Rose Carroll Returns! A Book Review

by Courtney MacLachlan

Readers rejoice to hear that Amesbury's own detective, Rose Carroll, is back in a new collection of short crime fiction. "A Questionable Death and Other Quaker Midwife Stories" by Edith Maxwell is published this month by Crippen and Landru. Rose, a midwife who is a member of the Society of Friends (Quakers), has a thriving business serving local women during pregnancy and childbirth. Besides her obvious medical talents, Rose is a good listener and a sharp observer. She is a trusted member of the community with connections all over town. What an excellent combination for understanding some of the suspicious activities around her! Rose uses her talents well.

The ten short stories contained in this appealing volume span a period of over a decade in late nineteenth-century Amesbury. The first story, "In Pursuit of Justice", takes place when Rose is just beginning her career as an apprentice midwife. She discovers her talent for investigation while tracing details of the murder of a member of her Quaker congregation. The final story, "The Management of Secrets", happens when Rose is a married mother with her own little ones. She is still practicing midwifery, and although she has retired from sleuthing, she agrees to consult with Detective Kevin Donovan on one last case. In between, we have a clever mix of eight stories dealing with thievery, murder, and deception.

Several familiar characters are featured in these tales. Detective Kevin Donovan, of course, appears throughout the book, as does Rose's fellow Quaker, John Greenleaf Whittier. Her good friend postmistress Bertie Winslow is featured in "Adam and Eva", and her niece Faith tries her sleuthing skills in "A Fire in Carriagetown".

As ever, Edith Maxwell's careful and thorough research helps us understand the context of the tales. It is a pleasure to join Rose Carroll and her circle in the world of Amesbury 130 years ago. Welcome back, Rose!

You can meet author Edith Maxwell at her book signing on May 6th - see the ACM Events Calendar.