Heather Redmond is a self-proclaimed Anglophile, as well as a lover of Charles Dickens and all things involving the 19th century. Her novels featuring Dickens are particular favorites of mine, so I was eager to dive into the opening installment of her new series featuring another legendary author, Mary Shelley, of FRANKENSTEIN fame.

The glossary at the beginning of DEATH AND THE SISTERS lists all the characters in the story, and it is encouraging for anyone who enjoys well-researched historical fiction to learn that most of the figures here were actual people.

"It is easy to see how in the setting of historical fiction the literary spark of the genius of Mary and Percy would be birthed. DEATH AND THE SISTERS is a solid read that is sure to lend itself to more intriguing mysteries."

It is 1814, some years before Mary Godwin will be betrothed to poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. A man is found murdered inside the bookstore of Mary’s father, and she and her stepsister, Jane “Claire” Clairmont, are immediately drawn into the mystery. Mary is happy to be occupied with something that can enthrall her. Her domestic situation is not the best since she is constantly at odds with her father’s new wife.

The victim, Cecil Campbell, was a school chum of none other than Percy Bysshe Shelley. This will become the official meeting of Mary and Percy, and the rest is history. Before that time comes, they, along with Jane, will have the opportunity to put their heads together and attempt to solve a case that is confounding the local constabulary.

When Mary learns that the deceased was more recently a professional rival of Percy’s, she begins to have some doubts about the situation. She also wonders what this man was doing in the home and business of the Godwin family. The three amateur sleuths remain connected and begin to delve into Percy’s circle of friends, as well as his past. It is within this secretive circle that truths will be unearthed and threats revealed that could end their investigation before it ever really gets anywhere.

In what is an easy throwback to her romance writing, Redmond is able to toss a potential love triangle into the mix as the early blooming of the relationship between Mary and Percy is complicated by a jealous Jane, who sees herself as a rival for his affections. All of these elements, along with the great period writing that Redmond consistently brings to this work, makes for an intense and insightful read.

It is easy to see how in the setting of historical fiction the literary spark of the genius of Mary and Percy would be birthed. DEATH AND THE SISTERS is a solid read that is sure to lend itself to more intriguing mysteries.