Review: Crimson Snow

The latest Hilda Johansson mystery is based on a true, but unsolved, crime. While the author states that she is not proposing that the solution Hilda discovers is the same as that to the real murder, the contemporary details and newspaper quotes about the actual crime add to the realism of this novel.

Hilda's young brother is devastated when his adored teacher disappears, and he appeals to his sister for help. At first, she doesn't consider the disappearance to be a serious problem, but when the young woman is found dead and a friend of her employers falls under suspicion, Hilda is given the opportunity to investigate the murder.

'Crimson Snow' provides a fascinating view of society in the United States in the early 1900s. It is easy to forget how much has changed in barely a hundred years. There are, of course, the technological innovations - electric lights are new in South Bend, as are telephones, and manufacturing automobiles involves a risky investment in a new fad. Even more striking are the social differences. In 1900, working class women earn little and have few employment options. Respectable working women like Hilda are protected as much as possible by those close to her, but cannot expect or demand respect from the rougher men, including most of the police. Obedience to strict rules for behaviour are supposed to provide protection - but as in every society at every time, not everyone follows the rules, and not everyone, not even everyone who does follow the rules, is safe.

Hilda, a strong and forthright young woman, moves through this society as a woman of her time, forward-thinking, perhaps, but not an anachronism; not a twenty-first century woman in a corset and long skirts. She investigates Miss Jacobs' death while dealing with her work as a maid in the household of the wealthy Studebaker family, with her own family, and with the American and immigrant people of South Bend.

The vivid descriptions of the period and the charming protagonist make this book stand out in the ranks of mystery novels.

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Cheryl - RAM

Book Review: Crimson Snow