The Punjat's Ruby

Miss Danforth Mysteries #1

by Marian J.A. Jackson

In 1900, a female was the property of either a father or husband, and for a girl of her station to become anything but a wealthy mans wife was unthinkable. But Miss Abigail Patience Danforth was determined to usher in the twentieth century by becoming the worlds first female consulting detective, even after Dr. Arthur Conan Doyle himself tries to dissuade her and Mark Twain refuses to encourage her.Frederick, The Earl of Hunterswell is eager to ask Miss Danforths father for her hand, but then the fabulous Punjats ruby, intended as a gift for the Prince of Wales, disappears from Hunterswell House and Miss Danforth is pitched headlong into her first case. With Lord Frederick in tow, Miss Danforth returns to her fathers Gramercy Park mansion in New York where she enlists the help of the famous actor, Will Gillette, who was starring in Sherlock Holmes on Broadway, to help her pursue her elusive quarry risking her life to retrieve The Punjats Ruby.

Genres: Mystery

256 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1990

Reviews

[Karin · Rating 3 out of 5]

An odd sort of mystery. While the Punjat's Ruby has been stolen, there is very little actual sleuthing going on. I did enjoy the characters and their machinations as they move the story toward resolution.

[Ann]

Abigail Danforth is a young Victorian woman who seems to have everything that a young lady of her era could wish. With a rich father who supplies her every need, she runs in the best circles of society in both America and England. She is on the brink of her debut, and is quite sure to find a suitable husband who will meet her father's approval.

However, Abigail is not content. She wants more from life than the strictures of Victorian society allow a woman of her class. Inspired by the Sherlock Holmes novels she devours, she wants to be the world's first female consulting detective.

She goes so far as to contact Sir Arthur conan Doyle, who refuses to be of any help. She discusses the possibility with Mark Twain, who is a bit less discouraging, but who offers no real aid.

When the Punjat's Ruby disappears from an elaborate birthday party given for the Prince of Wales, Abigail is suddently cast into the role she desired.

It turns out to be a dangerous pursuit and puts her fondest wish to a serious test.

I enjoyed this very much.

[Deena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. I have my doubts about the historical accuracy of some things, but as it is not really a period on which I am an expert I could be wrong, and I kept my doubts to idle speculation and did not allow them to spoil my enjoyment of the story. There were, perhaps, too many characters to keep straight easily, and Abigail's reflections on the role of women in her strata of socio-economic class bordered on didactic at time - but it was still a fun read.

[Jane · Rating 1 out of 5]

Astoundingly mediocre writing. Clunky descriptions with clipped and cumbersome conversations. Dialogue was herkie jerky and not at all enjoyable. Honestly couldn't make it past the first two chapters. Did not finish, saved myself. Bummer because this author wrote five books in the series and I was excited about the premise and characters, and was looking forward to reading all five novels.