The Perfect Daughter

I'm an unabashed feminist, and the Nell Bray mystery series is definitely one of my favourites. Gillian Linscott is absolutely brilliant at mixing politics, a socio-historical commentary of early 20th century England, with a mystery plot. And this latest Nell Bray mystery, "The Perfect Daughter" does not disappoint at all.It's the summer of 1914, and Nell Bray is, as usual, busy fighting for the vote, when she receives news that her niece, Verona North, is missing. Verona, according to her parents, is perfect: young, attractive and intelligent, and dutiful. So that it came as quite a surprise to her parents when Verona decided that she'd like to go to London and enrol at an art school. Fortunately for the Norths, Nell lives in London, and although Verona's father, Benjamin, does not approve of Nell and her suffragette cause, Alexandra (Verona's mother) asks Nell to keep and eye on Verona. Nell is of course a little irritated -- she has enough to do without having to look out for her 'perfect' niece. But then six months later, Verona seems to have vanished. And when Nell goes down to Devon to discuss Verona's disappearance with Alexandra, she stumbles onto Verona hanging in the family boathouse, an apparent suicide. But that is not all: the autopsy finds Verona doped up with opium and two months pregnant. While Nell feels a little guilty for not keeping a more vigilant eye on Verona, she also instinctively finds it hard to believe that Verona did take her own life. Sensing that the solution to all her questions lies in London, Nell sets off to question Verona's friends and acquaintances. Suddenly Nell finds herself being not only watched by Scotland Yard because of her suffragette activities, but by another more shadowy and sinister organisation. What exactly was Verona doing in London? Did she commit suicide or was her murder covered up by some very powerful people? Nell Bray is determined to discover all and bring Verona's killers to justice. This is a really great series that gives you an idea of what the suffragettes went through in order to obtain the vote for women; and Gillian Linscott also does a deft job of painting the political and social changes that were coming to the fore in early 20th century England. And as for her unique creation, Nell Bray, well she might not be to everyone's taste -- she is intelligent, feels she's always in the right, and sees no neccessity to cater to the male ego. But she is also passionate in her beliefs, and a loyal friend. And this makes her, strong beliefs and all, a very likeable character. This novel is well written and tautly paced, and with well developed characters. "The Dutiful Daughter" is an exciting and enjoyable read, and will definitely provide you with a couple of hours of delight.