The Purple Nightgown: Volume 10

The Purple Nightgown, by A.D. Lawrence, continues the excellent True Colors crime series and is another gripping story taken from the pages of crime history. This particular story is in regards to the Institute of Natural Therapeutics, in Washington state. A supposed health spa run by Linda Hazzard in the early 1900s, and yet what happened on the premises was far from healthy. The author has crafted her characters well. Stella is a wealthy young woman, beset by frequent migraines, and is desperate to try anything to have the headaches stop, even fasting...but fasting to the point of starvation?? Henry, the family's chauffeur, is a wonderful hero, in love with Stella and wants only the best for her, and yet he has a secret that may damage their relationship forever. The author adds a little chuckle to the story as she plays on names in the book, Buzzard for Hazzard, Starvation Heights for Wilderness Heights. The plot moves well with twists and turns to keep the reader's interest high until the edge-of-the-seat end of the story. Will Henry be able to rescue Stella? The Purple Nightgown, with its intrigue, murder and theft at the spa, and a sweet romance, is a perfect blend of mystery and tender moments, and the result is an entertaining and satisfying historical romance. Readers who love historical fiction will not want to miss this one. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required, and the opinions are my own.