Ellen Horan
Harper Perennial
2011 / ISBN 9780061773976
Historical Mystery / NYC / 1857
Amazon
Reviewed
by LJ Roberts
First Sentence: For a boy who watched boats, his room was the
perfect perch.
The brutal murder of well-to-do dentist, Dr. Burdell, immediately
places his housekeeper, Emma Cunningham as the prime suspect. Attorney
Henry Clinton parts ways with his respected law partner and, with
the support of his wife and the help of others, sets out to prove
Emma’s innocence.
From a very good opening which establishes the sense of time place
the impact of the weather and the demeanor of the characters, this
compelling story proved very difficult to put down, even for meals
and life’s necessities. Horan provides a fascinating look
at the justice system and New York City during this period leading
up to the Civil War when free blacks in the North were being kidnapped
and sold into slavery in the South. It is always interesting to
gain a picture of society live, and the concerns of women; the workings
of the house and meals of the period. But it is as equally interesting
look at investigative methods, techniques and forensics of the time.
The story is told in duality; something which can be awkward as
one thread is often stronger/more interesting than the other. That
is not the case here. One thread begins with the crimes and moves
through the trial, while the other provides the background of the
characters leading up to the crime. Ms. Horan does a remarkable
job of keeping both stories equally fascinating and distinct. At
no point does one wish to get through the current segment into order
to return to the other thread. That is very rare indeed and not
only does each thread holds its own, but the suspense contained
within each builds at an equal pace. That exhibits remarkable skill
by the writer.
While many legal thrillers today spend more time being thrillers,
this really does focus on the legal process of the time, yet it
is driven by the characters who are fully developed and alive. There
was not a superfluous character in the story; each added weight
and merit. In some ways, one could say the story has two villains
and two victims, both being the same characters at different times.
The heroes, if you will, are quite unexpected and unusual.
The plot is excellent with very effective twists, plenty of suspense
and a dash of tragedy. The author paints visual pictures that take
the reader through all the story’s locals both attractive
and foul. There is an unexpected revelation and even unanticipated
motive.
While I don’t usually care for books based on a true crime,
31 Bond Streetis an excellent book with exceptional writing.
|