Maids of Misfortune: A Victorian San Francisco Mystery [Kindle Edition]

This is the first book in the new Victorian San Francisco Mystery series by M. Louisa Locke. In 1879 San Francisco, young widow Annie Fuller struggles to survive after her late husband left her penniless and in debt, with only a boardinghouse to provide her a small income. Although Annie is a financial genius, being a woman prevents her from finding work as a financial consultant, thus she creates as her alter ego, Madam Sybil a clairvoyant specialising in business advice. Surprisingly as Sybil, she becomes successful as it seems that men prefer getting advice from a fortune teller than from an intelligent woman who understands the economy. When her client and friend, Matthew Voss is found dead, Annie starts to investigate his murder with the help of the Voss family lawyer, young and attractive Nate Dawson.

This historical mystery is very well written and gripping and the atmosphere of 1870's San Francisco is excellent. The characters, especially Annie and Nate, are very well developed and likable. What I loved most however, is the very realistic way the author describes women of that period; apart from Annie, there are most 'stereotypes' of Victorian women, from the upper class housewife to the poor young maidservant. Annie in particular is a fine example of how difficult it must have been for intelligent, active women to remain proper and ladylike, and for proper gentlemen to accept them as equals. Also, there are some details of everyday difficulties women probably had to endure; my personal favorite was sitting gracefully for a picnic, wearing an 1870's dress.

In total, a great atmospheric mystery with well developed characters and fascinating plot. So far, there is also a short story; Dandy Detects: A Victorian San Francisco Story, and the second novel Uneasy Spirits: A Victorian San Francisco Mystery, published in this series

A note on the Kindle edition: I only found a few errors and for some reason some sentences were underlined, other then that, it was extremely easy to download, and a pleasure to read.

I loved the character of Annie Fuller from the first page. Already a widow at the age of twenty-six, she's been pushed around, mistreated, gone from wealth right down to destitution and still pulled herself back. As the story opens, we find her the owner of a respectable boarding house, enjoying the independence she deserves. And if I had to describe Annie Fuller in one word, 'independent' is the word I would use. Nobody tells this lady how to behave!

She augments her modest living by masquerading as a clairvoyant, specialising in business advice. It's the only way that men of the 1870s would accept financial guidance from a woman - a pity, as Annie is very good at it indeed. Then one of her favourite clients is killed. The police say it is suicide, but Annie is certain it was murder.

To make matters worse, a creditor of her dead husband's is trying to collect an old debt from Annie which she cannot pay. The only way she can avoid losing her home is to solve the mystery of Matthew Voss's death - and in the process find out what became of the assets he left to her in his will. Annie's a determined woman. With the help of the stubborn but loveable lawyer, Nate Dawson, there's nothing she won't do to learn the truth about the mysterious Voss family and the night that Matthew was killed.

I enjoyed the historical details in this tale, and the writing style is lively and easy to read. Its real strength, though, is the characters. They're believable, interesting, and they really do seem to be visiting straight from the 1870s. I'm looking forward to the next book from this author.

I downloaded this during a free promotion, and I'm so glad I did! Not only is it one of the best freebies I've ever read, it's also right up there amongst my favourite books of the year. The characters are so well drawn - historically accurate, but with enough contemporary relevance to bring this story fully to life. I hate it that I've finished the book, already I'm missing Annie and Nate and the world they inhabit, and I can't wait to download more of Lousia Locke's books. This is engrossing, satisfying, cleverly plotted, historically fascinating, and just downright well-written. Buy it.