Relative Fortunes: 1 (A Julia Kydd Novel, 1) - Hardcover

Benn, Marlowe

3.69

6,644 ratings by Goodreads

9781542005210: Relative Fortunes: 1 (A Julia Kydd Novel, 1)

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1542005213 ISBN 13: 9781542005210

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing, 2019

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In 1920s New York, the price of a woman’s independence can be exorbitant—even fatal.

In 1924 Manhattan, women’s suffrage is old news. For sophisticated booklover Julia Kydd, life’s too short for politics. With her cropped hair and penchant for independent living, Julia wants only to launch her own new private press. But as a woman, Julia must fight for what’s hers—including the inheritance her estranged half brother, Philip, has challenged, putting her aspirations in jeopardy.

When her friend’s sister, Naomi Rankin, dies suddenly of an apparent suicide, Julia is shocked at the wealthy family’s indifference toward the ardent suffragist’s death. Naomi chose poverty and hardship over a submissive marriage and a husband’s control of her money. Now, her death suggests the struggle was more than she could bear.

Julia, however, is skeptical. Doubtful of her suspicions, Philip proposes a glib wager: if Julia can prove Naomi was in fact murdered, he’ll drop his claims to her wealth. Julia soon discovers Naomi’s life was as turbulent and enigmatic as her death. And as she gets closer to the truth, Julia sees there’s much more at stake than her inheritance...

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Review:

“[A] stylish debut...The author effectively shows the casual discrimination against women at the time. Benn is off to a promising start.” —Publishers Weekly

“Set in the 1920s and framed by the quest for women’s rights and details about publishing and printing, this satisfying historical mystery includes a smart, feisty heroine and numerous plot twists.” —Booklist

“Benn has created a delightful sleuth, and readers will look forward to more mysteries starring this Jazz Age heroine.” —Library Journal

“Benn has created a terrific mystery. A well-done debut.” —Historical Novel Society

“Marlowe Benn weaves a rollicking, sinuous portrait of 1920s New York. A story of passion, deceit, gaiety, and manipulation, Relative Fortunes is a hugely entertaining read, and Julia Kydd is a memorable protagonist.” —Lindsay Jayne Ashford, author of The Snow Gypsy and The Woman on the Orient Express

“Fans of Agatha Christie novels will love this clever murder mystery, with a cast of suspects to keep readers guessing. Julia Kydd’s endeavour is entertaining and engaging to the end.” —Gemma Liviero, international bestselling author of historical fiction

About the Author:

Born near Boston, Marlowe Benn grew up in an Illinois college town along the Mississippi River. She holds a master’s degree in the book arts from the University of Alabama and a doctorate in the history of books from the University of California, Berkeley. A former editor, college teacher, and letterpress printer, Benn now lives with her husband on an island near Seattle. Relative Fortunes is her first novel.

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