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theavidreaderandbibliophile's review
4.0
Called to Justice by Edith Maxwell is the second book in A Quaker Midwife Mystery series. Rose Carroll is a Quaker midwife in Amesbury, Massachusetts. Rose is watching the Fourth of July parade when she is approached by Hannah Breed, a seventeen-year-old mill worker. Hannah confides in Rose that she is pregnant, but she is unwilling to reveal the identity of the father. Rose agrees to help the young woman. Later that evening, Rose is enjoying the fireworks display with her beau, Dr. David Dodge. There are men shooting off guns nearby and soon screams ring out. David and Rose run over to find Hannah on the ground (someone took advantage of the chaos). When the police arrive, the manager of the Hamilton Mill, Lester Colby, makes sure to point fingers at Akwasi Ayensu, an African-American Quaker and local businessman. Rose is astounded that anyone would accuse Akwasi and is further incensed when he is arrested for the crime. Rose knows that Akwasi would not harm a soul and sets out to find the true culprit of the crime. In the meantime, Rose approaches John Whittier to hire counsel for Akwasi. Rose has to work in a little sleuthing in between her midwifery duties. Rose’s relationship with David is going along splendidly until his mother decides to interfere (she does not approve of Rose). This causes a rift between the pair that hopefully can be repaired. With Akwasi soon going to trial, Rose needs to step up her game if she is to find the real killer. The villain will not go easily, and Rose soon finds her life in peril.
Called to Justice is an interesting historical mystery novel. I liked the time period, the lovely setting, and the Rose’s occupation. I do wish, though, that the story had been written in the third person to make it easier to read. With the story being written in the first person, I found it harder to read the Quaker dialogue. I thought that the dialogue was stilted and old fashioned which suits the novel, but it hard to get through (in the beginning). The book is well-written, and I liked the mention of historical figures like Louisa May Alcott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Susan B. Anthony. There are also some appealing details that help set the time. Mail is delivered twice a day which aided communication between people living in different towns as well as businesses. Also, the telephone was just starting to be installed in homes. While Called to Justice is the second book in A Quaker Midwife Mystery series, it can be read alone. The author provides all the necessary background details on Rose, her family, friends, and life. The mystery was intriguing but not overly complex. Most readers will be able to discern the identity of the killer before the reveal. The relationship between Rose and David did not dominate the book. It was nice, light and romantic which I appreciated.
Called to Justice is an interesting historical mystery novel. I liked the time period, the lovely setting, and the Rose’s occupation. I do wish, though, that the story had been written in the third person to make it easier to read. With the story being written in the first person, I found it harder to read the Quaker dialogue. I thought that the dialogue was stilted and old fashioned which suits the novel, but it hard to get through (in the beginning). The book is well-written, and I liked the mention of historical figures like Louisa May Alcott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Susan B. Anthony. There are also some appealing details that help set the time. Mail is delivered twice a day which aided communication between people living in different towns as well as businesses. Also, the telephone was just starting to be installed in homes. While Called to Justice is the second book in A Quaker Midwife Mystery series, it can be read alone. The author provides all the necessary background details on Rose, her family, friends, and life. The mystery was intriguing but not overly complex. Most readers will be able to discern the identity of the killer before the reveal. The relationship between Rose and David did not dominate the book. It was nice, light and romantic which I appreciated.
kimdavishb's review
5.0
The reader is transported to Amesbury, Massachusetts in 1888. Oh my, what an eye opening book this was and makes me realize how much we take every day conveniences and medical, technological, and social advances for granted! The author brings the life of a midwife to full view in an era before technology, modern medicine and hospitals. The perils that can befall the newborn and new mothers alike are treated with compassion and grace. I found myself hoping for the best in each birth the protagonist, Rose Carroll, attended and my heart stopped when things didn’t go as expected. The author also gives the reader a charming peek into the Quaker’s lifestyle along with an uglier look at the bigotry and prejudices against other races and against women during that time period. I think it’s a good reminder, despite all the political and social upheaval our country is experiencing, that we have made great strides in becoming a better nation, a better people.
