Scandal on Rincon Hill
Shirley Tallman
Minotaur, Mar 30 2010, $24.99
ISBN: 9780312386979
In the year of our Lord 1881 in San Francisco someone stabs to death botanist Nigel Logan. The corpse is found on Rincon Hill, a couple blocks from the Woolson family home. Adding to the connection is that the night before the homicide, Nigel and Judge Horace T. Woolson attended the same party.
SFPD Police Sargeant George Lewis accompanied by the Judge’s son crime reporter Samuel investigates. Also looking into the murder is the Judge’s other offspring Sarah the attorney. A few days later, Logan’s friend Deacon Hume is killed; seemingly by the same culprit. The police arrest Chinese immigrants as the case is going nowhere so they need suspects even if there is not one drop of evidence. Sarah defends the Asians although many on Rincon Hill including a predator want her to lose the case.
The latest Woolson historical mystery is a superb San Francisco Victorian tale (see The Cliff House Strangler) that is a great period piece legal thriller. The story line is fast-paced from the moment George wakes up Sarah by tossing pebbles at her window and never slows down. Although the climax can be seen from the top of Nob Hill to the Tenderloin, fans will enjoy this exhilarating Americana novel.
Harriet Klausner
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