Liberty Falling

I think this is one of the best Anna Pigeon novels. The mystery is tightly spun, and the National Park backdrop that always plays such an integral role in Barr's novels is intriguing and spooky. The story of Anna's relationships with her sister and FBI agent Frederick Stanton also continues to develop in this book, which I enjoy. In general, I think Anna becomes an even more complex character and we understand more of her personal turmoil while enjoying a good whodunnit.

Once again I couldn't put a Nevada Barr book down! Anna's newest adventure had me hooked from the first few pages. The setting may have been in an urban park but the story was as exciting as ever. Having been to Ellis Island shortly after the remodeling was finished I was fascinated that I learned more about it (and the Statue of Liberty) in this book than I did actually visiting them! I always enjoy Nevada Barr's vivid and detailed descriptions of places and people and relationships. I can really identify with Anna and her struggles and I can't wait for the next episode in her story!

Anna is a complex and interesting woman. She goes into the forbidden, overcoming her fear, ingrossed in chasing the mystery. Regardless of the environment, Anna's love for nature comes through. A fish out of water in NYC, Anna still finds excitement. The plot twists and characters in each story are fascinating! Nevada Barr has moved into the top five of my favorite authors list, joining a very diverse group. Love 'em, Nevada, keep 'em coming. I miss Anna when I'm not in the middle of one of her adventures. Pleasurable reading.

(from the "Milwaukee Journal Sentinel")Nevada Barr takes her heroine Anna Pigeon out of her natural element (the forests, rivers, and deserts of our National parks) and sets her smack dab in the middle of the ultimate asphalt jungle: New York City. Oddly, this change of venue has produced some of Barr's best writing to date. In fact, "Liberty Falling" is her best novel to date. And when considering her small but powerful oeuvre ("Blind Descent," "Firestorm," "Track of the Cat" and three other top-notch efforts), that says a lot. After learning that her sister, Molly, has succumbed to pneumonia, Anna Pigeon travels to New York to hold vigil. When Frederick Stanton (a former boyfriend and FBI agent who has fallen in love with Molly) shows up, she begins feeling like an unneeded crutch. Bunking down in the ranger's quarters on Ellis Island, Anna shuttles back and forth among the three New York islands (Ellis, Liberty and Manhattan), trying to keep busy as she settles in for what could be a long wait. On a visit to Liberty island, Anna comes on the scene just after a young child is apparently pushed off of the statue. A new found friend, Park Policeman James "Hatch" Hatchett, falls under suspicion. Relying on instincts, Anna senses something amiss. And what forensic evidence is available suggests the child may have jumped. Unable to help herself, Anna begins snooping about. Among the caretakers, policemen, rangers and actors (who act out the roles of immigrants on Ellis Island), Anna finds more than enough suspects for murder. What's more, stories about ghosts haunting the ruins on Ellis Island have been bandied about. Her investigations turn up evidence of a strange and unexplained happenings in the night on Ellis and Liberty Islands. Further digging uncovers a murderous plot that could have worldwide political ramifications. When "Hatch" dies in what others assume is a freak accident and a young actress goes missing, Anna Pigeon knows she is, once again, on the right track to catch her killer. There's only one problem: he seems to be after her as well. The subplot involving Anna's sister Molly and Frederick Stanton makes for a gentle and humane counterpoint to the often violent, moral morass of the main story line. Sporting plenty of action and suspense, and a timely subtext involving racism and misplaced patriotism, "Liberty Falling" offers something for mystery fans of every stripe. (from "Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 1999).

National Park Service Ranger Anna Pigeon would never feel lonely even if she were the only person in Yosemite national Park. On the other hand, place her in a teeming metropolis like Manhattan and she feels both claustrophobic and lonely. However, when her sister is in a Big Apple intensive care unit, fighting for her life, Anna visits her, residing at a friend's home on Liberty Island.Anna explores the ruins of Ellis Island, the locale where millions of immigrants entered this country. However, strange happenings occur on both isles. A teen tumbles from the statue with a witness screaming that a security person pushed the victim. In turn, the accused seemingly commits suicide. Anna has doubts and begins to snoop. For her troubles, someone breaks the crumbling stairwell from under her feet, an incident that could have led to Anna's death. At a subway station, an unknown assailant tries to push her in front of an oncoming train. The attacks on her person continue, but nothing deters Anna from trying to ferret out the truth.Looking at New York City, and Liberty and Ellis Islands from the perspective of a person who enjoys the vast outdoors is an interesting treat. LIBERTY FALLING succeeds because of the attitude of Anna, who is not just tourist, towards the large metropolis. Nevada Barr has the uncanny ability of hiding her clues in plain sight, leaving the reader to struggle with determining who is the perpetrator. The historical research on the two smaller islands adds depth that leaves the audience feeling like they made a recent visit to the Gateways National Park that includes Liberty and Ellis Island. Any Anna Pigeon novel is a treat, but LIBERTY FALLING is a special delight in a top series.Harriet Klausner