Marie Silk

You'll turn pages like you were on a sinking ship
If you're interested in this period of American history, when the automobile was growing in popularity and the suffragette movement gaining steam, you would find this young adult story quite engaging. The subtle irony in the unequal application of the morals of the day hid the potential for another layer of story, but alas we'll have to wait for another work in which the author can employ her full array of iron tools.

The mystery drives forward at a brisk pace, which compensates for a few plot holes and sometimes emotionally distant character voices. As such, you'll be turning pages as though you were on the Lusitania.… (mehr)

This is the first book I've read by this author. Probably good that it is the first one in the series also. Warning: Spoilers may lie ahead. Read review at your own discretion.

I kind of feel like this book wanted to capitalize on the popularity of "Downton Abbey" since it is about the wealthy and their servants. I was surprised to read that Mary is 22 years old. She seemed much younger in reading the story. In fact, she read (to me) as so young, that I was prepared to dismiss her overlooking of promoting Clara to her companion and keeping Abigail as her/their maid (rather than reinstating Clara to her former ladies maid position and elevating new maid Abigail to companion). Now that I know Mary is 22 not a teenager . . .

I can see how having Clara as her maid is what Mary is used to. I can understand that the familiar is a comfort--especially with all the changes going on in Mary's life. But Mary doesn't seem to give any thought to Clara's feelings--Clara, who has served her faithfully for a number of years, is now being asked to also serve someone (and watch her get treats like new store-bought clothes) who has been a ladies maid for only a few days! I can't blame Clara for being a bit put out.

Mrs. Price's secret wasn't that hard to guess. Nor was who the murderer is (though we don't really see the conclusion of that on stage in this book but it seems like there was a confession).

It seems Mary did not have much training in managing a household--something I would have thought her mother would have seen to. It's a good thing Mrs. Price is honest and on Mary's side or things might have turned out differently.… (mehr)