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The Lanie Price Mystery Novels #4
Dear Sister Dead
Vera Kincaid had everything to live for. The wife of a wealthy preacher man, she was smart, beautiful, and popular. But lovely wives often have dark secrets. Vera was no exception. Society reporter Lanie Price investigates the death of a woman she held dear and finds out that, for Vera, forbidden love had deadly consequences.
Dear Sister Dead is part of the popular Lanie Price 1920s historical mystery series. If you like fast-paced suspense, then you'll love the latest installment of this page-turning series. Buy Dear Sister Dead to read Lanie's latest adventure today!
Previously published on Kindle Vella .
Dear Sister Dead is part of the popular Lanie Price 1920s historical mystery series. If you like fast-paced suspense, then you'll love the latest installment of this page-turning series. Buy Dear Sister Dead to read Lanie's latest adventure today!
Previously published on Kindle Vella .
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 22, 2023
2 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Persia Walker
25 books184 followersReaders of Persia's 1920s novels know they're in for a fast-paced trip through one of the most fascinating periods in U.S. history, the Jazz Age. In designing her stories, and developing her characters, Persia draws upon her theatrical training as well as her journalistic experience.
She has worked for The Associated Press and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. She has lived in Germany, Brazil and Poland.
She has worked for The Associated Press and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. She has lived in Germany, Brazil and Poland.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 8, 2023
The horrific murder of Vera Kincaid in the 1920s Harlem Strivers Row community sets Persia Walker’s historical mystery novel, Dear Sister Dead, in motion.
Someone chased, shot, and dumped her body. It washed ashore at Randall’s Island. Curious fact? She’s afraid of the water and won’t get near it. With her bruised face and bullets in her back, who would want to kill a nursing supervisor, First Lady of Mount Olivet Congregational, and respected member of the Strivers Row community? Her husband and Pastor Levy Kincaid, devastated by the news, turns to Lanie Price, a Harlem Age newspaper Society Events Reporter, for comfort and information on his wife’s case. Lanie, also a widow, questions Levy about the bruises on his deceased wife. Behind closed doors, Lanie and Sam, her editor and lover, wonder if Levy is a wife abuser and did he kill his beloved wife.
Enter into the picture a stranger in one Martin Del Ray. In brief, he’s a relative, can’t stand Mr. Big Shot Levy, and holds some rather interesting spiritual and political views. His suspect in the murder? Pastor Levy. Lanie’s not alone in her investigation. Detective John Black (Blackie) is hunting for the killer as well. He’s not fond of Lanie because her snooping interferes with his job. But he knows she can get critical information from the colored community better than he can. So, between sparring, they need one another to solve this case. Lanie’s low-key approach of probing for clues made for engaging reading in contrast to Blackie’s gruff, hard-edged persona. I surmise a combination of her profession and the 1920s backdrop attributed to this. Also inherent in the tale is the familiar unease in the colored community dealing with the police efforts to keep them safe that echoes into today. Amidst this dance of death swirls a cast of characters, each with a little of this and that to add to this labyrinth, keeping Lanie, Blackie, and Sam on their toes. From Kincaid’s maid Beulah Jean Henry, Church Secretary Denise Brown, Church Accountant Nate Slocum, and downtrodden resident Jake Bromley, Walker’s characters are compelling. There are plenty more of them in this mystery tale, and they all add something to this investigation to exact justice.
Dear Sister Dead has the twists and turns as a good mystery story should. One jaw-dropper disappointed me and tied into the storytelling flavor of the last few years in various media. I hoped it wouldn’t, but it did. Walker is a veteran of the publishing business, but I’m not sure if her publisher, Blood Vintage Press, is or not. I must have found dozens of copy-editing errors and even whole paragraphs at the end of a chapter that repeated at the beginning of the next one. I give Walker the benefit of the doubt. Maybe this was a style choice, but based on the number of errors, I don’t believe so. Did I receive an ARC? I hope that was the case, or again, this was a bad copy-editing job as I’ve ever seen and read. But the book was released in January. Too bad, this cost the story a star for me, as Walker did craft a solid mystery. Despite the flawed layout, I would give Walker another shot. Three stars.
