Review
TURNING THE TIDE by Edith Maxwell
The Third Quaker Midwife Mystery
The year is 1888 and Amesbury, Massachusetts is gearing up for the presidential election. Fighting for the right to vote, noted Suffragette Elizabeth Cady Stanton has come to Amesbury to lend her support to the Woman Suffrage Association. Midwife Rose Carroll, a Quaker and supporter of equality between the sexes, has joined the group and received her sash in preparation for the big demonstration on election day. Returning home in the early hours of the morning Rose discovers the body
of Rowena Felch, leader of the group. Who could have killed her? A robber? The husband she was about
to leave? The co-leader of the organization? Or a man who hated the cause?
Rose Carroll is a delightful protagonist. Smart and proud of who she is, even though she doesn't quite fit in with societal norms of the time. Although Rose is a confident woman, this third Quaker Midwife Mystery finds her doubting herself and her relationship with David. With so many forces against them, will they be able to make it work? Rose also has to worry about her brother-in-law's behavior as she performs her midwifery duties and trains an apprentice. To make matters worse, after making some inquiries about the murder, Rose finds herself the target of the killer!
I love the historical details found in this book, from clothing and bicycles to the food. The addition of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and John Greenleaf Whittier provides such verisimilitude and setting the story during such an important time makes history come alive. I've been lucky enough to visit Seneca Falls, the site of the first Convention on Women's Rights, and even stand in Elizabeth Cady Stanton's house! Especially now, it's important to revisit the past, not only to see how far we've come, but how far we have to go, and to sigh that some things haven't changed at all.
Rose Carroll is a delightful protagonist. Smart and proud of who she is, even though she doesn't quite fit in with societal norms of the time. Although Rose is a confident woman, this third Quaker Midwife Mystery finds her doubting herself and her relationship with David. With so many forces against them, will they be able to make it work? Rose also has to worry about her brother-in-law's behavior as she performs her midwifery duties and trains an apprentice. To make matters worse, after making some inquiries about the murder, Rose finds herself the target of the killer!
I love the historical details found in this book, from clothing and bicycles to the food. The addition of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and John Greenleaf Whittier provides such verisimilitude and setting the story during such an important time makes history come alive. I've been lucky enough to visit Seneca Falls, the site of the first Convention on Women's Rights, and even stand in Elizabeth Cady Stanton's house! Especially now, it's important to revisit the past, not only to see how far we've come, but how far we have to go, and to sigh that some things haven't changed at all.
TURNING THE TIDE is an engrossing mystery set during a fascinating time in history with vibrant characters who are pertinent today. While entertaining, it also provides a great history lesson and gives readers lots to contemplate; about society, equality, and justice.
I'm delighted you loved the book, Kathy!
ReplyDeleteI certainly did! I can't wait to read more about Rose!
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