Colleen Coble

Dear Readers,

The Lightkeeper's Ball is the 3rd in a series set in Mercy Falls, California.  Colleen Coble has taken us on an interesting journey through early 1900's American history.  It is an interesting look at how things were different then and how some things never change.  This book is set during a time when Halley's Comet is going to pass by the earth and shows the citizens' reaction to it.  The was lots of panic that everything living on the earth was going to be wiped out by the gases that were in the tail of the comet.  There were actually pills being sold to keep for being harmed by it.  While it sounds funny and silly, does anyone own a generator that was bought right around the turn of the century?  

 

Olivia learns her sister has died in very unusual circumstances.  She knows that Eleanor was murdered and she sets out to find out who wanted her sister dead.  Her first night in town proves to her that she is right when someone throws her overboard from the ship she arrives on.  When she finds out that the person that saves her is the man Olivia is sure killed her sister, she is confused as to what and who to believe.   No one seems to be who they say they are, including Olivia herself.

I really enjoyed reading this book.  Not only for the interesting mystery that kept me guessing, but also for the different things that were happening in America's history at that time.  Motor cars are just coming onto the scene.  Airplanes are something that no one trusts except those few daredevils that enjoy the new thrill of flying.  Telephones are still rare, but are quickly becoming something that people are using more and more. I also found a quick little tidbit about national income tax amusing.  Two gentleman were discussing how it was or wasn't a good idea, because how else was the government going to pay for all the new roads and keep them safe and without potholes. 

I have said over and over how much I have enjoyed Colleen's books and this one is no exception.  This series in and of itself was so much fun to read because of the historical setting.  Colleen is known for her good mysteries and when she sets it in an interesting time in history, all the better.  If you don't get a chance to read the books at least take the time to notice the covers, they are absolutely beautiful. 

Happy Reading