Someone chased, shot, and dumped her body. It washed ashore at Randall’s Island. Curious fact? She’s afraid of the water and won’t get near it. With her bruised face and bullets in her back, who would want to kill a nursing supervisor, First Lady of Mount Olivet Congregational, and respected member of the Strivers Row community? Her husband and Pastor Levy Kincaid, devastated by the news, turns to Lanie Price, a Harlem Age newspaper Society Events Reporter, for comfort and information on his wife’s case. Lanie, also a widow, questions Levy about the bruises on his deceased wife. Behind closed doors, Lanie and Sam, her editor and lover, wonder if Levy is a wife abuser and did he kill his beloved wife.
Enter into the picture a stranger in one Martin Del Ray. In brief, he’s a relative, can’t stand Mr. Big Shot Levy, and holds some rather interesting spiritual and political views. His suspect in the murder? Pastor Levy. Lanie’s not alone in her investigation. Detective John Black (Blackie) is hunting for the killer as well. He’s not fond of Lanie because her snooping interferes with his job. But he knows she can get critical information from the colored community better than he can. So, between sparring, they need one another to solve this case. Lanie’s low-key approach of probing for clues made for engaging reading in contrast to Blackie’s gruff, hard-edged persona. I surmise a combination of her profession and the 1920s backdrop attributed to this. Also inherent in the tale is the familiar unease in the colored community dealing with the police efforts to keep them safe that echoes into today. Amidst this dance of death swirls a cast of characters, each with a little of this and that to add to this labyrinth, keeping Lanie, Blackie, and Sam on their toes. From Kincaid’s maid Beulah Jean Henry, Church Secretary Denise Brown, Church Accountant Nate Slocum, and downtrodden resident Jake Bromley, Walker’s characters are compelling. There are plenty more of them in this mystery tale, and they all add something to this investigation to exact justice.
Dear Sister Dead has the twists and turns as a good mystery story should. One jaw-dropper disappointed me and tied into the storytelling flavor of the last few years in various media. I hoped it wouldn’t, but it did. Walker is a veteran of the publishing business, but I’m not sure if her publisher, Blood Vintage Press, is or not. I must have found dozens of copy-editing errors and even whole paragraphs at the end of a chapter that repeated at the beginning of the next one. I give Walker the benefit of the doubt. Maybe this was a style choice, but based on the number of errors, I don’t believe so. Did I receive an ARC? I hope that was the case, or again, this was a bad copy-editing job as I’ve ever seen and read. But the book was released in January. Too bad, this cost the story a star for me, as Walker did craft a solid mystery. Despite the flawed layout, I would give Walker another shot. Three stars.
March 10, 2023
I was immediately drawn into 1920s noir by the choice of language & the staccato rhythm of the prose, then captivated by the in-depth descriptions of characters & setting
Lainie's faith in her murdered friend Vera is the heart of the plot, to the point where the dead woman is actually a character in her own story. But secondary characters like Sam, Bromley and Ruthie Anne, and even Hiram, are also compelling.
The plot is intricate and doled out in tiny pieces like a jigsaw puzzle you can finally assemble once all the facts are known. The pacing was spot-on.
The novel also explores the fate of the black men who served in WWI, and who came home to little honor and less help in dealing with their problems, and whose sacrifices were ultimately ignored: it's a harrowing reminder of the state of racism that existed throughout the country. These men were treated as “other” in a way we should all be ashamed of.
There were some editorial issues, as mentioned by another reviewer, but the story and the fine writing rose above them for me. Definitely recommend this book.
I received an ARC of this novel in return for my review: my opinion is freely given here.
Lainie's faith in her murdered friend Vera is the heart of the plot, to the point where the dead woman is actually a character in her own story. But secondary characters like Sam, Bromley and Ruthie Anne, and even Hiram, are also compelling.
