Deception's Daughter (Martha Beale Mysteries)
Adult/High School—Biddle transports readers back to 1842 with the authentic voice of Philadelphian heiress Martha Beale. A band of young boys is burglarizing the mansions of the city's elite. When Dora, the daughter of a wealthy and prominent family, disappears, Martha finds herself embroiled in the investigation. Suspects and theories abound, including a possible elopement, a ransom scheme, and murder. When Dora's fiancé is shot and her father is poisoned, the suspect list grows to include both poor and rich residents of the town. Well crafted, the plot moves along quickly without sacrificing the authentic details of life in Philadelphia during the period. While this book is the second in the series, the plot and characters are not dependent on familiarity withThe Conjurer(Thomas Dunne, 2008). Mystery fans will enjoy the suspense and pacing, while fans of historical fiction will revel in the rich detail of the setting.A romantic subplot about Martha and the criminal investigator adds to the mounting tension as the mystery unfolds. Many teens will also be drawn in by the universal themes of social stratification, betrayal, and women's rights.—Lynn Rashid, Marriots Ridge High School, Marriotsville, MDCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.