Books of the week (11/01/23)

“Magpie Murders” 

By Anthony Horowitz 

The “Atticus Pünd” series is at the top of the best seller list for author Alan Conway.  He has just turned in the next installment of the series which will be his last – but he is the only one who knows that.  Susan Ryeland, Alan’s editor, has spent all weekend reading the manuscript only to find that it is missing the last two chapters. Before she can call Alan to ask for the pages, she learns of his death – a tragic suicide of one of the world’s most famous authors. Or was it?  Susan decides to investigate his death on her own- making her feel like she is in one of her own Atticus Pünd novels. Alan’s life and death are pointing more and more towards the novel he just finished. To solve the mystery of Alan’s death, she must find those missing chapters. 

“Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker” 

By Jennifer Chiaverini 

Elizabeth Keckley was born into slavery and bought her freedom after 37 years.  She moved to Washington, D.C. and became a well-known dressmaker by designing high-end fashions for the city’s elite.  Most notable of these was Varina Davis, wife of Jefferson Davis, who was the Senator from Mississippi and would become President of the Confederacy.  When Mississippi seceded from the Union, the Davis’s moved back to the south – offering to take Elizabeth with them. Elizabeth was fond of the Davis’s but did not want to leave her friends or clients in D.C.   

When the Lincolns moved into the White House, Mary Todd Lincoln held interviews for dressmakers in the area.  Mrs. Lincoln had invited Elizabeth based on the word of another client and hired her on the spot.  As Mrs. Lincoln’s Modiste, Elizabeth was privy to the family’s personal conversations and daily living.  She became close with the Lincolns and was very devoted to them even after the President’s assassination.  Elizabeth wrote her own book titled “Behind the Scenes”, which most likely included changed facts by the editor – ruining her reputation.