The Whispering Women

The Whispering Women drew me in from the first page. Both characters, Louisa and Ellen, are in dire straits living in a man's world in 1913, and yet they have to support themselves and make their own way. The storyline is strong and doesn't become heavy handed with social issues. It's a truly great read.

One of the best historical mysteries I have ever read. This book takes me back to that time period and draws me into all the intrigue. Fantastic Read!

This book took many twists and turns. It certainly kept me going, always waiting to see what would happen. A good vacation book.

A young reporter, teetering on the edge of genteel poverty is paired with an Irish lady's maid in this thoroughly delightful whodunnit. Filled with historical detail and a cast of stock players that Ms. MacEnulty keeps firmly in hand, Louisa and Ellen set out to solve who's behind the death of a policewoman, as well as some nefarious shenanigans of a society abortionist. The novel is beautifully structured, each chapter swiftly moving back and forth, as the pages nearly turn themselves. An auspicious beginning for, what no doubt, will be a fantastic series.

A triumph of telescoped history, MacEnulty’s novel of early 1900s New York City, reveals how present our past still is today. I picked up this arresting mystery novel at a book fair and could not put it down, so relevant to the 21st century are the heroines’ concerns over denied contraception, lethal illegal abortions, targeted bombing of investigations and women kidnapped for the “white slave” trade.The novel is also a triumph of authentic historic detail, shedding light on a nation's dark history, and an evolving brave new world of women freeing themselves for the vote, contraception, and professions outside the home. MacEnulty captures high society pride and prejudice against immigrants, predatory schemes by the wealthy, unveils real historic figures and mines her own family history including a great grandmother journalist.She develops vivid characters who become an investigating duo (Louise Delafield and Ellen Malloy) in this first of a gripping detective series. The duo uncovers an exploitive upper crust in vivid scenes of Grand Central Terminal opening, deep dives into Hell’s Kitchen and the first women’s march (for the vote) on Washington D.C. As one marcher declares, “No one gives up power without a fight.”With the help of a "prying," fired servant (Malloy), reporter Delafield escapes a criminal gang with her life. She recognizes that, “Since the dawn of time, women who stepped out of society’s prescribed roles had to pay a price. But the price was even higher if they didn’t.” Classic author Jane Austen, herself, would be pleased with the humiliation of Louise when Delafield realizes how blind she’s been to the venal and crass society she once admired.MacEnulty is imminently qualified to write this immersive human history and valuable addition to historical fiction. She is a multi-published novelist, former English professor, teaches for FAMU’s School of Journalism and has haunted the under seams of major American cities and penal systems.