Fiction Based on Strange, But True, History True, riveting stories of American criminal activity are explored through a unique stories of historical romantic suspense. Collect them all and be inspired by the hope that always finds its way even in the darkest of times. When Harriet Peters came to Boston in 1882, the Robinson family took her in like one of their own, and Harriet became closer to … Harriet became closer to Lizzie Robinson than her own siblings. Now, four years later, Lizzie is deathly sick, failing quickly just like several others in her family have done over the past few years. How can so many in one family die from the same mysterious illness? Harriet doesn’t have answers, but she is determined to help the family, bringing in a new-to-the-neighborhood doctor, Michael Wheaton.
As Harriet and Michael close in on the answer, putting their own lives at risk, can the cause be found before anyone else dies?
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This book was absolutely amazing. I loved the story; it had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. Harriet has such a sweet disposition and compassion for people. I loved her devotion to her friends and to the Robinsons. That devotion leads to her blindness about the Robinson’s suspicious deaths. Michael is the new doctor in town trying to make a name for himself. Michael understands what it is like to be the underdog and abused. Harriet and Michael meet and have the start of a tender relationship that is attacked by Mrs. Robinson. Harriet, wanting to honor Mrs. Robinson, puts a stop to the relationship with Michael. Michael is persistent in his care and concern for Harriet. This book is full of twists in it that I did not expect. To believe that the this book is based on a real case from many years ago, boggles my mind. I highly recommend this book to those that like clean books, mystery, and thrillers based on true crimes.
I received a copy of this book from Barbour books through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Members of the Robinson family regularly die with fearful stomach pain that leaves doctors stumped. After Lizzie’s death, her friend Harriett cares for Lizzie’s young sister and cousin Tommy. Living with the family, Harriett is stunned by the acrimony in the household. Much is brought by retired Dr. Beers, who doesn’t hesitate to order Harriett around and wants to marry Mrs. Robinson.
Throughout the story, Mrs. Robinson sews a green dress, which turns out to be a clue. Her disinterest in her nephew and her hot-and-cold manner toward Harriett is peculiar. Harriett feels beholden to her, and overlooks her concerns as caused by grief. Dr. Michael Wheaton is the only bright spot. Warning: reading this at bedtime may cause disturbing dreams.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley.
I couldn’t put this book down! I loved it. I have thoroughly enjoyed this entire series – true crime with a Christian message. I like crime fiction but often find it gets a little graphic, or writers feel like it has to be “gritty”. With this series, I know I don’t have to be concerned about graphic detail or language. I have also learned so much through this series – It is obvious Ms. Tolsma did her research into the case. And, she brought it to life through her fictional re-imagining of the story.
Poison was a difficult murder weapon to deal with at a time in history when medicine was more limited, and testing took time and effort many physicians lacked the resources for.
I did feel like the ending of this story got rushed just a bit, once murder was finally confirmed. The how’s and why’s were kind of glossed over. But, all in all a fast paced well-written mystery, and a most enjoyable series!
Get out of the house while you can….
Imagine hearing that statement inside your head – several times. Would you be inclined to act on it if it meant life or death? The True Colors series teaches us some rather bizarre history, some of which is almost impossible to believe. It seems, from the observational point, that those unfortunate folks who found themselves in these situations would be inclined to leave town as soon as possible. However, as life is, most of us would have trouble believing that such evil exists and thus would remain.
Harriet Peters arrives in Somerville, Massachusetts all alone. Finding a new family in the Robinsons, she slowly built her life in a new place. When members of her new family die of a mysterious illness, she looks to the new doctor in town to figure out what is killing them. Will their investigation bring further harm or can a diagnosis be found?
Once again I have learned that history can be hard to believe at times. This digital copy was received through Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. My comments and impressions were in no way solicited.
Danger! The Green Dress is based on a true American criminal happening! I did not like Mrs. Robinson from the beginning! Members of her family keep dying but the family doctor does not know what the cause is. Her husband, sister, brother-in-law, nephew, daughter, son pass away within a few years time. She had earlier taken in a starving young immigrant, Harriet Peters. Harriet was a sweet young lady but she did not stand up for herself. Dr. Michael Wheaton was a great male protagonist who Harriet asked to see the young nephew. He has a new medical practice but is suspicious of this mysterious illness. The ending was somewhat obvious from the beginning but it was interesting how it came about. I received a complimentary e-book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.
This is a wonderful addition to a series I have truly enjoyed.
Liz Tolsma has penned a suspenseful story of a serial killer in 1880’s Boston. The book started a little slow for me, but the last half of the story had me glued to the page. Tolsma’s skill of storytelling, combined with her flawless research is a recipe of success for mixing fact and fiction. While the story itself was suspenseful and at times dark, the faith thread was one of hope, lending the fictional heroine strength.
