Treachery and anarchy!

Peril at the Exposition (Captain Jim and Lady Diana #2) by Nev March  

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

1893. Zoroastrian Lady Diana Framji and her Hindu husband Captain James Agnihotri have left behind the strictures of English society of Bombay and started a new life in Boston. Using the last part of Jim’s name they have styled themselves the O’Trey’s. Jim is working for an investigation bureau, the Dupree Detective Agency. He has been sent to Chicago. A seasoned detective is missing. Now Jim has been away for six weeks with no communication except recently part of a letter in German. Diana persuades Alfred Dupree, the founder of the agency to fund her journey to Chicago as an operative to look for Jim. (That interaction shows us some of Diana’s steely resolve.) It seems Jim might be in deep cover and the Dupree’s have lost contact with him. Whatever the reason Diana fears for him. Along the way Diana acquires a maid, the very fascinating Abigail Martin and learns of the hazards for people of color.

Chicago’s abuzz with the World Fair opening, and an anarchist group is advocating for workers’ rights and work for the unemployed. 

Diana finds herself circling around the very top of Chicago Society, when not witness to the depths of that city’s poverty stricken. Threats of explosives being unleashed on an unsuspecting population has her searching for leads. Her quick and determined mind has her linking pieces of the puzzle. All of which becomes painstakingly clearer as she finally tracks down her beloved husband. What a team they make. I do so enjoy them. I think they are now in firmly placed in my top historical mystery personalities.

I was a tad disappointed that the couple had left Bombay but they are finding a new togetherness in a place where they can be. And the skills they each have, their ability to mingle in a variety of social levels makes them even more potent as a team.

For Jim, “This new country—it’s true and precious. Not perfect, sure, but here one has a chance to make something, to live free of snide glances and sneers.”

We are introduced to an interesting cast of support characters which I hope we’ll continue to see.

It seems the couple are busy making a new place for themselves and I’m happy for them. A fascinating follow up from where we first met Lady Diana and Captain Jim, in Old Bombay.

A St. Martin's Press ARC via NetGalley. Many thanks to the author and publisher.

Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change