A FRONT PAGE AFFAIR by Radha Vatsal

 

Publisher:     Sourcebooks

Published:     May 3, 2016   

ISBN:        978-1492632665

Genre:       Historical Mystery

Format:     Print

Obtained via:  Library    

Reviewed by name and email address:  Gina  Ginalrmreviews@gmail.com

FIVE HEARTS

 

A modern woman for her time, Capability “Kitty” Weeks has her heart set on becoming a journalist.  Despite the still restrictive moirés of her time, her father more or less supports her choice of career.  While not quite the position she covets, Kitty does have a position on the Sentinel writing pieces for the Ladies Page.  While not thrilled she’s at least pleased when her boss, Miss Busby sends her out to a 4^th of July party given by one of Manhattan’s elite.  Things take a turn, however, when one of the party guests is found, murdered, in the stable.

Back at the paper the male, news editor, is most interested in what she heard and saw—but Kitty is still not admitted into the male bastion of the newsroom.  He’s not above sending her back out to dig for more information and suddenly Kitty finds herself in the middle of what turns out to be more, much more, than a simple murder. With every turn a web of intrigue builds. 

I normally do not review library books as I usually view them as “vacation” reads.  Ones just to relax and enjoy the read without looking at character development, how scenes unfold and if the locale is one I’d like to visit.  Radha Vatsal’s A FRONT PAGE AFFAIR is one of the exceptions to my norm.  I was drawn to pick up A FRONT PAGE AFFAIR because the idea of a female journalist at the turn of the 19^th century intrigued me. 

Kitty Weeks is one of the best heroines I’ve read in some time.  She’s smart, capable, determined and manages to walk the line between society’s demands and the life she wants with skill and determination.  She’s an awesome character. She’s the kind of woman you’d want to get to know and have as a friend. 

And what brought the murder about?  Wow!  Vatsal blends historical fact with a great mystery.  I didn’t see the ending and the reasons why until they were revealed.  I looked to see when book 2 would be coming out but so far nothing.  I’ll be on the lookout for it though because Kitty Weeks is a fabulous character and Vatsal tells a super story.

Definitely a series I’ll be keeping up with.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.