The plot is intricate and doled out in tiny pieces like a jigsaw puzzle you can finally assemble once all the facts are known. The pacing was spot-on.
The novel also explores the fate of the black men who served in WWI, and who came home to little honor and less help in dealing with their problems, and whose sacrifices were ultimately ignored: it's a harrowing reminder of the state of racism that existed throughout the country. These men were treated as “other” in a way we should all be ashamed of.
There were some editorial issues, as mentioned by another reviewer, but the story and the fine writing rose above them for me. Definitely recommend this book.
I received an ARC of this novel in return for my review: my opinion is freely given here.
September 22, 2023
A Riveting Crime Novel
The author is back with her 1920s heart-pounding tale, authentic and memorable characters, great surroundings, and suave dialogue. Some of the old players have returned namely the no-nonsense, and caring Lanie Price, a society writer for the Harlem Chronicle, and Detective John Blackie who is more considerate than most of the law enforcement agents were during that time. The wife of a powerful minister is murdered but things are not what they seem, exposing some shocking secrets and lies, twists and turns, deceit, rumors, exploitation, and betrayal. The page-turning, curveball-hitting plot will keep you guessing from start to finish with a twist of a turn ending that will leave you asking “How well do you really know someone?” The addition of factual events, people, and neighborhoods makes the story an amazing gem.
The author is back with her 1920s heart-pounding tale, authentic and memorable characters, great surroundings, and suave dialogue. Some of the old players have returned namely the no-nonsense, and caring Lanie Price, a society writer for the Harlem Chronicle, and Detective John Blackie who is more considerate than most of the law enforcement agents were during that time. The wife of a powerful minister is murdered but things are not what they seem, exposing some shocking secrets and lies, twists and turns, deceit, rumors, exploitation, and betrayal. The page-turning, curveball-hitting plot will keep you guessing from start to finish with a twist of a turn ending that will leave you asking “How well do you really know someone?” The addition of factual events, people, and neighborhoods makes the story an amazing gem.
February 28, 2023
This is my first experience with this author, and I'm impressed. I loved the book, which has Lanie Price, a widow and journalist, investigating the disappearance and then murder of her friend Vera, the much-loved wife of a loved and respected pastor in 1920s Harlem. Her investigations, supported by her boss Sam, take her into some darker areas as well as show warm-hearts and love. The story is not only 1920s historical but gives a view of living in Harlem, and America, at that time too. Wonderful characters, great writing and a gripping story, including . Although the fourth book in a series, I had no trouble reading this on its own - and I recommend it! I received a review copy and freely leave this honest review.
March 18, 2023
Dear Sister Dead is the fourth installment of the Lanie Price Mystery Series.
Lanie's murdered friend Vera is the focus of the plot, to the point where the dead woman is actually a character in her own story. But secondary characters like Sam, Bromley and Ruthie Anne, and even Hiram, are also compelling. The plot is detailed and shifts out in small clues like a giant puzzle you can assemble once all the facts are known. The pacing was great and at a good tempo. Dear Sister Dead has the twists and turns as a good mystery story should. Persia Walker has a great writing style and I can't wait to read more from her. This is my first experience with this author, and I'm impressed. I loved the book!
I received a review copy and freely leave this honest review.
Lanie's murdered friend Vera is the focus of the plot, to the point where the dead woman is actually a character in her own story. But secondary characters like Sam, Bromley and Ruthie Anne, and even Hiram, are also compelling. The plot is detailed and shifts out in small clues like a giant puzzle you can assemble once all the facts are known. The pacing was great and at a good tempo. Dear Sister Dead has the twists and turns as a good mystery story should. Persia Walker has a great writing style and I can't wait to read more from her. This is my first experience with this author, and I'm impressed. I loved the book!
I received a review copy and freely leave this honest review.
