Fatal as a Fallen Woman: A Diana Spaulding Mystery

The book was good, but not as good as her "Face Down" series.

Emerson's mysteries have so much to offer. This one takes place in and around Denver, CO. It brings to life in the 1880's places I've visited myself and wondered about. The mystery is a genuine puzzle, and the pieces gradually fit together until everything is clear by the end. It has suspense, well developed characters, and great historical detail. I highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to enjoy a good novel.

In 1888 New York Independent Intelligencer reporter Diana Spalding quits her job to marry Dr. Ben Northcote only to have her editor Horatio Foxe inform her that Western Union reported that her mom Elmira Torrence killed her dad William, the Silver Baron. Though estranged from her parents as her father disowned her six years ago even deleting her name fro the family bible, Diana leaves for Denver to try to help her mom although the older woman sided with her spouse when William excommunicated their daughter. Though the wire news dispatch mentioned the ex-wife as the killer, Diana, after a grueling train ride, is surprised to confirm that her parents had divorced. Even more shocking to Diana is the plight of her mother before the homicide. Apparently the intolerant William kicked Elmira out of their home four years ago, but she thrived in a profession considered scandalous by the female elite. The final stunner is that William married Miranda who was Diana's age. Unable not to help her mom, a fugitive chased by U.S. Marshals, Diana begins investigating by questioning the upper crust and the dens of iniquity that make up much of Denver. In her second historical mystery (see DEADLIER THAN THE PEN), Diana Spaulding works a personal case in which the obstinate journalist refuses to back down from either the scorn of the elite or the disdain of the underclass. The action-packed story line provides the audience with a deep look at Denver late in the nineteenth century. Fans of Americana whodunits will want to read this strong tale as well as obtain Kathy Lynn Emerson's Elizabethan Face Down series starring Diana's ancestor Susanna Appleton; these contain great historical mystery novels. Harriet Klausner

The second thrilling adventure in the Diana Spaulding Mystery series, Fatal as a Fallen Woman is set in 1888 and follows "girl-reporter" Diana Spaulding who suddenly receives word that her father is murdered and her mother has been accused of the heinous crime. Though long estranged from her parents, she rushes to find out the truth and - she hopes - prove her mother's innocence; the story that unfolds threatens to impugn her own reputation, for it would seem that her father threw her mother out and her mother continued to earn a living as a "fallen woman". Diana's quest to uncover the truth will pit her against the fiercest elements of her home city, and her own mother doesn't seem to want her help! A rip-roaring exciting mystery.

Diana Spaulding, a crime reporter for the New York Independent, Intelligencer is back in the second entry in the series. Despite being estranged from her parents, Diana travels to Colorado after learning not only that her mother is accused of murdering her tycoon father, but that her parents were divorced. Diana arrives in Denver to try to help her mother, only to learn that her mother now makes a living as a Madam. There is no shortage of suspects since her father was not very well liked. Set in 1888, Kathy Lynn Emerson does a good job setting the mood of the time. The book is rich in atmospheric detail blending historical fact with fiction. Diana is a very likable, spunky heroine. The plot well-paced and offered a few twists and turns to keep the pages turning.