A Spark of Death

Professor Benjamin Bradshaw Mystery #1

by Bernadette Pajer

In 1901 Seattle, a puzzling electrocution points to murder. University of Washington Professor Benjamin Bradshaw is the chief suspect. To protect himself, and his son, Bradshaw hunts for the true killer. Death lurks everywhere--disguised as accidents. Before it's too late, will he discover the circuit path that led to a spark of death?

A SPARK OF DEATH is the first in a fast-paced mystery series featuring Benjamin Bradshaw, Professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Washington. Bradshaw's electrical forensic and investigative skills, combined with a keen understanding of human nature, bring the Seattle Police, and murder, to his doorstep during the social and scientific turmoil of the early twentieth century. More books can be found in the collection PROFESSOR BRADSHAW Books 1-4, which includes A SPARK OF DEATH, FATAL INDUCTION, CAPACITY FOR MURDER, and THE EDISON EFFECT. B01N41E6NG

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Fiction, Historical, Historical Mystery, Mystery Thriller

210 pages, Paperback

First published July 5, 2011

About the author

Bernadette Pajer spent her childhood in Seattle, surrounded by the beautiful Cascade and Olympic mountains and Puget Sound. She holds a degree from the University of Washington, Bothell, where she studied CLA (Cultural, Literature, and the Arts) in the Interdisciplinary Arts and Science program. Research is her favorite activity, and she happily delves into Seattle's past and the early days of electrical invention as she plots Professor Bradshaw's investigations. She's a proud member of MWA, SinC, NW Science Writers, PNWA, and the Seattle7Writers.org.

Reviews

[Jennifer]

I usually read mysteries of the cozy, screwball, or police procedural variety by authors like Joanne Fluke, Janet Evanovich, amd Tess Gerritsen. I thought historical fiction would ruin a mystery by including too many details, forgotten social customs, and colloquial language that would semd me to the dictionary every five minutes.

I was wrong! Bernadette Pajer brings turn of the century Seattle to life in "A Spark of Death." She offets enough detail tp color her world, yet lets you see that her characters are people just like people today, with good or bad intentions and raw human desires. Her sleuth, Professor Bradshaw, is lit from within by his own inner dialogue, tragic past, and the growing resolution to catch a killer before the police convict an innocent man. Bradshaw protects his conglomeration of family, small son Justin, housekeeper Mrs. Prouty, boarder and friend Henry Pratt, and Henry's visiting neice, the young, vibrant, alluring Missouri Freeman.

The mystery was twisty and kept me guessing. The ending was immensely satisfying with the mystery solved in a way that had me astonished that I hadn't guessed it.

The book is the first in a seroes and nicely sets up the world and characters. Though the primary mystery is solved by the book's end, romantic tensions are left in a silent limbo that left me wishing I had the next book on hand.

[Amy]

On one hand, I liked A Spark of Death. I liked that it takes place in early 20th century Seattle, and that a (fictional) University of Washington professor is the protagonist. This is a time period in Seattle and University of Washington history that I find to be very interesting, and I feel like Bernadette Pajer captured that time very well. I also liked that Pajer is a UW graduate, and I congratulate her on her accomplishment of seeing this book published.

On the other hand, I wasn't that invested in the characters in A Spark of Death. I sort of liked Professor Bradshaw, but he didn't *quite* feel three dimensional to me--he *almost* did, but not quite. Actually, I felt like many of the characters were lacking a depth that would have added an authenticity to their motives and actions, with the exception of Justin. Justin was a fully realized child, and everything about him seemed authentic and pure to me, and Professor Bradshaw was at his best when he was interacting with his son.

I liked the mystery that was central to the story. I thought that it was a unique murder to solve, and given my woeful lack of any kind of scientific knowledge, I certainly would have never been able to guess how the murder was done, which is a plus for a murder mystery, in my opinion. I did suspect the murderer, but only because the author eliminated every other possible suspect in some fashion. I certainly did not suspect the murderer due to any clues that would have lead me to know the killer's identity.

So I sort of liked A Spark of Death, but it did feel a like it needed a little more fleshing out, a little more polish, a little more development (character development in particular). I would definitely be interested in reading a second Professor Bradshaw mystery, but I suspect that's due more to my love of the University of Washington than to my love of Professor Bradshaw. But I do hope that through future books I will come to love him, too.

