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khornstein1's review against another edition
4.0
OK, so this is totally outside the usual genres that I read; I almost never read mysteries but I am reading novels about Quakers as I attempt to write my own. It's hard for me to judge this book against other mysteries and perhaps it's me--so many characters with so many similar traits (e.g. so many pregnant women, or women who've just given birth in one book) that I was constantly looking back to figure out who was who. Also, the action was nearly non-stop (again, maybe that's how mysteries are? Oh wait--I've read the Da Vinci Code--that's a mystery with non-stop action) and there was little narrative. I felt like I needed to breathe a bit. The positive: I grew to like Rose, even though her Quaker character seemed a tad modern, but I liked her enough that by the end, I was like, "so what happened to her next? Maybe I should read the next book!" I liked all the Quaker details, and the description of life in a Massachusetts town. There was something pleasant about the story: maybe that's why it's called "cozy." Cheers to Maxwell for combining mystery, Quakerism and midwifery in one novel!
littletaiko's review against another edition
3.0
Rose is a Quaker mid-wife in the late 1800's in Massachusetts who ends up helping the police catch a killer and arsonist. I liked Rose's no nonsense approach to life. She may be a bit progressive for her time, but it's hard to find fault with that.
katreader's review against another edition
4.0
DELIVERING THE TRUTH by Edith Maxwell
The First Quaker Midwife Mystery
The year is 1888 and Amesbury, Massachusetts is a thriving town home to many carriage factories and other businesses. Rose Carroll is the town's respected midwife who visits women in their homes as well as her office, the front parlor of the house she shares with her brother in law and his five children. When a fire destroys most of the carriage factories, killing many workers trapped inside, the town is in shock. What's worse is that the fire is deemed to be arson! Who could have caused the blaze? When factory manager and son of the Perry Carriage Factory's owner is murdered shortly after the conflagration tensions rise higher. Who is the killer among them? Although Rose is a Quaker, patience is not one of her virtues, though seeking justice is. Keeping her eyes and ears open Rose tries to find the culprit even as she helps the town's new and soon to be mothers. Seeking counsel of Quaker elder and poet John Whittier and her friend and colleague Dr. David Dodge Rose begins to piece things together, but will she become a victim before she can identify the villain?
Edith Maxwell knows her material. The historical detail in DELIVERING THE TRUTH is impeccable from the new safety bicycles to the treacle cake. These little details give the verisimilitude so necessary in a historical mystery. I admit to some difficulty getting into the book at the start. Rose, as well as many other characters, belongs to the Society of Friends and as such uses plain language. It took me a while to acclimatize to the "thees" and "thous" and I felt distanced from the flow of the story. Still in all, it was imperative that plain language be used, else the truth in the novel would go right out the window! By the end of the book I was simply swept away by the story.
Although this is a historical novel, set in 1888, many modern societal issues can be found here including postpartum depression and bipolar disorder. Maxwell is able to shed light on these oft shunned subject. The mystery here is as complex as its characters; multilayered, multifaceted, written with both subtle nuances and broad brushstrokes. DELIVERING THE TRUTH requires a degree of diligence, but the rewards and satisfaction it gives readers is well worth any effort expended.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
The First Quaker Midwife Mystery
The year is 1888 and Amesbury, Massachusetts is a thriving town home to many carriage factories and other businesses. Rose Carroll is the town's respected midwife who visits women in their homes as well as her office, the front parlor of the house she shares with her brother in law and his five children. When a fire destroys most of the carriage factories, killing many workers trapped inside, the town is in shock. What's worse is that the fire is deemed to be arson! Who could have caused the blaze? When factory manager and son of the Perry Carriage Factory's owner is murdered shortly after the conflagration tensions rise higher. Who is the killer among them? Although Rose is a Quaker, patience is not one of her virtues, though seeking justice is. Keeping her eyes and ears open Rose tries to find the culprit even as she helps the town's new and soon to be mothers. Seeking counsel of Quaker elder and poet John Whittier and her friend and colleague Dr. David Dodge Rose begins to piece things together, but will she become a victim before she can identify the villain?
Edith Maxwell knows her material. The historical detail in DELIVERING THE TRUTH is impeccable from the new safety bicycles to the treacle cake. These little details give the verisimilitude so necessary in a historical mystery. I admit to some difficulty getting into the book at the start. Rose, as well as many other characters, belongs to the Society of Friends and as such uses plain language. It took me a while to acclimatize to the "thees" and "thous" and I felt distanced from the flow of the story. Still in all, it was imperative that plain language be used, else the truth in the novel would go right out the window! By the end of the book I was simply swept away by the story.
