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Nell: Marshal of Bodie (The Nell Doherty Mysteries #1) by John Edward Mullen: A Book Review

Nell: Marshal of Bodie (The Nell Doherty Mysteries #1)
Author: John Edward Mullen
Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery & Suspense, Western 
Publisher: Murders in Time Press
Release Date: 2022
Pages: 300
Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: In the winter of 1892, the once-vibrant gold-mining town of Bodie, California is in serious decline. 

      Nell Doherty, an 18-year-old young woman with a wooden leg, dreams of leaving and becoming a Pinkerton detective. 

     When a tragic shooting presents her with an opportunity to prove she has the skills needed to work for the Pinkertons, Bodie’s justice of the peace deputizes Nell — over the loud objections of the majority of the town’s residents.

     Can she prove them all wrong?

      Nell digs in and investigates the shooting, with the help of Rags, her half-Irish, half-Chinese best friend. 

     As they work against the clock to solve the mystery, Nell and Rags become the targets of ruthless desperadoes who won’t let anyone get between them and a fortune.

     My Review: Nell Doherty dreams of becoming a Pinkerton Detective. When her father is shot, Nell is determined to find her father’s shooter. Nell gets the opportunity to investigate the case when she is chosen to become a deputy marshal. She chose as her sidekick to be her half-Chinese best friend, Rags. However, Nell and Rags find that investigating the case is not easy because they are often faced with discrimination.

   I really like Nell. I thought that she was a very plucky heroine. She has a disability, but she never let it stop her from pursuing her dreams. There were moments that I found her frustrating. She often lets her emotions get to her while investigating the case, and it leads to her emotions clouding her judgement. Nevertheless, I admired her strength and stubbornness as she investigates a personal case. Therefore, I rooted for Nell through every step in her journey.

    Overall, this was a coming-of-age story about dreams, secrets, and friendship. I liked all of the characters and found them to be very realistic. I also find the mystery to be so compelling that I couldn’t put the book down! The reason why I am not giving it a solid five stars is because there were still some loose ends. I did like the setting of when the ghost town, Bodie, was rich, thriving, and bustling. Nell: The Marshal of Bodie was a very engrossing and fun read! I can’t wait for the sequel! I hope it comes out soon! I want to know more about what happens to Nell! I recommend this for fans of Dead White, The Pryce of Conceit, and The Secret Life of Anna Blanc!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars


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