Murder of a Suffragette (London Ladies’ Murder Club Book 4)
In Sussex, 1922, the inimitable Mabel Canning of the Useful Women Agency is employed as private secretary to Lady Emma Fellbridge, hostess to a group of suffragettes/suffragists eager to continue the fight, which was suspended in 1914. Women over thirty now have the vote, but that’s not good enough for Emma, so the battle will continue until equality with their male counterparts is achieved. Annie Harkin, an ardent suffragette and presumed leader of the new campaign, is found murdered in her bed during that first evening in picturesque Fellbridge Hall. Mabel and friends Cora and Skeff, all members of the London Ladies’ Murder Club, begin preliminary interviews before being joined by DI Tollerton (Tolly) of Scotland Yard. With her respectful, calm demeanour and organisational skills, Mabel is an invaluable part of the team, stepping in as Tolly travels back and forth to London to keep up with other open cases. Her keen observations call attention to some friction in the all-female gathering, some of whom might want the coveted position of spokeswoman for the new campaign. Or did the killer get the wrong woman because Annie’s room was switched last-minute with another conference participant?
Wingate has picked a powerful theme for her fourth series entry, spotlighting the bold and fearless women who fought for rights we take mostly for granted with nary a thought for the sacrifice involved. Her portrayal of the fragile yet stalwart Dorothea, who suffered the violent degradation of being force-fed in Holloway prison along with Annie, is particularly well-drawn. This is no fluffy cosy but delves into vital events at a pivotal time and looks back on the history of the pre-war campaign. It’s a thought-provoking read particularly in light of current discussion regarding women’s freedom, which, sadly, is still being politicised and fought over 100 years on.