Although this is a historical novel, set in 1888, many modern societal issues can be found here including postpartum depression and bipolar disorder. Maxwell is able to shed light on these oft shunned subject. The mystery here is as complex as its characters; multilayered, multifaceted, written with both subtle nuances and broad brushstrokes. DELIVERING THE TRUTH requires a degree of diligence, but the rewards and satisfaction it gives readers is well worth any effort expended.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
portybelle's review against another edition
4.0
Delivering the Truth is the first in a series of books which will feature Rose Carroll, a midwife in a Massachusetts town in the late 1800s. In this book, we are introduced to Rose as she tends the expectant mothers of the town and assists them in giving birth. As a respected member of the community, she has access to all levels of society and is trusted by all the ladies in her care. When a suspicious fire destroys a carriage factory, quickly followed by two murders, Rose follows her instinct and curiosity to assist the police in their enquiries.
I was rather expecting a 19th century version of Call the Midwife but this book was more of a mystery story than about midwifery. That said, I very much enjoyed it. Rose is a very likeable character and I felt that the author captured the Quaker way of speaking and thinking very convincingly. I didn't know a lot about Quakers so it was an interesting glimpse into their way of life. I liked the way Rose tried to live up to the Quaker principles of justice and equality at a time when the world was changing. Her romance with David, the town doctor, was very sweet as she wonders how she can stay true to her beliefs but have a relationship with someone who is not a Friend (as Quakers are called). I expect this storyline will develop in the next few books and it will be interesting to see how Rose deals with David's mother who definitely doesn't think she is suitable for her precious son!
This book is a good start to a series I would keen to read more of. There is much detail about the town, the way of life and the characters which gives a good feel for the time the story is set. If you like a gentle mystery with romance and strong lead characters, I'm sure you will enjoy this book.
(Thanks to the publishers Midnight Ink for allowing me to read a copy of this book via Netgalley. )
I was rather expecting a 19th century version of Call the Midwife but this book was more of a mystery story than about midwifery. That said, I very much enjoyed it. Rose is a very likeable character and I felt that the author captured the Quaker way of speaking and thinking very convincingly. I didn't know a lot about Quakers so it was an interesting glimpse into their way of life. I liked the way Rose tried to live up to the Quaker principles of justice and equality at a time when the world was changing. Her romance with David, the town doctor, was very sweet as she wonders how she can stay true to her beliefs but have a relationship with someone who is not a Friend (as Quakers are called). I expect this storyline will develop in the next few books and it will be interesting to see how Rose deals with David's mother who definitely doesn't think she is suitable for her precious son!
This book is a good start to a series I would keen to read more of. There is much detail about the town, the way of life and the characters which gives a good feel for the time the story is set. If you like a gentle mystery with romance and strong lead characters, I'm sure you will enjoy this book.
(Thanks to the publishers Midnight Ink for allowing me to read a copy of this book via Netgalley. )
hugbandit7's review against another edition
4.0
This was definitely a different type of historical cozy for me as the main character is a Quaker and it took a little time to get in groove of the "thee and thy's". However, I enjoyed reading a book where the protagonist is a midwife and of the Quaker faith, it was interesting to learn a bit about this faith.
Now when it comes to the murders....I had no idea. I had some suspicions but those suspicions jumped from character to character as the story progressed. I don't think I ever suspected the correct person!
Rose does have a suitor for her affections and I will be very interested to see how this plays out in future books since he is not a Quaker but has no problems with her faith. His mother may be another story!
Now when it comes to the murders....I had no idea. I had some suspicions but those suspicions jumped from character to character as the story progressed. I don't think I ever suspected the correct person!
Rose does have a suitor for her affections and I will be very interested to see how this plays out in future books since he is not a Quaker but has no problems with her faith. His mother may be another story!
veronica87's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars
This is the first book in a potential new historical mystery series featuring a Quaker midwife in 1888, Rose Carroll. Not being very familiar with the traditions of Quakers it took some getting used to their speech patterns with all the uses of "thee", "thou", and "thy" in place of the pronoun "you". The characters were likeable and Rose seems to have a sweet relationship with a local doctor, one that may be perched on the verge of going to the next level of affection. While the story itself didn't wow me - and Rose's motivations to solve the crimes seemed weak (especially after being told by local police to stay out of it), I liked it enough to check into the next book should there be one.