Edith expertly weaves the historical details and social mindset of the late 1800’s into a good mystery that keeps a reader guessing about who would have wanted to kill the unwed, pregnant teen. Rose Carroll is a believable protagonist as she searches for justice, not only for the murdered girl but for the wrongly accused man. I enjoyed Rose’s character very much — she is a good role model not only for the 1800’s but for current day too! She isn’t afraid to defy conventional customs governing young ladies and instead focuses on doing what she knows to be the right thing to do. All in all, CALLED TO JUSTICE is a fascinating read with a satisfying mystery!
I was provided a copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Edith expertly weaves the historical details and social mindset of the late 1800’s into a good mystery that keeps a reader guessing about who would have wanted to kill the unwed, pregnant teen. Rose Carroll is a believable protagonist as she searches for justice, not only for the murdered girl but for the wrongly accused man. I enjoyed Rose’s character very much — she is a good role model not only for the 1800’s but for current day too! She isn’t afraid to defy conventional customs governing young ladies and instead focuses on doing what she knows to be the right thing to do. All in all, CALLED TO JUSTICE is a fascinating read with a satisfying mystery!
I was provided a copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
mg_in_md_'s review
3.0
An Agatha nominee for Best Historical Fiction, this is the second book in the Quaker Midwife series. Set in New England in the late 1880s, this cozy mystery series draws in aspects of the Quaker religion and way of life, as well as midwifery, to tell the story. The story's pacing, historical details, and likable characters added to my overall reading enjoyment. Based on this offering, I'd be interested to read the first book in the series to learn more about the characters and this time period.
katreader's review
4.0
CALLED TO JUSTICE by Edith Maxwell
The Second Quaker Midwife Mystery
Rose Carroll is pleased to celebrate the one hundred-and-twelfth birthday of the United States of America, especially as she will be enjoying the town festivities with her beau, Doctor David Dodge.
During the fireworks Rose and David hear someone shouting for a doctor and rush to find a young woman has been shot. Was it an accident, a reckless shooting in celebration of the nation's birthday, or did someone murder the girl? Performing her duties as a midwife and continuing her romance with the good doctor, Rose also seeks justice both for the pregnant girl who was killed and for her fellow Quaker and former slave who is accused of the crime.
It's always a pleasure to travel back in time with Edith Maxwell. Her authenticity and attention to detail make reading her Quaker Midwife Mystery series as good as having a time machine. Although CALLED TO JUSTICE is a historical mystery, it tackles issues we continue to face today such as racism, sexual assault, and our basic insecurities when it comes to love. While progress has been made to some degree, the struggle is much the same today as it was for Rose and her companions.
CALLED TO JUSTICE is an intricate, heartfelt mystery. The author guides us down multiple avenues, developing characters and motives, in order to work out the truth and find justice. By doing so Maxwell enhances the setting, detailing life as it was and making it more real. Edith Maxwell brings the late 1800s to life with wonderful characters, a finely wrought mystery, and a modern sensibility.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
The Second Quaker Midwife Mystery
Rose Carroll is pleased to celebrate the one hundred-and-twelfth birthday of the United States of America, especially as she will be enjoying the town festivities with her beau, Doctor David Dodge.
During the fireworks Rose and David hear someone shouting for a doctor and rush to find a young woman has been shot. Was it an accident, a reckless shooting in celebration of the nation's birthday, or did someone murder the girl? Performing her duties as a midwife and continuing her romance with the good doctor, Rose also seeks justice both for the pregnant girl who was killed and for her fellow Quaker and former slave who is accused of the crime.
It's always a pleasure to travel back in time with Edith Maxwell. Her authenticity and attention to detail make reading her Quaker Midwife Mystery series as good as having a time machine. Although CALLED TO JUSTICE is a historical mystery, it tackles issues we continue to face today such as racism, sexual assault, and our basic insecurities when it comes to love. While progress has been made to some degree, the struggle is much the same today as it was for Rose and her companions.
CALLED TO JUSTICE is an intricate, heartfelt mystery. The author guides us down multiple avenues, developing characters and motives, in order to work out the truth and find justice. By doing so Maxwell enhances the setting, detailing life as it was and making it more real. Edith Maxwell brings the late 1800s to life with wonderful characters, a finely wrought mystery, and a modern sensibility.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
rachelm31f6b's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
vesper1931's review
3.0
1888 Independence Day, and Quaker midwife Rose Carroll is at the evening's fireworks display when a young female is shot. When a fellow Quaker and former slave is accused Rose investigates.
