R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed What the Dead Leave Behind (Gilded Age, Bk 1) on + 1436 more book reviews
As the snow falls heavier and heavier, Prudence MacKenzie, 19, waits for her fiance, Charles Linwood, who is bringing their marriage papers. A lawyer, he and his lawyer, Roscoe Conkling, walk from their offices into the storm. It was the beginning of a fierce March event, the Great Blizzard of 1888. Little public transportation is available. The one they encounters ask $50 to carry them home. The angry Conkling says, âToo much,â Charles walks, too. Conkling arrives at his club without Charles. Later Charles' frozen form is found with a deep wound to the head, clutching a playing card. It appears a tree branch bashed his skull.
Life as she expected changes quickly for Prudence. As her father's will is read she finds that her stepmother, Victoria, controls the estate and her life. The two live in the same house but neither trusts the other.
Daughter of the late Judge MacKenzie, Prudence was treated like the son he never had. She quickly learned law even though women could not become lawyers. Alone, she searches for support, meeting Geoffrey Hunter, once Pinkerton agent and a good friend to Charles. The coroner notes that Charles head injury was inconsistent with those caused by falling branches. How did Charles die? They begin searching to determine what happened. Investigating, Victoria and her brother, Donald, it becomes evident that Charles' death is suspicious as was her father's sudden death.
This excellent story and plot are very well done and the characterization has good depth. I even felt that I knew both Prudence and Gregory. Looking forward to the sequel.
Life as she expected changes quickly for Prudence. As her father's will is read she finds that her stepmother, Victoria, controls the estate and her life. The two live in the same house but neither trusts the other.
Daughter of the late Judge MacKenzie, Prudence was treated like the son he never had. She quickly learned law even though women could not become lawyers. Alone, she searches for support, meeting Geoffrey Hunter, once Pinkerton agent and a good friend to Charles. The coroner notes that Charles head injury was inconsistent with those caused by falling branches. How did Charles die? They begin searching to determine what happened. Investigating, Victoria and her brother, Donald, it becomes evident that Charles' death is suspicious as was her father's sudden death.
This excellent story and plot are very well done and the characterization has good depth. I even felt that I knew both Prudence and Gregory. Looking forward to the sequel.
