Overview

The ties between a young Mary Shelley, her stepsister Jane ""Claire"" Clairmont, poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, and the already-infamous Lord Byron grow increasingly tangled as they're drawn into a dangerous investigation in this vivid historical mystery exploring the birth of teenaged Mary's creative genius and the roots of a real-life trio who would later scandalize 19th century England even as they transformed the literary world. 1814, London- Foreign diplomats are descending on London in advance of the Congress of Vienna meetings to formulate a new peace plan for Europe following Napoleon's downfall. Mary and Jane's father, political philosopher William Godwin, is hosting a gathering with an advance party of Russian royal staff. The Russians are enthusiastic followers of Mary's late mother, philosopher and women's rights advocate Mary Wollstonecraft, which leads to a lively dinner discussion. Following their visit, Jane overhears her father reassuring his pushiest creditor that the Russians have pledged diamonds to support his publishing venture, the Juvenile Library, relieving his financial burden. But when Godwin is told the man who promised the diamonds was pulled from the River Thames, his dire financial problems are further complicated by the suspicion that the family may have been involved in the murder. Stepsisters Mary and Jane resolve to find the real killer to clear the family name. Coming to their aid is Godwin's disciple, the dashing poet Percy Shelley, who seems increasingly devoted to Mary, despite the fact that he is married. And a young woman Jane befriends turns out to be the mistress of the celebrated poet-and infamous lover-Lord Byron. As both sisters find themselves perhaps dangerously captivated by the poets, their proximity to the truth of the Russian's murder puts them in far greater peril . . .

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9781496749031

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Reviews

"Praise for Death and the Sisters, Book 1 in the Mary Shelley Mysteries “Redmond’s rendition of the dynamics of this most unconventional family is lively and colorful. A promising series debut for historical mystery buffs.”—Kirkus Reviews “The real life story of Mary Shelley and Jane Clairmont is turbulent and thrilling, as is Ms. Redmond’s depiction of their youth, with a (fictional) murder mystery thrown into the mix for good measure. The bonds of sisterhood that would last throughout the lives of these very different young women are exceptionally showcased.” —Criminal Element “Fans of the Regency period will appreciate the contrast between high society and the literary class as well as the romantic bantering between the married Shelley and the smitten Mary, along with the jealous Jane.” —Booklist “An intense and insightful read.” —Bookreporter.com “Redmond crafts a multi-faceted tale which stands out, among other reasons, due to the author’s keen eye for historical detail that becomes evident in the splendid descriptive parts of the novel...will undoubtedly appeal to fans of historical fiction, as well as those who enjoy a clever mystery.” –The Big Thrill ""A terrific blend of gritty history with a mystery that will keep readers turning pages. Impeccably researched and imaginative, Redmond’s first Mary Shelley Mystery immerses readers in the drama of young Mary Godwin and her family, as well as her budding romance with Percy Shelley, as they work together to solve a wonderfully bookish murder."" —Susanna Craig, author of The Lady Knows Best   ""Death and the Sisers is a rip-roaring murder mystery. Redmond's foray in the world of rational atheists in early 19th century London is a mesmerizing, forceful delight.” —Eilis Flynn, author of The Riddle of Rym   “Crafted with vivid historical detail, an artfully twisted plot, and engaging characters.” —Dianne Freeman, author of the award-winning Countess of Harleigh Mysteries   ""It might be the way London comes to life in all of its dark and gritty complexities, or the dynamics between Mary and her step-sister, Jane...Propulsive and immersive, Heather Redmond is at the top of her game until the intense and satisfying end."" —Mary Keliikoa, author of Hidden Pieces   “An intrepid cast of characters, a stunningly atmospheric 19th-century London, and a riveting murder… Highly recommend.” —Melissa Bourbon, bestselling author"

"Praise for Death and the Sisters, Book 1 in the Mary Shelley Mysteries “Redmond’s rendition of the dynamics of this most unconventional family is lively and colorful. A promising series debut for historical mystery buffs.”- Kirkus Reviews “The real life story of Mary Shelley and Jane Clairmont is turbulent and thrilling, as is Ms. Redmond’s depiction of their youth, with a (fictional) murder mystery thrown into the mix for good measure. The bonds of sisterhood that would last throughout the lives of these very different young women are exceptionally showcased.” - Criminal Element “Fans of the Regency period will appreciate the contrast between high society and the literary class as well as the romantic bantering between the married Shelley and the smitten Mary, along with the jealous Jane.” – Booklist “An intense and insightful read.” –Bookreporter.com “Redmond crafts a multi-faceted tale which stands out, among other reasons, due to the author’s keen eye for historical detail that becomes evident in the splendid descriptive parts of the novel...will undoubtedly appeal to fans of historical fiction, as well as those who enjoy a clever mystery.” –The Big Thrill ""A terrific blend of gritty history with a mystery that will keep readers turning pages. Impeccably researched and imaginative, Redmond’s first Mary Shelley Mystery immerses readers in the drama of young Mary Godwin and her family, as well as her budding romance with Percy Shelley, as they work together to solve a wonderfully bookish murder."" —Susanna Craig, author of The Lady Knows Best   ""Death and the Sisers is a rip-roaring murder mystery. Redmond's foray in the world of rational atheists in early 19th century London is a mesmerizing, forceful delight.” —Eilis Flynn, author of The Riddle of Rym   “Crafted with vivid historical detail, an artfully twisted plot, and engaging characters.” —Dianne Freeman, author of the award-winning Countess of Harleigh Mysteries   ""It might be the way London comes to life in all of its dark and gritty complexities, or the dynamics between Mary and her step-sister, Jane...Propulsive and immersive, Heather Redmond is at the top of her game until the intense and satisfying end."" —Mary Keliikoa, author of Hidden Pieces   “An intrepid cast of characters, a stunningly atmospheric 19th-century London, and a riveting murder… Highly recommend.” —Melissa Bourbon, bestselling author"

Author Information

Heather Redmond is the author of the Mary Shelley Mysteries, Dickens of a Crime series and the Journaling Mysteries, as well as historical and contemporary romances written under the name Heather Hiestand. Though her last known British ancestor departed London in the 1920s, she is a committed anglophile, Dickens devotee, and lover of all things nineteenth century. She has lived in Illinois, California, and Texas, and now resides in a small town in Washington State with her husband and son. The president of the Columbia River Chapter of Sisters in Crime, she be found online at HeatherRedmond.com.

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