Silver Run Mystery, No 4
Ann Parker
Poisoned Pen Press
November 2011 / ISBN: 9781590589618
Historical mystery / 1880's
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Reviewed
by Barbara Buhrer
Inez Stannert and her friend Susan Carather take a coach from Leadville
to Manitou whose mineral springs are favored by patients suffering
from consumption. Inezi is to meet her sister Harmony who has been
caring for Inez's son.
Another passenger, Edward Pace, has an apparent heart attack and
dies after drinking one of the tonics presented by Doctor Prochazles,
The tonic had been prescribed for Edward's wife Kirsten. She suspects
foul play and asks Inez to investigate.
Inez finds there are spurious claims being made about the benefits
of the spa by the doctors who promise miracles for their patients.
Inez's husband, Mark Stannart, suddenly reappears and threatens
her newfound independence and her child. There are other targets
for homicide, which complicate her investigations and bring a cliff
hanger ending.
This plot gives equal attention to Inez's domestic problems and
the mystery she investigates. Inez is a strong woman struggling
to be independent. There are detailed descriptions of the garments
worn by the female characters.
This is beautifully written with much historical detail of the
time and place.
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