More of a three and a half.
Will definitely give the next one a try.
Appreciated that at least some attempt was made to illustrate just how bizarre
The situation of a maid of the time solving a crime with her mistress would be.
Some of the other mores of the time are at least mentioned, though immediately discarded ( everyone seems ready to use first names, freely be seen walking with the opposite sex, etc
However, Emily Dickinson is a wise choice, as you could always argue that her eccentric character
Leaves more possibilities open.



Anyway, a fun book, with a somewhat anti-climactic ending ( )

I heard the author, Amanda Flowers, speak at the American Writers Museum and was very impressed with her. However, I felt like this Emily Dickinson mystery didn’t have much substance to it. The development of the characters was repetitive, the dialogue didn’t progress the story and the solving of the mystery just happened with no real clues for the reader to figure out who did it. I won’t be reading more of her books. ( )

The first in a new series, this novel is a masterfully written combination of historical fiction and mystery. Willa Noble secures a post as a maid in the Dickinson household. She was about to be dismissed by the head housekeeper when Emily intervenes and hires her on the spot. She sees something in the young maid that appeals to her. Before long, Emily senses that there is something special about this person, and soon a kind of friendship develops between them, or as much as a friendship can develop between mistress and maid. Willa’s only relative is her much beloved brother, and not long after she is hired, she gets word that he has died in an accident. But she is convinced that it was no accident, and sharing what she knows with Emily, the two of them start their own investigation into the circumstances that caused Henry’s death. This well thought out and exquisitely written novel combines the intriguing mystery of a who-dun-it with the expertise of an intellectual and forthright young poet. The story has two strong female protagonists who bring their own strengths to the story, and in combination, prove to be a formidable force. In this carefully structured story, author Amanda Flower has given her readers an incredible tale, rich in history, as well as atmospheric in its setting. I highly recommend it, as I wait impatiently for the second installment, “I Heard a Fly Buzz When I Died,” expected publication date, November 1, 2023. ( )

1855. Amherst, Massachusetts. During an interview for a position as a housemaid at the Dickinson home, Willa Noble is as shocked as her interviewer, Margaret O'Brien, when Emily Dickinson interrupts and declares the decision Willa's hired. Several days later, Emily's direct questions have Willa answering the reason for her tears is the loss of her dearly loved brother Henry at the local livery. Emily insists that the two of them must investigate Willa's difference of opinion from the police in the cause of death. Although both have lived in Amherst, there are many surprises.

One of Emily Dickinson's poems has been my adult life favorite. I was equally excited and curious about a historical mystery with the poet as a character. The beautifully written story is a tribute blending Amanda Flower's love of the poet and Dickinson's writing, meticulous research, and creativity into a page-turning masterful mystery. I loved it!

The atmospheric writing created a visual of setting, place, and time from the 1st sentence, "Icy rain slapped the dirt road, turning it into mud." Thoughtfully developed characters and dialogue between characters seemed plausible, heightening suspense until the reveal of the secrets in Amherst natural to the period's cultural attitudes toward women and political climate.

I recommend reading The Author's Note and Acknowledgements, which further enrich the reading experience. ( )

https://girllostinabook.com/2023/04/18/because-i-could-not-stop-for-death-by-ama... ( )