Murderer or independent woman? Murder at a construction site draws Ohio private investigator Maggie Sullivan into a case that makes cops mistrust her and friends doubt her. The suspect, Rachel Minsky, is Maggie’s closest friend – and all signs point to Rachel’s guilt. Rachel ignores the rules society imposes on women. That independence, in 1942, as well as her success in business, has made her … business, has made her enemies. Yet the dead man also had an unsavory secret or two, starting with his missing mistress. Who was the murderer’s real target? And what is Rachel hiding from the only person who can save her?
The city Maggie scours for clues to the real killer has been altered by America’s recent entry into World War II. Shortages of men and material have created new motives for murder. Unsupervised children roam the streets at night while their mothers work in defense plants. Strangers outnumber familiar faces at Maggie’s favorite pub.
As the case and Maggie’s relationship with policeman Mick Connelly heat up, Maggie finds herself caught in currents that threaten to drown her.
more
Painted the pre-WWII urban setting vividly, especially the role of a female private investigator.
On a par with the other Maggie Sullivan mysteries. Well written, easily readable with colorful characters introduced in previous novels.
Very well researched on the period.
I love this series, always reading as fast as possible. Great stories, great characters.
I enjoyed reading it very much. I like the time line. Women back in the day..
I very much enjoy the Maggie Sullivan series. I love the history of the times that is thrown in. The mystery is enjoyable as well.
Entertaining stories of a tough talking lady PI, this time in the early years of WW II. The placement in Dayton, Ohio and a lot of the historical details (“gas went up to 15 cents”) increase the interest. Also the book has undercurrents of dealing with the casual prejudices of the day including antisemitism, not often seen in these types of stories.