Crown Witness (Nell Bray Mystery
Linscott's Nell Bray stories are cleverly plotted, absorbing, carefully researched historical mysteries. Her latest has the suffragette turned amateur detective investigating a murder that takes place during a precoronation parade for King George V. Suffragette organizer Emmaline Pankhurst has asked Nell to accompany the parade, just in case there are antisuffragette demonstrators waiting to make trouble for the marchers. When Nell sees a suspicious-looking float depicting a king about to be beheaded, she knows there's a problem. Then shots ring out, and in the confusion, the "king" falls dead, shot through the heart. The victim turns out to be Robert Withering, son of a prominent British cabinet minister. The dauntless Nell becomes embroiled in a case that lands her in the cells of Holloway Prison, leads her to a commune of Russian anarchists, and ultimately takes her into the heart of a bizarre political conspiracy. Fans who enjoy historical mysteries will find Linscott's latest a fascinating read filled with abundant political detail, historical ambience, romance, and intrigue.Emily Melton