This is the first book in a potential new historical mystery series featuring a Quaker midwife in 1888, Rose Carroll. Not being very familiar with the traditions of Quakers it took some getting used to their speech patterns with all the uses of "thee", "thou", and "thy" in place of the pronoun "you". The characters were likeable and Rose seems to have a sweet relationship with a local doctor, one that may be perched on the verge of going to the next level of affection. While the story itself didn't wow me - and Rose's motivations to solve the crimes seemed weak (especially after being told by local police to stay out of it), I liked it enough to check into the next book should there be one.
jodyladuemcgrath's review against another edition
4.0
It is 1888 in Massachusetts, and Quaker midwife Rose Carroll provides a very good and well-needed job in her town. She values the Quaker belief of all are equal, and provides her services to both the rich and the poor, the wed and the unwed. When a horrible fire happens burning down 3 factories in town and killing some of the workers inside, Rose cannot seem to put away the serious feeling of injustice she feels down to her bones. When the local detective asks her to keep her ears open, she takes that to mean she should ask some questions, which get very dangerous when a murder happens shortly after the fires. What has Rose gotten herself involved in? She is in too deep to stop now.
This was a fantastic book. First I learn a lot about Quakers that I did not know about, at least historically. I had to read up on them to learn more. It was so very interesting. Most Quaker books that I have seen are romances, and I don't read a lot of those. I was thrilled to find a mystery. The mystery wasn't an easy one either. There are plenty of unlikable people in the book, but the ending, the way it happened, surprised me. I loved it. There was a dance that was a bit odd for her to attend though. I don't know why she got special permission or why she would want to jump through this hoop. I know...love, blah, blah, blah. But with her beliefs, it seemed odd. Out of character, I guess. That is just me nitpicking, though.
I definitely recommend this book. Have fun!
This was a fantastic book. First I learn a lot about Quakers that I did not know about, at least historically. I had to read up on them to learn more. It was so very interesting. Most Quaker books that I have seen are romances, and I don't read a lot of those. I was thrilled to find a mystery. The mystery wasn't an easy one either. There are plenty of unlikable people in the book, but the ending, the way it happened, surprised me. I loved it. There was a dance that was a bit odd for her to attend though. I don't know why she got special permission or why she would want to jump through this hoop. I know...love, blah, blah, blah. But with her beliefs, it seemed odd. Out of character, I guess. That is just me nitpicking, though.
I definitely recommend this book. Have fun!
jeanniechambers's review against another edition
4.0
I received an advanced reader's copy from the author/ publisher via a Facebook promotion.
After the first few pages, I didn't think I'd like this book at all, but then I read further.
After I got used to the 'thee's and 'thou's, I really enjoyed it, and look forward to reading the whole series
I've had the pleasure of witnessing a birth, and helping deliver another, so the delivery passages in the book resonated deeply.
I'd recommend this book to anyone that likes mysteries like 'Murder she Wrote'.
After the first few pages, I didn't think I'd like this book at all, but then I read further.
After I got used to the 'thee's and 'thou's, I really enjoyed it, and look forward to reading the whole series
I've had the pleasure of witnessing a birth, and helping deliver another, so the delivery passages in the book resonated deeply.
I'd recommend this book to anyone that likes mysteries like 'Murder she Wrote'.
historical_bookworm's review against another edition
3.0
Delivering the Truth is the first book in a new cozy mystery series by Edith Maxwell. I was eagerly awaiting this book because I like the premise of an historical mystery setting. The idea is not something being done right now with cozy mysteries available right now to read. Normally its a food book, Amish, a hobby, etc. so the idea of a Quaker midwife in 1888 who finds herself in the middle of a mystery intrigued me. I had high hopes for this book because I like cozy mysteries and always enjoy getting lost in them as a palette cleanser in between more in depth reading.
The book started off with introducing characters of the series and laying the ground work of the novel. Sadly though I found myself losing interest due to how slowly the story was taking off. I know in first books they can be sometimes slow because the author is laying out the ground work for the series but I just couldn't get myself interested in the story. I found myself plodding through just trying to get to the end so I would know how things would end. In fairness of it being the first book in the series I do plan on reading the second book to see if things improve or if I need to give up on this series, knowing that not all books are for me to like. I try not to give negative reviews so please know that a book that might not be for me might be the next greatest book for you.
*Disclaimer: I received an advance copy of this book for my honest review. All opinions are freely mine.
The book started off with introducing characters of the series and laying the ground work of the novel. Sadly though I found myself losing interest due to how slowly the story was taking off. I know in first books they can be sometimes slow because the author is laying out the ground work for the series but I just couldn't get myself interested in the story. I found myself plodding through just trying to get to the end so I would know how things would end. In fairness of it being the first book in the series I do plan on reading the second book to see if things improve or if I need to give up on this series, knowing that not all books are for me to like. I try not to give negative reviews so please know that a book that might not be for me might be the next greatest book for you.
*Disclaimer: I received an advance copy of this book for my honest review. All opinions are freely mine.