Foundations of A Lamentation of Swans (Wicked Portland #1): A Gripping Historical Mystery Set in Turn-of-the-20th century Portland, Oregon
by Kerry Blaisdell
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Portland, Oregon, 1904. As the city prepares for the Lewis & Clark World Exposition, a serial killer is targeting women who have come seeking work. Is it charismatic cult leader Edmund Creffield, who practices "free love" with twenty women at once? Or Catholic-school teacher Allen Grey, whose mysterious illness causes violent blackouts? Or perhaps it's someone else, lurking behind a mask of respectability that no one would ever suspect of cracking.Desperate to clear her husband’s name, Solace Grey fears that even if she succeeds, his illness will be exposed, sending him to the brutal Oregon Insane Asylum. With no friends and no other options, Solace enlists the aid of Lucky Jacobs, a... The author skillfully integrates descriptive elements into the story without disrupting the flow. Settings are depicted clearly enough to establish context, yet they never overshadow the characters or plot. This balance enhances immersion while preserving narrative focus. The writing style remains consistent in its emphasis on readability and flow. Paragraphs transition smoothly, making it easy to follow the progression of ideas. This clarity supports sustained engagement across the entire book.
