Louisa and the Missing Heiress

Such an interesting premise - a murder mystery through the eyes, voice and talents of Louisa May Alcott. The formalities of Boston society in 1854 are rather burdensome to a bright, intelligent and independent woman. However, nothing will keep Louisa will hinder Louisa from seeking out the murderer of a dear childhood friend.

This was a most enjoyable read for this reader from Boston. It allowed reminiscing while also setting the 19th century stage of the city I once called home.

Journey back to Boston circa 1887 for a historical mystery starring Louisa May Alcott before she became famous. As a budding writer, Louisa has an observant nature, so when her friend Dot is late for a tea party and arrives in a disheveled state, Louisa’s suspicions are raised. Everyone wonders why Dottie married Preston Wortham, especially so Dottie’s wealthy family. So when Dot is found dead by the wharf, it’s no surprise that Constable Cobban suspects the victim’s husband of being a fortune-hunter. Afraid the officer of the law might not look any further than the obvious, Louisa determines to unmask the killer. It appears all of Dottie’s relatives have something to hide, and a few near misses on her life tell our heroine show more that she’s getting closer to the truth.

This is a delightful debut for a new series. I look forward to reading more about Miss Alcott’s exploits in the sequel, Louisa and the Country Bachelor. show less

I'm always hesitant to try series featuring well-known authors such as Jane Austen or their characters involved in detection. In the case of this mystery featuring Louisa May Alcott, it turns out to be a well-founded hesitancy. Maclean's characters were somewhat two-dimensional and they mystery itself was not all that captivating. A friend of Louisa's returns from her honeymoon only to be found dead in the harbor a short time later. When the inquest reveals murder, the husband is the immediate suspect. While the author imitates Alcott's style of writing to some degree, it fails to measure up to Alcott's standard and required a stretch of the imagination to believe they would act in such a manner. I do not plan to continue with the series.

n this first book of a promising new series, Louisa May Alcott, author of Little Women, tells readers of a time in her past when she helped solve a murder mystery. Shortly after going to a tea party where her friend, Dorothy Brownly Wortham, acts strangely, Dorothy is murdered. Dorothy had told Louisa she wanted to speak to her, but was killed before she had a chance to. Louisa is determined to find out how and why Dorothy was murdered.

This was an extremely well written, well researched book. Louisa really came to life as a character, as did the rest of her family, especially her mother, Abba. The time period also came to life through the book. The mystery itself was well plotted, and the identity of the murderer unexpected.

I'm looking show more forward to more books in this series. show less

A story of Louisa May Alcott and life in Boston, while she tries to break into publishing. A friend returns from her honeymoon and is quite distracted and later turns up dead. Louisa feels a need to investigate. To put logic to the terrible tragedy.

It's not a bad read but sometimes I felt it was a little forced.

Fictional mystery written in the style of Louisa May Alcott, a fun read.

Fun series with author Louisa May Alcott.