Chinawoman's Chance: Historical Mystery Thriller

Portia of the Pacific Historical Mysteries #1

by James Musgrave

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Before there was #metoo there was Clara Shortridge Foltz. She fought for and gained women’s rights before women could vote, make contracts, or have any control over their own bodies as sexual beings. Now you can see how it was in California before civil rights became an issue for anyone but males. Clara Shortridge Foltz, Esq. is the first woman admitted to the State Bar of California. It is 1884 in San Francisco’s Chinatown. This is the first murder case in which Clara must defend her Chinese client in court. After she loses her murder trial in a male-dominated, racist kangaroo courtroom, she must then trap the real killer. Captain Isaiah Lees assists her and teaches her the methods of street detective work. Will her young client be hanged before she can trap the real killer?

Genres: Mystery, Historical Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction

163 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 15, 2021

About the author

James Musgrave was born in Fall River, Massachusetts. He taught as a Professor of English and worked as a Supervisor, Management Development at Caltech, Pasadena and at various San Diego colleges. He is now the author and publisher at EMRE Publishing, LLC in San Diego. He has won many writing awards, and his mysteries are "featured selections" by the American Library Association. He was also a Finalist in the Bram Stoker Awards, First Place Award for Best Historical Mystery in the Chanticleer International Book Awards, and a Finalist in the Heekin Fellowship.

Please contact the author at: jamesmusgrave2122@att.net
Sign-up for the Author's Newsletter at: bestglobalai.com

Reviews

[Shomeret]

When I nominated Chinawoman's Chance on Kindle Scout for an opportunity to be published by Kindle Press, I hadn't heard of its real historical protagonist Clara Shortridge Foltz, the first woman admitted to the bar in California in 1884. This historical mystery novel wasn't selected by Amazon. So author James Musgrave self-published and offered all those who had nominated his book a free copy. I eagerly accepted one, and I am now posting my honest review.

This fictional Clara Shortridge Foltz isn't bigoted toward the Chinese. Not only does she have a Chinese client, but she helps to thwart a plot against the Chinese community. Yet I learned from Musgrave's acknowledgements that the real Clara Foltz was actually prejudiced against the Chinese and would never have had a Chinese client as she did in Chinawoman's Chance. For me, there is a tension between the real Clara and the fictional Clara.

I admired the role played by the fictional Clara Foltz, but I felt that the novel fell short as a mystery. There was a plot twist that I didn't find credible from a police procedural perspective. I also felt that the resolution was formulaic. I had seen it before a number of times, so it didn't surprise me.

I actually did like most of Chinawoman's Chance. Musgrave's version of Clara Foltz has so much potential as a protagonist. Her developing friendship with a Chinese woman who escaped prostitution and encouraged independence for other women was also wonderful. Yet as a mystery it didn't quite measure up.

For my complete review see http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2018/...

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this a very interesting book, very historical. It is a fictional episode but at least some of the characters were drawn from real people who played a large part in the history of San Francisco, California, & even the whole US. Clara, the primary female character is probably little known to most people, which is sad, in view of all she contributed. It is well worthwhile to take this opportunity to meet her in an interesting story which has a bit of adventure, mystery, suspense, and even a tad of romance. Captain Lees was prominent in the law enforcement world of SF & CA. You may even be inspired to learn more about both characters. Mr. Musgrave writes well and you won't find typos & grammatical or useage errors in this book- a blessing to many of us who find such things very annoying if excessive.
I received this book as an advance reader copy. My review is strictly voluntary and my own, & is my true opinion.

[Damien Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars: Murder Rush
My continue adventures in "Summer Reading" took a hiatus because I moved from Zhenjiang back to my favorite and colorful city Wuhan. But I did get the chance to read a few books and shall remain on my grind for the rest of the summer.

If you are an aficionado of historical fiction like me and appreciate a well-crafted murder mystery and courtroom drama I recommend "Chinawoman’s Chance (Portia of the Pacific Historical Mysteries)" by Jim Musgrave. 1884 San Francisco introduces us to Clara, a lawyer in the mist of inequality for her gender and Chinese immigrants with blowhards, power-hungry politicians, gangs, and general lawlessness of San Francisco. Clara takes on a case and defends a young Chinese man accused of a gruesome murder of a morally struggling prostitute.