An enjoyable mystery, with a little romance, and a well-written story.
A NetGalley Book
An enjoyable mystery, with a little romance, and a well-written story.
A NetGalley Book
dollycas's review
5.0
Dollycas’s Thoughts
In her follow up to Delivering the Truth Edith Maxwell takes us back to Amesbury, Massachusetts in 1888 just in time for the Independence Day celebration. Rose Carroll is enjoying the fireworks with her beau David Dodge when gunshots ring out and a young woman in found dead. A former slave and Friend becomes the prime suspect leading Rose to delve into the investigation herself. She finds her life in danger the closer she gets to learning the truth. Just when she needs him most her relationship with Doctor Dodge gets rocky and Rose tries to remain strong. There are several lives in danger as this midwife strives to keep everyone safe.
Rose has become a very comfortable character for me. She is smart, caring and kind to everyone she meets. She carries a calmness about her, something that is very important in her work as a midwife. She also keeps her wits about her when things get out of control. She is true to herself and her beliefs. The author captures the history of the time very well. She draws on her Quaker roots to give us real sense of Quaker lifestyle.
The characters Ms. Maxwell surrounds Rose with are quite varied. From very wealthy to factory workers and even a former slave. All are very fleshed out and believable. As Rose connects with them we become aware of their true colors. Some we can quickly eliminate as suspects and others need further scrutiny.
The plot entwines the characters together in many ways making the mystery a tough one to solve. The story gives us a complex mystery with a perfect flow that builds to an exciting climax. Suspense was ratcheted up quite high as the ending played out. I absolutely loved this story.
A wonderful mystery you can get lost in. Travel back with Rose and the people of Amesbury. A perfect escape!
In her follow up to Delivering the Truth Edith Maxwell takes us back to Amesbury, Massachusetts in 1888 just in time for the Independence Day celebration. Rose Carroll is enjoying the fireworks with her beau David Dodge when gunshots ring out and a young woman in found dead. A former slave and Friend becomes the prime suspect leading Rose to delve into the investigation herself. She finds her life in danger the closer she gets to learning the truth. Just when she needs him most her relationship with Doctor Dodge gets rocky and Rose tries to remain strong. There are several lives in danger as this midwife strives to keep everyone safe.
Rose has become a very comfortable character for me. She is smart, caring and kind to everyone she meets. She carries a calmness about her, something that is very important in her work as a midwife. She also keeps her wits about her when things get out of control. She is true to herself and her beliefs. The author captures the history of the time very well. She draws on her Quaker roots to give us real sense of Quaker lifestyle.
The characters Ms. Maxwell surrounds Rose with are quite varied. From very wealthy to factory workers and even a former slave. All are very fleshed out and believable. As Rose connects with them we become aware of their true colors. Some we can quickly eliminate as suspects and others need further scrutiny.
The plot entwines the characters together in many ways making the mystery a tough one to solve. The story gives us a complex mystery with a perfect flow that builds to an exciting climax. Suspense was ratcheted up quite high as the ending played out. I absolutely loved this story.
A wonderful mystery you can get lost in. Travel back with Rose and the people of Amesbury. A perfect escape!
missjenniferlowe's review
3.0
While I certainly enjoyed Called to Justice (and plan to continue reading the series), I do feel that the mystery took a bit of a back seat to the romance and personal life of the main character, Rose. The pacing of the book is slowish, which I think actually works really well with the setting. This is a good choice for fans of historical mysteries who like a little more focus on the historical setting and atmosphere and don't mind of the mystery is a bit lighter.
julesg's review
3.0
This is a very well-written, well-plotted mystery set in the small town of Amesbury, MA in 1888. The MC is Rose, who is a very strong female character, a very independent women.
I enjoyed this story, although I had not read the first book in the series. Further, I should confess that I read this book mainly because of the Quaker background and it being set in the late 19th century than for the murder mystery.
Thank you to the publishers for providing a copy of the novel through NetGalley.
I enjoyed this story, although I had not read the first book in the series. Further, I should confess that I read this book mainly because of the Quaker background and it being set in the late 19th century than for the murder mystery.
Thank you to the publishers for providing a copy of the novel through NetGalley.
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