The Yellow Lantern

By: Angie Dicken

About the Book:

Forced to Spy for Grave Robbers
True Colors – Fiction Based on Strange-But-True History

• Series: True Colors
• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Books (August 1, 2019)

In 1824, Josephine Clayton is considered dead by everyone in her Massachusetts village—especially the doctor she gas assisted for several months. Yet, she is still very much alive.

After the doctor’s illegal dealing with his body snatcher to obtain her body, Josephine awakens, positioned as the next corpse for his research. To cover up his crime, the doctor tries to kill her, but Josephine begs to be spared. They strike a deal—Josephine will leave her village and work at a distant cotton mill. All the while, she’ll await her true mission—posing as a mourner to help the body snatcher procure her replacement.

At the mill though, Josephine is praised for her medical remedies among the other female workers, gaining attention from the handsome factory manager, Braham Taylor. Yet, when Braham’s own loved one becomes the prey for the next grave robbing, Josie must make a choice that could put her dark past behind her or steal away the promise of any future at all.

What price will Josie pay for love when her secrets begin to unravel?

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Yellow-Lantern-Historical-Stories-American/dp/1643520830

My Thoughts:

The Yellow Lantern is the third book is Barbour Publishing’s True Colors series, fiction based on real crimes. I previously read the first two books and enjoyed them, but I was a little apprehensive to read this one about grave robbers. Thankfully, the book turned out to be more suspenseful than spooky or scary. The opening scene did give me the heebie-jeebies, but it laid a good foundation for the rest of the story. There were quite a few characters and I was intrigued how things would connect in the end. There were a few surprises, most of them connected to the web of grave robbers.

This is my first read by Angie Dicken, she is a new-to-me author. I thought the book contained just enough description to not get bogged down, and I loved the individual personalities of the different characters so that they came alive on the page. I enjoyed the romance between Josie and Braham, and I felt for Josie and the terrible bind she was in. I also enjoyed learning more about the mill girls and their lives working the mills.

This story will make you grateful for medical research and for the people who voluntarily donate their bodies to be used to forward medical discoveries.

I recommend this book for lovers of historical mysteries, especially ones based on real historical incidents.  

About the Author:

Angie Dicken credits her love of story to reading British literature during life as a military kid in England. Now living in the U.S. heartland, she’s a member of ACFW, sharing about author life with her fellow Alley Cats on The Writer’s Alley blog and Facebook page. Besides writing, she is a busy mom of four and works in Adult Ministry. Angie enjoys eclectic new restaurants, authentic conversation with friends, and date nights with her Texas Aggie husband. Connect with her online at http://www.angiedicken.com