Diamonds in the Rough (The White City Novellas)
Rita is known as “Little Egypt,” although she has never been out of Chicago. She is a dancer at the 1893 Columbian Exposition, sometimes referred to as the Chicago World’s Fair. Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show has moved on, but there is still much for Rita to do. During her free time, she likes to explore the many exhibitions and eateries offered at the Exposition. On this particular day, she and a friend decide to visit the fair’s complete replica of Britain’s White Horse Inn. Little does she know that murder is soon to be served along with the shepherd’s pie, and there is much more to the victim than there seems.
This is the second of the delightful White City Novellas, a prequel series to the Little Egypt mysteries. The characters are so well developed you wouldn’t know the book is only 89 pages. The exhibits of the fair and the food of 1893 Chicago are highlighted well in this story. There are big revelations about the victim’s life that add more layers to the story. The mystery is intriguing, and I love the way that the author weaves fact with fiction to create a compelling tale. This little novella combines action, romance, diamonds, and a surprise in one small package. I highly recommend this to fans of mysteries, thrillers, and historical fiction based in Chicago.