I particularly like the dialogue between the characters in my head as I am picturing the police investigation of the late 1800s I imagine such a hideous crime of someone defleshing a human would be shocking in those times. A rush to judgment to appease the natives by blaming a member of the Chinese Tongs in an already volatile era of racial hatred towards the Chinese who have been ghettoized hence the importance of understanding "The Chinese Exclusion Act." "Chinawoman’s Chance" ties corruption in the justice system, hate mongering by politicians, the birth of feminism and activism illustrating times have changed some things remain the same.

Beyond a Sherlock Holmes-like set up and who did it, this historical fiction is strong with humanity and provides a microscope on our historical failings of accepting people who don't look like us and the dangers of tribalism. Clara is an example of someone who searched within their humanity and realized that everyone is looking for and deserves dignity.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clara is a 19th century single mother, feminist, activist, and lawyer living and working in San Francisco. When some gruesome murders of female prostitutes occur in Chinatown, the first suspect is a young Chinese man. In a hostile and racist young USA, it is Clara's job to defend the man and discover the real killer.

With a gripping plot and flowing narrative, this book is reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes in its story type. We are transported back to the 1880s and see the beginnings of feminism, activism, women's and immigrant's rights which feel very relevant to today's environment. A fun read that uses its political and historical background well. I was entertained.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written and interesting historical mystery.
The book is well written even if some editing could help.
I really appreciated the plot and once you get hooked you cannot put it down even if it's a bit slow at the start.
Recommended
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC

[louis henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know a whole lot about this era in time but I was entertained by Mr. Musgrave's story telling. The book held my attention through out and was very compelling. Wonder if this is the start of a series or if this was a one timer? Thumbs up.

[Grant Leishman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Chinawoman’s Chance (Portia of the Pacific Historical Mysteries) by Jim Musgrave takes us back to the bustling and somewhat lawless society of 1884 San Francisco. The Californian Gold Rush and the Railways have made San Francisco a place of wealth and power, but for certain sections of society, nothing has really changed. For women and for the Chinese immigrants brought to America by the Railway bosses to help build the railways, life is hard. Neither have any real rights in this America of the 1880’s. Championing the cause for women and the oppressed is the larger than life self-trained barrister, Clara Shortridge Foltz Esq. When a young ex-prostitute is murdered, flayed and eviscerated in the Chinatown district of the City, suspicion immediately falls on the Chinese Tongs that make up the ghetto that is Chinatown. Captain Isaiah Lees and his Sergeant must determine who is responsible and cut off any possibility of retaliatory action against the Chinese immigrants. Competing against the rival and corrupt Sheriff’s Department plus the City’s Mayor, Lees has his job cut out for him.

As a big fan of historical novels in general and historical mystery stories in particular, I found Jim Musgrave’s Chinawoman’s Chance (Portia of the Pacific Historical Mysteries) to be absolutely superb. As the first of a series of books based around the wonderful character of Clara Shortridge Foltz Esq. the author has set up a marketable and believable set of characters on which to build his series. Clara was clearly the star of the story, with her forthrightness and her willingness to take the patriarchal society on, at their own game. In the age of the suffragettes, Musgrave’s character was the perfect portrayal of the women who led the campaign for women’s rights all around the world. Her freedom and her owning of her own sexuality was rare among woman of the time. It was fascinating to look at the reaction of the politicians to the perceived growing threat of the “yellow menace”, as they termed it, with their heathen religions and beliefs, comparing that to today’s response with respect to Hispanic and Muslim immigration. The “Exclusion Act” and the “Muslim Ban” – not all that different, perhaps? This book appealed to me on many levels, but most importantly of all, it was a damn good read and an excellent mystery.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This historical mystery has a strong hook that creates curiosity and questions that keeps the reader wanting to know more. The book incorporates historical elements such as Tongs, San Francisco landmarks and themes such as racism and women's independence. I look forward to reading more books from Jim Musgrave's series.

[PatM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading. I thought it was well written
Kept you interest, wanted to see how it would end.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Won from a Goodreads giveaway
Spoiler free

I'm a bit torn over this one.

The premise of the story itself was interesting, and I enjoyed stepping into a time period I have little prior experience with in terms of books. The issue is, the book is intended to be on the shorter side, and I feel like that left the story lacking in some places, while moving too fast in others.

There were also moments when the characters felt odd. Perhaps it was because I didn't get to know them very well like I would in a longer story(and I would say this is likely), but occasionally their conversations or reactions felt wrong. As if they didn't match or were pulled out of nowhere.

