Rose is an unusual and likable protagonist in this historical cozy (for want of a better word) series. Who killed Hannah? Quakers disavow violence but someone has clearly gone over the line. A good read.

I would like to thank netgalley and Midnight Ink for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Another tour de force by Edith Maxwell. CALLED TO JUSTICE is a brilliantly written, historically accurate tale of a Midwife in Amesbury, Massachusetts, in the late 1800's. Although fictional, there are many real historical figures such as John Greenleaf Whittier, noted poet and Quaker, who play ongoing roles in this delightful series.

I really enjoyed this laid back Quaker mystery. I believe a first in Quaker genre for me. Since this was a galley proof from NetGalley I had not read the first book in the series, a mistake that I will remedy.
Rose Carrell is a younger midwife that seems to stumble into mysteries as a sideline to her full-time midwife practice. This time a young girl that works at the local mill confides to Rose that she is with child and unmarried. Shortly thereafter she is murdered and a local African is blamed for the murder.
There are lots of twists and turns that somehow always involve Rose, some hair raising moments as well.
I liked the background of the Quaker lifestyle and was somewhat distracted for awhile by the Thees and Thous, but soon it didn’t bother me anymore.
If real life didn’t interfere so much I could have finished it much earlier
I received an eversion of this book from NetGalley and I am now giving my review. Don’t miss this little mystery, maybe start with the first one.

It's a satisfying historical mystery from Edith Maxwell who successfully calls on her amateur sleuth to tell a story of the late 19th century, its working class, its women, and a prejudice that is still with us.

Called to Justice is a cosy, historical mystery set in 1888 in Amesbury, Massachusetts. Hannah, a young, unmarried woman confides in Quaker midwife Rose that she is expecting a child, and is shot dead shortly afterwards during the Independence Day fireworks celebration. A former slave and fellow Friend is accused of the murder and Rose is called by her conscience to investigate.

What follows is an immersive, well-written, well-researched story with lots of attention to detail. I loved the reading about the newly-invented telephones and historical figures such as Louisa May Alcott and Susan B. Anthony. As with all cosy mysteries, this is a rather gentle read but it still manages to satisfy the most ardent crime fans. Recommended.

Thanks for the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for the chance to review this book, however, unfortunately, I was unable to read and review this title before it was archived.

Unfortunately, this book was archived before I got chance to read it.

The Quaker and historic background were very interesting and informative learning more about the Quakers, midwives and what women's live was like in the 1880s. Although fictional, there are many real historical figures such as John Greenleaf Whittier, noted poet and Quaker, who play ongoing roles in this delightful series.

Called to Justice by Edith Maxwell is an impressive story. It is steeped in historical detail that is not only interesting, but fascinating, and I felt transported to the small factory town of Amesbury, Massachusetts of 1888. A beautiful setting, the Quaker faith, and the birthing of babies all combine to give a feeling of authenticity, and I loved the historical references to people like John Greenleaf Whittier. Characters and plot are delightfully complex, but easily readable. I became immersed in the narrative from the very beginning.

The story unfolds through the voice of Rose, a Quaker midwife. It was easy to connect with Rose, a woman devout in her faith, independent and loyal. In murder mysteries, the protagonist’s rationale for sleuthing doesn’t always seem logical, but that’s not the case here – for a fellow Quaker and former slave is falsely accused of the crime. A romantic relationship between Rose and David adds interest, as it’s not without some trouble spots. And the mystery has a surprising twist that readers will enjoy.

I loved Called to Justice and hope for many more stories to come. Recommended.

I was provided a free copy of this book through Great Escapes Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I would like to thank Midnight Ink for providing me with a free electronic ARC of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an open and honest review.

This is the second book in the ‘A Quaker Midwife’ series, and I was lucky enough to get to read the first one, due to a suggestion by the author herself. I enjoyed it so much - you can see my review for ‘Delivering the Truth’ here that I have been hanging out for this the second book.

I found ‘Called to Justice just as good’ as the first book ‘Delivering the truth’. It picks up the life of Rose the Quaker midwife a few months after the first book finishes and, although it does refer to a couple of things from the first book, it could be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone story if desired.

For me it had just that right amount of mystery, historical everyday life and the personal life comings and goings of Rose herself within her home, work and faith. Although not a Quaker myself (for those who haven’t read my other stuff, I’m Pagan and proud) I love learning and hearing of how it is depicted within this series. I am going to trust that Ms Maxwell has researched it well (she says she has and I believe her) and so it is as true to form as can be. It just adds a nice touch of harmony within one’s own faith without overpowering the book with religion… if that makes sense?

As to the mystery side of it? Perfect. I, as is my bane, guessed the who and why early on, but found there were enough red herrings to make me doubt myself all the way until near the end. Which, to me, makes a great mystery book. Thinking you know who did it early on and then doubting yourself as information unfolds. You simply MUST keep reading to see if you are right or wrong. ;-) And what I also love about Ms Maxwell’s writing style of this book is there is just the right amount of padding. Some cosy crimes and mystery books stuff their stories full of so much padding and red herrings you really get tired and lose any desire to find out who really did it. There is just too much stuff to wade through. Not with ‘A Quaker Midwife’ series - so far the two books have both contained just the right amount of padding, red herrings and interesting story telling to make this a totally enjoyable book.

