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A Victorian San Francisco Mystery #8
Entangled Threads
“Oh what a tangled web we weave. When first we practice to deceive.” (Marmion, Sir Walter Scott)
It is San Francisco in the summer of 1882, and Annie and Nate Dawson have finally found a good balance between the demands of family and work. Nate has an interesting legal case defending a young woman who has been left out of her mother’s will. Annie is looking into whether the financial difficulties facing the Potrero Woolen Mills are caused by bad management or bad luck. For her own reasons, Biddy O’Malley is eager to help Annie with her investigation. What none of the three of them could anticipate was how secrets and unexpected entanglements would complicate their search for the truth.
It is San Francisco in the summer of 1882, and Annie and Nate Dawson have finally found a good balance between the demands of family and work. Nate has an interesting legal case defending a young woman who has been left out of her mother’s will. Annie is looking into whether the financial difficulties facing the Potrero Woolen Mills are caused by bad management or bad luck. For her own reasons, Biddy O’Malley is eager to help Annie with her investigation. What none of the three of them could anticipate was how secrets and unexpected entanglements would complicate their search for the truth.
492 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2022
39 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
M. Louisa Locke
30 books486 followersAfter being a professor of history for over 30 years, I am now retired and writing full time. The books in my Victorian San Francisco Mystery series are based in part on my dissertation research on women who worked in the Far West at the end of the Nineteenth Century, and they feature Annie Fuller, a young widow who gives domestic and business advice as the clairvoyant, Madam Sibyl. She is aided in her investigations into crime by Nate Dawson, a local lawyer, and the residents in the boarding house she owns.
Maids of Misfortune, the first in the series, finds Annie investigating a murder by going undercover as a domestics servant. In Uneasy Spirits, she is asked to investigate a fraudulent trance medium, and in Bloody Lessons, she is asked to find out who is attacking local public school teachers. The fourth book, Deadly Proof is set in the printing industry in San Francisco, and in the fifth book, Pilfered Promises, Annie and Nate investigate theft and murder in a modern department store.
Book six in this collection, Scholarly Pursuits, takes Laura Dawson and her friends (introduced in Bloody Lessons) across the Bay to Berkeley to attend the university where unexpected skulduggery is afoot. In Lethal Remedies, Annie is tasked with uncovering who is trying to ruin a clinic run by and for women, and in Entangled Threads it is a woolen factory that is the site of her investigations.
Volume One of my collection of short stories about minor characters, Victorian San Francisco Stories, are free to anyone who signs up to my newsletter. (see my website for sign up at http://mlouisalocke.com)
Not content with just writing about the past, under the pen name Louisa Locke, I have now turned to the future with a new science fiction series set in the collaborative world of the Paradisi Chronicles.
As an indie author I absolutely depend on the readers who have read and liked my cozy historical mysteries and spread the word. This second career has turned out to be more fun and rewarding than i ever thought possible. So thanks to all of you!
Maids of Misfortune, the first in the series, finds Annie investigating a murder by going undercover as a domestics servant. In Uneasy Spirits, she is asked to investigate a fraudulent trance medium, and in Bloody Lessons, she is asked to find out who is attacking local public school teachers. The fourth book, Deadly Proof is set in the printing industry in San Francisco, and in the fifth book, Pilfered Promises, Annie and Nate investigate theft and murder in a modern department store.
Book six in this collection, Scholarly Pursuits, takes Laura Dawson and her friends (introduced in Bloody Lessons) across the Bay to Berkeley to attend the university where unexpected skulduggery is afoot. In Lethal Remedies, Annie is tasked with uncovering who is trying to ruin a clinic run by and for women, and in Entangled Threads it is a woolen factory that is the site of her investigations.
Volume One of my collection of short stories about minor characters, Victorian San Francisco Stories, are free to anyone who signs up to my newsletter. (see my website for sign up at http://mlouisalocke.com)
Not content with just writing about the past, under the pen name Louisa Locke, I have now turned to the future with a new science fiction series set in the collaborative world of the Paradisi Chronicles.
As an indie author I absolutely depend on the readers who have read and liked my cozy historical mysteries and spread the word. This second career has turned out to be more fun and rewarding than i ever thought possible. So thanks to all of you!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 24, 2022
Another good one for this series! I just love this series and the characters are like old friends. The research required for these books is always very impressive. Looking forward to another book soon.
