Book Review: Green Grow the Victims

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Green Grow the Victims    
Jeanne M. Dams
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Historical   Amateur Sleuth
Series: Hilda Johansson # 3
Walker, Jun 2001, $23.95, 210 pp.

In 1902 America, citizens looked down upon the new wave of immigrants, but the government could not close the door on them because they were needed as labor. Within the various immigration groups, friction exists. Swedish Protestants and Irish Catholics brought their animosity towards one another across the ocean. However, upper servant Hilda Johansson and firefighter Patrick Malley remain friends in spite of the objections of family.

At a fair attended by Patrick and Hilda, his uncle running for council disappears. The authorities believe that he ran away because he killed his rival, but Patrick's aunt feels her spouse's life is in jeopardy. She hires Hilda, who has solved several homicides, to find her missing husband.

Jeanne M. Dams provides a realistic portrayal of what life was like for an immigrant in the Midwest in 1902. The author also shows the deep social class divisions that hindered free speech. Hilda is an intrepid heroine who follows her convictions rather than social dictates. GREEN GROW THE VICTIMS is a fast-paced and fascinating historical mystery.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner