An unusual book, based on an actual murder case. Blending the stories of two young women living in different times, it creates credible characters who command the reader's sympathy. As well as being a murder mystery, it is also a love story with a difference. It deals with the struggle of women for status and independence in a male-dominated society, as well as the struggle of the radical for recognition in a conservative society. An absorbing read - and not just for women.

I intend to pass it to my sister with an exhortation to become a bookcrossing member and to release the book into the wild in due course.

Passed on to me by my brother as an introduction to book crossing. Will read and release.

Really enjoyed this book. More a story of the main character's longing for freedom and independence than a murder mystery. Murder is a subplot that serves to illuminate the main character's decision making. Read it quickly and wanted to get to the end.

I shall pass this one on to my sister as her introduction to bookcrossing and so that it can be released further afield.

passed on by my sister- lovely atmospheric book really conjuring up the time and place and the fledgling struggles of women to take their full place in society.this book has been control released to an oil rig off Great Yarmouth in the care of my intrepid mud logging daughter!

I have received this book from my mum as an introduction to bookcrossing. I am looking forward to reading it but just finishing of "The Shadow of the Wind" first.

I found this book very enjoyable. I especially like the author's use of vocabulary in the book - the heroin's 'word of the day' added an interesting and descriptive aspect to the story. As it is based on an actual murder case, you can really feel sympathy for the heroin's plight. I, working in a male dominated industry, found it moving that women had to fight so hard to assert their independence. It was women like Mattie, a hundred years ago, being 'bookish' that set a pattern for female equality in future years. I would not say this is a feminist book, nor even a murder mystery since it encompasses many themes, including drama, romance and most certainly suspense. The death is merely a subplot to anchor Mattie's story to - giving her the impetus to seize the few opportunities given to her.
I will release this book when I leave the rig, as I think it would be a little bit of a waste to leave it to a load of roughnecks!