This novel is a mystery set in 1855 in Massachusetts and Washington DC. Willa's too timid to really investigate the murder, but Emily's bold, curious, and wants justice for Willa. Emily's used to getting her way and had a certain disbelief that anyone would harm her family. Together, they asked questions, poked around, and found clues as to why Willa's brother was murdered. It's a clue-based puzzle mystery, though I didn't think it was very difficult to figure out whodunit once they uncovered what Willa's brother had been doing. Historical details about the time and the Dickinson's lives were woven into the story and brought it alive in my imagination. The main characters were interesting and likable. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable historical mystery.

Willa Noble accepts a position as a maid in the Dickinson household in Amherst, Massachusetts and her brother Henry is killed in a stable accident only a few days later. People are saying it was Henrys fault and there are burn marks on the horse. Willa knows her brother would never hurt a horse and that there is foul play involved. Miss Dickinson wants to help her and together they go to the stables her brother worked and meet some interesting characters, including a stable hand Jeremiah York, a free black man, and the livery owner, the unlikeable Elmer Johnson. The author brings in real historical people and interesting fictional ones to the mystery. Willa is a very sympathetic main character and Emily Dickinson is presented in a respectful way, with a little humor also. Class distinctions, slavery, the underground railroad, and the perilous 1850's in Washington, DC and New England are written realistically and I look forward to Willa's next path. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.