Murder in the Park

Set in 1925 Oak Park, Ill., this gripping series launch from Agatha Award winner Dams (the Dorothy Martin series) finds Elizabeth Fairchild, a wealthy young widow who lives with her parents, depressed and lacking confidence. After Mr. Anthony, the town’s antique-shop owner and Elizabeth’s friend, is found murdered, she rouses herself and announces publicly she’s determined to find his killer. The revelation that Mr. Anthony was Italian triggers anti-Catholic bigotry to the extent of threats against Elizabeth for championing him. Her family’s house is broken into, and a cross is burned on their lawn. It seems that a female contingent of the Ku Klux Klan is active in Oak Park. One of Elizabeth’s few allies is real-life Grace Hemingway, Ernest’s mother, whose strong-minded character’s appearances are a highlight of the book. Elizabeth’s attempts to pit local members of the KKK against gangsters affiliated with Al Capone alternate with domestic scenes that show her learning to brew coffee and arguing with her status-obsessed mother. While the plot lacks nuance and complexity, those interested in social justice issues will find the picture of a prosperous town riven by racism memorable. Agent: Kimberley Cameron, Kimberley Cameron & Assoc. (Mar.)