Sharon Virts

I was given the opportunity to read an Advance Reader Copy (Uncorrected Proof) from the author.

This book was fantabulous! The prologue starts out with a duel between Armistead (Armie) Mason and Jack McCarty. We don't know exactly how the duel ends until closer to the end. The book then tells us the stories of both of these men - their families, their loves and the discontent between these two men and what led to their duel.

The descriptions and story-telling are so rich that you feel as though you are there and I found that I couldn't stop thinking about these characters when I wasn't reading the book. Highly, highly recommend.… (meer)

I received this book for free from the publisher through the LT Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review. This is a historical “true crime” story about a murder trial of a mother suspected of killing her children in post Civil War Virginia, and is told from the point of view of the lead defense attorney. There is a bit of a twist at the end that I won’t get into to avoid spoilers, other than to say it’s worth getting to that part. I found this a worthwhile read, that moved at a good pace and kept my interest. It was also interesting to reflect on what has - and hasn’t - changed in terms of our legal system, and understanding of the human mind, science, and human rights, in the last century and a half. This is a book that will make you think. 5 stars/recommended… (meer)

A very fascinating story based on a true person with an interesting court case that unfolded after the death of her husband and children. Well before multiple personalities became a known disorder, Emily Lloyd had lost her husband and three children to death and now that last child has died after a sickness and suspicions are high in believing that Emily murdered them all with some sort of poisoning. Maud had been appearing better than after the doctor visited a second time, she quickly succumbed to her symptoms and died as well. How can this much tragedy have happened to one person over just a few years? Powell Harris had agreed to help assist in looking into a few things in the Emily Lloyd case, but as more and more comes about, he soon is drawn in as her lead defense attorney and things only get more strange as the case unfolds and Powell tries to figure out who the defendant really is, meanwhile trying to keep his marriage at home. But something is not right about this case and Emily and Powell is bound to prove the truth and protect Emily at all costs. This was a really interesting read and I had not heard of this case before. Thank you to LibraryThing and to the author for the complementary novel won from a giveaway. This review is of my own opinion and accord.… (meer)

This work of historical fiction focuses on the true story Emily Lloyd, a widow who was accused in 1872 of poisoning her young daughter, Maud. The story focuses on her defense lawyers and their valiant attempts to defend Emily and get to the bottom of what happened to Maud.

The novel is incredibly well researched, using a multitude of sources, not the least of which is the actual court records and transcripts. This makes for gripping reading. The story and characters are well fleshed-out. Pacing is excellent, and the courtroom drama is a fascinating look at court procedures in the 19th century. The details of the forensic science available at the time as well as the legal procedures were fascinating. Because the case revolves around a defendant who is herself a victim of -- at that time -- little understood psychological issues, the case is doubly suspenseful. The case of Emily is moving and dramatic. Great read.… (meer)