This story along with many of the crimes highlighted in Barbours True Colors: Historical stories of American Crime series were previously unknown to me. I love learning more of America’s history, including some of its darker stories as well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine.
What a fascinating, sad story! One of the reasons that I love Historical Fiction is that I learn something while being entertained. This story definitely did that! In The Green Dress members of the Robinson family keep dying. When their good friend Harriet moves into the family home to help care for the youngest of the family, things begin to seem suspicious. But the question is who could be hurting this family? And how? You’ll have to pick up this excellent book to find out. I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end!
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Green Dress is about a woman who is staying with the Robinson family. There seem to be strange illnesses or deaths occur. It seems to be about a woman named Sarah Jane Robinson. What is going on in the house is strange.
Harriet seems to bring in a Dr. Weaton. She moved into the Robinson family household but things seem to happen more once Lizzie passes away. But we do not know who it is. As the story goes on and more death occurs. The suspicions rise. Who is killing the Robinson family members and why?
The author does a wonderful job of having you trying to figure out the culprit. You get a history of some of the members. What a way to show some true colors in some folks. This story has you wanting to turn the pages and rooting for the heroes to save the day. You are pulled in emotionally as well. I was guessing Dr. Beers or even Mrs. Robinson. Can Michael and Harriet save the Robinson family members or will it all go bad?
Harriet Peters cannot stand the sight of her dear friend Lizzie Robinson suffering an excruciating death. The Robinson family took Harriet in when she first arrived in Massachusetts and they have always been good to her, but some strange illness is plaguing the Robinson family and they are dying one by one. Harriet makes a promise to her friend on her deathbed to watch after the younger children. To keep her promise, Harriet must juggle her millinery shop duties and the care of the young children. She moves back in with the Robinsons and soon one of the children is afflicted with the same illness. Michael Wheaton is the new doctor in town and he is quite perplexed with what is happening. He also fears for Harriet’s life as he feels something is amiss. Together, Harriet and Michael race against time to find the cause of the mysterious illness and stop the deaths plaguing the Robinson household.
The latest True Colors novel is a gripping and suspenseful ride. The pacing is perfect and the suspense builds as you wonder who will be the next to fall ill and what is causing the illness? It is a chilling account of how greed can destroy and consume. The story is well-written and the romance builds nicely between Michael and Harriet. Harriet perseveres as she is torn between duty and self-preservation. She is put in an impossible situation, but in the end, prevails. You will want to read this novel in one sitting to see how it plays out and see justice served.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing but was not required to post a review.
“The Green Dress”
By
Liq Tolsma
My first thought about this book after reading the description was can this really be a True Crime. This a great addition to the “True Colors” series. This book is a book with suspense, wonder and love. It’s a page turner a very hard to put down.
The Green Dress is set in Boston in the 1880. The story is about a sinister plot to kill off family members. The author wrote a well written book. I spend a lot of time wondering what’s next, who is doing it and especially when the green dress would come into the story. There were several night’s that I would get up to read the book!
Favorite quote: “None of us know what life is going to bring from day to day. We just live and walk in God’s Grace through it all.
I give this book a give it a 5
I will highly recommend this book to family and friends on Facebook,Bookbud, Amazon, Barnes and noble, and Goodreads.
I received this complimentary copy from Barbour and I was under no obligation to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
3.5 stars
“Get out of the house. Get out while you can.”
Harriet Peters is both grief-stricken and terrified, not only has her best friend succombed to a violet death, but others in her family have died in exactly the same manner. It’s perplexing, to say the least. This is a family who has shown her nothing but kindness over the brief years of their acquaintance; taking her in and helping Harriet to establish her own millinery business; the Robinsons are hard workers and a God-fearing family, but something has gone terriby awry.
“Without evidence you can’t get the warrant, but without the warrant, we can’t get the evidence.”
Dr. Michael Wheaton is beside himself with worry about the lovely hat shop owner. Harriet engaged his services when Lizzie Robinson was on her death bed, and he has every reason to suspect that something nefarious is going on within the household. He can’t help but admire Harriet for her fierce dedication to her friends, but how can he find answers when no one will allow him entrance into the house?
“The Green Dress” is a tribute to this entire series; exposing heinous historical crimes, but threading them together with a tender dose of spiritual depth and romance along each seam.
I like historical fiction because I always learn something. In The Green Dress, Liz Tolsma takes a disturbing real event and brings it to life. Robison family members are falling ill and dying. Ms. Tolsma adds two characters, Harriet Peters and Dr. Michael Wheaton to the story in order to recount the incident. Harriet is portrayed as Lizzy Robinson’s best friend and Michael is a local Doctor who helps Harriet make sense of the doom that surrounds the family. How could so many from one household suffer such horrible deaths.
