BRIGHT YOUNG DEAD is the second book in the Mitford Murders mystery series by Jessica Fellowes. Louisa Cannon is part of the servant class in 1920s England. For that reason, this book might appeal to fans of UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS and DOWNTON ABBEY. There are two parallel investigations and two main sleuths who share a connection. Louisa is initially caught up in, and seriously pursuing the investigation of, the murder of well-to-do jerk Adrian Curtis and clearing her friend Dulcie. Louisa's friend, Sergeant Guy Sullivan, is hot on the trail of Alice Diamond and her Forty Thieves gang, in an effort to see some adventure and possibly snag a promotion. Louisa's mission is a little more personal because she sees herself in Dulcie. In a href="book.php?id=95657">BRIGHT YOUNG DEAD, Jessica Fellowes plums the depths of the dark side of England's young and privileged segment of society and the dangers of the servant's world.

A seemingly innocuous treasure hunt at a birthday party leads to all kinds of tragedy including murder. I don't normally read books with servants as main characters because, in a historical setting, I find their lives too dreary and depressing. Louisa Cannon makes this book stand out for me. Louisa is able to play her role in this high society world and shows only what she wants people to see while making her silent satirical observations. Louisa has no illusions when it comes to her place in the Mitford family or society in general, and keeps her head up and maintains a steady pragmatic view. Because Louisa so strongly identifies with the servant girl who has been accused of murder, she is emotionally invested in finding who she believes is the real murderer. In a world of wealth and privilege versus the often-bleak life left to the lower classes, it often comes down to a feeling of "us vs them" in this story. Louisa's ally in her investigation is Guy and their parallel investigations converge in surprising ways. There is a mild romantic angle with an attraction between Guy and Louisa, but the focus is on the mystery and on the highs and lows of Louisa's everyday life.

a href="book.php?id=95657">BRIGHT YOUNG DEAD is a story of murder, gangs, and the machinations of England's high society. a href="book.php?id=95657">BRIGHT YOUNG DEAD is like the dark side of a P.G. Wodehouse novel. Louisa Fellowes conscientiously details the struggles of lower class and working women in 1920s England. Louisa is conflicted about maintaining a level of security or becoming more independent. This character conflict plays a major role in her decision to insert herself into this mystery. This is a good book for historical mystery fans who have as much of a love of history, especially pertaining to the lives of women, as they do mystery.

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