September 13, 2024
I enjoyed this series.
The way Nate's story line and Annie's story line weaved together was enjoyable.
I also liked how the story was advanced through the discussions between Nate and Annie over breakfast and dinner.
The way Nate's story line and Annie's story line weaved together was enjoyable.
I also liked how the story was advanced through the discussions between Nate and Annie over breakfast and dinner.
April 6, 2022
It's 1882, and Annie Dawson has a new job checking over the books for a woolen mill. There have been so many things going wring at the mill that it seems as if someone is sabotaging it. There's a terrible fire there and Meghan is seriously injured, so her cousin Bridget O'Malley takes a job at the mill to help Annie with her investigation. This series is on my must read list--the historical research is always excellent, the characters likable, and the plots well thought our and compelling. I think anyone who likes well-researched historical fiction would enjoy these novels.
January 7, 2023
Annie Dawson always seems to find a mystery; this time, she's been hired to audit the finances of Potrero Woolen Mills. Her former maid, Biddy, has also taken a job there; Biddy left her job at the department store under circumstances she prefers to keep secret. Biddy's cousin Meghan works at the mill, so Biddy hopes to find work there as well.
And then, there's a fire in the new knitting department, where Meghan is seriously injured. Soon, Annie's looking into that along with the finances.
As always, M. Louisa Locke gives us an outstanding look into the lives of 19th C. San Franciscan women across the economic spectrum, from the servants to the wealthy. While the focus is on the lower and middle class, we also get to see the wealthy through the eyes of those who wait upon them. Combine the sociological information with a fair play puzzle, and you're in for a real delight.
And then, there's a fire in the new knitting department, where Meghan is seriously injured. Soon, Annie's looking into that along with the finances.
As always, M. Louisa Locke gives us an outstanding look into the lives of 19th C. San Franciscan women across the economic spectrum, from the servants to the wealthy. While the focus is on the lower and middle class, we also get to see the wealthy through the eyes of those who wait upon them. Combine the sociological information with a fair play puzzle, and you're in for a real delight.
February 3, 2022
“...the working class women of the late nineteenth century, women who struggled to earn money and help support their families in what could be a difficult environment of low wages, long hours, and dangerous working conditions, and where their sex, class, and ethnicity limited their opportunities.” (Author’s notes)
Old friends...they have returned to share their lives with me, once again. The time between novels dissolves, just like time and distance dissolves when friends are reunited.
I felt myself being transported back to San Francisco. I could hear the horse carts, feel the fog, imagine the warmth of the fire. I also felt the sore, tired feet, inhaled the wool dust, and heard the deafening roar of the textile mill’s machinery. I was at once caught up in each woman’s plight. Inheritance. Fire. Murder. Evil intentions. Greed. Family. Love. Trust. Each trying to find their way in a man’s world. Trying to carve out their own place in that world on their terms.
(On a side note: Who else longs for the next book in the series, then when it comes out, you can hardly wait to tear into it? Should I savor it...read slowly...take my time? Nope...I devour it. Fingers crossed there’s another installment in the series.)
More reviews at: mytossiecup.blogspot.com
Old friends...they have returned to share their lives with me, once again. The time between novels dissolves, just like time and distance dissolves when friends are reunited.
I felt myself being transported back to San Francisco. I could hear the horse carts, feel the fog, imagine the warmth of the fire. I also felt the sore, tired feet, inhaled the wool dust, and heard the deafening roar of the textile mill’s machinery. I was at once caught up in each woman’s plight. Inheritance. Fire. Murder. Evil intentions. Greed. Family. Love. Trust. Each trying to find their way in a man’s world. Trying to carve out their own place in that world on their terms.
(On a side note: Who else longs for the next book in the series, then when it comes out, you can hardly wait to tear into it? Should I savor it...read slowly...take my time? Nope...I devour it. Fingers crossed there’s another installment in the series.)
More reviews at: mytossiecup.blogspot.com
February 14, 2022
So well plotted. Such wonderful characters. So worth reading...
Love this author. One falls in love with all the characters in the boarding house! Annie is such a well developed character one suspects she would truly do almost anything to help others. And her husband and household and their friends would,too, because She would. Such a well constructed plot...all her plots really...and fairly well explained with a reread of a few paragraphs here and there for us novices. She researches everything so thoroughly that it enhances ones knowledge of the complicated Laws and mores of the late 1800's....makes you feel smarter , more informed about San Francisco and the country overall in the era she depicts after the Civil War and before the turn if the century and of the many changes in the country at that time and those to come...though we know so much of we deal with now in this country are still not ven close to being solved. A wonderful series...highly recommended.
