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Innocent Strangers
Shocking evidence hits close to home in a twisted mystery thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat from start to finish! Jenny and her lawyer father, Marcus, are arrested for the murder of a beautiful heiress in a country town where they are perfect strangers. Suddenly, they must escape the noose that is waiting to hang them.˃˃˃ With her father ailng, and stonewalled everywhere, Jenny manages to uncover jealousies, corruption and unbridled ambition in a vivid portrait of small town life in the Victorian era.Along the way, she finds romance with the town's young doctor. But with time running out, she becomes desperate.˃˃˃ A perfectly framed mystery, Kirkus ReviewScroll up and grab a copy of Innocent Strangers today.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2012
141 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Millys Altman
3 books8 followersI am a member of the Greatest Generation and proud to admit it, even though it puts me in the top tier of many statistics. My architect husband and I raised three sons, and it was not until their teen years that I began to write. I wrote about what I knew.
The boys loved cars (their father's influence). Two of them became professional sports car drivers. It was a sport totally foreign and hair-raising to me, but I went with it. From this experience, I wrote my first book, Racing in Her Blood.
For my next effort, I jogged my long memory for stories of the flamboyant lives of the millionaires in our town who prospered when coal became king in the late nineteenth century. The result was an historical mystery, "Innocent Strangers."
Memory again has given me my next book, The Year of the Flu, which will be published in the fall, 2017.
The boys loved cars (their father's influence). Two of them became professional sports car drivers. It was a sport totally foreign and hair-raising to me, but I went with it. From this experience, I wrote my first book, Racing in Her Blood.
For my next effort, I jogged my long memory for stories of the flamboyant lives of the millionaires in our town who prospered when coal became king in the late nineteenth century. The result was an historical mystery, "Innocent Strangers."
Memory again has given me my next book, The Year of the Flu, which will be published in the fall, 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 7, 2018
Full review to follow.
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January 20, 2013Kirkus Review (7/8/2012)
A father-and-daughter duo become embroiled in small-town politicking and murderous family feuds in this mystery set during the golden age of coal and coke mining.
During what was supposed to be a brief stop en route to California, Jenny and Marc suffer a bizarre twist of fate when they end up in the wrong place at the wrong time and stand accused of murder. While preparing their defense in the face of a trial that could lead to their hanging,, they discover the town's dark, hidden under belly. Although picturesque, Mount Hope, Pal is ruthlessly controlled by a few puppet masters who make their own rules, aided by lax laws and geographical isolation. Founding families have a heavy hand in the region, providing a cast of characters who are rich, spoiled, greedy and possibly murderous. But helpmeets abound, too. The tale is rounded out by a boyish young doctor, John-a romantic prospect for Jenny-and a kindly innkeeper and his wife, who attempt to aid the father and daughter in proving their innocence. After Marc suffers a heart attack, Jenny matures as she takes on the bulk of the murder investigation. The plot is peppered with the appealing ingredients of the mystery/crime genre, including wealthy heiresses, double crosses, cover-ups, blackmail, legal maneuvering, and adultery. Altman convincingly sets Jenny and Marc's evolving father-daughter relationship and Jenny and the doctor's blossoming romance against the seedy corruption of the coal-rich town, all the while teasing out the mystery and hiding the real culprit until the very end-no small feat for a debut author.
A perfectly framed mystery with the twists and turns of a mine shaft.
A father-and-daughter duo become embroiled in small-town politicking and murderous family feuds in this mystery set during the golden age of coal and coke mining.
During what was supposed to be a brief stop en route to California, Jenny and Marc suffer a bizarre twist of fate when they end up in the wrong place at the wrong time and stand accused of murder. While preparing their defense in the face of a trial that could lead to their hanging,, they discover the town's dark, hidden under belly. Although picturesque, Mount Hope, Pal is ruthlessly controlled by a few puppet masters who make their own rules, aided by lax laws and geographical isolation. Founding families have a heavy hand in the region, providing a cast of characters who are rich, spoiled, greedy and possibly murderous. But helpmeets abound, too. The tale is rounded out by a boyish young doctor, John-a romantic prospect for Jenny-and a kindly innkeeper and his wife, who attempt to aid the father and daughter in proving their innocence. After Marc suffers a heart attack, Jenny matures as she takes on the bulk of the murder investigation. The plot is peppered with the appealing ingredients of the mystery/crime genre, including wealthy heiresses, double crosses, cover-ups, blackmail, legal maneuvering, and adultery. Altman convincingly sets Jenny and Marc's evolving father-daughter relationship and Jenny and the doctor's blossoming romance against the seedy corruption of the coal-rich town, all the while teasing out the mystery and hiding the real culprit until the very end-no small feat for a debut author.
A perfectly framed mystery with the twists and turns of a mine shaft.
January 2, 2019
Mt. Hope. Red Fox Inn. Jenny Stone (16, Marcus’s daughter), & Marcus Randolph Stone (Jenny’s father, lawyer, Harvard) had arrived at their destination & checked into where they would be staying.
Ezra Watkins (husband, proprietor), & Lizzie Watkins (wife) greeted the 2 of them.
