9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great historical adventure!, July 23, 2009
This review is from: Bitter Tide (Ellis Island Mysteries) (Hardcover)
This first of the Ellis Island Mystery series has certainly whetted my appetite for subsequent books. The evidence of intense historical research is obvious but in a subtle way that does not intrude on the intricate plot and exciting action. Characters are believable and likable. Ellis Island came alive for me in a way it never has before. I am recommending this book to all of my friends and relatives, and have given it as a gift. It kept me turning pages to the end. I'm very interested in how this series develops. I want more!
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
intriguing Ellis Island mystery, April 26, 2009
This review is from: Bitter Tide (Ellis Island Mysteries) (Hardcover)
In 1901 Immigration Commissioner Powderly selects Joseph Hannegan as Superintendent on Ellis Island because of the man's reputation being "the only honest Irishman in New York". Joseph's mission is root out corruption especially from the top as Assistant Commissioner McNabb is on the take.
Irish immigrant Maggie Flynn arrives on Ellis and pulls out a gun shooting her fiancé Michael Finnegan in front of a zillion witnesses. She is quickly apprehended while Michael is rushed off the island by two cops and a doctor to a nearby hospital. McNabb knowing Hannegan's real mission keeps him busy so he has no time to interfere with his extortion and bribery business; thus heeding the advice of his assistant he assigns Hannegan to investigate the hot potato shooting.
Hannegan tabs women's matron Rachel Bonner, a member of a socially prominent family, to help him. However, the injured man vanishes as does his luggage, and Maggie refuses to tell them anything. Making no progress they follow a clue to Rivington Street where Maggie was to be employed, but barely make it out alive. As the inquiry is going nowhere, Hannegan has issues with his father over the older man's fierce support of the Irish Free Rule group Clan na Gael while ignoring the country who gave him a chance to earn a living. He also has issues with Maggie who he is attracted to, but detests her superiority airs of what is best for the masses especially when she befriends his sister.
This is an intriguing Ellis Island mystery that looks deep at the European immigration at the beginning of the twentieth century. However, the plot remains undecided between a historical mystery and a historical thriller; for instance the social and political issues like corruption on Ellis Island and at Tammany Hall, and first generation pining for the old country while second generation is assimilated overwhelms at times the investigation. The clever Finnegan scenario is deftly handled inside an interesting look at the immigrants who moved to New York to start over.
Harriet Klausner
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5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent reading!, July 4, 2009
This review is from: Bitter Tide (Ellis Island Mysteries) (Hardcover)
Bitter Tide is absolutely one of the best books I've had the pleasure of reading. It actually "pulled" me into the story..I was there, in New York and on Ellis Island. A very interesting story line that kept me captivated..... I didn't want it to end. I'm hoping for a sequel!!
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