No Comfort for the Lost

June 29, 2015
Set in San Francisco in 1867, Herriman’s entertaining series debut introduces nurse Celia Davies and police detective Nick Greaves, who investigate the murder of Li Sha, a former prostitute whom Celia befriended through her work in the city’s Chinatown. After purchasing her freedom, Li Sha became involved with Tom Davies, brother of Celia’s missing and presumed dead husband. When Tom is arrested for the murder, Celia resolves to clear his name, despite their rocky relationship and warnings from Nick, whose supervisors want the case closed. Herriman (The Irish Healer) vividly depicts the racism of the day, which leads to violence against the Chinese and anyone perceived to be sympathetic to them. Celia’s teenage cousin, Barbara, herself half Chinese, puts a face on racial tensions, but her character isn’t developed fully enough to provide nuanced insights. Interactions between Celia and Nick read like formula romance at times, though readers who like independent heroines should welcome this historical series. Agent: Natasha Kern, Natasha Kern Literary Agency.

Starred review from August 1, 2015

On the morning of February 12, 1867, in San Francisco, approximately 30 Chinese laborers were attacked by a gang of predominantly Irish workers. Several Chinese were severely injured and their shanties burned. From this historical detail, Herriman weaves an intriguing mystery that introduces Cecelia Davies, a British-born nurse, and Det. Nicholas Greaves, a Civil War veteran. Celia had immigrated to California with her Irish husband, Patrick, who has since disappeared, presumed lost at sea. Having a half-Chinese niece, Celia has always maintained a soft place in her heart for the Chinese prostitutes, whom she serves tirelessly in her clinic. When the body of a pregnant Chinese girl is pulled from the bay, Greaves is determined to find her killer, even if no one else is interested in solving the murder. VERDICT Herriman (The Irish Healer; Josiah's Treasure) crafts a finely detailed series debut with a sympathetic protagonist and impeccable, colorful depictions of 1860s San Francisco--from Chinatown slums to the violent docks of the Barbary Coast. This atmospheric mystery is just the ticket for anyone who misses Dianne Day's "Fremont Jones" series as well as readers of Rhys Bowen's "Molly Murphy" historicals.

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