Dining the met several of the town folks: Reverend Virgil Proud, Mrs. Dora Proud, Mr. Albert Fowler, Mrs. Fowler, Dr. John Gilmore, & Ezra (mother).
Aunt Lillian “Lil” Irons (Henry’s ex-wife, Pennsylvania College for Women, PA, survived pneumonia) but had been murdered & her jewelry was stolen.
Isaac “Ike” Irons (Irons Lumber Co.) was in bad shape.
Sheriff Donald Koon, & Dr. Gilmore had arrived at the crime scene.
Jenny, & Marcus were arrested boarding the train.
Hiram Pendergast is the Stone’s lawyer.
Ellie, & Mike Tambellini (stable foreman) got married.
How will Jenny, & Marcus trials turn out?
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written murder mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great murder mystery movie, or better yet a ew mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; BookSends; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Ezra Watkins (husband, proprietor), & Lizzie Watkins (wife) greeted the 2 of them.
Dining the met several of the town folks: Reverend Virgil Proud, Mrs. Dora Proud, Mr. Albert Fowler, Mrs. Fowler, Dr. John Gilmore, & Ezra (mother).
Aunt Lillian “Lil” Irons (Henry’s ex-wife, Pennsylvania College for Women, PA, survived pneumonia) but had been murdered & her jewelry was stolen.
Isaac “Ike” Irons (Irons Lumber Co.) was in bad shape.
Sheriff Donald Koon, & Dr. Gilmore had arrived at the crime scene.
Jenny, & Marcus were arrested boarding the train.
Hiram Pendergast is the Stone’s lawyer.
Ellie, & Mike Tambellini (stable foreman) got married.
How will Jenny, & Marcus trials turn out?
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written murder mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great murder mystery movie, or better yet a ew mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; BookSends; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
April 27, 2018
This distressing historical story is also enjoyable
A father, who is a lawyer, and his daughter, travel by train to a strange town. He visits a client after playing poker the previous evening and winning a house. He and she are falsely accused of the murder of the client. At that time women were seldom lawyers yet the daughter worked on this case very successfully. I enjoyed it very much.
A father, who is a lawyer, and his daughter, travel by train to a strange town. He visits a client after playing poker the previous evening and winning a house. He and she are falsely accused of the murder of the client. At that time women were seldom lawyers yet the daughter worked on this case very successfully. I enjoyed it very much.
July 1, 2018
Innocent Strangers
Once again, I had the privilege of finding a gem among the rocks. Again, I love books that take me back in time. This one did that. Dad and daughter stop in a southwest Pennsylvania town and walk right into the hands of a murder charge for both of them. Lots of twists and turns but I was into the story all the way. Definitely worth while reading as far as I'm concerned. If you would like to get out of town for a while, I think this is a good place to go.
Once again, I had the privilege of finding a gem among the rocks. Again, I love books that take me back in time. This one did that. Dad and daughter stop in a southwest Pennsylvania town and walk right into the hands of a murder charge for both of them. Lots of twists and turns but I was into the story all the way. Definitely worth while reading as far as I'm concerned. If you would like to get out of town for a while, I think this is a good place to go.
February 25, 2022
I didn't think I would like "Innocent Strangers," but as I continued to read the book I found myself caught up in the story. I ended the story realizing that the events, in the book, could take place today and most likely have, in some way or another.
I think you will enjoy reading "Innocent Strangers."
I think you will enjoy reading "Innocent Strangers."
February 24, 2018
Fun twists and turns
This mystery/romance novel was full of clever twists and turns, leaving you to question who did what and why. Intriguing and absorbing, this novel is well written and worth the read.
This mystery/romance novel was full of clever twists and turns, leaving you to question who did what and why. Intriguing and absorbing, this novel is well written and worth the read.
April 20, 2018
Innocent Strangers
Excellent light reading for a relaxing afternoon. Set in a past that is a slower pace than today but people are the same. Greed and jealousy and a baffling murder that has the innocent under suspicion and the guilty going free.
Excellent light reading for a relaxing afternoon. Set in a past that is a slower pace than today but people are the same. Greed and jealousy and a baffling murder that has the innocent under suspicion and the guilty going free.
May 2, 2018
Innocent Strangers
I loved the book. It is beautifully written , with a lot of twists and turns. It keeps you in the dark until till the last page, so no cheating and skipping to the end of the book...you will,be surprised.
I loved the book. It is beautifully written , with a lot of twists and turns. It keeps you in the dark until till the last page, so no cheating and skipping to the end of the book...you will,be surprised.
May 20, 2018
Great mystery and characters
I enjoyed this book even though historical mysteries are not my favorite. Ms Altman did a wonderful job making the characters come to life for me. I didn't have a clue as it who dud the deed up until the end, although there were a wealth of suspects!
I enjoyed this book even though historical mysteries are not my favorite. Ms Altman did a wonderful job making the characters come to life for me. I didn't have a clue as it who dud the deed up until the end, although there were a wealth of suspects!
December 5, 2016
Enthralling.
I really identified with the heroine. There were a few twists and turns that kept me interested. Give this book a try. You will like it.
