The Cliff House Strangler

by: Shirley Tallman

Published by: St. Martin's Minotaur

Reviewed by Edith Knehans

It is a refreshing to read a story that is set in a season in which the characters are spending time trying to keep warm, especially when the modern-day thermometer reads in the triple digits. It is even more refreshing when the story provides what good fiction should: an escape from the ordinary.

The Cliff House Strangler, written by Shirley Tallman, is such a story. It is third in a series of Sarah Woolson mysteries. Set in the nineteenth-century, Sarah Woolson could be mistaken for today’s contemporary women. Sarah’s character is established as a lawyer, back in a time when a professional working woman was quite uncommon. Independent, assertive, and just this side of compassionate, Sarah provides the spine to a great historical, if fictional, tale.

The story is sparked by a séance that Sarah and her husband, Robert, attend at the historic Cliff House in San Francisco. A reporter is murdered at the séance, and Sarah is determined to get to the bottom of the matter. Sarah’s character explores the issues that arise from such a dastardly event with a dry, intellectual wit and diligent, snappy sleuthing.

Written with a wonderful class of humor, sense of place, and depth of character, Tallman has a great time unraveling the personalities and motives of the main characters. Tallman provides a glimpse into the lives of those that existed the nineteenth century. She has grasped the mindset of many walks of women. From the professional woman to the flighty gypsy, Tallman gives what a lover of historical fiction/mystery thrives on: an accurate period piece with twists and turns that whet and fulfill the appetite for sharp fiction. A terrific late summertime read, this book is to be enjoyed in any season!

Armchair Interview says: Historical mystery that seems so real and is worth your time reading.

Author’s Web site: http://www.ShirleyTallman.com