Love this author. One falls in love with all the characters in the boarding house! Annie is such a well developed character one suspects she would truly do almost anything to help others. And her husband and household and their friends would,too, because She would. Such a well constructed plot...all her plots really...and fairly well explained with a reread of a few paragraphs here and there for us novices. She researches everything so thoroughly that it enhances ones knowledge of the complicated Laws and mores of the late 1800's....makes you feel smarter , more informed about San Francisco and the country overall in the era she depicts after the Civil War and before the turn if the century and of the many changes in the country at that time and those to come...though we know so much of we deal with now in this country are still not ven close to being solved. A wonderful series...highly recommended.
March 19, 2022
I love this series!
I've read all of the books in Louisa M. Locke's Victorian Mysteries series, and have thoroughly enjoyed all of them. They provide a fun, interesting way to learn about the history of every-day people in this time period. I especially appreciate Locke's in-depth research that goes into each book. I *never* skip the afterwards where she describes her research. She is telling stories of women - our own ancestors! - that never would have come to light in the past. I loved reading about Biddy and her co-workers at the department store. It reminded me of my own grandmother who, in the early1900s, worked at the ladies' handkerchief counter at Joske's department store in San Antonio, Texas. There just weren't a whole lot of options for women with a 9th grade education in those days. (She got lucky and married a young minister, the love of her life.) Thanks you, M. Louisa Locke, for these stories. I sincerely wish I could have taken one of your classes!
I've read all of the books in Louisa M. Locke's Victorian Mysteries series, and have thoroughly enjoyed all of them. They provide a fun, interesting way to learn about the history of every-day people in this time period. I especially appreciate Locke's in-depth research that goes into each book. I *never* skip the afterwards where she describes her research. She is telling stories of women - our own ancestors! - that never would have come to light in the past. I loved reading about Biddy and her co-workers at the department store. It reminded me of my own grandmother who, in the early1900s, worked at the ladies' handkerchief counter at Joske's department store in San Antonio, Texas. There just weren't a whole lot of options for women with a 9th grade education in those days. (She got lucky and married a young minister, the love of her life.) Thanks you, M. Louisa Locke, for these stories. I sincerely wish I could have taken one of your classes!
March 4, 2025
I have read each of the full length entries in this series, and have rated them either a 3 or 4. A strong female lead making her way in what was still very much a man's world and good historical details. Unfortunately, this one just didn't do it for me - it was a fair bit longer than I think it really needed to be, and the main story line was hard to follow as far as the loans and financial dealings among the mills. I've also grown tired of the narrator (sorry if you read this). I noticed transitions between the voices of some characters that were kind of rocky. I don't recall this in her other recordings. I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for the Dawsons and their circle of staff and friends, but I don't know if I can commit to 12 more hours if another full length novel comes out. I will try the short works and I'm looking forward to starting Locke's other series.
February 28, 2022
Entangled Threads is the latest installment of the Victorian San Francisco Mystery series by Louisa Locke. This novel follows the continuing story of Annie Fuller Dawson, a woman who is definitely ahead of her time in 1882 San Francisco. Aside from her happy life as a wife and mother, Annie owns and operates a boarding house and provides financial services and advice to well-to-do individuals in the business world. In this book, Annie is auditing the books of a woolen factory and, as usual, finds herself in the middle of a mystery, which requires the help of her lawyer husband and acquaintance Biddy. Locke obviously did extensive research on the woolen industry of the late 19th Century before writing this mystery. This is a quick, enjoyable read for mystery fans.
February 13, 2024
Another great story. Nate and Annie are back in action, and I loved how the author entwined their two cases together. It really kept me on my toes trying to figure out who did what. Not only did the mystery hold my interest and keep me turning the pages, but I appreciated the little peeks of family life scattered throughout the chapters. I enjoy Nate and Annie's quiet moments together and Abigails new teeth. The result is a heart-warming mix that holds the reader's attention and leaves them wanting more. My only disappointment was that I thought I still had another book to catch up. I certainly hope there is one on the horizon. Ms. Locke is certainly the newest addition to my "to read" author's list.