One somewhat random thing I have never commented on in a book review before, is the font. For some reason my eyes just did not care for the one chosen here.

Overall though, I didn't mind it as a short read.

[Nichole · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I'm torn on this book. On one hand I enjoyed it, it was a quick read with an interesting plot. I loved the historical aspects of bthe book. On the other, I felt the characters were slightly underdeveloped and there was repitition of content in several places that was unnecessary. I also thought the sex seen was out of place and unnecessary. I felt like I was reading Ms. Perky's novel from 10 Things I Hate About You. Actually, I think the only descripter not used was 'pulsating bratwurst.' Overall I would say if your looking for a quick read with a mildly entering plot, give it a go.

[Vera Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of this. A different from my normal reading. The murder this time is a white woman, but in Chinatown? All signs don't show her as one of the reg girls, but yet her body is left in a most horrible condition. Hatched even down to muscles. Who could possibly be this cruel. By the looks of murder scene, not lots splattered, so surely someone that is use to doing such a horrible crime.

I started book a few days ago, kind disturbing. But wanted to finish it. Not a good one for night time reading.

[KDawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not sure I can pinpoint what bothered me about this book: the occasional anachronism, the fact that the characters spoke more like they were in the 1940s than the 1880s, or that the main character seemed to have to grasp someone’s hands in order to be sincere. Women don’t generally have to do that. There was an odd focus on detail in one setting and then generalities in others. It was an odd collection of things. The plot was fine. It wasn’t forced or cookie cutter. But I don’t know that I’ll read anymore of them.

[Daniel Montague · Rating 2 out of 5]

My main thought as I listened to this story was that it was written in an odd manner. Though it had an interesting premise: a female attorney defending a Chinese-American defendant during the height of anti-Asian hysteria (1880s) it largely failed to hold my interest. There was a strange repetition, which helpful in some genres namely non-fiction where there is new information constantly presented, in this book it was unnecessary. A few times I checked my mobile device to make sure that it was not malfunctioning but after I heard that the main character Clara Shortridge Foltz was a single mother of 5 for the 4th time I figured it was by design.

The main positive takeaway from this story was that the author presented a strong female protagonist. Clara is given the lion's share of the development and she is portrayed as a take charge sort of woman. She uses her intelligence and disarming manner to manipulate situations and is able to blend in where a more forceful protagonist may fail. She uses the fact she is underestimated to form a partnership with her friend Ah Toy, who is a former madam. Her unconventional approach to both interpersonal relationships and the law is intriguing.

Unfortunately, there are more negatives than positives. While, having a strong female protagonist is a good decision, Musgrave had a difficult time portraying her in a consistent manner. I do not know if there was a problem with dialogue, but sometimes she seemed high strung other times despite living a full life she appeared naive. Some of the dialogue reminded of Elle Woods in the Legally Blonde movies, where she is blissfully unaware. There was quite a disconnect. Another issue were the Chinese characters came across as caricatures. I realize that many Chinese in 1880s San Francisco would not be allowed to be white collar workers but did they all have to belong to syndicates? At some points you could imagine a gong being struck or some random English pidgin uttered.

For better or worse, the most noteworthy event of this book was not the trial or even the political fallout but it was the absurd sex scene. The sex scene between Clara and the British detective was graphically silly. The inspector despite his virginal status, which was oddly repeated, apparently had a horse cock. Instead of building up with foreplay or anything erotic, it was written like a newspaper account of a sporting event. I could just imagine a play-by-play person in a sonorous voice narrate, "The detective has taken off his pants and is about to unleash his snake, whoa nellie, he has an anaconda." One of the few things I distinctly remember about this book was the use of the word tumescent and snake to describe his penis. Using the word snake to describe a penis, is not in itself an egregious error but if you are writing a novel about the Chinese, it would be the perfect time to call it a dragon instead. At least then he could say, "he unleashed the dragon" #ThongSong.

This novel had some interesting ideas and while enjoyable in parts had too many errors or strange disconnects. I appreciate trying to depict an era of extreme prejudice, from the perspective of a strong female protagonist but the wonky dialogue hindered it throughout. If you are looking for a quick largely forgettable read then go ahead but if you want something with more twists and turns then you should take a pass.

[Kai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chinawoman's Chance has some very interesting facts about Chinese immigrants and Clara Shortridge Foltz. For those who don't know Chinese American's history, under the Exclusion Act passed by Congress in the 1880s, Chinese immigrants were less then humans. They cannot have any jobs except for working at the laundry and railroads. If a crime was committed, the Chinese immigrants cannot be witnesses. They cannot become U.S. citizens. They cannot own lands.

