Murder on the Last Frontier

Murder on the Last Frontier (2015) Cathy Pegau (Charlotte Brody Mystery #1)

Set in Cordova, Alaska in 1919

Charlotte Brody wants to escape her past, so she decides to visit her brother where he has settled down in Cordova Alaska as one of the town doctors.

Michael had told Charlotte he’d secure her a room as soon as she announced her intention to come to Alaska. Living at Sullivan’s, he’d explained, would be more comfortable, as his own home, with its attached office and exam room, would be too small for the two of them.

“How many people live here?”

“One thousand or so, including the Natives who mostly live along the lake and homesteaders who live outside of town but use its services.” He narrowed his gaze as if evaluating Cordova from a distance. “Things are a little different in these parts, Sis. It takes some getting used to.”

Charlotte and Michael had been close, until events of the last year closed Charlotte off from him–and it seems Michael has his own secrets he is hiding.

But the town isn’t quite what she was expecting.

For some reason, the idea that Cordova had electricity, telegraph, and telephone lines amused Charlotte.

But soon after her arrival, one of the local prostitutes is brutally murdered, and Charlotte decides to put her skills as an investigative reporter to work–especially after she ends up present at the autopsy conducted by her brother.

I quite liked Mrs Sullivan who runs the boarding house where Charlotte stays.

Mrs. Sullivan bustled out of her room. Her white hair was in a neat bun, her long-sleeved, high-collared, navy-blue dress appropriate for her matronly figure. “Doctor, I’m glad you’re here.”

“Is someone ill?” he asked.

A scowl added more wrinkles to Mrs. Sullivan’s face. “No, but my boys may need your services for cracked heads when I get to them.”

I wasn’t quite decided about Deputy James Eddington, thought I did appreciate his realistic take on people.

“I can’t think of a single man in this town who’d do such a thing.” Michael’s tone was pitched upward with his disbelief. “Not a one.”

“No?” James raised a sardonic eyebrow. “I can.”

I (unsurprisingly) particularly enjoyed the historical bits of the story.

A lone motorcar idled in front of the steamship company’s office. Several people argued or haggled with the driver—and each other—for a ride in the six-passenger Model T.

Michael secured his sleeves with garters, then pulled on the black gloves.

Charlotte’s attention piqued. Along with several states, the territory of Alaska had enacted its dry law months ago, but the federal Volstead Act would be voted upon in October.

The Volstead Act in particular, since that’s about to change the US significantly when it brings in prohibition.

Interesting story, and I’d like to read the next book, but not enough to pay full price for it.

Characters: Charlotte Mae Brody, Michael Brody, James Eddington, Mrs. Sullivan, Marie, Darcy Dugan, Miss Brigit O’Brien, Thomas Blaine, Henry, Ruth Bartlett, Reverend Samuel Bartlett, young Sam Bartlett, Francis Kavanagh, Tess Kavanagh, Albert, Mr. Perkins, Mrs. Popovich, Mrs. McGruder

Publisher: Kensington Books

Rating: 7.5/10

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