January 31, 2022
The Latest in a Delightful Series
In this latest entry into the San Francisco Mysteries, Ms Locke has again created a delightful book. Annie is in fine form auditing a woolen mill. Her household servants as always contribute. Her husband, Nate, is very modern minded for his time. One thing I like the most about Ms Locke's work is the great attention to historical accuracy. The mystery is great too. I was kept guessing almost to the last chapter. If you like historical mysteries done right, read this and the others in this series.
In this latest entry into the San Francisco Mysteries, Ms Locke has again created a delightful book. Annie is in fine form auditing a woolen mill. Her household servants as always contribute. Her husband, Nate, is very modern minded for his time. One thing I like the most about Ms Locke's work is the great attention to historical accuracy. The mystery is great too. I was kept guessing almost to the last chapter. If you like historical mysteries done right, read this and the others in this series.
February 8, 2022
A wonderful tale
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I love the many small details included like Annie and Nate's evening routine and Kathleen flicking water on the iron to see if it is hot enough. The stories that are entwined in the book are well-told and written in such a way that it is easy to keep track of what is going on. I found the whole topic of the woolen mills to be very interesting. The author really did her homework and brought to life what surely must have been some dry reading.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I love the many small details included like Annie and Nate's evening routine and Kathleen flicking water on the iron to see if it is hot enough. The stories that are entwined in the book are well-told and written in such a way that it is easy to keep track of what is going on. I found the whole topic of the woolen mills to be very interesting. The author really did her homework and brought to life what surely must have been some dry reading.
February 11, 2022
I love M. Louisa Locke's books but this one was about 200 pages too long and filled with dense material about the wool industry. The technical terms were too much and when reading on a Kindle you can't just flip to the glossary in the back of the book. There was way too much detail about machines and processes. Some serious editing is in need here and the mystery story tends to get lost. I skipped whole paragraphs. I understand why the author filled the book with so much information but a mystery book should be just that and not a technical manual requiring Google look ups.
January 28, 2022
An amazing story!
Entangled Threads in my humble opinion is one of Ms Locke's best works. The plot is amazingly engaging and offers so much insight to the plight of working woman in the 1890's. While reading you feel like you are there along with Locke's marvelous characters. Heavily researched, and exceptionally well written. One of the best pieces of historical fiction I've read.
Entangled Threads in my humble opinion is one of Ms Locke's best works. The plot is amazingly engaging and offers so much insight to the plight of working woman in the 1890's. While reading you feel like you are there along with Locke's marvelous characters. Heavily researched, and exceptionally well written. One of the best pieces of historical fiction I've read.
February 4, 2022
The year is 1882 and This story begins with Meghan being pushed into a room at the woolen mill that was on fire. Meghan’s cousin, Biddy, decides to get a job at the mill to see if she can find out what happened to her cousin. In the meantime, Annie Dawson uses her investigative skills to see what was happening there. These stories are weaved into social injustice towards women at this time in history. This is a well researched novel as well as being well written.
February 5, 2022
One of her best,
I am a big fan of historical fiction, and am so happy I came across M. Louisa Locke some years ago. Her characters are true to their time in history and she doesn’t succumb to the temptation to write a 21st century point of view into a 19th century story.
I love learning something while enjoying a good mystery, and Entangled Threads certainly delivers. Can’t wait for the next novel!
I am a big fan of historical fiction, and am so happy I came across M. Louisa Locke some years ago. Her characters are true to their time in history and she doesn’t succumb to the temptation to write a 21st century point of view into a 19th century story.
I love learning something while enjoying a good mystery, and Entangled Threads certainly delivers. Can’t wait for the next novel!
February 6, 2022
lives up to its name
Wow! Just finished reading this book and am amazed at how so many “threads“ came together at the end. Another fascinating book in this series and well researched. Familiar characters and an intriguing plot kept my interest to the end. If you have never read any of these books, I recommend you start with the 1st book, Maids of Misfortune. You’re welcome!
Wow! Just finished reading this book and am amazed at how so many “threads“ came together at the end. Another fascinating book in this series and well researched. Familiar characters and an intriguing plot kept my interest to the end. If you have never read any of these books, I recommend you start with the 1st book, Maids of Misfortune. You’re welcome!
