I do like Cecelia Tichi’s books. I like the period that they evoke, I especially like the character of Valentine DeVere and furthermore, Tichi knows how to spin a good yarn to make an enjoyable murder mystery so, her books are super easy to read and involving without being taxing. Just how I like my fiction.
In this book, the third of the Valentine DeVere mysteries, Roddy and Val are at the opera when a famous coal magnate is killed in one of the boxes, although this is not something that Hoff, the opera’s owner, wants the public to know. When Roddy and Val are visited by the police chief and a suggestion is made that Val may know more about what happened to the “Coal King”, Leon Rankin, than she cares to admit, Roddy and Val find themselves coerced into a situation where an investigation into the murder has more than justice for the killer depending on it – Val’s reputation is also at stake.
Those of you who have read Tichi’s fiction before will know how important outward appearances are to the members of the Society to which Roddy and Val belong. There are standards that need to be met and Val sometimes falls short of these due to her upbringing, which is very much NOT that of potential society dame. So, when her already slightly tarnished status is likely to become blackened, Val’s reputation must be preserved, most particularly for the sake of Val’s mother-in-law, who mixes with some of the great people of influence and stature in New York City.
As usual, Tichi’s plot unfolds at the right pace, with characters being introduced throughout, some of whom are suspects in the crime that the DeVeres are looking into, but some of them are also of the period and are used by Tichi to increase the atmosphere, but also to reflect the cultural mores and social issues of the day. I was interested in the inclusion of Mother Jones, a labour activist who is incorporated into the story as Val is involved with a women’s group helping poorly paid women who can barely survive on their wages. Details like this add depth to the novel and having Val meet an actual historical figure contemporary to the time gives an extra layer of credence to the narrative and Tichi’s conjuring of the period.
Another great read from Tichi.
I was privileged to read this book as an ARC. This is my true and unbiased opinion of the book.
Scuffed Granny 