Tallman, Shirley – THE RUSSIAN HILL MURDERS

[LJ Roberts]

THE RUSSIAN HILL MURDERS (Legal Suspense-San Francisco-1880s) – VG Tallman, Shirley – 2^nd in series
St. Martin's
Minotaur, 2005- Hardcover

In spite of the pressure to resign from her employer, Sarah Woolson is determined to succeed as one of the few female attorneys. While attending a charity dinner for a Women and Children's Hospital, a wealthy woman dies of an apparent heart attack. Sarah suspects unnatural causes, particularly when others associated with the Hospital also die. The hospital's Chinese cook is accused of murder, and Sarah is asked to defend him. In the meantime, a pregnant widow asks for Sarah's help finding and penalize the owner of a sweatshop in which a fire killer her husband, Sarah agrees.

I am so enjoying this series. The story moved right along, kept me interested and wanting to know what was coming. The final courtroom scene was a bit melodramatic, but didn't put me off the book. Tallman has created a smart, feisty character supported by her family but fighting society's norms, and the supporting characters are equally interesting. I eagerly await the next book.