The news that August Hewitt receives is that his eldest son Will is still very much alive, though he mightn’t be for long. Will Hewitt sits in jail accused of having slashed a man’s throat during an opium rage. Instead of rushing to his son’s aid, August declares that Will was always a bad seed and it might be better for all involved if he were to hang. Viola believes in her son’s innocence. She knows she can find the right judge to bribe Will out on bail. She pleads with Nell to act in her stead and help clear Will’s name.

Nell has very little to go on, but has a lot of gumption, good intuition and has been well schooled by a benefactor, in matters both practical and scholarly that will serve her well. Summoning up her courage and fearing her most coveted job will be in danger if she clears Will’s name and angers August or if she fails and Viola is more distraught and disabled than she is now and unable to champion Nell.

Nell sets off through the back alleys of Boston where she meets Will and learns a good deal about his past that helps her make the pieces fit, if only she can see the whole picture before it is too late.

Still Life with Murder is a wonderfully engaging period mystery. The Gilded Age is in full swing in Boston and the dichotomy of the haves and have-nots is very clear. Both the richest families and the poorer, rougher class are well drawn and richly described, lending to a very believable setting.

Will is a very intriguing character and as his past is unfolded, he becomes even more interesting. Even as he has allowed his past to dictate his present, there are glimpses of the man he was brought up to be and there is a certain sweetness in the growing attraction between Nell and Will. Nell on the other hand has taken her tough past and has turned it into a determination to have a better future. She has learned to take advantage of whatever good has been offered, but to always remember to remain thankful for the opportunities.

While the things that made Will look guilty to the police (his hands on the dead man’s neck) are easily explained by his being a physician, even Nell admits there is not much evidence pointing to someone else, and Will seems reluctant to aid in his defense. Nell’s and the police’s investigation is very methodical and turns up subtle clues leading to one final dramatic scene.

Still Life With Murder is a highly recommended first mystery with an engaging heroine and richly drawn settings that will leave readers eager for more about Nell and Will.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry