Book Review: Red, White, and Blue Murder

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Red, White, and Blue Murder     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Jeanne M. Dams
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Historical   Amateur Sleuth
Series: Hilda Johansson # 2
Walker, May 2000, $23.95, 204 pp.

Five years ago, Mr. Studebaker went to Sweden to recruit workers for his American factory. Among those to immigrate was Hilda Johansson, who accepted a position as a maid. Her job allows Hilda to observe first hand how society treats foreigners. Though she is well aware of the social inequities in America, Hilda does not believe the anarchists are right in their efforts to destroy the current system. When an anarchist assassinates President McKinley, Hilda and others fear the madness that could grip the working class. Soon a friend of Studebaker and a worker are found dead wrapped inside an American flag.

Hilda decides to investigate the deaths especially since she was so successful in solving a homicide last year (see DEATH IN LACQUER RED). She has the added impetus to prove that her friend’s brother is not part of the anarchist conspiracy that killed the President. Hilda also worries about her sibling who seems to be hiding something from her. With so much on her mind, Hilda does not realize that her inquiries are leading her to something very dangerous.

RED, WHITE, AND BLUE MURDER will appeal to fans of amateur sleuth mysteries as well as historical fiction buffs. The thought-provoking tale provides insight into the first few years of the twentieth century as the audience will feel the immigrant experience. Jeanne M. Dams brilliantly weaves the class structure and its impact on behavior inside the who-done-it. With a well executed mystery combined with the atmosphere surrounding the murder of the first twentieth century President, readers have another triumph in one of the better historical mystery series being written today.

Harriet Klausner

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