Setting
The book is set in New York in the early 1900s, just after the Gilded Age, when there was rapid economic and industrial growth. It was during this time when a new section in society emerged, that of people with new money. They had made their fortunes from railroads, steel and other industries. It was also the time when the role of women in society was confined to raising the family and throwing opulent balls. Her stepping out to work or be part of the political system was frowned upon. Women suffrage was still a point of contention among the elites.
Storyline
Jane Prescott is an intuitive and quick-witted ladies maid in New York. She serves the two daughters Louise and Charlotte of the Benchley family.
Benchley’s are new money people and are trying to carve a position for themselves in the New York society. After the murder of Norrie Newsome to whom Charlotte Benchley was engaged on the night of the announcement, Jane finds herself getting involved in mystery. Being a loyal maid to Benchley's, Jane initially wants to clear Charlotte's name but gets invested in the investigation nudged by investigative journalist Michael Behan. When the press and police were baying for the blood of anarchists, Jane delves further to figure out motive and means. She does not believe the theory of anarchists being behind the murder but reckons it to be a crime of passion or vengeance.
My Thoughts
Bearing in mind the period the book is based in, what I loved about the book was that the protagonist is a woman and that too a maid. Maids were expected to be invisible and only makes their presence felt when needed or called for. But that was also their main asset.
“You see everything, even the things you’re not supposed to.”
“See, my theory is the people who cook the food and clean the clothes see and hear a lot more than the people they work for.”
The writing is very elucidative and the New York of the 1900s comes alive in front of your eyes. The attention to detail is brilliant. The little twist thrown in the end stumped me. I believe that this is Mariah Fredericks’ first outing in the world of adult fiction but she has not deviated much further away from Young Adult fiction. Also, the reference to Tip-the elephant towards the end was more of a distraction and didn't add anything to the narration.
Star Rating - 3/5
Recommend - Try it if you are looking for a simple mystery with no frills!
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