Amy Stewart has done it again. Luckily, she hasn't done anything illegal, and she lives in the 21st century, so Constance Kopp won't be coming after her. And what has she done? Why, write another entertaining and absorbing story of one of the first female sheriff's deputies in the U.S. This time around Constance is trying to hold onto her new job (and paycheck). When a prisoner escapes while the sheriff is already worried that there may be trouble over hiring Constance, things get very tense. Can she track down the fugitive, prevent negative consequences for herself and the sheriff, and still make it to Fleurette's theatrical debut on time?
Meticulous research has allowed the author to paint an authentic picture of life during World War I. Not only does she have the period details of the clothing, transportation, and fads (training pigeons for the war effort), but she also manages to put the right opinions and outlooks into the characters' minds. For instance, a prisoner insists on speaking to Constance in German, and it makes her uncomfortable due to the war and everyone's dislike of all things German. When she catches a criminal, the male reporters state that she tapped the man on the shoulder rather than telling everyone that she had actually tackled him. The entire worldview with the women's-only hotels and the notion that general delivery mail was in danger of being discontinued by the post office because it was being used for secret love letters seems strange to us today.
This story has a broad appeal because it does so many things well. The setting of a century ago is perfect for those who love historical fiction. Constance and her determination to prove she is capable of being a deputy sheriff satisfies those who love strong female protagonists. For those who prefer mystery or crime procedurals, there is plenty of sleuthing to uncover where the escaped prisoner is hiding. There is even a cameo appearance by the famous William Carlos Williams.
Whatever your reason for reading this second book of the Kopp sisters, you won't be disappointed.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
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