When India Hartley is accused of murder, she must uncover the deceptions of others to save herself.
India Hartley, a famous and beautiful actress, is now alone after her father’s death and embarks upon a tour of theaters across the South. Her first stop is Savannah’s Southern Palace. On the eve of the second night’s performance, something goes horribly wrong. Her co-star, Arthur Sterling, is shot dead on stage in front of a packed house, and India is arrested and accused of the crime.
A benefactor hires Philip Sinclair, the best—and handsomest—lawyer in Savannah to defend India. A widower, Philip is struggling to reinvent his worn-out plantation on St. Simons Island. He needs to increase his income from his law practice in order to restore Indigo Point, and hardly anything will bring him more new clients than successfully defending a famous actress on a murder charge.
Because India can’t go anywhere in town without being mobbed, Philip persuades the judge handling her case to let him take her to Indigo Point until her trial date. India is charmed by the beauty of the Georgia lowcountry and is increasingly drawn to Philip. But a locked room that appears to be a shrine to Philip’s dead wife and the unsolved disappearance of a former slave girl raise troubling questions. Piecing together clues in an abandoned boat and a burned-out chapel, India discovers a trail of dark secrets that lead back to Philip, secrets that ultimately may hold the key to her freedom. If only he will believe her.
My Thoughts
This is the first book I have read by Dorothy Love and I have to say that I am now a fan. This story was full of twists and turns that kept the story running at a fairly good pace for me. I enjoyed the mystery surrounding the characters and I was impressed at the details that were provided, they were well laid out and exact.
As a fan of historical fiction I am always on the lookout for precise information about the era and the location that is being spoken of. I believe that this story held as much fact as it did fiction, and I approve! The location, Indigo Point, sounds absolutely lovely as well as full of shadowy mystery; a wonderful backdrop for a historical tale.
I enjoyed India Hartley so very much. She was a tough cookie from the get-go and I think that she was superbly written. Her stength throughout the story was a nice change from the wimpy girls from other tales. She had her moments of weakness (and injury) but nonetheless, her strength of character was refreshing for me. When her weaknesses were shown, they were also placed along side the fact that God is the one we should lean on, not our own strengths. Well done!
A story that make you curious as to the outcome, therefore making it very difficult to put down. An exciting read, one that is more than just adventure, it is intelligent and intriguing as well.
Dorothy Love has a new fan and I cannot wait to read more from her!
Visit again soon to see what other books we have on the book shelf to share with you.
In His Grace.
Callie
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the TNZ Fiction Guild blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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