Author Brenda Joyce has enthralled millions of
readers worldwide with her best-selling novels. One of her most intriguing series, the
Francesca Cahill novels, began with this splendid effort. This novel, and indeed the
entire series, is set in the turn-of-the-century New York City, and introduces one of Ms.
Joyce’s most unforgettable heroines, Francesca Cahill, a beautiful young crime-solver
extraordinaire, who unhesitatingly ventures into areas forbidden for women of that time,
and solves crime and experiences passion, all at the same time.
When the book begins, we see Francesca, who’s secretly enrolled
in a college and is studying to be the first woman journalist ever, trying to juggle her
hectic study schedule and her reform activities, with the parties and soirees which her
mother keeps forcing her to attend. Born into a wealthy family, and in spite of having a
privileged upbringing, Francesca has a very caring heart, a firm grasp of politics, a keen
intellect and is passionate about helping the underprivileged, and has little regard for
her own beauty and popularity. At a party she meets and is most intrigued by the new
police commissioner, Rick Bragg. The very next day, their neighbor’s son is
kidnapped. Soon Francesca is deeply involved in this mystery which keeps growing more
gruesome by the day, and keeps nosing around to the exasperation of Bragg and the
trepidation of her family. During the course of this, Francesca experiences peril,
discovers passion, finds out some terrible secrets, and generally grows up.
There are many other side stories and emotional upheavals also going
on in the Cahill household at the same time as Francesca is busy unearthing clues and
getting intrigued by crime solving as well as the new commissioner, Bragg. Some issues are
solved towards the end of the book, but many others are left unresolved to be continued in
the other books of this series. Many intriguing characters who’re portrayed most
convincingly, who’re human and not always perfect, make this book refreshingly
honest. Also fascinating is the local atmosphere, the social progress, the reforms taking
place, and the limitations still placed on women even during this turn-of-the-century
period in New York City. This striking combination of emancipation and exploitation gives
an edge to this semi-romantic, semi-suspenseful tale, which is lacking in so many other
similar novels. Mystery and love, along with superb characterizations, terror, humor, and
historical patina make this book a must-read. And readers will surely long to read the
other books in the series to find what Brenda Joyce has in store for Francesca!
Reviewed By Rashmi Srinivas for The Road to Romance
June 4, 2003 |
