Now that may not be an enticement to read Jana Harris' first mystery; in fact, the premise is quite unusual. (And don't judge this book by its unflattering and deceiving cover.) But the author's considerable skill here lies in her ability to intertwine the history of this Wild West period with a decent plot. And the one-of-a-kind characters who populate Ruby City also make this an amusing read as well.

Pearl Ryan is on the run. Accused of stealing a diamond necklace from her former New York employer, Pearl has set out for the remote silver mines of central Washington. She chooses this rough and tough place for one reason: to find Jake Pardee and seek her revenge. Jake is the man responsible for ruining Pearl's father (and ultimately her entire family) after he steals everything in a lucrative business deal. Pearl avoided the workhouse by becoming a house servant, and 10 years later she hasn't forgotten.

Before Pearl can exact some kind of revenge however, her great friend and benefactor Mayor Shaky Pat McDonald takes ill. Doc Stringfellow diagnoses typhoid, but little Pearl, who secretly studies medicine and is applying to medical schools, thinks otherwise. Poison. As she sets out to discover who could have poisoned Shaky, several other mysterious deaths are discovered. As Pearl works to discover the connection between the deaths, she begins to realize that she has more to worry about than that old arrest warrant.

Jana Harris is especially good at creating the setting, quirky characters and dialogue from this time and place in history. The hardships of these early mining towns are evident. The tents lined with newspaper served as homes, the rough weather brought snow, floods and landslides, and a case of pink eye might eventually blind you.

But the inhabitants of Ruby City are a plucky lot; they do what is necessary to get by. There is Carolina Bitterroot, the beautiful and aloof school teacher/nurse. There is Dutch Wilhelm, a Marx and Engels quoting union organizer. Mary Reddawn is the quiet and helpful Indian woman who helps Pearl with her laundry business, along with her Chinese husband Chin. And of course there is the unforgettable Ella, the 300-pound madame to a flock of "soiled doves." These artfully drawn characters, crafted with the aid of Harris' knowledge and research of this era, make the book a unique and enjoyable read.

Ultimately, the perky Pearl Ryan discovers that there is a lot more going on in Ruby City than she ever imagined. (Early in the book, when she lists nicknames for the town, Opium Alley gives the reader a hint.) As we sift through old "Wanted" posters, old Civil War grievances and old liaisons, we are led through a not-so-unusual mystery plot. However, the unique setting and clever characters make up for any lackluster or confusing moments in the plot. Keeping up with Pearl, the sleuthing laundress and would-be doctor, is fun in itself.

--Martha Moore