Tallman, Shirley. The Cliff House Strangler. Still trying to get caught up on reviews. This is a Sarah Woolson mystery, the third in this series about Sarah, a 19th century female attorney struggling to establish her own firm in atmospheric San Francisco.
I've enjoyed the previous mysteries in this series, and this one didn't disappoint. Sarah's family contains such varied individuals and social views, that much can be ascertained about San Francisco during this era from the family alone. There is a definite feminist approach in Sarah's determination to become a lawyer in the 1880's and in her feisty attempts to aid her clients.
The Cliff House Strangler begins with a seance at the famous Cliff House
on a very dark and stormy night. Sarah and her friend Robert Campbell attend the gathering hosted by Madame Karpova, who has studied with Madame Blavatsky (real life founder of the Theosophical Society and a fascinating and controversial character, medium, clairvoyant), and are therefore present when one of the participants is murdered.These mysteries are light and fun. I like the accumulation of characters from the first and second novels. Some make actual reappearances, some are just mentioned, but it is fun to have the sense of continuity. I didn't take part in the "cozy mystery" challenge, but think this one might fit into that category. San Francisco is a character in her own unique and slightly eccentric way.
Fiction. Historical Mystery. 2007. 320 pages.
This really sounds excellent. I'm creeped out by your description! :)
ReplyDeleteI think I might look for this book next time I am in a mystery mood.
ReplyDeleteSF: one of my very favorite places...now, I guess I have another series to look for...=-) This one sounds right up my alley...
ReplyDeleteHeather -- It really isn't creepy. I think that element could have been played up. I mean, just look at the way the house looks like a castle about to fall into the bay!
ReplyDeleteKailana -- It was a quick and fun little mystery!
Debby -- I've never been, but have always wanted to visit. San Francisco is a fascinating place with such interesting history!
I have this one here and am glad to hear some comments on it. I'll have to move it up in the stack.
ReplyDeleteOh I remember reading the first book a while back and not sure why I didn't follow through with this series. Glad to hear it continues to be a good one. I need to catch up with it.
ReplyDeleteThat castle is amazing - scary and beautiful. I bet on a stormy night it could be very spooky. Another series going onto the list. Sounds good.
ReplyDeleteStormy night. Seance. Cliff House. I can visualize a trailer for a spooky film. And it is set in San Francisco! My city! I'll have to pick this one up. Thanks for posting the review. :)
ReplyDeleteKay -- It is a fast read and pretty light fair, but I enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteiliana -- So many books...we will never catch up!
booklogged -- I bet it would be pretty spooky on a stormy night. With all of your challenges, I imagine you have a full plate!
Matt -- It really isn't as spooky as it sounds, but a nice little addition to the series!
I was born in San Francisco and have a soft spot for any book (or movie, for that matter) set there, so I'll have to look out for this! I love the Cliff House, by the way, though now I hear the restaurant is kind of a tourist trap :)
ReplyDeletethis book sounds right down my alley - I'm adding the first in the series to my reading list.
ReplyDeletehave you red Diane Day's series about "Fremont Jones"? She's a young woman solving crime during the SF earthquake of 1907.I loved the first few books in that series, although it did lose steam. definitely recommend it though.
This looks just like my sort of thing. I'm off to the library site to see if they've been published in England yet.
ReplyDeleteGentle Reader -- I have a soft spot for San Francisco, too, and gravitate toward books with that setting. Do you go back often?
ReplyDeleteTonya -- As a matter of fact I have read several of the Fremont Jones series. I thoroughly enjoyed the first ones, but like you, found they ran out of steam. Or took a new direction.
Ann -- The first in the series is Murder on Nob Hill, the second is The Russian Hill Murders. Tallman seems to have a thing going with S.F. locations. I'd start with the first one...hope you like the series!
This sounds like a really fun series. Almost gothic in nature. I just may have to find these!
ReplyDeletePaula -- This is the third one I've read, and I've enjoyed them all. Kind o "mystery lite."
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