As for Clara Shortridge Foltz, every Californians should know who she was. Clara Shortridge Foltz was the know as the first woman to passed the bar exam, the first in champion cases of the disadvantages which would have been dismissed by other lawyers.

These two facts were put together by the author to create a story to reflect the circumstances socially, politically, and economically of what the Chinese immigrants faces and what Clara Shortridge Foltz has to overcome as being a woman attorney. Ms. Foltz would have to use her street smart skills in representing a Chinese journalist, who is accused and may be an escape goat for the killing several women in Chinatown.

The story was well written with a very interesting ending of why this book is a historic fiction of a very infamous character who made his appearance in San Francisco, CA. Did this infamous character ever stay in California? Maybe but we will never know for sure.

When several women in San Francisco of low stature, were killed, I did guess of who the killer(s) was but there were no facts supporting that this infamous criminal were ever in San Francisco. I dismissed this theory. It turned out I was right since this is a historical fiction and not history being written.

For any readers/listeners who want to know what it is to be a Chinese immigrants and a little bit of background on Clara Shortridge Foltz, this book will portray a very good indication of what 1880's to both parties. I do highly recommend this book for anyone who need a story to explain Chinese American history during this period. Sometime, the facts could be overwhelming and need a story just to explain it.

I really did enjoy listening to this book. The prologue provided the information on the Exclusion Act passed by Congress which did happened. The book also gave some background information on Clara Shortridge Folz, for readers/listeners who do not know who she is. A good mystery.

The narrator, Anne James did a wonderful job on the characters' voices.

[Topher Colin · Rating 2 out of 5]

it's a good thing it was free from a goodreads giveaway, because otherwise i'd have returned it for my money back. books like this are what happens when everybody thinks they're the next great novelist, and should be able to self-publish (even under the guise of LLC-ing a publishing house so it looks one step removed from printing it at home on a desktop inkjet). i was frequently reminded of new girl's nick miller's 'z is for zombie' only there was no funny winston to read out loud, "Zombie zoo, zombie zoo, Who let them zombies out that damn zombie zoo? Uh oh, watch your back, Laura! I guess Laura’s another character that he introduces, but… that’s it." clara/carrie and her band of do-gooders aren't offensive but they're not engaging. the kernel of the story is interesting, but the execution is haphazard, slipshod and lacking in depth. there are numerous spelling, grammar and formatting mistakes, and that's after the main printed font is already squished and hard to read. it's very one-sided politically - the anti-trump/republican bias is literally spelled out on the back cover. if you haven't studied or debated US history, you won't know the full details or the arguments or have a nuanced understanding of the issues. the selling feature of the series is that the books are compact/contained stories. however, this first one skips over many details and reads more like the unedited script for a 40-minute episode of this season's hot guilty pleasure who-done-it rather than a well-done novella. you have to seriously suspend any sense of disbelief. if you won it, or were gifted it, then feel free to read it. but don't rush out and buy this book, or support this amateur 'author' or his new publishing fiefdom. he, and you, can do better. 2 out of 5 stars because i finished it, but definitely didn't enjoy it.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent mystery!

What a surprising mystery this was! Set in the 1880s, Clara is an attorney and one of the voices in the women's rights movement. She joins in on fighting for the rights of Chinese immigrants when she gets hired to defend a Chinese man accused of murder. This is a life changing case for her and nothing is what it seems. First of all, I loved the setting of the book. It's set in San Francisco and the imagery presented by the author of the city during that time was so well told. It's obvious a lot of research went into this book to make the setting as real and vivid as possible. I loved the main character who represented an inspiring career woman, not exactly a common thing for that time. Her relationship with Lees was fun to see flourish and I loved the appearance of Ah Toy, who assists Clara throughout the trial. This was a fun mystery to me and look forward to reading more by this author.

[Vicki Ceara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a work of fiction, based loosely on a historical character.

Though set as a mystery, with fictional characters, this book shines a light on relevant subjects. Immigration, discrimination, human rights, social reform, and feminism are topics that readers will recognize. Set in the late 19th century, the issues that swirl around this mystery remain constant today.

The writing is solid; the book moderately easy to read. Since the work is set in the late 1800s, the language used is of that time, which may slow some readers down. It's not a bad thing to take the time to soak in this book and look at it from all angles.

