Murder of a Recluse - (Oak Park Village Mystery) by Jeanne M Dams (Hardcover)

About the Book

July, 1926. Now happily married to lawyer Fred, Elizabeth Wilkins is ready for whatever married life throws at her. So when Fred comes home anxious about his new client, Caroline Dobbs, who's suspected of murdering her elderly Aunt Agatha, Elizabeth can't help getting involved. Caroline was seen arguing with her aunt at Agatha's farm on the outskirts of town the day she died by neighbour and local gossip-monger, Miss Edwards, but Fred is convinced of Caroline's innocence. Elizabeth joins the influential local Nineteenth-Century Women's club as she attempts to find out more about the Dobbs family, uncovering dark secrets and a potential link to her new 'contact', notorious mobster, Al Capone. Can she unravel the mystery in time to save Caroline from an unjust death sentence?

Book Synopsis

Who killed the reclusive Agatha Dobbs? Newly married Elizabeth Wilkins is determined to prove Agatha's niece's innocence in this compelling 1920s mystery.

October, 1926. Newly married Elizabeth Wilkins is ready for whatever life throws at her and her lawyer husband, Fred. So when Fred comes home anxious about his client, Caroline Dobbs, Elizabeth can't help getting involved. Caroline is suspected of murdering her elderly aunt Agatha at Agatha's farm on the outskirts of Oak Park, and was seen arguing with her on the day she died by neighbour and local gossip-monger, Mrs Edwards, yet Fred seems convinced of Caroline's innocence.

Elizabeth joins the influential local Nineteenth Century Woman's Club as she attempts to find out more about the reclusive Agatha Dobbs, and soon uncovers astonishing secrets. Can she unravel the mystery in time to save Caroline from a terrible fate?

A page-turning and warm-hearted 1920s mystery featuring a strong-willed and courageous heroine, perfect for fans of Frances Brody and Victoria Thompson.

Review Quotes

Dams really gives the reader a good feel for what life in 1926 might have been like . . . A pleasant read with characters I was overjoyed to meet up with again-- "Deadly Pleasures Mystery Magazine"

A vivid picture of village life and social customs in the 1920s, a keep-'em-guessing plot, and a memorable cast of characters. Fans of historical cozies will enjoy this one.-- "Booklist"

A heroine with plenty of scope for changing her life, which plays out against a fascinating time period-- "Kirkus Reviews on Murder in the Park"

A tenacious heroine [and] an involving plot that reveals the deep prejudices and divisions in 1920s society-- "Booklist on Murder in the Park"

An adventurous tale-- "Kirkus Reviews on Music and Murder"

Dams really is a fine character builder . . . Thoroughly engaging, with plenty of twists and a solid dark streak running through it-- "Booklist on The Bath Conspiracy"

Fans who want . . . [an] old-fashioned story will find Dams's latest appealing-- "Library Journal on Murder in the Park"