Because I Could Not Stop for Death by Amanda Flower

Because I Could Not Stop for Death
by Amanda Flower

ISBN-13: 9780593336946
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Released: September 20th 2022

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
January 1855 Willa Noble knew it was bad luck when it was pouring rain on the day of her ever-important job interview at the Dickinson home in Amherst, Massachusetts. When she arrived late, disheveled with her skirts sodden and filthy, she'd lost all hope of being hired for the position. As the housekeeper politely told her they'd be in touch, Willa started toward the door of the stately home only to be called back by the soft but strong voice of Emily Dickinson. What begins as tenuous employment turns to friendship as the reclusive poet takes Willa under her wing.

Tragedy soon strikes and Willa's beloved brother, Henry, is killed in a tragic accident at the town stables. With no other family and nowhere else to turn, Willa tells Emily about her brother's death and why she believes it was no accident. Willa is convinced it was murder. Henry had been very secretive of late, only hinting to Willa that he'd found a way to earn money to take care of them both. Emily offers to help, only to realize that some very high-powered people will stop at nothing to keep their profitable secrets.


My Review:
Because I Could Not Stop for Death is a mystery set in 1855 in Massachusetts and Washington DC. Willa's too timid to really investigate the murder, but Emily's bold, curious, and wants justice for Willa. Emily's used to getting her way and had a certain disbelief that anyone would harm her family. Together, they asked questions, poked around, and found clues as to why Willa's brother was murdered. It's a clue-based puzzle mystery, though I didn't think it was very difficult to figure out whodunit once they uncovered what Willa's brother had been doing. Historical details about the time and the Dickinson's lives were woven into the story and brought it alive in my imagination. The main characters were interesting and likable.

There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable historical mystery.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.