Because I Could Not Stop for Death (An Emily Dickinson Mystery)

Emily Dickinson and her housemaid Willa Noble investigate a suspicious death in Amherst in the opening novel of a historical mystery series. The book uses the poet’s world as a backdrop for friendship, class tension, and a murder that reaches deep into local secrets.

historical mysteryEmily Dickinsonfemale friendshipclassmurder investigation

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Work Information

A job in the Dickinson household turns into friendship, and then into murder investigation.

Set in Amherst in 1855, the novel follows Willa Noble as a new position in the Dickinson household turns into a search for the truth behind her brother’s death. Emily Dickinson’s wit and curiosity help drive a mystery rooted in secrecy, injustice, and the pressures of the era.

Review Summaries

Readers appreciate the blend of historical detail and fictional invention, along with the period atmosphere. Some, however, see it more as a character-driven mystery than as a particularly intricate puzzle.

Book Information

Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Published: 2022-09-20
Pages: 336 pages
Language: 英語
Size: 13.2 x 2.1 x 20 cm
ISBN-13: 9780593336946
ISBN-10: 0593336941
Price: 3164 JPY
Category: 洋書/Mystery & Thrillers/Mystery/Women Sleuths

Emily Dickinson and her housemaid, Willa Noble, realize there is nothing poetic about murder in this first book in an all-new series from USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award–winning author Amanda Flower. January 1855 Willa Noble knew it was bad luck when it was pouring rain on the day of her ever-important job interview at the Dickinson home in Amherst, Massachusetts. When she arrived late, disheveled with her skirts sodden and filthy, she'd lost all hope of being hired for the position. As the housekeeper politely told her they'd be in touch, Willa started toward the door of the stately home only to be called back by the soft but strong voice of Emily Dickinson. What begins as tenuous employment turns to friendship as the reclusive poet takes Willa under her wing. Tragedy soon strikes and Willa's beloved brother, Henry, is killed in a tragic accident at the town stables. With no other family and nowhere else to turn, Willa tells Emily about her brother’s death and why she believes it was no accident. Willa is convinced it was murder. Henry had been very secretive of late, only hinting to Willa that he'd found a way to earn money to take care of them both. Viewing it first as a puzzle to piece together, Emily offers to help, only to realize that she and Willa are caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse that reveals corruption in Amherst that is generations deep. Some very high-powered people will stop at nothing to keep their profitable secrets even if that means forever silencing Willa and her new mistress....

Amanda Flower is the USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award-winning mystery author of over forty novels, including the nationally bestselling Amish Candy Shop Mystery Series, Magical Bookshop Mysteries, and, written under the name Isabella Alan, the Amish Quilt Shop Mysteries. Flower is a former librarian, and she and her husband, a recording engineer, own a habitat farm and recording studio in Northeast Ohio.

Reviews

I've read many of Amanda Flower's books, after meeting her early in her career when she was a guest writer at a University event. While I enjoy reading her cozy mysteries, I liked this story even more than her other books because of the way she incorporates factual information about Emily Dickinson's life into the tale. A bonus was the occasional line of poetry, and a glimpse into the poet's mind. Many of us find Dickenson's poetry to be on the mysterious side, and Flower, through the character of Willa, the poet's servant, allows us to be content not understanding the depths. Flower draws an interesting character that challenges the "white dress" stereotype. She includes meaningful historical backdrop of the era, and imaginative content about life in Amherst, too. In the end, Amanda Flower does what she always does, she writes a good mystery that is solved in a satisfying final chapter. I already know I want to read every book in this series.
This is the first title in a new series by the author Amanda Flower. I don’t generally enjoy historical mysteries, but this story caught me up right from the start. The settings, the characters, especially that of Emily Dickinson, are well written and propel the events along at in interesting pace. Time-wise, the novel is set just pre-civil war. The main character, Willa, learns of her brothers death, and soon realizes it was no simple accident, but the result of his involvement in events that took a violent turn. In a turn of good fortune, Willa has just started a new job working for the Dickinson family. Emily Dickinson becomes involved, facilitating their investigation by putting her family’s status and influence to work. The two women make a good murder investigating team, and meet some interesting people along the way. Historical, cozy, and enough red herrings to keep you guessing. Looking forward to more stories in this great beginning!
Good story and has a lot of historical references. Unusual take on life as a slave trader
The book is wonderful, even though the plot is a bit obvious and the big reveal is a bit disappointing. The characters are vivid and quite enjoyable to spend time with.
I just started reading this book last night and can't put it down!