Review by Booklist Review
Willig's latest (after Two Wars and a Wedding, 2023) takes readers to 1799 New York to focus on the new nation's first murder trial, which involved some familiar and compelling historical figures. In the last days of the eighteenth century, beautiful young Elma Sands is found dead in a well after leaving her home to marry her beau, Levi Weeks. Suspicion quickly falls on Levi, a lodger at the residence of Elma's cousin Catherine and her husband. Levi's wealthy brother hires Aaron Burr and Brockholst Livingston to defend Levi, and once Alexander Hamilton gets wind of the high-profile murder trial, he volunteers his services, determined to not only clear Levi's name but also uncover the real killer. Amid the drama of the well-publicized trial, Hamilton and Burr clash and work to outmaneuver each other in the courtroom. Willig offers a gripping dramatization of the proceedings as well as a comprehensive historical note that delves into the real-life case, the primary sources, and titles about the sensational trial. A perfect tale for fans of courtroom dramas and for lovers of historical fiction.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
Just before Christmas in 1789, Elma Sands walked out of her cousin's boardinghouse in New York City and was not seen again. Her cousins thought she was leaving to marry Levi Weeks, a carpenter who boarded there. But then Levi showed up that night, asking about Elma. It wasn't until January that Elma's body was found in the Manhattan Well. Handbills circulated, and a mob called for the arrest of Levi Weeks, accusing him of killing Elma. After his arrest, Levi's influential and wealthy brother Ezra hires Aaron Burr and another prominent New York attorney to defend Levi. Politics and jealousy won't allow Alexander Hamilton to stay out of the trial. He insists on serving as part of the defense. In the sensational two-day trial, Hamilton and Burr compete for the public's attention while attempting to save Levi's life. VERDICT Historical personalities bring this real story to life in a riveting account of the first U.S. murder trial for which there is a transcript. The author of the "Pink Carnation" series leans on that transcript for the trial testimony in a gripping novel that will appeal to true-crime buffs, those interested in Hamilton and Burr, and historical mystery fans.--Lesa Holstine
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Willig explores a real-life unsolved murder case from early U.S. history. December 1799: Vivacious Elma Sands leaves her cousin Caty Ring's boardinghouse for a secret assignation; her body is later found in a well. Suspicion immediately falls on Levi Weeks, another boarder, who's been romantically linked to Elma for several months, and the young man is quickly brought up on charges. His wealthy brother, Ezra, enlists the help of lawyers Aaron Burr and Brockholst Livingston, exhorting them only to ensure that Levi is acquitted. Enter Alexander Hamilton. Struggling under the weight of recent political disappointments and unable to stop himself from meddling in Burr's affairs, Hamilton joins the defense team. To his mind, it's not enough to sow doubt about Levi's guilt--he must ensure that the young man's reputation survives the ravages of trial. Hamilton discovers that there is at least one person with a motive for murdering Elma: her cousin Caty's Quaker husband, Elias Ring. Willig follows the investigation and its immediate effects on Caty and her sister, Hope. As Hamilton uncovers domestic secrets, his counterpart for the prosecution, Cadwallader Colden, is rather buffoonishly preparing his case by racing sleds and racking up an incredible number of possible witnesses. The novel culminates in Levi's trial, where the lawyers' battling egos threaten to undo their good work. Willig has clearly done her research; the world of the fledgling 19th century leaps from the page in sensory detail, emphasizing the casual suffering of women, in particular, and the ever present threat of violence--and childbirth. Hamilton and Burr are not reduced to caricature, but held up with a loving eye on the pride and intransigence that would ultimately lead to their legendary downfalls. Above all, we witness the birth of a young nation's legal system, and are left, perhaps, feeling better about the course of justice in 1800 than in 2025. True crime for Lin-Manuel Miranda fans. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
