jodyladuemcgrath's review against another edition
4.0
It is 1888 in Massachusetts, and Quaker midwife Rose Carroll provides a very good and well-needed job in her town. She values the Quaker belief of all are equal, and provides her services to both the rich and the poor, the wed and the unwed. When a horrible fire happens burning down 3 factories in town and killing some of the workers inside, Rose cannot seem to put away the serious feeling of injustice she feels down to her bones. When the local detective asks her to keep her ears open, she takes that to mean she should ask some questions, which get very dangerous when a murder happens shortly after the fires. What has Rose gotten herself involved in? She is in too deep to stop now.
This was a fantastic book. First I learn a lot about Quakers that I did not know about, at least historically. I had to read up on them to learn more. It was so very interesting. Most Quaker books that I have seen are romances, and I don't read a lot of those. I was thrilled to find a mystery. The mystery wasn't an easy one either. There are plenty of unlikable people in the book, but the ending, the way it happened, surprised me. I loved it. There was a dance that was a bit odd for her to attend though. I don't know why she got special permission or why she would want to jump through this hoop. I know...love, blah, blah, blah. But with her beliefs, it seemed odd. Out of character, I guess. That is just me nitpicking, though.
I definitely recommend this book. Have fun!
This was a fantastic book. First I learn a lot about Quakers that I did not know about, at least historically. I had to read up on them to learn more. It was so very interesting. Most Quaker books that I have seen are romances, and I don't read a lot of those. I was thrilled to find a mystery. The mystery wasn't an easy one either. There are plenty of unlikable people in the book, but the ending, the way it happened, surprised me. I loved it. There was a dance that was a bit odd for her to attend though. I don't know why she got special permission or why she would want to jump through this hoop. I know...love, blah, blah, blah. But with her beliefs, it seemed odd. Out of character, I guess. That is just me nitpicking, though.
I definitely recommend this book. Have fun!
jeanniechambers's review against another edition
4.0
I received an advanced reader's copy from the author/ publisher via a Facebook promotion.
After the first few pages, I didn't think I'd like this book at all, but then I read further.
After I got used to the 'thee's and 'thou's, I really enjoyed it, and look forward to reading the whole series
I've had the pleasure of witnessing a birth, and helping deliver another, so the delivery passages in the book resonated deeply.
I'd recommend this book to anyone that likes mysteries like 'Murder she Wrote'.
After the first few pages, I didn't think I'd like this book at all, but then I read further.
After I got used to the 'thee's and 'thou's, I really enjoyed it, and look forward to reading the whole series
I've had the pleasure of witnessing a birth, and helping deliver another, so the delivery passages in the book resonated deeply.
I'd recommend this book to anyone that likes mysteries like 'Murder she Wrote'.
historical_bookworm's review against another edition
3.0
Delivering the Truth is the first book in a new cozy mystery series by Edith Maxwell. I was eagerly awaiting this book because I like the premise of an historical mystery setting. The idea is not something being done right now with cozy mysteries available right now to read. Normally its a food book, Amish, a hobby, etc. so the idea of a Quaker midwife in 1888 who finds herself in the middle of a mystery intrigued me. I had high hopes for this book because I like cozy mysteries and always enjoy getting lost in them as a palette cleanser in between more in depth reading.
The book started off with introducing characters of the series and laying the ground work of the novel. Sadly though I found myself losing interest due to how slowly the story was taking off. I know in first books they can be sometimes slow because the author is laying out the ground work for the series but I just couldn't get myself interested in the story. I found myself plodding through just trying to get to the end so I would know how things would end. In fairness of it being the first book in the series I do plan on reading the second book to see if things improve or if I need to give up on this series, knowing that not all books are for me to like. I try not to give negative reviews so please know that a book that might not be for me might be the next greatest book for you.
*Disclaimer: I received an advance copy of this book for my honest review. All opinions are freely mine.
The book started off with introducing characters of the series and laying the ground work of the novel. Sadly though I found myself losing interest due to how slowly the story was taking off. I know in first books they can be sometimes slow because the author is laying out the ground work for the series but I just couldn't get myself interested in the story. I found myself plodding through just trying to get to the end so I would know how things would end. In fairness of it being the first book in the series I do plan on reading the second book to see if things improve or if I need to give up on this series, knowing that not all books are for me to like. I try not to give negative reviews so please know that a book that might not be for me might be the next greatest book for you.
*Disclaimer: I received an advance copy of this book for my honest review. All opinions are freely mine.
tboofy's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 Nice book, interesting premise with the Quaker midwife playing amateur sleuth. Reminded me of an Amish character with lots of thee, thou, and thy thrown in. It didn't grab me and make me want to read obsessively, but it was good.
_valentine's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.0
rachelm31f6b's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
gawronma's review against another edition
3.0
A nice debut novel with an interesting protagonist. Kind of curious to see where this series is going.
marystevens's review against another edition
4.0
An inquisitive young Quaker midwife is confronted with several crimes in a manufacturing town north of Boston (around 1890, as near as I can figure). We get a little poetry as John Greenleaf Whittier is a weighty Friend in her Quaker Meeting. It seems to be well-researched and I liked the period detail. I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery.
meganelise's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
A solid start to a mystery series.
ljkarst's review against another edition
5.0
The first in Edith Maxwell’s new series, this is a fascinating look into late nineteenth century life in New England, told from the viewpoint of a Quaker midwife. Meticulously researched, Delivering the Truth is a treasure for anyone interested in culture and history. But the book is also an exciting whodunnit, with engaging characters, a captivating love story, and a satisfying sense of social justice. Looking forward to number two in the series!