In 1841, a ship set sail from London to Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania). The passengers on board this ship were no regular passengers. They were women who had all been convicted of petty crimes. But when one of their own is attacked, it becomes clear that someone on board is guilty of something much more dangerous than petty theft. As the ship sails to its destination, an investigation is underway to find the culprit. But which of the women is responsible for such a violent assault, and why?
This debut from Hope Davis is a captivating historical mystery!
I found it particularly interesting that this book is based on a very interesting bit of history. The Rajah was a very real ship and this voyage and at least some of the passengers are very real. As is the quilt!
The attack happens fairly early on and the narrative switches between points of view quite frequently, introducing readers to various passengers along the way. I appreciated getting the perspectives of so many different characters because I felt like it really gave us a chance to get to know so many of the women and what motivated them—both in their past and in their present (when the book takes place, of course).
Dangerous Women is a bit slower in pacing, much more character driven than it is plot driven. So even though there is a mystery aspect to the book, it leans more on the historical aspects than it does on the crime itself.
Overall, I found this a really interesting read. I'm not sure it was exactly what I was expecting, based on the description, but I enjoyed it nonetheless!
Dangerous Women is out now from Berkley.
Order a copy from your favorite indie via Bookshop!
