I read this book this weekend.  It is set in pre-Civil War Pennsylvania during the anthracite coal rush (think California Gold rush on a smaller scale).  The story follows the life and demise (it's also a murder mystery) of Captain Isaac Schlussel - a ruthless man whose greed affects everyone in his path, including the incredibly young and beautiful woman he married.

Captain Schlussel is shot.  He doesn't die immediately, but lays in a stupor in his bedroom.  While drifting in and out of consciousness he ponders his life and the people in it.  I was totally surprised when the actual culprit was revealed.

It sounds good. Mysteries are so much better when the ending isn't seen from a mile away.

I'm surprised that no one has snatched up your book by Katie Hickman. I thought it was very interesting. I'd never read much of anything about diplomat wives so it was all new for me.