February 17, 2022
Excellent read
This was one of the best Victorian San Francisco Cisco mysteries by Ms. Locke. I've read them all. So well written and detailed that one could understand the comp!ete working of the mills. And it was interesting how each case Annie and Nate were working intertwined.
This was one of the best Victorian San Francisco Cisco mysteries by Ms. Locke. I've read them all. So well written and detailed that one could understand the comp!ete working of the mills. And it was interesting how each case Annie and Nate were working intertwined.
March 7, 2022
Set in San Francisco in the 1880’s this series is a fantastic way to immerse yourself into Victorian times. This time mysterious accidents are happening in the Potrero Woolen Mills premises, that threaten to bankrupt the family business. Amateur sleuth Annie Dawson, financial advisor, owner of a boarding house, and new mother, is on the case to unravel who wants to harm the owners or workers.
March 15, 2022
Awesome story.
Complex characters who are interesting, whether "naughty" or "nice".
The author obviously does extensive research into the time, place, and industry. She manages not to do "information dumps", but allows us to learn along with the characters.
I highly recommend all the books by this author.
Complex characters who are interesting, whether "naughty" or "nice".
The author obviously does extensive research into the time, place, and industry. She manages not to do "information dumps", but allows us to learn along with the characters.
I highly recommend all the books by this author.
April 19, 2022
great story
I have enjoyed each book in the series but think this was my favorite mystery of the series. Well thought out intricate plot. I was pretty sure of the villain but had doubt because of the side stories. Well researched, I enjoy looking up details as I’m reading. Well done. Now I just have to wait another year for another book.
I have enjoyed each book in the series but think this was my favorite mystery of the series. Well thought out intricate plot. I was pretty sure of the villain but had doubt because of the side stories. Well researched, I enjoy looking up details as I’m reading. Well done. Now I just have to wait another year for another book.
February 7, 2023
Unraveling the threads
Great story of the lives of the people working in the woolen mills of San Francisco in the 1880s. Ms Locke’s descriptive writing embroils you in the daily lives and trials of her characters. They become friends that you want to see and can’t wait to hear what they have to say. I can’t wait to start the next book.
Great story of the lives of the people working in the woolen mills of San Francisco in the 1880s. Ms Locke’s descriptive writing embroils you in the daily lives and trials of her characters. They become friends that you want to see and can’t wait to hear what they have to say. I can’t wait to start the next book.
July 4, 2025
I am really enjoying this series. I very much appreciate the accuracy of the research each novel demonstrates. While reading this book I stumbled across several video's of the wool scouring process and they meshed so well with the authors descriptions. I really enjoy the characters and the steady growth each of them makes.
I'm very glad I discovered this series.
I'm very glad I discovered this series.
January 29, 2022
I always enjoy the hands on view of life in the late 19th century in San Francisco provided by Annie Dawson and her husband Nate. The cast of characters is very realistic and the plight of women is historically needed.
February 2, 2022
I always enjoy this series. Annie is a great heroine and her husband and staff are always fun to spend time with. In this book, she is auditing a woolen mill. There are accidents, fires, and eventually murder.
The mystery is good with many tangled threads.
The mystery is good with many tangled threads.
February 5, 2022
Ms. Locke, once again crafts an entertaining mystery while also providing the reader with the feel of life in late 19th century San Francisco. I always look forward to seeing what her family of characters are up to.
March 31, 2022
Save the Best for Last
Or maybe she just gets better the more she writes. I truly think this was the best mystery, twists, turns, involves intertwined story of the whole series! Thank you Louisa
Or maybe she just gets better the more she writes. I truly think this was the best mystery, twists, turns, involves intertwined story of the whole series! Thank you Louisa
April 3, 2022
I absolutely adore this series. The author's meticulous and impressive research means I get educated while thoroughly enjoying a good story with a plethora of lovable characters (and detestable villians). What more could I ask for? Except more of the same, please!
June 2, 2022
Wonderful!
Author does such a wonderful job at taking you back to the late 1800's-early 1900's. She takes time to research and it feels like you're there. Eagerly waiting for the next novel or novella, whichever comes first.
Author does such a wonderful job at taking you back to the late 1800's-early 1900's. She takes time to research and it feels like you're there. Eagerly waiting for the next novel or novella, whichever comes first.
March 11, 2022
As always, she did her homework and gives us a wonderful glimpse of the wool weaving trade of 1880’s San Francisco.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews