I DIED FOR BEAUTY by Amanda Flower is the third book in the historical Emily Dickinson Mystery series. In this installment, Emily and her maid Willa investigate the mystery of a house fire that claimed the lives of a husband and wife in an Irish community in Amherst, Massachusetts. The only survivor is their child, and now Emily and Willa must protect her while tracking down clues to reveal a dangerous murderer.
Set in 1857, the East Coast is gripped by a bitter cold, with record snowfall and plunging temperatures. In Amherst, the less fortunate struggle to keep warm and maintain their fires. When a fire breaks out in Kelley Square, killing a husband and wife, it initially appears to be an accident. However, Emily Dickinson and Willa soon suspect foul play. Their investigation takes them through snow-covered streets, into the lives of Kelley Square’s families, through Amherst College, the Ladies’ Society of Amherst, and even a warming station at a church. Can they uncover the scandal that led to the deaths of two innocent people?
I DIED FOR BEAUTY is a captivating historical mystery that immerses readers in the harsh winter of 1857 in Amherst, Massachusetts. Told from Willa’s perspective, the story offers insight into Emily’s sharp intellect and keen observations. Willa, though deeply loyal to Emily, understands the differences between their lives—Emily's privilege and Willa's poverty—which adds depth to their dynamic. Willa faces personal conflicts as she balances her duties as a maid, her role in the investigation, and her concern for the orphaned child’s future in a cruel world. The mystery is skillfully developed, with numerous suspects, including young professors, their wives, college administrators, disgruntled neighbors, and jealous coworkers. The author excels at creating atmosphere and escalating tension, particularly as the brutal weather complicates the investigation. Carlo, Emily’s dog, also shines in his role.
I DIED FOR BEAUTY is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, particularly those who enjoy stories about brave women who defy societal expectations and carve their own paths in life.
When a blaze takes both a neighbor’s home and his life, Emily Dickinson and her maid Willa have a burning desire to crack the case in this new historical mystery from Agatha Award–winning author Amanda Flower.
Amherst, 1857. The Dickinson family braves one of the worst winters in New England’s history. Trains are snowbound and boats are frozen in the harbor. Emily Dickinson and her maid, Willa Noble, have never witnessed anything like it. As Amherst families attempt to keep their homes warm, fears of fire abound.
These worries prove not to be unfounded as a blaze breaks out just down the street from the Dickinson in Kelley Square, the Irish community in Amherst, and a young couple is killed, leaving behind their young child. Their deaths appear to be a tragic accident, but Emily finds herself harboring suspicions there may be more to the fire than meets the eye. Emily and Willa must withstand the frigid temperatures and discover a killer lurking among the deadly frost.
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