R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on 1/22/2022 + 1438 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

This read is about life in a coal mine area of Ohio. The author found inspiration in a story about Ohio's first female sheriff, Maude Collins, who assumed her husband's office in 1925 when he was killed in the line of duty. She, like Lily Ross, a heroine in this book was jail matron and asked to asked to take on her husband's role. Lily's husband, Daniel, died in an apparent accident while moving a prisoner from one town to another. But Lily discovers evidence at the scene does not correspond with the explanation. As the investigation continues, more fails to support it. Honest, hard working and pregnant, she is determined to discover what really happened.

It is Kinship, Ohio, in the year of 1924. Life is hard for the miners and their families. Accidents have coined their mine, The Widow Maker. Pay is low and given in script which must be spent at the company's shops. While they have homes, if a miner dies the family is evicted and must move into tents to survive.

Lily soon learns that Daniel had secrets - a part of life he never shared. Following the funeral, a woman named Marvena Whitcomb, calls. A coal miner's widow, she explains that Daniel was investigating the disappearance of her daughter, Eula. As they become acquainted Lila realizes that Marvena was much closer to Daniel than that of a despairing mother. perhaps even his lover.

Well written with detail about coal mining in an area in Ohio, the author combines the lives of two women to create a fascinating drama about coal mining, labor issues, unionizing efforts, and a drab life of trying to make a living. She created a mythical county, Bronwyn, added details about the Appalachian mountains, food and culture. Many characters are based on women the author knew through her life, several of whom were relatives. It's a good, good well written story.

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