Death on the Homefront

Emily Cabot Mysteries #8

by Frances McNamara

With the United States on the verge of entering World War I, tensions run high in Chicago in the Spring of 1917, and the city simmers with anti-German sentiment mixed with virulent patriotism. Shockingly, amateur sleuth Emily Cabot is present when a young Chicago woman, who is about to make a brilliant society marriage, is murdered. Was her death retaliation for her pacifist activities, or was it linked to her romantic entanglements? Emily has a personal connection to the woman, but she's torn between her determination to solve the murder and her deep need to protect her newly adult children from the realities of a new world. As the country's entry into the war unfolds, Emily watches with trepidation as her sons and daughter make questionable choices about their own futures. Violent worker unrest and the tumultuous arena of automobile racing provide an emotionally charged backdrop for this compelling mystery.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery

217 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2020

About the author

Frances McNamara grew up in Boston, where her father served as Police Commissioner for ten years. She has degrees from Mount Holyoke and Simmons Colleges, and formerly worked as a librarian at the University of Chicago. When not working or writing she can be found sailing on the Charles River in Boston or beaching on Cape Cod.

Be sure to follow me on BookBub to learn of new books and special sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/franc...

Reviews

[Debra B · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars...

Thank you to the author and the Goodreads Giveaway for an advance copy of this book.

I was introduced to historical fiction four years ago when assigned one of Susan Elia MacNeals' Maggie Hope mysteries for a book club read. I instantly fell in love with the genre and went on to become a big fan of the genre, in particular Ms. MacNeal's Maggie Hope books as well as Jacqueline Winspear's Maisie Dobbs books.

Both series tell the stories of the Great War and World War II from the European point of view, so it is refreshing to finally read about the Great War from the American perspective. The book is part of the Emily Cabot mysteries. The series takes place in Chicago, featuring Emily Cabot, a university professor, as the lead character.

In the prewar days, the Cabot family is divided with Emily supporting the pacifists and the rest of her family reluctantly accepting the country's inevitable entry into the war. When a friend of Emily's daughter is murdered at a women's meeting at a hotel, Emily begins to investigate at her daughter's request. Emily must sort through a myriad of confusing facts involving the private American Protection League supported by the wealthy, the heavy anti-German sentiment against Chicago's large German population, and a string of burglaries of local businesses.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book ... it's Downton Abbey meets Maisie Dobbs... I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys historical mysteries.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was super excited to receive a copy of this book from LibraryThing. I’d never heard of the Emily Cabot mysteries, but I chose this one because of its setting during WWI. Now I wish I’d heard of these books sooner, but I’m glad to have found a new author and series to enjoy.

Death on the Homefront is narrated by Emily Chapman, nee Cabot. Emily and her daughter Lizzie are attending a fundraiser luncheon for Belgian relief when a young woman is murdered in the restaurant. A suspect is immediately arrested, but Emily is not convinced the authorities have the right person. She has been on numerous murder investigations, but apparently, it’s been a while and she doesn’t have the same connections at the police department. This complicates her detective work, as does family drama, including a troubled youngest son and the soon-to-be married Lizzie.

I love the WWI setting and the book is filled with historical references, such as the Women’s Peace Party, Jane Addams, and the Four-Minute Men. I do love a well-researched book and the author does an excellent job of inserting the history within the murder mystery and making it interesting. Emily Cabot is an interesting character and I look forward to reading more of this series. I definitely recommend this book.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was a bit slow starting out but picked up as it went. The mystery was well developed and I was surprised. The author did a good job of keeping me guessing. I will read more of this author's work
With the United States on the verge of entering World War I, tensions run high in Chicago in the Spring of 1917, and the city simmers with anti-German sentiment mixed with virulent patriotism. Shockingly, amateur sleuth Emily Cabot is present when a young Chicago woman, who is about to make a brilliant society marriage, is murdered. Was her death retaliation for her pacifist activities, or was it linked to her romantic entanglements? Emily has a personal connection to the woman, but she's torn between her determination to solve the murder and her deep need to protect her newly adult children from the realities of a new world. As the country's entry into the war unfolds, Emily watches with trepidation as her sons and daughter make questionable choices about their own futures. Violent worker unrest and the tumultuous arena of automobile racing provide an emotionally charged backdrop for this compelling mystery.

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I would like to state that I received this book through the Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank the author for giving me this opportunity and honor in being able to read this book. When I received this book I began reading it at once. I really enjoy the authors writing style, pulls you into the book from the very beginning and you don't want to put the book down. It kept me on the edge of my seat reading from cover to cover. All the characters are very well portrayed though out. When you are finished you wish you weren't. A most wonderful read and I highly recommend this book

[Sharon Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death on the Homefront, 8th in the Emily Cabot Mysteries series, whisks you to Chicago as America teeters on entering World War I. McNamara’s elegant prose brings the era alive while pulling us deep into a heartbreaking murder. War vs peace, rich vs poor, patriotism vs fanaticism all vie to pull the city and Emily’s family apart. Support structures crumble around her as Emily seeks to find justice for not only the murder victim, but also the man falsely accused of the crime. Mystery lovers and history buffs alike should not miss this thrilling book.

[Darlene Dziomba · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes you back in time to pre World War I. The setting is beautifully described immersing the reader in the time period. The author does a splendid job of illustrating the socio economic differences felt by the different populations, as well as exposing the underlying xenophobia of the era. The characters have been well thought through and their motivations and expectations propel the reader along with the story.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodreads Kindle Copy Win

Set in 1917 it is about a married Chicago socialite who must deal with anti-German sentiment who ends up murdered and the amateur sleuth who happened to be present. Was this a murder of her pacifistic actions or of her various romantic interludes.

This story takes place in time of turmoil and unrest in the world. An interesting murder mystery.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frances McNamara's ability to weave historical details into her mystery, "Death on the Homefront," is masterful and her characters compelling. The city of Chicago as a setting was an extra bonus for this reader. Growing up in Illinois and visiting Chicago occasionally, I could feel the essence of the city as the story unfolded.

[Brigitte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love a good mystery embedded in history!

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

First book I read with the sleuth Emily. Interesting time Chicago in history for women (and men). Should we join the forces in Europe for war and do we sit down and talk, but mostly LISTEN? Also do the rich get a pass............. Men are forceful but women are pushy when they want the same rights. Lizzie was raised by progressive parents to think for herself rather than to be a demure shrinking violet. This caused conflict with her future in-laws. Author did good making you feel what it was like in 1917 without tv, cellphones, autos everywhere and riding the trolley and actually walking further than city block to arrive at destination. And even more important reading for enjoyment!