Week of March 28.

This week I read two of the five books we will be discussing at Malice Domestic. I previously read Front Page Murder.

Cry of the Innocent, by Julie Bates, takes place right before the American Revolution begins. Widow Faith Clarke runs a tavern in Williamsburg.

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She is far more worried about her tavern and inn than about the rumblings of revolt among the citizens. Then a wealthy and influential man, widely reputed to engage in the slave trade, is murdered in her spare room. A young slave, Stella, is accused of the crime. Faith is sure the slim young woman is not guilty and embarks on an investigation of her own.

So many of the themes raised in this mystery are relevant to today. The characters are wonderfully drawn. Recommended.

The second book I read is Death on the Homefront, by Frances McNamara. This is another war book, although the war in this book is World War I.

Tensions rise as the threat of the United States involvement in World War I increase. Emotions against Germans rise and those who fight for peace are considered traitors.

Emily Cabot is present when a young woman about to make a brilliant society marriage is murdered. Hazel is Emily’s daughter’s best friend. A waiter with a German surname is arrested; public emotion against the Germans is rising. A civilian run force is trying to find spies and saboteurs, and attacking anyone they feel are treasonous. At the same time, violent worker protests are threatening bombings.

Emily watches with fear and trepidation as her adult children are caught up in the events, making dangerous choices.

Recommended.