Kendra Donovan is a 21st century FBI agent, however, after six chapters, she finds herself in Aldridge Castle in 1815 England. A short time later, a murdered sex worker washes up on the lake shore, and she uses her 21st-century knowledge to solve this 19th-century serial-killer murder.
Even though this is a story about a serial killer that tortures and murders sex workers, there is a minimum of violence and gore. Lady Rebecca, a 19th-century woman, who has been sheltered all her life, had little difficulty observing most of the action. If you prefer your mysteries with a genteel sensibility, this novel should be acceptable. However, it is not Jane Austen and not a cozy.
Kendra Donovan is a force for women’s liberation in the 19th century. Throughout the book, she is an advocate and catalyst for women’s rights and capabilities. These interactions also contribute some smug humor for 21st-century readers.
“Why in heaven’s name would she agree to be handcuffed?” [Lady] Rebecca asked, [about the dead sex worker,] surprised.
Kendra caught the deer-in-the-headlights look of the men, and had to suppress a smile, “I’ll explain it to you later.”
“You will not!” Alec glared are her.
Rebecca, in turn, glared at him. “You shall not dictate my future conversations, Sutcliffe!”
The author imagines that there are many progressive and intelligent people in the time of Jane Austen.
If you’re looking for a 19th-century mystery with a feminist subplot and a bit of humor, A Murder in Time by Julie McElwain is the book for you. This is book one of four (and counting?), published in 2017.
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