“A stark and occasionally brutal story, and Hambly tells it superbly, in prose that is vivid and empathetic. For fans of this fine series, this is a must-read”

“Deeply researched … Hambly’s well-wrought denunciation of slavery and her skillful defense of women’s rights resound from January’s times to our own”

“A riveting exploration of a little-known period of Texas history intensified by gut-wrenching depictions of people’s enduring inhumanity”

“While murders, rapes, thefts, and violence were commonplace in that era, their inclusion in this novel into a twin mystery is made compelling by the addition of the historical details, and the exposition of the plight of the unfortunate, the black population, and particularly the treatment of women. Highly recommended”

“An atmospheric, beautifully written mystery”

“Readers will learn a lot about the unique culture of antebellum Louisiana”

“Fascinating ... This well-researched mystery offers readers an appealing cast of characters, a suitably complex plot, and some eye-opening historical details”

“January is a wonderful character ... Hambly does a fine job of painting January's world realistically”

“Outstanding ... In addition to the slavery issue, Hambly focuses on broader social concerns, with panache and sensitivity”