I really identified with the heroine. There were a few twists and turns that kept me interested. Give this book a try. You will like it.
August 24, 2017
Good book
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the characters. When it leaves you wanting more, then you know it's a good book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the characters. When it leaves you wanting more, then you know it's a good book.
October 21, 2017
A decent mystery. The heroine can be a little too dramatic, but it is worth a read for a relaxing rainy day
January 6, 2018
Perfect for reading while traveling. Not complex and easy to stop and start. Enjoyable read.
February 4, 2018
Corruption, murder,conspiracy.
A wealthy dirty coal town. Two visitors, one murder. Murder solved, or so they thought. One wild spoiled daughter, in one mixed up family.
A wealthy dirty coal town. Two visitors, one murder. Murder solved, or so they thought. One wild spoiled daughter, in one mixed up family.
July 8, 2018
No bad language or sex!
Pretty good book, it was an easy read and enjoyable. Had some likable characters and some bad ones, keeps you guessing till the end, I would recommend.
Pretty good book, it was an easy read and enjoyable. Had some likable characters and some bad ones, keeps you guessing till the end, I would recommend.
August 22, 2019
Good book
Fast reading, some spots a little boring, but one a whole it was real good.
Would recommend this book to anyone.
Fast reading, some spots a little boring, but one a whole it was real good.
Would recommend this book to anyone.
December 18, 2019
Meh
It has the makings of a good story, but it was very disjointed and left huge gaps in the story line.
It has the makings of a good story, but it was very disjointed and left huge gaps in the story line.
April 11, 2021
Lawyer and his daughter are accused of a crime in a mining town in PA.
February 26, 2017
Jenny Stone and her father Marc are travelers, on their way from Philadelphia to California. A brief stop in a small Pennsylvania coal mining town results in being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Arrested for the murder of a well-know town heiress has the Stones fighting to save their own lives.
I didn’t seem to enjoy this book as much as most other reviewers did. I didn’t think the book was terrible – it wasn’t. I just thought it could have been better.
There were several misspelled and missing words, as well as misplaced dialogue quotes, which I found distracting. For a short book, there were certainly a lot of characters to keep track of too. I didn’t find the main characters to be as well developed as they could have been. The numerous mentions of townsmen being overcome by Jenny’s beauty were tiresome – as were the unintentional “brushes” of her breast.
As I said, the book wasn’t terrible. I did find the story interesting enough to continue on to the end, even if the ending seemed suddenly rushed. I enjoyed being taken back to another time in history. I liked that, although this story takes place in the 1800s, Jenny is a strong and determined woman with a mind of her own. She takes an active role in proving herself and her father innocent. All in all, reading this book was not a bad way to spend a rainy day.
I didn’t seem to enjoy this book as much as most other reviewers did. I didn’t think the book was terrible – it wasn’t. I just thought it could have been better.
There were several misspelled and missing words, as well as misplaced dialogue quotes, which I found distracting. For a short book, there were certainly a lot of characters to keep track of too. I didn’t find the main characters to be as well developed as they could have been. The numerous mentions of townsmen being overcome by Jenny’s beauty were tiresome – as were the unintentional “brushes” of her breast.
As I said, the book wasn’t terrible. I did find the story interesting enough to continue on to the end, even if the ending seemed suddenly rushed. I enjoyed being taken back to another time in history. I liked that, although this story takes place in the 1800s, Jenny is a strong and determined woman with a mind of her own. She takes an active role in proving herself and her father innocent. All in all, reading this book was not a bad way to spend a rainy day.
April 3, 2014
This is beautifull-written, charming yet intriguing murder mystery set during the glorius age of coal and coke in the southwestern PA region. The plot lines keep you turning page after page, many set among the huge estates of the families who had made their fortunes from coal and coke. Family intrigue, romance, political issues of the time and the tremendous wealth of the characters is fascinating by itself. There is a stroing, smart female character, something I also enjoyed.
March 26, 2015
I knew little about the history of western Pennsylvania when I read this book, and I found it so wonderfully informative that now I would like to visit this region of the country. The history is woven into the story for a captivating read. I was sorry when the book ended because I got to know the characters so well that I didn't want to leave them. I highly recommend
May 30, 2016
Good story.
I liked the story. But some things were not answered. No mention of Jenny wanting to be an attorney until the end. With the build-up to the murderer it just stops. I thought Oakhurst was won in a poker game by Marc. But then they talked about buying another house. What happened to Steve ?
I liked the story. But some things were not answered. No mention of Jenny wanting to be an attorney until the end. With the build-up to the murderer it just stops. I thought Oakhurst was won in a poker game by Marc. But then they talked about buying another house. What happened to Steve ?
December 8, 2012
A delightful story -- a combination of mystery and romance with great historical details about life in a coal-mining town in Pennsylvania. Wonderful character development and twists and turns and suspense to keep you going. A great read!
January 10, 2017
Lawyer Marcus Stone and his daughter Jenny arrive at Mt. Hope and due to some dodgy circumstances are accused of murder. I finished the book but didn't really find it that interesting or satisfying.
July 27, 2020
Didn't finish. So unrealistic I could not keep reading.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews