THE GLASSMAKER'S WIFE

A historical whodunit based on a true story from the mid-19th century.

In Heathsville, Illinois, both Leonard and Betsey Reed take a shine to their hired girl, Eveline Deal. Leonard teaches her the secrets of his trade, glassmaking; Betsey reads to her from Godey’s Lady’s Book, one of the most popular women’s magazines of the time. Eveline likes them in turn, but when “the Mister” dies under questionable circumstances, Eveline points the finger at “Miss Betsey.” Eveline is an observant girl. She knows Leonard to be plain-faced and Miss Betsey to be beautiful. She knows that Miss Betsey resents the Mister for selling 20 acres of land from her dowry without discussing it with her. And Eveline knows that Miss Betsey creates reasons to be alone with Ethan Delz, the handsome owner of the local dry goods store, and that the pair of them talk in a way that might make one pause. The main plot points are settled quickly, and Betsey finds herself imprisoned for the crime, but questions linger as to whom the guilty party actually is. It feels like most of the narrative action is completed in the story’s opening act, which makes the bulk of the book lag. Plot developments don’t hinge on ongoing drama; instead, we get carefully timed revelations from various characters. While the book is set in the past, only cursory allusions to the lifestyles of the times and dialectal inflections keep one aware of the setting.

If you’re looking for history or mystery, or maybe a bit of both, there are better options available.