Val and Roddy are traveling to Chicago in this 4th edition of the Val and Roddy Mystery series. Roddy's old college pal Martin Coates who now lives in Chicago has suggested they go into business making bitters together. But soon enough it is discovered that Martin also has anterior motives for contacting Roddy. He is in a desperate attempt to clear his name after his wife took a fatal fall down a flight of stairs in their home. With Martin's dysfunctional family members and a colorful cast of Chicago suspects Val and Roddy are on the case.
Jam-packed full of adventure and mystery I enjoyed the range broadened outside of New York with the Chicago setting. As always, Cecelia Tichi delivers authentic Gilded Age information peppered in her stories and this one has a good sprinkling! From Hull House, to child labor and unsavory working conditions, to thee dawning of the Pure Food and Drug Act it will delight history enthusiasts putting them as if they are right in the action.
This book will definitely make you think. The mystery is perfectly presented in a jaw-dropping reveal that will leave you reeling. There are plenty of Roddy's recipes to go around and Cassie makes another dramatic and mesmerizing appearance in this one that I thoroughly enjoyed. I can’t wait to find out what Val and Roddy will be up to next!