This fourth tale is a wonderful addition to author Rosemary Simpson's, "A Gilded Age Mystery" series. Having moved the venue from New York City to an island off the coast of Georgia, Ms. Simpson has crafted a rather dark yet moving story of conflicting cultures, challenging circumstances, and a host of family secrets. The story is wrought with twists and turns, horrendous dangers, and a few red herrings for good measure. Already 24 years past the conclusion of the American Civil War, the South is still reeling from its slow reconstruction. Some folks never recovered financially and one might ask, what has the war accomplished and what has really changed? The introduction of white and black magic practiced by a couple of the islanders along with the general superstitious nature of the island inhabitants, brings a bit of eerie atmosphere to story.

Spring, 1889 - our two detectives - Prudence MacKenzie and her partner (and former Pinkerton agent) Geoffrey Hunter - are takinga bit of time away from their detective agency to sail down to Bradford Island as witnesses to the marriage of Prudence's dear friend Eleanor Dickson to her Georgia-born sweetheart, Teddy Bennett. Eleanor has asked Prudence to be her Maid of Honor, for which Pru is thrilled. The island sits off the coast of Georgia with its beautiful beaches, warm breezes and the delicate scent of wafting honeysuckle. All were warned to keep to the paths and not go traipsing into the live oak forest alone as venomous snakes and further dangers lurk within. Sure enough, one wanders off and is later discovered dead. Theirs was not the only death. Who is preying upon these folks and what is their motive. Prudence and Geoffrey have no intention of leaving Bradford Island until the deaths are adequately investigated and resolved.

Ms Simpson's winding story and masterful prose provides a wonderful wandering into a world so distant from my own. Her historical research is spot on. If you enjoy well written historical fiction with a touch of mystery, then perhaps this series is one for you. I certainly have enjoyed each book in the series and eagerly await future installments.

I am grateful to author Rosemary Simpson and her publisher, Kensington Books, for having provided a free advance reader's copy of this book. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone. ( )

It is 1889, and Prudence is sailing from New York to Georgia to attend her friend’s wedding. Eleanor is to wed on Bradford Island, a private island in Georgia. Prudence will be her maid of honor. Just days prior to the wedding, however, Eleanor disappears. Finally, her body is found in a swamp. She had drowned. And it looks like she was forced under the water. The bruises on her body prove that. But who would have done such a thing?

Prudence and her friend, Geoffrey, are private investigators. As they begin investigating this murder, more murders are committed. Prudence and Geoffrey continue investigating, even as they find themselves in danger.

This is an unusual mystery, because it takes place in another time, and not long after the Civil War, an era when Georgia had seceded from the union. So, there was a huge difference between thoughts and values of the people in the south and of those who live in the north.

The characters were well-rounded and realistic. The mystery was exciting. Sometimes, though, it dragged a bit.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. ( )

Death Brings A Shadow is the fourth book in The Gilded Edge Mystery series.

This is a wonderful addition to this exciting and informative series.

Prudence MacKenzie and Geoffrey Hunter are heading for Bradford Island, Georgia for the wedding of Prudence’s childhood friend, Eleanor Dickson, at their winter home. On the trip down, Eleanor had confided in Prudence that she felt eyes on her after she and Teddy Dickson had announced their engagement.

The next morning Mrs. Dickson comes to Prudence’s room looking for Eleanor. A quick search of the house fails to turn Prudence. Prudence and Geoffrey, along with the Teddy and his family organize a search party and set out to scour the island. The body of Eleanor is found face down in the swamp, with the Bennett family calling it an accidental drowning. But Prudence and Geoffrey aren’t so sure and set off to determine what exactly happened for Eleanor to lose her life. The Bennett family isn’t used to the independence that Prudence shows and Geoffrey has to tread softly between the two. They will soon get some valuable information from some former slaves to get them going in the right direction.

I really enjoy this series and the main characters and how they are able to work out the solution without any of the current technology. Although Prudence’s independent thinking causes some problems, Geoffrey is able to correct the situation before either come to too much harm.

The book is well-written and plotted and has a cast of interesting believable cast of characters. The author doesn’t overdo the historical information, but just enough to enlighten the reader to how life was at that time.

I’m looking forward to the next book in this informative and interesting series. ( )

historical-fiction, historical-research, family-dynamics, friendship, murder, murder-investigation, prejudice, private-investigators, suspense *****

It was supposed to be a wonderful time with a marriage between two people who were deeply in love. Prudence and her fellow investigator, Jeffrey, came down on the bride's family yacht from Manhattan to the barrier islands of the state of Georgia in the deep south where the groom and his family have a plantation home. But very soon the bride is found dead in the swamp and it really looks like foul play. But that is only the first murder. The others are long time residents and former slaves. Someone clearly thinks that the way to keep a secret hidden is to keep murdering. A riveting tale, and I plan to read others with these characters.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you for the new to me author! ( )

Death Brings a Shadow by Rosemary Simpson is a Historical Mystery Thriller Fiction set in the late 19th century. Within the first pages Ms. Simpson introduces scary components into her book. The bride is deeply in love but is uneasy about her new home. Is she being watched by someone with evil intent? The author brings interesting primitive religious practices and unusual events into her story which adds to the mystery. Each odd occurrence deepens the mystery of what is really happening. Disturbing relationships and the surprising actions of some of the characters make this an exceptional mystery to enjoy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars ( )