"Murder Under the Silver Moon" By Abigail Keam: Review/Giveaway

by Kathleen Costa

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win an ebook copy of this book, and a link to purchase it.

Adventure Blues
It’s deep into the Depression, and Madeline Mona Moon has been part of the Lexington, Kentucky, community for a year. Originally, she was unsuccessful in finding another expedition team in need of a cartographer; her gender was viewed as an impediment. Fortuitously, “glad tidings” heralded a substantial inheritance from a paternal uncle about whom she knew little. She relocated from New York to Moon Manor to manage Mooncrest Farm and other family holdings, however, a wealthy lifestyle has Mona feeling imprisoned by all the restrictions and security protocols. Fortunes have made many targets; Charles Lindbergh, Mary McElroy, and even her friend Lady Alice have disturbing tales to tell. There are also a few relatives who thought they were due a larger stake in the inheritance, men who don’t see women as equals even in post 19th Amendment era, and a few murders that have put everyone on alert. However, there is Lord Robert Farley, the future Duke of Brynelleth, ninth in line to the British throne. Their relationship is close, but snarky; “Lord Bob” isn’t all that keen on Mona’s adventurous nature, Mona’s not sure about love and marriage, but they are better together than apart. And despite all the changes in her life that have brought mystery and danger, Mona still craves adventure!

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Murder Under the Silver Moon earns 5+/5 Silver Mines...Engaging Page-Turner!
Every week Mona has a few local citizens to tea as a way for her to get to know the residents of Lexington and for them to get to know her or to put the bite on by requesting funds for their pet projects. This week’s conversation turned to an intriguing tale of a missing person, possible murder, local tribe, and the lore of a hidden silver mine sparking Mona’s insatiable desire for adventure: “I love a good mystery.” Dr. Rupert Hunt, assistant history professor at the University of Kentucky, is fascinated by the tales of James Harrod, an original Kentucky founder, who is also an ancestor of the local pastor. Rumors abound that the ancestor was actively seeking the legendary John Swift’s silver mine, and Dr. Hunt is set on exploring the Kentucky backwoods in order to find the mine himself. “Mona was looking for adventure!” Joining her and Dr. Hunt, is, of course, Robert Farley (who invited himself to ensure Mona’s safety), geologist Chester Combs, nurse/midwife Miss Althea, and along with questionable resources, moonshiners, a feeling of being followed, whispers, secrets, and panthers, there’s murder.

Miss Fisher’s Adventurism with Southern Charm! Abigail Keam has added another entertaining adventure to a personal favorite series, Mona Moon Mystery. I was swept up immediately with how she intertwined fascinating history with her fiction by referencing the various kidnapping cases of the era, Frontier Nursing Service, and Kentucky history and legends (Enjoy exploring the links.). I love a bit of realism in my cozy, yet this book seems more akin to a historical fiction with cozy overtones. It took longer than I’m used to for the murder mystery to occur, and although I wasn’t impatient, some readers might be. Suspicions kept me guessing as I questioned whether the legend was real or not, and was everyone legitimate? I was so absorbed in the historical references, descriptions of the sights, sounds, and the various people, and dialogue that did well to make me worried, excited, anxious, relieved, and gave me an understanding of the various personalities. Mona is still delightful, a strong character who does well to challenge the status quo for women, yet she is trying to channel her softer side with Lord Farley and come to grips with the idea of marriage. After all is said and done, revelations made, motives exposed, and justice impending...Brilliant!

Don’t miss it! There is a “Glossary” in the back which includes definitions, background, and historical information about terms, events, and persons mentioned in the story. It is fascinating by itself!

Mona Moon Mystery
Murder Under a Blue Moon (April, 2019) KRL Review HERE.
Murder Under a Blood Moon (May, 2019)
Murder Under a Bad Moon (July, 2019)
Murder Under a Silver Moon (February, 2020)

Be a Big Abigail Keam Fan!
Along with this delightful four-book Mona Moon Mystery series, Abigail Keam pens three other diverse series sure to meet an taste: five-book Last Chance for Love, “an inspirational series where people with problems visit the Last Chance Motel in Key Largo in desperate attempts to change their lives;” five-book The Princess Maura Tales Epic Fantasy Series, “a treat for readers who love epic fantasy, sword and sorcery tales mixed with action and a spoonful of supernatural;” and another personal favorite the thirteen-book Josiah Reynolds Mystery series about “a female beekeeper turned sleuth.” All totally entertaining!

Website — Abigail Keam
Facebook — Abigail Keam, Author
Amazon Author Page — Abigail Keam

Abigail’s Thoughts
I selected the 30s because of the troubled history - rise of the "strong man,” Great Depression, dust bowl, labor riots, women in the work force, and tumultuous politically as today's politics. Today's struggles are very much like the 1930s' struggles. It's like we relive history. America was a powder keg. It was WWII that brought us back together again, but you know all that. I can write about important issues like women's rights, financial inequality, and racism through Mona's eyes in an entertaining, but educational fashion. I try to be as factual as possible. Since Mona is a young, educated, working woman who came into some money, she has a different viewpoint of the world than that of the other characters in the storyline who are born rich.

In Murder Under A Silver Moon, Lord Farley is starting to worry about Hitler. In some of the other books, Mona is facing backlash for her social programs and employee benefit programs. Dexter warns her that many in the community don't want change. This was very true in Lexington when reformers, who tried to help the poor and disenfranchised in the 30s, were threatened and one man was even murdered in front of witnesses. I base my writing on real events.

To enter to win an ebook copy of Murder Under the Silver Moon, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "silver,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen April 18, 2020 . U.S. residents only and you must be 18 or older to enter. You can read our privacy statement here if you like. We delete all emails after the contest is over.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors! A new episode goes up next week!

You can use this link to purchase the book. If you have adblocker on you may not be able to see the Amazon link:

Kathleen Costa is a long-time resident of the Central Valley, and although born in Idaho, she considers herself a “California Girl.” Graduating from CSU-Sacramento, she is a 35+ year veteran teacher having taught in grades 1-8 in schools from Sacramento to Los Angeles to Stockton to Lodi. Currently Kathleen is enjoying her retirement revitalizing hobbies along with exploring writing, reading for pleasure, and spending 24/7 with her husband.

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Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.