October Online Book Club: Maids of Misfortune by M. Louisa Locke

Maids of Misfortune
by M. Louisa Locke

Imagine an Agatha Christie-Sherlock Holmes style mystery set in 1880’s San Francisco instead of England. Throw in daring undercover sleuthing and a dash of romance. What you’d get is Maids of Misfortune.

It’s been several months since I read a historical mystery, and I’m loving the break from our current times. Foggy San Francisco in 1879 meant gas-lit lamps, horse drawn streetcars, Victorian clothes and manners, plus rules about class and high society. Young widow Annie Fuller has financial troubles and a secret profession that could land her in debtor’s prison or worse. When one of her clients turns up dead, she teams up with the client’s lawyer to uncover the truth behind his apparent suicide.

For mystery lovers, there’s plenty of twists and unpredictable turns in a solid mystery. For romance readers, you’ll like the attraction and friendship between the two main characters. For me, I loved the rich historical details seamlessly woven into the story. Annie breaks away from the traditional restraints, but also works within current expectations to get what she needs.From the home decor descriptions to the carriages, clothing and manners, I enjoyed every bit of it!

Louisa Locke is a retired college professor of U.S. and Women’s History who now writes historical fiction. (Which explains why the historical bits are so well done.) She does a great job including the elements of time and setting, including women’s roles in society. There are seven books in this series, and I intend to keep reading them to follow more of Annie’s story and the side characters as well. Maids of Misfortune is free from Amazon, so you can try them out before you buy the rest.

Until next month, happy reading, friends!