Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In 1910, friends Merinda Herringford and Jemima Watts share a home in Toronto and an interest in detective work, to the consternation of Jem's very proper parents, who would rather their daughter pursue a husband than a mystery. Canadian novelist McMillan loses no time in presenting her Holmes and Watson-esque duo at a murder scene at a theater to kick off this cozy. Police constable Jasper Forth gives them access to the scene and is a romantic interest; enterprising reporter and Italian immigrant Ray DeLuca rounds off the set of principals. The action is slow to get going as plot points and characters are introduced. Jem and Ray are deeply characterized and fetching, Jasper and Merinda less so. McMillan knows her history and takes imaginative license with it, producing period details that are accurate but still fictional; the handbooks for ladies liberally quoted from are convincing and amusing. The romance is squeaky clean. Fans of inspirational cozies will rejoice. Agent: Ruth Samsel, William K. Jensen Literary Agency. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
In 1910 Toronto, the murders of two Irish girls from the Corktown section have the city in an uproar. Socialites Merinda Herringford and Jemima "Jem" Watts decide to investigate after visiting the crime scene with their friend constable friend Jasper Forth. The two sleuths soon launch a detective business, and to keep their fledgling agency afloat, take on other cases from missing pets to lost children. Also aiding their Corktown investigation is reporter Ray DeLuca who has more than a passing interest in Jem. Their persistence catches the attention of the killer, who puts the duo in his sights. VERDICT Canadian author McMillan makes a terrific debut with this Edwardian mystery, mixing -Sherlockian deduction with humor and a side order of romance. Her protagonists-the mischievous Merinda and the more level-headed Jem-are sure to delight readers who will also enjoy the snappy dialog and plot twists. Historical fiction fans will be intrigued by the fascinating details on Toronto's early -20th-century theater scene. A solid choice for devotees of Rhys Bowen's mysteries. © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Two women form a detective agency and try to solve a murder in 1910 Toronto. Oh my! Constable Jasper Forth knows he's getting himself in trouble when he's talked into showing a friend a murder scene, but when the friend is as persistent as Merinda Herringford, it's hard to say no. Merinda, who's always felt she has a bit of Sherlock Holmes in her, is keen to conduct her own inquiry into the murder, and she calls on her Watson, Jem Watts, to assist. Two women trying to solve crimes is a bit much for Toronto in 1910, and there's an uproar when Merinda cajoles Jem into starting their own detective business. Luckily for the pair, some of the uproar is good. There are a surprising number of female clients who prefer a delicate touch in establishing whose husband has done what and investigating other private affairs. Though there's precious little money in the agency, Merinda's delighted with their work, and Jem's happy enough to go along. Merinda remains fixated on roping Jasper into finding out more about the murder that encouraged her to start the business in the first place; Jem's more interested in an informal and personal investigation of local writer Ray DeLuca, who hasn't befriended the women nearly enough for Jem's liking . Despite the leads' enjoyable banter and the engaging premise, McMillan (A Singular and Whimsical Problem, 2015, etc.) tries to shoehorn so many different kinds of material into a single adventure that some of her most promising ideas end up insufficiently or imperfectly realized. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
