Because I Could Not Stop for Death

GIVEAWAY

FLOWER, AMANDA

BECAUSE I COULD NOT STOP FOR DEATH

January 1855. Willie Noble couldn't believe her bad luck when she arrived at the Dickinson home in Amherst, Massachusetts, late, soaking wet, and utterly disheveled in the midst of a rainstorm. She knew this was the worst possible start to her ever-important job interview for the position of housemaid. Just as Willa was being politely dismissed by the housekeeper, she was summoned by the soft but strong voice of Emily Dickinson. What began as a tenuous employment turns into friendship as the reclusive poet takes Willa under her wing.

Tragedy soon strikes and Willa's beloved only brother, Henry, is killed in what is thought to be an accident at the town stables. With no other family and nowhere else to turn, Willa tells Emily about her brother's death and why she believes there was nothing accidental about it. Willa is convinced it was murder. Henry had been very secretive of late, hinting that he'd found a way to earn enough money to take care of them both. Believing this is a puzzle she's meant to piece together, Emily offers to help, only to realize that she and Willa are caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Some very high-powered people will stop at nothing to keep their profitable secrets, even if that means forever silencing Willa and her new mistress.

My Review:

The first in Amanda Flower's new Emily Dickinson Mystery series and, though very different from her cozies, I am definitely a fan! Her writing takes on a different cadence which makes sense, since this is historical fiction and the tone is more serious than Flower's usual quirky flare. Fitting since the mystery is a bit darker, more realistic. It's caught up in the politics of the era and that's about all I can say without revealing spoilers.

And though the series bears Emily Dickinson's name, it's Willa's story, told exclusively from her point of view. So though Emily figures predominately, we see her from Willa's perspective which is an interesting twist. They make a great contrast and not just in class, but personalities as well. It was also intriguing to see glimpses of the poet's life. This book inspired me to do some research and even read a few of her poems! Love it when a novel pushes me to look beyond my usual sphere. 

A solid mystery, historical ambiance and relatable characters made this a compulsive read for me. Anxiously looking forward to the next Emily Dickinson Mystery instalment.

Goal Update: #7 Start new-to-me series

 GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy -- Winner's choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  Because I Could Not Stop for Death, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday December 17 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.