Romance, family, and politics converge explosively in a suspicious murder during the Bread and Roses Strike of 1912 and threaten to engulf a 21st-century woman researching the strike. When textile workers went on strike in 1912 for better wages and working conditions, they never imagined the violence that would overwhelm them. The first person to die was Anna Lopizzo . . . and then John Rami . . . and then many others. The strikers claimed the police had killed Anna, but the police said one of the strikers shot her. Who was right?
Fast forward to present-day Lawrence, Massachusetts, and Lindsey Marc, a historic mystery writer, is tracking down what really happened to Anna and the other workers. Along the way, someone gets wind of what Lindsey is researching and is threatened by what she may discover. It begins with phone calls and quickly moves to ransacking her hotel room. Can Lindsey find out the truth before something terrible happens to her?
My thoughts:
All I can say is WOW!!! I never expected to love this book so much! A friend recommended it to me ages ago, and I procrastinated for a very long time before I decided to pick it up and read it. Let me tell ya...you better get to steppin', and do the same! You will not be sorry!
I love historical fiction, but I really love historical fiction with a mystery. Even more, I love historical fiction that is told in conjunction with a present-day story. All of that is wrapped up perfectly in this book. The history in the book is based on true events that I had never even heard of until now. I did a little internet searching to see if any of the characters ever existed, and so far, I've found info on two. In retrospect, that just made this book so much more interesting. I mean, we all know the Civil War happened, but I feel that I can relate to a story more when I know that the characters I'm reading about actually existed and aren't fictitious.
Then, there's the mystery, and it's a good 'un--not only in the historical account, but in the present-day drama that is Lindsey Marc's life. I had the mystery pretty well solved on my own, but there were a few things that crept up that I didn't expect to happen. Honestly, the whole book is a roller-coaster ride, but it kept me on the edge of my seat as a reader from page one clear to the end.
Since this book was written 2005, my guess is that the author didn't have any thoughts on a sequel, or even a series featuring Lindsey Marc. But honestly, that would be such a great idea! The sky's the limit on stories like this combining the past with the present, and I'd be an instant fan for sure.
4.5 Stars
**I received a copy of this book through PaperBackSwap.com.
Sounds interesting.
ReplyDelete- MJ
www.CreativeMadnessMama.com
Oooooooo this sounds right up my alley! I love books mixing the past and present.
ReplyDeleteXOXO~ Renee
Renee, I have no doubt that you would love it! You, too, MJ! :o)
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds so interesting. I've never read anything about that time period :)
ReplyDeleteJulia, same here. Usually when I come across something around 1912, it's usually about the Titanic sinking.
ReplyDeleteSounds very good. Just ordered it on my Kindle!
ReplyDelete