Title: The Vanished Bride
Author: Bella Ellis
Call number: Fic Ellis
Published: 2019
.http://pclib.polarislibrary.com/view.aspx?author=Ellis&title=vanished=bride
The first book in the Brontë Sisters Mystery Series by Bella Ellis, a pseudonym inspired by the ' use Brontës' of the Bell Brothers, with Charlotte using Ellis Bell as her pseudonym. The book begins with the Brontë sisters learning of the disappearance and presumed death of a young woman near their home. Not yet published authors, the women decide to use their natural abilities, including their well-honed imagination, to become "lady detectors" and decide to solve the mystery.
The Brontës', of course, live in a world that believes women should remain at home involving themselves only in domestic matters. The true story of how the three sisters’ lives are bound by this reality is both biographical to the Brontës specifically and to the characters of the “lady detectors.” This idea is also central to the mystery of the vanished bride.
I debated with myself whether to read a book based on the real Brontës' investigating a murder. The premise sounded a bit ridiculous. Now I’m glad I read it. Ellis does a wonderful job developing her characters, so much so that by the end of the book you feel as if you know the Brontes' very well. If you enjoy the Brontës' novels and poetry, you will enjoy this book. Strictly as a murder mystery, it is engaging. I am looking forward to another installment of the series.
Michaelle S.
Popular Materials Asst.