The Firebird's Feather
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3.5 • 4 Ratings
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
A sheltered young woman postpones her entry into Edwardian society to solve the untimely demise of her mother.
London, May, 1911. The new king, George V, is preparing for his coronation. The suffragettes are campaigning for women to get the vote. The East End seethes with unrest. And eighteen-year-old Kitty Challoner is looking forward to 'coming out' in London society.
But Kitty's secure, sheltered world is about to be torn apart. Lydia Challoner is shot dead while out riding in Hyde Park, and during the ensuing murder investigation Kitty discovers that there was so much she didn't know about her mother. Was Lydia really the killer's intended target? Is there a link to her Russian heritage? Why had she been behaving so strangely in recent weeks? Was she having an affair?
As Kitty determines to uncover the truth and wonders exactly whom she can trust, she learns that the household in which she lives harbors a number of dangerous secrets.
"Solid writing, an engaging heroine, authentic period ambience, and some unexpected twists make this an entertaining and satisfying read for all historical-mystery buffs." ―Booklist
"Well-drawn characters, inventive plotting, and a touch of romance distinguish this lively historical." ―Publishers Weekly
"Eccles once again combines history and romance with a clever mystery filled with a wide array of suspects." ―Kirkus Reviews
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Like Downton Abbey, this fun, well-crafted standalone by British author Eccles (A Dangerous Deceit) sets a wealthy family in a world of social change. In the summer of 1911, London faces a new monarch, suffrage demonstrations, and violent political activism. Eighteen-year-old Kitty Challoner is preparing for her introduction to London society when her Russian-born mother, Lydia, is fatally shot while horseback riding in Hyde Park. As Kitty grieves, she discovers that her father's gun is missing, a precious icon has vanished, and a sketch of a wolf has mysteriously appeared in the lacquer box, decorated with a firebird, which her mother cherished. Lydia's conflicts with suffragette leaders, close relationship with a handsome younger man, and possible support for London's anarchist underground give the police ample leads. As Lydia's hidden life is revealed, Kitty comes of age in a sobering but satisfying fashion. Well-drawn characters, inventive plotting, and a touch of romance distinguish this lively historical.