[WhatShouldIRead]

An easy to read story, 'crackling' good mystery, likeable characters and academic setting. What isn't there to like about this book? We have the early days of electricity with discoveries by Edison and Tesla and also people's suspicions about using this new energy source in their homes, but which plays a role in this mystery. We also have a cast of characters that are brought very much to life by the author in such a way that they seem very real. And we also have the interesting storyline that moves along very well.

First in a series, and I am looking forward to reading others to follow!

[Shawn]

Local fiction. Love it.

[Aisling]

Meh. Very mediocre. I appreciate the research into location, time period and electricity but characters were flat and forced, author included an insulting "here are the suspects and why" (why? weren't we paying attention for the last 100 pages?) and a disappointing ending. The only character I vaguely liked was the housekeeper.

[Cathy Cole]

First Line: A curtain of pale hair hid the young man's downturned face.

When A Spark of Death begins, Professor Benjamin Bradshaw of the University of Washington is allowing a struggling student extra time to finish an exam. When the power goes out later, this electrical engineer rushes to find the cause and discovers the body of Professor Oglethorpe inside the Faraday Cage of the Electric Machine.

Shortly thereafter, Bradshaw's carefully structured and controlled life shatters. It's a well known fact that Bradshaw had absolutely no use for Oglethorpe, and this single detail makes him the one and only suspect as far as the police are concerned. Bradshaw has no alternative but to conduct his own investigation. Being a widower and the father of a beloved young son, Bradshaw has too much to lose.

Bernadette Pajer loves to do research, and she weaves the history of Seattle seamlessly into her story. The investigation takes on even greater importance due to the fact that during a visit to the University, President McKinley was scheduled to see both the Faraday Cage and the Electric Machine. Was this murder a dress rehearsal for the president's visit? Pajer also has Bradshaw visit the Snowqualmie Falls power plant, which turns out to be a very thrilling episode indeed.

I enjoyed this book a lot. It is fast-paced, and although my antennae twitched the first time a certain character was introduced, Pajer did an excellent job of distracting me. Historical mystery fans as well as those familiar with the eccentric and colorful history of Seattle should rapidly fall into the "Oh, I have time for one more chapter" trap (as I did).

I only have one small quibble: Pajer creates an excellent cast of characters-- Bradshaw's Cockney housekeeper Mrs. Prouty, his son Justin and his lodger Henry, as well as Henry's niece and various students, but Bradshaw is the only character who's explored to any degree. Bradshaw is a fascinating man, but I do hope that Pajer fleshes out the other characters in future books. Are there future books to anticipate? You bet there are: Fatal Induction, the second book in the series became available this week, and I look forward to reading the further adventures of Professor Benjamin Bradshaw.

[Jakalak]

A well-conceived, well-executed historical mystery novel. I was impressed by how well the narrative wove in some elements of electrical engineering. You would think metaphors involving circuits and resistors would seem contrived, but Bernadette Pajer totally pulls it off. I particularly like how much Professor Bradshaw seems like a professor of electrical engineering. He's analytical without coming off as robotic, and he's didactic without being completely insufferable. I don't normally seek out historical mysteries, but I thought the details about turn-of-the-20th-century Seattle added to a richer setting.

[Mary Ronan Drew]

This first of the Professor Bradshaw mysteries is about exploring the uses of electricity, which was fairly new phenomenon in 1901. When a much disliked University of Washington professor is found dead in a Farady Cage in the school's lab the police come looking for his colleague, Professor Bradshaw. Set in turn of the last century Seattle and at the Snoqualmie Falls, the book is interesting as well as entertaining with a clever plot that had me baffled until the very end. A second book in the series will be out in May.

2011 No 192

[Suzie Quint]

I'm not a huge mystery fan, but this sweet little cozy was particularly interesting to me because it's set in Seattle (though way back at the turn of the twentieth century.) It really is more suited however to the friend I recommended it to whose husband is an electrical engineer because the mystery revolved around a murder by electrocution. If you like cozies, I recommend it highly.

