When one of the young women is murdered in a similar fashion to the Jack the Ripper murders occurring in far away London, Caroline Ames, childhood friend of Agatha and teacher at the school, rushes to Agatha's aid. Caroline promises, with the help of her brother Addington and boarder Dr. MacKenzie to find out who is behind this terrible crime. Addington agrees with a bit of reluctance; he knows that if he doesn't make some inquiries his headstrong sister will go ahead without him, placing herself in grave danger.

The murder of a second Bower girl causes a frenzy among the newspapers that warn that Jack the Ripper has come to Boston. Caroline knows better and hopes she is able to piece everything together before further hysteria consumes Boston and before another murder occurs.

Murder at Bertram's Bower is an authentic look at a growing city just before the turn of the last century. Cynthia Peale shows both the genteel side of the city and the poorer, rougher side, handling both with great ease. The attitudes and actions of each group of characters share similarities, (their dislike of the Irish) yet their differences are very apparent.

Caroline, a single woman in her mid-thirties, is very comfortable with herself and isn't concerned what others may say or think of her. She has ably taken over the household duties and she and her brother have taken in a boarder to some raised eyebrows, though Dr. MacKenzie has fit in well with the small family.

The mystery is very complex, but very well laid out. The telling clue is recognized early on, but how it is used will come as a surprise. Though all the clues point in two directions, readers will not be surprised when the mystery eventually takes a much different turn. Murder at Bertram's Bower is a well researched historical novel with a strong female heroine and the hint of a romance to come.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry