Frances McNamara

I was super excited to receive a copy of this book from LibraryThing. I’d never heard of the Emily Cabot mysteries, but I chose this one because of its setting during WWI. Now I wish I’d heard of these books sooner, but I’m glad to have found a new author and series to enjoy.

Death on the Homefront is narrated by Emily Chapman, nee Cabot. Emily and her daughter Lizzie are attending a fundraiser luncheon for Belgian relief when a young woman is murdered in the restaurant. A suspect is immediately arrested, but Emily is not convinced the authorities have the right person. She has been on numerous murder investigations, but apparently, it’s been a while and she doesn’t have the same connections at the police department. This complicates her detective work, as does family drama, including a troubled youngest son and the soon-to-be married Lizzie.

I love the WWI setting and the book is filled with historical references, such as the Women’s Peace Party, Jane Addams, and the Four-Minute Men. I do love a well-researched book and the author does an excellent job of inserting the history within the murder mystery and making it interesting. Emily Cabot is an interesting character and I look forward to reading more of this series. I definitely recommend this book.… (more)

This book is part of a longer series of Emily Cabot historical mysteries that I have not read, so I missed nuances and details about characters by starting with the 8th book as an Early Reviewer. Set in 1917 while WWI raged in Europe and the US wrestled with the decision of whether to enter the war, I enjoyed how the author wove the history of pacifism, socialism, and prejudice against Germans into the story. The car racing element was unexpected and added to the tension. This was an easy read; fans of historical mysteries may find the series of interest.… (more)