3.75 stars

This unusual story is as much historical insight as it is mystery. It gives a glimpse into several themes: New York City politics during the Tammany Hall era, racism against Chinese and Indian people, early female news reporters, public health, etc.

Reporter Archana (Archie) Morley came from Bombay, married an American doctor and is working as a reporter. She dresses in trousers rather than saris and faces bad attitudes and prejudice from most people. Her husband appears to be an extraordinarily enlightened man, particularly for that time. I would have liked to have heard more about their relationship which is affectionate and honest and equitable.

Dr. Morley works for the city and is a friend of the mayor, and he works to improve public health.
There is a lot of background on public administration issues of that time including milk pasteurization, clean water and the Catskills Aqueduct and so on. The other historical story running in the background is the infamous Harry Thaw murder trial but it was mostly a red herring.

Archie gets involved in an issue involving Chinatown and we get to watch the various threads she follows and where they lead. There is an epilog which lets us know what happened later which was gratifying. An offbeat and interesting look at those times. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.