Barbara Hamilton, a pseudonym for well-known historical and fantasy writer Barbara Hambly, introduces a new historical mystery series starring Abigail Adams with THE NINTH DAUGHTER. The story takes place in 1773 Boston, a terrific venue for a mystery with the political unrest between the Patriots and Tories giving rise to myriad potential villains. So when Abigail finds the dead body of an unknown woman in the home of her friend Rebecca Malvern who writes broadsides unfavorable to the king, the English try to pin the murder on her husband, John, a member of the Sons of Liberty. Abigail takes the political materials in plain sight along with a list of the members of the Sons of Liberty and their aliases so they won't fall into British hands. But a notebook labeled "Household Accounts" that contains the group's counter-intelligence information and contacts with similar organizations in other colonies has gone missing.

Abigail will leave no stone unturned in her investigation to find the real killer and to track down Rebecca who she thinks fled because she can identify the murderer. She questions friends, servants and journeys to the farm of Rebecca's former maid's brother where she may have gone to ground and even agrees to partner with the British to restore her husband's good name.

Hamilton brings colonial Boston to life in THE NINTH DAUGHTER, giving readers insight into daily life of the time, the city's layout and the position of and feelings towards slaves. Touching on themes of religion and politics, The Ninth Daughter reads more like a literary historical fiction novel that happens to have a mystery at its center rather than a traditional cozy mystery. Hamilton introduces us to well-drawn main characters including Abigail Adams, recognized as an early feminist thinker and a true partner to her husband; John Adams and his cousin Sam; Paul Revere, known to most if only for his wild ride to alert Patriots of the arrival of the British. We also meet more minor characters including local merchants, British soldiers, poorer laundresses and slaves.

Some might feel THE NINTH DAUGHTER doesn't move quickly enough, but for me, it gave me a chance to get to know the characters and better savor the environment. Hamilton deftly combines a complex mystery, flowing prose and "real" characters to make this story a terrific read. Fans of historical fiction and cozy mysteries alike will appreciate her incredible talent.