Book Review: No Rest For the Dove

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

No Rest For the Dove     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Margaret Miles
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Historical
Bantam, Apr 2000, $5.99, 288 pp.

In the summer of 1765, the newly enacted Stamp Tax encourages the Sons of Liberty to agitate the citizenry against the crown. Although the townsfolk living just outside of Boston know about the civil disobedience in the big city, they are more occupied with earning a living than politics.

In nearby Bracebridge, Richard Longfellow and his independent neighbor Charlotte Willet are preparing to welcome of famous Italian opera singer Gian Carlo Lahte into their community. Though he has rubbed shoulders with Europe’s royalty, the Castrotti comes to the New World seeking a place to call home. On the same day that Gian Carlo arrives in town, a farmer finds a corpse on the Boston-Worcester road. He brings the dead body to Richard, the town’s nearest selectman. The local doctor looks at the deceased and believes poisoning is the cause of death. Charlotte and Richard make inquiries and learn that the dead person comes from Milan, Italy. As more people from Gino’s hometown arrives in Bracebridge, the two amateur sleuths worry that more murders will follow.

Those readers who love a cerebral historical mystery starring two fascinating protagonists will eagerly read this entertaining who-done-it. NO REST FOR THE DOVE is filled with Pre-Revolutionary War tidbits that make the era in Massachusetts outside of Boston seem vividly alive. The tantalizing world of the late eighteenth century Castrotti is also realistically depicted. Margaret Miles’ wonderful Americana historical mystery series centers on her two lead characters who clearly are a product of their times. This talented writer offers readers a tantalizing glimpse into our countries’ past.

Harriet Klausner

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