Series: An Emily Dickinson Mystery, #1
Publisher: Berkley Books
Publication Date: September 20, 2022
Source: Review copy from NetGalley
Rating: ★★★
This book is the first in a new historical mystery series with poet Emily Dickinson and her fictional maid Willa as main characters. Set during the politically turbulent time just prior to the Civil War, this mystery finds Emily and Willa investigating the death of Willa’s brother. Police say it was an accident, but Willa believes he was murdered, and Emily’s inquisitive nature leads them into an investigation of their own.
The book is well-researched and I enjoyed the historical details, though the mystery itself isn’t very strong or complex. I also felt like the characters were dry, and their dialogue was stiff and simplistic. The series has potential with such a haunting and curious character as Emily Dickinson, but this first book fell a bit flat for me.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Book of Secrets 
Diana, I’ve been waiting for my turn for this one and am now wondering whether I should even bother with so many other books on my list. The Emily D aspect initially appealed to me. Sorry it was somewhat disappointed.
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There are a lot of great reviews for this book on Goodreads, but I thought it could have been more interesting.
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At least the historical part worked for you.
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I love this author’s Magical Bookshop cozies but this one didn’t really appeal to me. I think if my library gets it on audio I’ll give it a try but I don’t feel like it’s one that I want to go out of my way to get.
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The historical aspect sounds good but bummer that it didn’t turn out what you expected.
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