[Kris Bock]

Unusual setting

Starts a bit slow, but the pacing picks up and the MC gets more engaging as he tackles the mystery, which is clever and hard to solve. The historical setting is fresh and enjoyable.

[Asarum]

Fun mystery set in late 19th century Seattle.

[Angela G]

The beauty of this book is that you can give it as much brainpower as you'd like. Do you want to nerd out about electricity or evaluate the murder suspects or map out 1900s Seattle? Go for it. Or, do you want to not pay too much attention but sort of follow along to be able to chime in when your book club throws out a thoughtful question? That is OK, too. The story definitely had parts you could sink your teeth in to, but I found myself not very hungry.

I listened to the audio which made this 2011 book set in 1903 sound very "old movie" like. I am not into many old movies so I wonder if I would have enjoyed the print version better.

[Josh]

I enjoyed the book. It had a great story line and main character. I got this book at a library book sale and found out after words that some one had gone over with a pencil and marked all the grammar mistakes! Reading the book I noticed quite a few of these "markings". I feel that it could have been polished more. Over all it is a good book.

[Clare]

This title is the first of a series of 4 about a professor of electrical engineering at UW in Seattle who solves crimes. They are set in early 20th century during President McKinley’s term in office.
I’m now reading the second one. The author tries to pack a little bit too much action into the stories but overall not bad.

[Mel]

I was pleasantly surprised. This book was from a local Seattle author and was really quite a good mystery. The characters were likeable/unlikeable and believable. Actual events and real places also made the story enjoyable and engaging. I would not be afraid to read another of her books.

[Amy]

Audiobook read by Malcolm Hillgatner. Enjoyed reading about old Seattle area and brief history of electricity and people's speculation about it's usefulness. Unraveling the mystery was enough to keep me listening.

[Jess]

This was an overall enjoyable, fast read, and I liked learning a little about the history of Seattle. I was waffling on whether to continue the series or not and then I found out the author is a staunch anti-vaxxer, so NOPE.

[Victoria Peters]

I enjoyed reading this murder mystery that take place in Seattle in 1901.

[Joy]

This got bumped up a star for the enjoyment of local history and scientific accuracy.

[Wendy Cowley]

audible book

[Wendy Hawthorn]

An enjoyable mystery with lots of scientific information spread throughout making it an unusual but fun book to read.

[Pam]

new author - am going to listen to the next two in "series."

[Julie Noel]

Starts very slow, but great characters kept mr interested. Very unique

[Margi]

My electrical engineer husband will love this!

[Ellen Terwelp]

Fast paced thriller that leaves you eager to turn to the next page to read more.

[Terra Wolski]

52BC - mini challenge prompt "Professor Plum"

[Margaret]

A library find.
November 2023.
Interesting.
Easy to read.
Written well.

[Wendy Kendall]

The hunt for a killer in this mystery is electric. Take a trip back in history to a vividly described Seattle of the early 1900’s. Here’s an opportunity for you to join University of Washington Professor Benjamin Bradshaw as he discovers clues and analyzes motives and opportunity in order to try to take himself off the police’s suspects list.

No worries if you’re not a scientist, because at the hands of this skilled author Professor Bradshaw is gifted at illuminating the dynamics of the scientific principles. During the investigation the Professor schools you through the evidence in a most entertaining way. Of course, finding a killer involves analysis of more than facts and evidence, and in this book you get to know fascinating characters that may have had motive and opportunity. The author has a true talent for weaving motive into the characters. As the story is told, the characters’ lives with the troubled palpitations that they carry within their hearts are revealed. What’s fascinating is that with the burdens so many carry who among them became overcome and lashed out. The Professor’s personal life also brings an interesting dimension to the story and provides insights into the place and times.

This book is the first in a four book mystery series. This fictional has a foundation in true history and is so very well researched. For example, in this first book the characters are preparing for an historic event for the University. It turns out that Seattle was planning for President William McKinley to visit in May 1901. The setting descriptions and the everyday activities ring true and you’ll enjoy absorbing this detail. The early days of the turn of the 20th century, is a wondrous time when the race was on to discover and invent—everything, including electricity and the Tesla coil.

