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Hearts and Bones
Margaret Lawrence                        
12 copies

Hannah Trevor, a midwife in a small Maine town, discovers the body of a young wife and mother, along with a note naming Hannah's secret past lover and the father of her illegitimate daughter as the woman's murderers

Library Journal

The year is 1786; the place a rural community in Maine. Hannah Trevor, a midwife, healer, and Enlightenment thinker, finds Nan Emory apparently raped and murdered in her bed. A damaging letter in which Nan accuses her attackers is left behind. All evidence seems to point to Hannah's former lover, Daniel Josselyn. Daniel's invalid wife, Charlotte, turns to Hannah, who is convinced that Daniel was framed by an enemy, explores the evidence, and discovers the real murderer. Hannah, a stubbornly independent prefeminist, bears resemblance to Hester Prynne in The Scarlett Letter. The writing is perceptive and makes strong use of imagery. A comparison can be made to the darkly romantic style of Elizabeth George, since troubled, tortured souls expose their hidden selves. Debut novelist Lawrence gives this historical suspense a sense of immediacy by catching the social situation and delving into the psychological scars left by the Revolutionary War. Highly recommended for popular collections.Jacqueline Seewald, Red Bank Regional H.S., N.J.