THE LATE MR. CARY: A 1920s mystery

by Michael Campeta

It is January 1928. Megan Cary, a young and stylish librarian, lives with her moody but wealthy husband, Adam, in New York City. Just as Meg can no longer tolerate her husband’s philandering, Adam mysteriously dies during a weekend trip to his hometown of Albany. Meg finds a suicide note, and the police want to quickly close the case. So does Adam’s mother, Helen Cary, the stern matriarch of the brownstone house she shares with her sister and brother-in-law, as well as her daughter and son-in-law. Skeptical that Adam would kill himself, Meg hires a private detective, Sloane Sheppard, whose investigation ultimately unravels family secrets as a series of surprising deaths occur over two cold and snowy weeks in Albany. THE LATE MR. CARY continues to a denouement where Sloane Sheppard finally reveals the mysteries behind these violent deaths

Author Michael Campeta displays a mastery of pace and mystery in this suspenseful and satisfying historical thriller.

313 pages, Paperback

Published April 7, 2021

Reviews

[Nigel Morland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this mystery novel. It was well-written and I was totally surprised by the ending. The historical aspects of the story were also very interesting. The private investigator was likeable and credible and the young woman, the main character, had personality and intelligence. All in all, a good read!

[Doris S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical mystery set in Albany, New York in the 1920s. I enjoyed the Albany setting and the story kept me guessing right up to the end. A page turner indeed! Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys history and classic mysteries.

[Alina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story takes us to a snowy and cold Albany NY. Outside is 1928. Megan boards a train in NY, not knowing that this trip will change her life. On the train, she meets a queer woman who shares a shocking secret with her. Megan also meets a handsome man in a cafe cabin. After her arrival in Albany, our young librarian crosses paths with her new acquaintances and forms a close friendship. The shocking twist comes at the end when her new friends meet her family-in-law. The fatal encounter leads to a string of shocking events.

Loved the final plot twist. I did see it coming, but fully enjoyed the reveal presented by the author. It is a fun and easy read, slow at the beginning but picks up the pace towards the end. I also found the dialogue between the characters a bit peculiar, as it lacked the natural flow. But it's easy to disregard taking into consideration the mystery part of the whole novel.