Fun series with author Louisa May Alcott. ( )

Such an interesting premise - a murder mystery through the eyes, voice and talents of Louisa May Alcott. The formalities of Boston society in 1854 are rather burdensome to a bright, intelligent and independent woman. However, nothing will keep Louisa will hinder Louisa from seeking out the murderer of a dear childhood friend.

This was a most enjoyable read for this reader from Boston. It allowed reminiscing while also setting the 19th century stage of the city I once called home. ( )

n this first book of a promising new series, Louisa May Alcott, author of Little Women, tells readers of a time in her past when she helped solve a murder mystery. Shortly after going to a tea party where her friend, Dorothy Brownly Wortham, acts strangely, Dorothy is murdered. Dorothy had told Louisa she wanted to speak to her, but was killed before she had a chance to. Louisa is determined to find out how and why Dorothy was murdered.

This was an extremely well written, well researched book. Louisa really came to life as a character, as did the rest of her family, especially her mother, Abba. The time period also came to life through the book. The mystery itself was well plotted, and the identity of the murderer unexpected.

I'm looking forward to more books in this series. ( )

I'm always hesitant to try series featuring well-known authors such as Jane Austen or their characters involved in detection. In the case of this mystery featuring Louisa May Alcott, it turns out to be a well-founded hesitancy. Maclean's characters were somewhat two-dimensional and they mystery itself was not all that captivating. A friend of Louisa's returns from her honeymoon only to be found dead in the harbor a short time later. When the inquest reveals murder, the husband is the immediate suspect. While the author imitates Alcott's style of writing to some degree, it fails to measure up to Alcott's standard and required a stretch of the imagination to believe they would act in such a manner. I do not plan to continue with the series. ( )

Fictional mystery written in the style of Louisa May Alcott, a fun read. ( )