Death of a New American

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It seems even in 1912 there's a group of immigrants being discriminated against similarly to today's times. In New York, it is the Italians who are looked on as gang members. In Death of a New American by Mariah Fredericks, ladies maid Jane Prescott travels to a Long Island estate with her employers, The Benchleys. (Death of a New American will be published by Minotaur Books on April 2.)

They are planning a wedding between their daughter Louise and William Tyler, the nephew of one of New York's leading law enforcement officials. Charles Tyler is well known for his crusade against the Black Hand, a notorious Italian Mafia. In a recent kidnapping, Tyler was able to rescue the child victim and has been hailed as a hero.

Fearing for his own family's safety, he moves them out to Long Island. But all is not well in the house. There's some hostility between the Italian chauffeur and the Italian nanny and Jane is puzzled by their animosity.

Secondly Louise, the prospective bride, is nervous and rattled by the entire concept of the wedding

and what her role as a wife will be. She is vacillating between calling off the wedding and going through with it. Jane tries to soothe the bride, but she senses an undercurrent in the house.

When someone is attacked and killed in the middle of the night, even Charles Tyler is afraid he cannot protect his family. Is it the long reach of the Black Hand or is there something more sinister going on? Jane is determined to find out.

A excellent period piece with lots of atmosphere especially surrounding the events of 1912 - the sinking of the Titanic, the Suffragette Movement and the drumbeat for a World War.