I found the historical fiction in this mystery to be particularly good -- of course, it is set in Boston which increased its interest for me!
The mystery was good, with a nice twist. ( )

I enjoyed reading this to a certain extent but, in the end, I just didn’t find it plausible enough to take seriously. I couldn’t suspend my disbelief that a detective would allow a governess, for whatever reason, to be actively involved in his investigation (interviewing witnesses, examining the corpse). And Nell was a bit too competent (asking the pertinent questions, noticing things the seasoned detective apparently didn’t). I did find some of the historical context interesting, the Andersonville camp in particular, as I’d never heard of it before. But I don’t think enough was made of the Boston setting, and the art aspect was so irrelevant I’m not sure why it was included in the title. Finally, the Irish speech patterns and characterisation didn’t always ring true to me. Though at least the author avoided the more obnoxious “sure and begorrah” stage Irish nonsense that some authors still seem to think passes as authentic. ( )

3.5 stars. ( )

Set in Boston in 1868, Nell Sweeney (who has her secrets relating to her past life) works as a governess in the wealthy Hewitt household.
She helps solve the mystery of their eldest son who was thought to have been killed in the Civil War, of why is was still alive and charged with murder.
What I didn't like and skimmed was the description of how a man smoked opium which covered several pages. ( )

Very good character-based historical mystery set in post-Civil War Boston. Neil and Will are great characters. Will definitely read more by P.B. Ryan. ( )