A review by geethr75
The Carnation Murder by Tam May

5.0

 

This was an extremely entertaining read. I do love myself a progressive woman who fights for justice! I love how smart and observant Adele is, and the cast of characters including the old hens and Mrs. Hatfield. I feel like Nin wasn't given much room to grow, being in Adele's shade and I'm so sad for Lucy who was an amazing young woman and whose life was cut so short. 

 

Adele Gossling is a young, independent woman, who has lived in San Fransisco all her life and who has moved to the small town of Arrojo following her father's death. She had a very close relationship with her father and wants to live some place without the memories. She has bought a house of her own and has hired people to cook and clean for her and is starting a stationery shop. The conservative women of Arrojo have difficulty accepting her, but Lucy, her neighbour, is also a progressive woman despite having a despotic father. Lucy strikes up a friendship with Adele, and even throws a welcome party for her. But the morning after the party, Lucy's dead body is found in Adele's gazebo. 

 

Adele's brother Jackson used to be a private detective and the local sheriff, Horatio Hatfield is more than happy to have his—and by extension, Adele's—assistance. Adele has also struck up a friendship with Nin Branch, who runs the shop next to hers, and who's a pariah in the town. Together, the four investigate the murder, and discovers truths that should have remained hidden in the process. 

 

I do love Adele, her sass and her sharpness as also her initiative. Nin is more of a passive character, but she does come through when needed. Jackson is struggling with his own demons and his conservative nature, but he mostly lets Adele have her way. Not that he could have stopped her. Hatfield and his formidable mother are both very progressive and are happy to let Adele help with the investigation. 

 

The one thing I didn't like about Adele is how blind she is to Jackson's trauma regarding their father. It's very evident that his relationship with their father was far different from Adele's but she refuses to see it or pay attention to it. I hope that the author explores that dynamic further in the remaining books because my heart literally hurt for poor Jackson who have no one to talk to about it since his sister will only invalidate his feelings. 

 

On the whole, this was a well written, well presented, and thrilling mystery with a very satisfying conclusion and a host of very likeable, though flawed, characters. 

 

This will appeal to fans of mystery books with women sleuths and historical settings.