It is hard to believe that this story is real. But the author has done a good job of fleshing out the story with engaging characters in Harriet, Michael and Gracie. Even though she gives us a glimpse into a depraved mind, the author also shows a faith thread that gives hope. Harriet and Michael are praying people who act out their Christian values and seek to save lives in a dangerous situation.
This is a great addition to the True Colors American Crime series from Barbour.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Captivating:
I found this haunting and scary in that it is based on a true story. The mystery and intrigue drew me in from the very beginning and I was unsure who the true perpetrator was until the very end.
Harriet was a courageous and generous soul and her dedication to those around her was admirable. Poor Michael has feelings for Harriet and when he suspects something nefarious is going on in her household he does his best to intervene. I thought the tender love story was a good counterbalance to all of the darkness and murder.
This book does offer hope in that it repeatedly shared the message that Christ has paid the price in full and those who believe in Him have assurity that they will go to heaven; that there is more to life than just what we experience here on earth.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
This book had me hooked from the very beginning! I ended up staying up too late reading this! I had kind of suspected what was going on and who was doing it. I have really enjoyed reading these true crime stories that are still Christian Fiction. I really enjoyed this book!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
This story is based on True American crimes. That itself is an attention-getter. As I read The Green Dress I wondered why there was a mystery around the dress. Even though I suspected who the killer was, I was intrigued by how the green dress was incorporated into the story.
Sweet Harriet Peters has such a good heart, wanting to help others sacrificially even while trying to grow her business of a hat shop. When her only friend dies from a painful death she promises to care for two small children. The mysterious house is full of strange people, some dying of the same death but yet it’s not contagious. Young Dr. Wheaton is alerted when he witnesses the deaths and tries to warn Harriet that she may be the next victim. Since he’s drawn to her that would be a tragedy.
I stayed up late last night to finish because I just had to find out why these mysterious deaths were occurring as well as who was the real killer. It is a true and shocking account.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
The Green Dress by Liz Tolsma is the next installment in the True Colors book series. Once again this thriller is centered around historical American facts. In 1882 the Robinson family takes in & accepts Harriet Peters in as one of their own & to protect her from a pending disastrous marriage. Harriet & Lizzie Robinson become close as sisters, but a few years later Lizzie & other family members suddenly die from a mysterious unexplainable illness. In desperation, Harriet enlists the help of a local doctor for help. Together they embark on a journey that shows them that all is not what it seems. A very enjoyable historical thriller that leaves you guessing. I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing & was under no obligation to post a review.
Wow! What an interesting story! From the very beginning, I was drawn in to the mystery and suspense. What could be happening to these people? Why were there so many unexplained deaths? I wondered about the green dress and the importance of the garment. When I learned the reason for the green dress, I was totally surprised. A great read. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
The Green Dress by Liz Tolsma is part of the True Colors series. These stories are based on actual crimes in American history, and this novel focuses on the notorious Robinson family. One by one, family members die a slow and agonizing death. Harriet Peters, caregiver to the children and friend of the family, begins to realize that it’s way too coincidental that so many people in the same family all died the same way. She invites her own doctor, Michael Wheaton, to help investigate and keep the children safe from the mysterious illness that has taken the lives of so many.
This story is creepy! I read up on the historical events, and the author did a great job of bringing this story from the pages of the past and turning it into a suspenseful and intriguing story. This novel is gritty and dark, not a light read. There is a love story that develops to lighten the mood a bit. I’m usually not a fan of stories set in the 1800’s, but the author did a lot of research and the setting just adds to the macabre and nightmarish circumstances. It’s hard to believe this is based on real life! Also, once you understand why the title is The Green Dress, your head will be spinning.
Definitely check this novel out, especially if you like true crime stories. I’ve found the entire series intriguing.
Overall: 5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)
Suspense: 5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
With perfect pacing, a suspense unfolds that kept me up at night turning pages. This 1886 true crime fiction is a story that is hard to believe, yet it really happened. The characters were well crafted and the villain was hinted at but disguised. A bright spot in the story is a romance between two young people with good hearts. There are also lessons of faith in regards to dying, death and heaven that were nicely added. Tolsma is a wonderful story teller and the Green Dress is a great addition to The True Color Crime Series and I am looking forward to the upcoming books in the series. I received a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This was a nice little mystery. It caught my attention from page one and kept my attention to the end. At times I did feel annoyed with Harriet. I kinda wanted to shake her and make her listen to Michael. I enjoyed the story. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy