Keridec Rees Historical Mysteries

from Publisher's Weekly (BookLife):

My Bonney Lies Under

By Susan Cummins Miller

In this fleet, engaging maritime historical murder mystery, Miller, author of the Frankie MacFarlane, Geologist, Mysteries, explores nuances of womanhood, friendship, and grief against the backdrop of a high-stakes mystery that will keep readers on their toes. On a long voyage on the Oceanic steamship in the summer of 1885, recently orphaned 14-year-old Keridec Rees is sailing home to San Francisco with her guardians and companion after a business trip to Japan. Keridec’s unsettled life is jolted anew when Annie goes missing, with the only sign of her existence left behind the wool hat—with “grosgrain ribbon circling the crown and trapping a sprig of silk forget-me-nots”—she wore during the night of the disappearance.

That phrasing suggests Miller’s feel for the precise and enchanting detail that’s crucial to period-piece mysteries. Miller’s relish for historic particulars, though, doesn’t come at the expense of emotional urgency. Still mourning her father’s recent passing, Keri falls into despair at the news of Annie’s disappearance, and she struggles to come to terms with the possibility that another person dear to her is now gone—and that she herself may have been the intended target. But Keri is bold, an artist and note-taker, and she leaps into action, asking probing questions and gathering information. As tensions heighten and family secrets come to light, Keri and an her unlikely allies must discover the truth about what has happened to Annie and who would want to prevent Keri from arriving in the Bay.

Miller deftly weaves the classic components of a murder mystery, including that ship setting that suggests a classic locked-room scenario, with a poignant exploration of femininity and growing up within the context of a 19th century society’s expectations for women. Readers who appreciate strong female leads will quickly find themselves rooting for Keri in her endeavors to not only solve the mystery at hand, but in her pursuit of ensuring her freedom and independence as a young woman.

Takeaway: Fast-paced historical mystery with a strong female lead and emotional depth.

***

“I loved this book—the rich historical setting, the sparkling array of characters, the balance of action and luscious descriptions.”  - Anne Hillerman, Author of the New York Times best-selling Leaphorn/Chee/Manuelito mysteries:

MY BONNEY LIES UNDER

Artemesia Publishing     www.apbooks.net

ISBN: 9781951122997 (paperback)

ISBN: 9781963832020 (ebook)

$16.95