Can a forward-thinking woman help the police solve crimes in a backward-thinking town?
Smart, inquisitive, and a firm believer in Progressive Era reforms, Adele Gossling seeks a new life after the devastating death of her father. She flees San Francisco for the town of Arrojo, planning a life of peace and small pleasures. But both elude her when she and her spiritual sidekick, Nin Branch, get involved in helping the local police solve the case of a dead debutante, a poisoned schoolteacher, and a family matriarch who may or may not have left a generous will.
Book 1: The Carnation Murder: Adele Gossling has barely been in Arrojo for a week when she discovers her neighbor's dead body in her gazebo. The police think they have a firm suspect, but Adele and her clairvoyant friend Nin Branch are sure he's innocent. Can Adele and Nin solve this puzzling case involving a striped carnation, a diamond ring, a note, a muddy pair of boots, and a broken promise?
Book 2: A Wordless Death: Adele Gossling is adjusting well to small-town life and sticking with the business of fountain pens and letter paper while staying out of crime investigation. But then, Millie Gibb, the new teacher at the local girl's school, is found dead and everybody in town assumes the homely, unmarried spinster committed suicide. Can Adele and her clairvoyant friend Nin prove Millie's death was foul play based on a cigar stub, a letter fragment, and a cigarette lighter before the case is closed for good?
Book 3: Death at Will: Rebecca Gold, one of the era's New Women, sets up her own law practice in Arrojo and lands the affluent Thea Marsh as her first client. When Thea dies unexpectedly, the trail of suspects leads to Thea's beloved and favored eldest son, Theo. Could such a kind man really be guilty of matricide? Rebecca turns to her new friend in town, businesswoman and fellow suffragist Adele Gossling, to prove Theo innocent. Will Adele make a case against Theo's guilt for the police out of a stained teacup, a fountain pen nib, ashes that should have been in the fireplace, and daisies that should have been fresh?
Pick up this box set of the first three Adele Gossling Mysteries and immerse yourself in turn-of-the-century Northern California in all its dynamic and chaotic glory for a fun and cozy read!
