Customer Reviews
Another masterful historical novel from the ridiculously talented Willig. The focus on a real-life unsolved mystery was a brave endeavor, but she handled it deftly and in this more than perhaps any of her novels, her background as a historian really shone. (And it’s quite evident in everything she writes, so that’s saying a lot).
This was an interesting tale of the new republic and the two historic figures Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton trying to outwit each other. The author did extensive research on the trial and included many notes at the end giving us what became of each of the main characters. The author was able to give us insight into both Burr and Hamilton allowing us to see them as real people. The story holds your interest and is neither dull nor trite in the telling sticking to the facts as much as possible.4.5 Stars
The truth shall set you free. Or will it?I’ve not picked up anything by Lauren Willig, but I liked the idea of a novelization of the Levi Weeks trial. I liked the idea of Burr and Hamilton arguing before the argument. It’s clear from my reading of this book that the author put a lot of research into the book, took plenty of time and care to ensure the characters were written as accurately as possible and tried to inject intrigue into the situation. I’m glad I read it.What stayed with me after this book concluded wasn’t so much the trial or the characters. It was the way the trial and investigation happened. The investigation was done by the prosecution. In modern eyes, it looks bad that they’re the ones doing the investigating. Then there was victim shaming. That’s not gone away, even all these years later. It must be the victim’s fault for what happened to them. Sad that hasn’t changed much. These were the ways the intrigue worked well for the book. I have to say I wasn’t a fan of Levi, Hamilton or Burr. They all came off pompous and dry. I suppose that’s how they might have been in life, but it made that part of the book drag. Still, the trial of the century quality of the book was plenty of a hook to keep reading.If you’re looking for a book with historical intrigue, fascinating situations and a mystery, then this might be the one for you.originally posted at long and short reviews
This historical fiction, The Girl from Greenwich Street by Lauren Willig, tells of a cold case set in 1800 and the lawyerly skills of rivals Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton. The two must come together to solve a murder.Based on true events and court documents, Willig has done her research!Enjoyed this one!
An intriguing fictional story about a murder trial. The story explores what may have happened from many characters perspective. It was interesting.
