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. ( )

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. ( )

Set in 1915 Pennsylvania. Family drama, part of a 7-book series of which this is the seminal story. There is a prequel, but this is officially Part 1. After her father's death, a young woman learns of the intrigues of her mother and the secrets of her parents' pasts. ( )

Great premise in the storyline but, the writing is very stilted. Mary Davenport is part of a wealthy PA family in 1915. When her father dies suddenly she is forced to deal with family secrets and changes in the servants around her. ( )

In the 1915 upper-class world, Mary Davenport and her brother live on the family estate with their parents. Mary has been feeling that there is some sort of secret going on and has gotten clues from her father, but before he will elaborate he suddenly dies. Mary is the one who discovers the body, but before she can notify anyone, her mother and brother claim to be the ones. The story the mother and son tell is very different from what Mary saw and Mary is cast into being distraught and mentally upset. What is the truth of the matter?

Mary has become close to some of the staff that work on the estate since they have known each other since they were very young. There is a closeness and bond between them that gets stretched close to breaking.

Mary is determined and strong-willed. Her relationship with her father was close but from her mother she gets the feeling that she is only to be criticized for any and all things. In her mother's eyes her brother can do no wrong. Her mother uses the excuse of Mary's distraught condition to keep Mary confined for rest and recovery, but is it necessary? What is Mary's mother up to by keeping Mary confined, not allowing any mail or communications to go to Mary?

Utilizing the bonds between Mary and some of the staff, Mary sets out to find out the real story of her father's death.

It's a good read and I read it in just a few hours. I am hoping that the second book has a little more heft to it. Some of the characters seemed thin at times, but some I really did not like and some of the outcomes were just...in my opinion. ( )