The author, Bernadette Pajer, loves the Pacific Northwest. She spent her childhood in Seattle, and studied pre-Engineering at the University of Washington.

And if you want to hear more from the author listen on YouTube to Kendall & Cooper Talk Mysteries with Bernadette Pajer

[Bev]

Set in the Seattle of 1901, A Spark of Death by Bernadette Pajer, feeds two of my mystery habits--historical and academic. And I must say thank you to Steve, aka The Puzzle Doctor, over at In Search of the Classic Mystery Novel for bringing this one to my attention. He has been adding to my TBR pile on a regular basis since I started following his blog. If you like mysteries and don't already know Steve then you should definitely head on over to his site. You won't be disappointed!

The novel takes place at the turn of the century when electric power is just beginning to be widely used and the common man is still a little suspicious of this new-fangled power. The Electrical Engineering Department at the University of Washington has designed a Faraday Cage of the Electrical Machine with plans to display its powers when President McKinley comes to campus for a visit. Before the town hears that the President's trip has been cancelled, tragedy strikes--great enough that it might have prevented the President from coming anyway.

Professor Benjamin Bradshaw makes the discovery. His despised colleague, Professor Oglethorpe, is sitting in the Cage, dead from electrocution. The police quickly fasten on the rivalry and dislike between the two men and Bradshaw becomes suspect number one. Fortunately for Bradshaw, there isn't enough evidence to hold him and he is left free to do a bit of detective work on his own. He feels that he must--to clear his name and protect his son.

While the police shout murder and the good citizens howl for his arrest, Bradshaw begins to unearth clues that reveal several motives. But the real question is--was Oglethorpe the intended victim or did he die in a trap laid for the President. Was personal vengeance or public anarchy at the bottom of?

Pajer has done a terrific job with this debut novel of what promises to be a wonderful historical mystery series. She's obviously done her research and expertly evokes the time and setting of early 20th Century Seattle. But the research is not overdone. She doesn't burden the reader with so much information that all you see is "It's a historical novel! Look it's 1901!" The setting is important, but only to support the story. And the characterization of Professor Bradshaw is marvelous. He is a character with depth and I can't wait to see where the next novel takes us. Other characters can use some fleshing out--but I'm quite sure that Pajer will take care of that as the series develops. Over all, a wonderful beginning. I will definitely be on the lookout for more Bradshaw adventures. Four stars.

[Deborah]

What a fabulous new series to start and place on my reading list! Professor Bradshaw is my new idol of early 1900's mystery and science-forensic suspense. I couldn't get enough of him.

"A Spark of Death" is an exciting new series that covers an era in American history of inventors, modern thinkers, science and the awareness of women's contributions to science and society outside of the drawing room and nursery. It's a series I expect to follow as an avid fan.

Bernadette Pajer is a writer of depth and quality. Her descriptive abilites are wonderful. She captured me from the first chapter and left me entranced with her treks down scientific cellars and studies to undiscovered safaris of electricity. She is an author of distinct mind and creativity. "A Spark of Death" simply introduces us to her genius, and will most certainly enlist a crop or followers.

Dr. Bradshaw is a most dashing and interesting figure. He's a character well drawn--intelligent, attractive and inventive. It's practically impossible not to become mesmerized by him and his wry humor. His fully developed character incompassing an astute faculty for the mysterious--detective work is compelling and great fun to read about. I can only hope to get to know more about him in the near future. Suffice it to say that the book ended too soon for me.

It was such a pleasure to meet Ms. Pajer's other characters, as well. I've become a fan of Missouri Fremont. She's the "every woman" with panache we'd love to be in that era and to cheer on. You'll get a kick out or her, and admire her as I did, I'll bet. What a great continuing character she's going to be.

I highly recommend "A Spark of Death" to all of my readers, and your readers, as well. This is a book that's well written, has an easy flow to it; it's in the vein of a gaslight historical novel...only much more intelligent and with that "spark" of a country on the verge of an electrical illumination. I can only urge you to pick up a copy of this first in the Dr. Bradshaw series.


You'll find the novel on Amazon.com.
For more information, please visit Ms Pajer's website at: http://www.bernadettepajer.com/

Deborah/TheBookishDame