GREAT READS

The Ninth Daughter

Barbara Hamilton.

Barbara Hamilton's The Ninth Daughter is the first in a new series of historical mysteries.  The setting is prerevolutionary Boston where major events are occurring between the patriots and the loyalists.  John Adams, Sam Adams, Paul Revere and many other historical figures are all here in their endeavor to establish freedom from the British.  The British presence is still very much felt in Boston a few years before Lexington and Concord even happens.   John Adams and other revolutionary figures are involved in the Sons of Liberty group, a secretive group at this time, and Abigail Adams becomes entangled in solving a murder mystery and finding a missing friend.  On her way to visit Rebecca Malvern, Abigail discovers a British loyalist's mistress's body outside of home where Rebecca lives.  Upon examining the body before the Constable arrives, she locates a piece of paper with the code names of the men of the Sons of Liberty including that of her husband John Adams in her pocket.  This murder and that list could have far reaching effects on the men and women beginning to fight for their freedom.  As the investigation continues, Abigail finds it absolutely necessary to discover the perpetrator for the British have accused John Adams of the horrendous murder.  Abigail, showing her indomitable strength, travels alone to places that women in that era would never do or be allowed to do in order to discover the truth.  She finds her friend but why was she abducted and Perdita Pentyre killed?  Historical buffs, especially those who like prerevolutionary and revolutionary times and admire Abigail Adams, will find this a great read.   Mystery fans and historical fiction fans alike will be looking forward to her other books in the series with Abigail Adams as the detective.

Recommended by Lucinda Taber