time her adventure begins at a private school Westfield as she interviews the headmistress and students for the ladies page at the Sentinel. During her short time there she meets promising scientist Elspeth Bright and arranges to meet her at a later date. Following their meeting Kitty leaves with a sense of hope and optimism for the future. Sadly Elspeth is found dead early on Christmas morning frozen to death after a sleep walking incident. For Kitty something doesn't seem right and when she offers condolences to the girl's mother she learns Mrs. Bright feels the same way and asks her to look into the death of her daughter. As Kitty digs deeper she uncovers experiments related to the navy and submarines, secret affairs, and a possible conspiracy to harm the president. Despite the ending being sort of abrupt and not really satisfying it was another enjoyable installment to this series. I loved that there were romantic side stories in both Kitty's personal and professional life. Are Miss Busby and Mr. Musser seeing each other, is that why she's acting so weird and different. Is Kitty's father ready to fall in love and remarry? Can Kitty handle the thought of having another woman in her home after so long. I always love when mystery series focus on other stories as well as the mysteries, it makes me more invested in the series and eager to see what happens next.
June 30, 2017
I enjoyed Kitty Weeks as a reporter in the first book, A Front Page Affair, and was not sure how she was going to continue in the second book. Women reporters were restricted to the society pages, not allowed to do hard news stories. So an assignment to report on an all girls' school. Westfield Hall in NYC, doesn't sound like much. She expects to see the usual French and dancing in an orderly manner as was expected in 1915.
However, Elspeth Bright, the daughter of a scientist involved in naval technology seems to have inherited her father's interest and talent. Kitty is interested in finding more about this student when she meets with an accidental death at school. Or was it accidental?
Kitty begins to dig deeper into the school, the teachers, and the students. She also begins to look at Elspeth's father's research. Several things begin to make her question the accidental death, but just who would have wanted the young student dead.
I found it an intriguing look into the private school life of the time, some of the teachers' life, the headmasters' view on what was going on, and eventually the truth as eventually revealed by investigating the family, the friends, and the school.
Well written and well done.
However, Elspeth Bright, the daughter of a scientist involved in naval technology seems to have inherited her father's interest and talent. Kitty is interested in finding more about this student when she meets with an accidental death at school. Or was it accidental?
Kitty begins to dig deeper into the school, the teachers, and the students. She also begins to look at Elspeth's father's research. Several things begin to make her question the accidental death, but just who would have wanted the young student dead.
I found it an intriguing look into the private school life of the time, some of the teachers' life, the headmasters' view on what was going on, and eventually the truth as eventually revealed by investigating the family, the friends, and the school.
Well written and well done.
July 26, 2017
Kitty Weeks, intrepid reporter for the Ladies' Page of the New York Sentinel, is assigned to do a profile of an exclusive young ladies boarding school. While there, she meets an intriguing young woman who is a budding physicist/chemist. She is the only daughter of a scientist who serves on a national committee that vets technology for the military. When that same young woman is found dead in the snow on the day after Christmas, Kitty determines to discover why she died. Did it have to do with the argument she had with her father about Thomas Edison's new batteries for submarines? The path to the answer leads through a Margaret Sanger lecture, a visit to New York by President Wilson, an interview with Alma Belmont, an explosion at the Brooklyn Naval Yard and numerous confrontations at the restrictions set upon young women, especially young women of "good family," in 1916. There is even a trip to Times Square on New Year's Eve. the ending didn't entirely ratify me, but it is fun to watch Kitty becoming more and more sympathetic to the cause of women's rights even as she becomes equally impatient with men's assumptions.
October 8, 2019
Another winner is my opinion. If you enjoy history and mystery this series is for you. Many have commented that they often get frustrated with Kitty but the reader must remember Capability was a woman of her times. She was daring in that she worked for a newspaper of all things when most women of her class did not work but waited for a suitable husband to come along. And she is just 19 years old. I have enjoyed both books in this series and I have learned some things about history that I did not know or had forgotten. Ms Vatsal did meticulous research and I find that very refreshing. She had me reaching for my phone so I could google some things and she was spot on in each aspect. One of the most compelling scenes in this book is between Kitty and her good friend, Amanda. Amanda, a spoiled wealthy girl had taken nurses training and went off to Europe to nurse the fallen soldiers. Upon coming home, she is much changed by what she saw on the battlefield. And this was before the US entered WW1. As an old nurse myself, I can relate to taking up this career with a very noble heart and being quickly awakened to the reality of illness, disease and accidents. Very well written!
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