Crossings

Crossings (#342) is the second book in Robert Bruce Stewart's engaging Harry Reese mystery series.  Harry's an investigator for an insurance bureau in the New York City of 1901.  He and his co-workers are just finishing up the compiling of an Insurance Fraud Manual, so he's grateful when a rather mundane investigation comes his way.  Is an insurance agent's death really the suicide it appears to be?  And is there any connection with the deaths of two policy holders he recently insured?

Harry sets about investigating in his own inimitable way, which of course includes eluding his wife Emmie whenever possible, as she attempts to solve the case on her own.  The fact that Harry's investigation leads him to poolrooms, betting parlors and the race track don't help matters with Emmie's penchant for gambling.  With a few too many tall, statuesque blonds littering the landscape including Elizabeth Custis, one of Emmie's chums from Smith, things go from routine to risky as additional bodies pile up.  Will Tammany Hall and Willoughby Street politics as usual keep Harry from solving the case?

What makes this series so enjoyable to me is the interplay between Harry and Emmie.  She's always springing surprises on him, usually at the most inopportune times.  Harry's life wouldn't be half so entertaining if it weren't for her frolics.  He does manage to turn the tables on her often enough to nominally maintain the upper hand.  Or so he thinks.... 

The New York City of the turn of the century is brought vividly to life in this series.  Taking the ferries and the cars across the bridges was a way of life for New Yorkers, but enough of an impediment to create separate and distinct societies on either side of the rivers, and influence the local politics.  As an added bonus, Mr. Stewart also provides an interesting website with maps and articles to flesh out the background on his stories if you're curious.  A fun series, and highly recommended!