At the discovery of the body of beautiful actress Virginia Kimball, with her maid lying dead beside her, Boston can talk of nothing else. The police, corrupt and paid to look the other way, determine Virginia found her maid stealing from her and they traded fatal shots. No mention is made of the mysterious Red Book, which Virginia used to supplement her income with a little blackmail on the side.

Sick at the slander that says his niece murdered Virginia Kimball, Brady, a driver for the wealthy Hewitts, asks Nell Sweeney to investigate her death. Nell, governess to the Hewitt's adopted child, has had success solving murders in the past. With the encouragement of her employer, Nell tries to clear Brady's niece, with the help of the Hewitt's black sheep son, Will.

Nell pokes into the indiscretions of Boston high-ranking men, while they are determined to block her investigations. Running into the harsh prejudice against the Irish makes Nell more resolved to uncover the killer.

DEATH ON BEACON HILL continues Ms. Ryan's excellent Nell Sweeney series. The rich characterization and her strong evocation of place, coupled with a well-plotted tale, make for a rich story. Add a clever conclusion and Ms. Ryan delivers a fascinating read.