Knocked down a star for the stilted "romance," that doesn't need to be a part of the story. Also, for the very awkward love scene.

[Amy Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent

A fictional yet historical look at the first woman lawyer in California. However, it is not just about being a lawyer, but she must also work to prove her client isn't guilty. This story is well researched and very well written. The story flows perfectly, giving an aspect of life in the late 1800s. A tension of people, white versus non-white, women versus men, and an anti-Chinese sentiment. There is more than just one plot line which lends to the depth of the story and its characters. Clara is unlike any heroine that I've read, and I enjoyed this story immensely. I look forward to reading more work from Musgrave.

[Caitlynn Akin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This historical fiction mystery provides readers with insight into the life of San Francisco’s Chinese immigrants during the 1880s. As the protagonists, an honest detective and a woman’s rights attorney, aim to solve the murder of a white prostitute, many crooked aspects of the city’s leadership are brought to light. These two must work against the clock and against racial stigmas of the time, to save a falsely convicted man and trap the true murder. While I found the plot-line interesting, and was surprised by the final twist, parts of the story felt a bit rushed to me. With further development for some of the relationships, this could have been a truly great read!

[Braulio Castellanos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chinawoman’s Chance is a historical mystery story based in 1880’s San Francisco. Although the main theme of the story concerns the murder of a prostitute the running issue tackled is the life and lack of rights faced by the Chinese immigrants and all women of that era in America. The story unfolds rather well if a bit jumpy in some areas. The introduction of the heroine is done like an aside until she takes a stronger place in the story. Overall the story is very interesting and compelling. I read it all in one day.

[Lisa Cobb Sabatini · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of Chinawoman's Chance by James Musgrave from Goodreads.

A good whodunit within a well-drawn historical setting, Chinawoman's Chance by James Musgrave is not only entertaining, but also enlightening. While readers may feel occasionally uncomfortable with the period language, it is a reminder of how words matter. I'm fact, the entire novel offers readers many opportunities to reflect upon the attitudes and practices of out current society.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written, nicely paced murder mystery set in San Francisco in the 1880's. As an historical novel, the book gives the reader insights into life during that time--including the suffragist movement. The social commentary could slow the plot, but it doesn't. Rather it enhances the plot as the protagonist not only has to solve a murder but also do it while being handicapped for her gender. I received this book as part of the Goodreads Giveaway program.

[Subhajit Das · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title is attracting enough but comparative the presentation of the plot could have been better...or I should say that it could have been presented with a better griping element. Because the base story is strong and potentially significant indeed. The narrating style is what the book is lacked a little. Cover is definitely eye catching. Message for the reader is learning & impressive. Can be recommendable for an one time read.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy historical fiction especially mysteries. This prompted me to do some of my own research on Clara the first woman admitted to the bar in California. That's how you know if a book is good or not, do you think about it after you are done reading it? This book not only has a good mystery but it also encouraged me to learn more. To me, that is the sign of a great book. Thank you Mr. Musgrave, I'm glad I found you!

#JamesMusgrave#PortiaOfThePacific

[Leigh F · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this from the author in exchange for an honest review.

It was an interesting read, fun and fast paced once you got past the first chapter or so. The characters were relatable and I felt like they grew into themselves as the novel progressed. Interesting twist at the end which made me smile.

I enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun shorter read that is easily finished and enjoyed.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

A murder mystery that is not as simple as it seems, racism, corrupt cops, corrupt politicians, and a woman lawyer make a great read. Not really an easy one but, more than worth the time it takes to absorb all the material that leads to the murders and miscarriage of justice.

One of the free giveaways from Good Reads. Thank you.

[Melisende · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received a copy of this as an ARC from the publisher (six years ago and just got around to reading it now).

Unfortunately, this is just not really my style of narrative, plotting or characters.

The cover and synopsis is for the first book in the series - the DRC content is for the second.

I did not finish this - but did give it a fair go.

[Russell Howen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Chinawoman's Chance", a good beginning to a new mystery series, provides a feminist heroine, whose heart is filled with caring for the minorities and a growing love for one man. Author James Musgrave opens the reader's eyes to San Francisco in the 1800's.

[mary arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

California: 19th century just beginning, the first female to pass the bar. There are a myriad of prejudices to overcome. This is a true heroine who knows when to be soft and when to be tough but always to be aware. You will live in this story and not easily forget it.