February 18, 2023
this was such a great concept for a 1920s Historical Mystery, it worked well the storyline and I was invested in the characters themselves. It had what I was looking for from the fourth book in the series. It was written well and I was glad I was able to read this. Persia Walker has a great writing style and I can't wait to read more from her.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 15, 2023
My first time reading this author. Really liked this work. A very complicated plot. Wonderful, interesting characters. A murder to solve. A lot if clues. A lot of twists and turns. Couldn't put it down. Everything I look for in a good mystery.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Story Origin.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Story Origin.
February 24, 2023
Good historical novel from historical New York. I have read her previous books. This one did not disappoint.
June 19, 2025
When an old friend fails to show up to meet her, reporter Lanie Price follows her instincts and goes to check for her at her home. But before Lanie and her friend's husband can connect the dots, a local detective shows up and delivers heartbreaking news.
Driven to uncover the reason for Vera's death, Lanie uses her past experience of reluctantly working with the police and investigative prowess as a reporter for a local paper in order to bring closure to her late friend.
This was my first Lanie Price mystery and my first introduction to author Persia Walker. As a long time fan of the 20s-50s eras, I found the story does a great job of depicting social, cultural, and racial subtleties that existed during the time period. Even the little details around how certain characters dressed and carried themselves aides in giving the reader visuals of the story's setting.
The case of Vera's death was complicated and at times had Lanie's character doubting herself and the leads she was pursuing. The likely suspect being her husband, Levy who seems like he has something to hide. The mysterious brother hardly anyone knew about who may or may not have held a grudge against his sister when he was arrested for speaking out about civil rights, ending segregation and the communist party.
Or a secret lover no one knew about who decided to kill her when she wanted to end things? I admit to guessing some details of the case but there was a lot I did not see coming. And a good mystery is always better when it keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Readers see that Lanie confides in her partner and boss, Sam from the newspaper and the brooding detective Blakie assigned to the case, but sticks to her gut intuitions and doesn't let herself be led astray. Which only made me love her character even more. She's smart, witty, observant, kind and honest.
We learn more about her past and her late husband, Hamp, briefly in Dear Sister Dead, and the lasting effect it still has on her. I'm going to add this series to my TBR list and I recommend it to all historical mystery readers.
TWs:
Graphic: Death and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Mental illness, Misogyny, Racism, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Addiction, Drug abuse, Homophobia, Miscarriage, Violence, Murder, Alcohol, and War
Driven to uncover the reason for Vera's death, Lanie uses her past experience of reluctantly working with the police and investigative prowess as a reporter for a local paper in order to bring closure to her late friend.
This was my first Lanie Price mystery and my first introduction to author Persia Walker. As a long time fan of the 20s-50s eras, I found the story does a great job of depicting social, cultural, and racial subtleties that existed during the time period. Even the little details around how certain characters dressed and carried themselves aides in giving the reader visuals of the story's setting.
The case of Vera's death was complicated and at times had Lanie's character doubting herself and the leads she was pursuing. The likely suspect being her husband, Levy who seems like he has something to hide. The mysterious brother hardly anyone knew about who may or may not have held a grudge against his sister when he was arrested for speaking out about civil rights, ending segregation and the communist party.
Or a secret lover no one knew about who decided to kill her when she wanted to end things? I admit to guessing some details of the case but there was a lot I did not see coming. And a good mystery is always better when it keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Readers see that Lanie confides in her partner and boss, Sam from the newspaper and the brooding detective Blakie assigned to the case, but sticks to her gut intuitions and doesn't let herself be led astray. Which only made me love her character even more. She's smart, witty, observant, kind and honest.
We learn more about her past and her late husband, Hamp, briefly in Dear Sister Dead, and the lasting effect it still has on her. I'm going to add this series to my TBR list and I recommend it to all historical mystery readers.
TWs:
Graphic: Death and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Mental illness, Misogyny, Racism, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Addiction, Drug abuse, Homophobia, Miscarriage, Violence, Murder, Alcohol, and War
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews