No Comfort for the Lost: A Mystery of Old San Francisco

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. [em]Agent: Natasha Kern, Natasha Kern Literary Agency. (Aug.) [/em]