Scandal on Rincon Hill

January 18, 2010
The lack of a satisfying solution to the whodunit at the heart of Tallman's fourth historical set in 19th-century San Francisco (after 2007's The Cliff House Strangler
) is the only real flaw in an otherwise solid read. Idealistic and iconoclastic attorney Sarah Woolson investigates the bludgeoning murder of botanist Nigel Logan, who was at a party with Woolson's judge father only the night before and whose body was found near the Woolson home. Several days later, a friend of Logan's, a church deacon, apparently falls victim to the same killer. When the police latch onto some Chinese immigrants as the culprits, despite the absence of any real evidence, Woolson bravely takes on their defense. Convincing period detail supports an engaging lead who's a more plausible character than, say, Rhys Bowen's Molly Murphy, a PI in early 20th-century New York City. The romantic subplots don't overwhelm the mystery, but the ending will surprise few.

Tallman's series features Sarah Woolson, a nineteenth-century San Francisco attorney who defends the downtrodden and oppressed when no one else will take their cases. In this fourth installment, the primary story concerns several inexplicable murders for which Sarah's clients, Chinese immigrants, are being blamed. Carrington MacDuffie's portrayal of Sarah is commanding yet personable. Her interpretation of the other characters is well defined and distinct although strong female characters are often portrayed as overly strident and shrill. MacDuffie is particularly adept at age-appropriate portrayals. Listeners should enjoy this entertaining whodunit. M.H.N. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine