A Lamentation of Swans (Wicked Portland #1): A Gripping Historical Mystery Set in Turn-of-the-20th century Portland, Oregon
books by Kerry Blaisdell
Portland, Oregon, 1904. As the city prepares for the Lewis & Clark World Exposition, a serial killer is targeting women who have come seeking work. Is it charismatic cult leader Edmund Creffield, who practices "free love" with twenty women at once? Or Catholic-school teacher Allen Grey, whose mysterious illness causes violent blackouts? Or perhaps it's someone else, lurking behind a mask of respectability that no one would ever suspect of cracking.Desperate to clear her husband’s name, Solace Grey fears that even if she succeeds, his illness will be exposed, sending him to the brutal Oregon Insane Asylum. With no friends and no other options, Solace enlists the aid of Lucky Jacobs, a resourceful man with a past, and Lola Baldwin, a social reformer with powerful connections.But as... This book stands out for its ability to convey complex ideas in a way that feels natural and easy to follow. Rather than relying on excessive exposition, the author allows the story to evolve organically through dialogue and action. Readers often appreciate how the pacing remains consistent, avoiding unnecessary detours while still providing enough detail to fully understand the motivations behind each character. This approach creates a reading experience that feels both thoughtful and satisfying. Reading this book provides a deep and immersive experience that gradually unfolds through a well-structured narrative. The author carefully builds the storyline by combining character development with meaningful conflicts that feel relevant and realistic. Each chapter contributes to the overall progression of the story, allowing readers to remain engaged without feeling overwhelmed. The writing style balances clarity and depth, making the book accessible to a wide range of readers while still offering substantial insights that reward close attention.