Judge Thee Not - A Review

Review

JUDGE THEE NOT by Edith Maxwell
The Fifth Quaker Midwife Mystery

Over the years Rose Carroll has come across her fair share of prejudice. Not only is she a Quaker, she is a midwife who runs her own business in the 1880s. Rose is still surprised when Mayme Settle won't allow the postmistress to serve her. While Bertie's lifestyle is nontraditional, what does it have to do with buying some stamps? When one of Rose's clients tells her that Mrs. Settle is not only dead, but murdered, Rose can't help but wonder who killed her. Could it be her henpecked husband, who Rose saw give a look that could kill after she berated him in front of the Ladies Circle? Or perhaps her gardener who blames her for his daughter's death? There's also the banker who had a run in with the woman, and who may have killed before. It's certainly not her friend Bertie, who police consider a prime suspect. Rose is not about to let Bertie get railroaded merely because of her proclivities, so between caring for her pregnant clients and pondering her upcoming marriage, she decides to make some discrete inquiries. Will she be able to discern the truth, or will prejudice win the day? 

Edith Maxwell once again pens a historical novel that is as relevant today as the year in which it takes place. Sadly, prejudice and bigotry still exist in our world. Fortunately, there are people like Rose Carroll today, who continue to speak up against it!

I really appreciate Rose's style of investigation. She still went about her daily business, caring for her pregnant clients, planning her upcoming wedding, and dealing with concerns in both of those matters, all the while keeping her eyes and ears open, as well as he mind, as she sleuthed. This case was incredibly complex, yet woven into Rose's life seamlessly.

JUDGE THEE NOT is an expertly crafted mystery with social significance. It is also a fun read with a surprising conclusion that kept me engaged from the start.