I absolutely loved getting to read a historical mystery (one of my favorite genres!) set in my home state! Loan-Wilsey does a wonderful job of transporting the reader back to the world of St. Joseph in years gone by, and the mystery kept me on the edge of my seat.

I had a hard time getting into this book, and I really enjoy reading. If it takes too much effort to like a book, it isn’t worth my time. I may try again and update my review.

Hattie Davish has returned to her childhood home of St. Joseph, Mo., due to the death of her friend’s father, who had been Hattie’s mentor. The man in the coffin was disfigured due to the accident, but Hattie is positive that the dead man is not Frank Hayward.
When she shares her feelings with her Virginia, Hattie is surprised to find herself being pushed away. And Hattie also discovers that disturbing incidents are going on at her alma mater, Mrs. Chaplin’s School for Women.
There’s no way Hattie’s leaving town until she gets to the bottom of all of these lies — unless someone gets her first.
This charming mystery series is set in the 1890s, and this is the fourth featuring Hattie Davis, a traveling secretary.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. However it wasn't my cup of tea so I won't review it beyond this little note.

A smattering of historical nuggets mixed with a who-dun-it mystery. In the age of electric trolleys running on tracks in the middle of the road mixed with horse and carriage traffic a young lady is summoned to a funeral in the town of her childhood. Things just don’t add up and thus this secretary and part time sleuth begins to unravel the mystery. While compelling enough to keep me pressing on towards the end, the story just lacked the luster to stand out amongst my reading choices. Somewhat of a young adult writing style, but a young adult from an earlier generation, as this is a historical setting.