Would I recommend this book to others?

Yes I would. Lovers of cosy crimes/ mysteries will enjoy it; lovers of historical crime fiction will love it. It can be enjoyed with the first book in the series or, as I’ve said, happily stand on its own as an entertaining read. Though, being a lover of reading a series in order, I would recommend people read ‘Delivering the Truth’ first.

Would I buy this book for myself?

Yes I would. If you haven’t guessed I’m thoroughly enjoying the series and the second book was as good as the first. I could happily see the ‘A Quaker Midwife’ series on my electronic bookshelves. They are not a read once sort of book. I could easily see myself rereading it again in the future and still getting enjoyment from it.

In summary: An excellent second book in ‘A Quaker Midwife’ series, but could easily be read as a stand-alone too.

A wonderful story...I always enjoy the Amish lifestyle. Have shared this novel w/ all of my reading friends.

As I enjoyed the first Quaker Midwife book so much, I was more than happy to discover this next one - and it does not disappoint.

Rose Carroll is not without her faults and strains at times to practice what her religion preaches but, more than anything, her strong sense of right and wrong shines throughout these tales. It was comforting to be re-acquainted with her friends and family in this brand new and well planned mystery.

Whilst her midwifery career continues to flourish in the community of Amesbury, Rose gets to meet and know more of the inhabitants. When a fellow Quaker is wrongly accused of murder and thrown in jail, she once again darkens the door of the local police station and the unwelcome greeting from the resident detective with each bit of information she can glean about his current case. This is, again, a well planned and thought out mystery with several red herrings, suspects aplenty and other unknown crimes included in the mix.

A thoroughly satisfying read which increases my liking for Edith Maxwell's novels and I look forward to tackling the third which I note is in the works!

I received an arc via NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Called to Justice is as much historical fiction as it is cozy mystery, and I found both aspects of the story to be riveting. A young, unmarried woman confides in Rose that she is expecting a child, and then ends up being murdered during the Independence Day fireworks celebration. Determined to find justice for the girl and her unborn child, Rose manages to squeeze in a little investigating, between birthing babies and checking on the well-being of her clientele of local women waiting to deliver.

There was a lot of attention to detail and historical accuracy where the births in the story were concerned.

Edith Maxwell has done it again!! She's created an excellent historical mystery with this second entry in her "A Quaker Midwife Series." One of the things I enjoy most about her books is being able to learn new things while following clues in a complicated mystery. This book should be particularly appealing for discussion groups because it includes racism, faith and ethic differences, medical practices, and women's rights to name just a few possible topics. Unlike many of the mysteries I read I didn't figure out "who dunnit"until very near the end. Well done Ms. Maxwell!! Thanks to Midnight Ink and NetGalley for providing access to the eARC!!

Author Edith Maxwell is a masterful storyteller. Indeed, only this series can take me away from my reading material of choice, cozy mysteries.

Ms. Maxwell has created a strong protagonist in Quaker midwife, Rose Carroll. Rose, is compassionate, and brilliant. She’s a woman who knows how to take care of things is an era when men dominated.

This historical mystery was very hard to put down. Read in almost one full setting, I was enthralled with the mystery Maxwell created in CALLED TO JUSTICE. From the beginning of the story until all becomes known and things are solved, I was riveted to my chair.

If you’re a fan of historical novels, the Quaker Midlife Mysteries are for you! Even if you’re not, I have a feeling these books will convert you!

I really enjoyed this book. I love historical mysteries and historical mysteries featuring midwives are my favorites (also check out Victoria Thompson’s Gaslight mystery series) so I was excited to read this.

This is the second book in the series and I had not read the first book, but it didn’t make this book difficult to read or get into. It did make me want to go back and read the first one though.

This was a very well-written and engaging mystery. The protagonist is believable and likable. The historical aspect is accurate and the Quaker aspect is interesting without being too heavy on religion.

This is a great series and I am already looking forward to more installments.

We are back with Rose in an 1880’s Quaker Village of Amesbury, MA, and she is still the midwife, and David is still in the picture.
We meet injustice face on when a man of color is accused of murder, but who did commit the crime. Rose is sure that this gentle man did not, but a young mill girl is murdered at the Fourth of July Celebration, and she has just let Rose in on a secret.
The author does a great job of making me believe I’m am attending the deliveries, riding a horse to the beach, or just going about my daily life. While we go about everyday life, we are also tuning into what is going on and who the real murderer is, and you are going to change from one culprit to another, and then back again, but will you be right?
Another great look into American history in old New England, with a big of suspense and mystery added in.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Midnight Ink, and was not required to give a positive review.

This book was amazing, from the characters to the plot, I felt like I was really there at times. I love that in a historical fiction book.