31 Bond Street
By Ellen Horan
Emma Cunningham, a widow with 2 teenage daughters, becomes the lodger
and housekeeper in the home of Harvey Burdell, a wealthy dentist
and land speculator. She becomes financially and emotionally involved
with him, eventually marrying him.
He is brutally
murdered and Cunningham is accused of the crime. All circumstances
implicate her, but there is much hidden.
Ambitious lawyer,
Henry Clinton, stakes his reputation by taking on her defense. This
becomes one of New York City’s most notorious crimes, He must
use any evidence he can find to prove that there are others concerned
more than Cunningham.
This
is a well told compelling story which combines crime and history.
It is well researched describing the living conditions in the 19th
century, the government corruption in Tammy Hall with New York City
the sea of political corruption and greed during this period. The
characters are motivated by social class and need for survival in
a world ruled by the wealthy. The author also elaborates about the
Underground Railroad and secret Indian burial grounds. It is an
excellent combination of alternating chapters on the murder investigation
and the trial with chapters covering the lives and activities of
the victim and the suspect before the murder.
|
The
Reviewer |
Barbara Buhrer |
Reviewed
2010 |
NOTE:
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