Moon Bones, is the fifth book in the “A Nellie Burns and Moonshine Mystery” series by Julie Weston. The intriguing mysteries take place in the 1920s central Idaho’s rugged mining country.
When photographer Nellie Burns’ Chinese friend, Sammy Ah Kee, leads Nellie and her Basque fiancé Sheriff Charlie Asteguigoiri to a body Sammy has found, they find more than just the body, they discover a conspiracy to enslave Chinese immigrants. As they delve further, the mystery becomes more complex with murder and greed.
Of special interest to me in Moon Bones, was the deplorable way Chinese people were treated in this time period. In the late 1800s Idaho’s population included about 30% Chinese, most of whom were from the Guangdong area of China. They originally migrated to America to work on the railroad, though some came to prospect for gold. They were not treated well, were restricted from working the mines other than as laborers for white people, nor could they own land. The author does a good job of showing the plight of the Chinese, while also showing their loyalty to those white people they considered friends.
“A Nellie Burns and Moonshine Mystery” is an engaging series about the life and times in central Idaho in the 1920s. If you like a good mystery, I would recommend reading these novels in the order written: Moonshadows, Basque Moon, Moonscape, Miners’ Moon, and Moon Bones. The author has done a good job developing Nellie Burns’ character and her relationship with Sheriff Asteguigoiri, as well as with friends she has made along the way. Weston’s research of the area is impressive as her stories delve into the old mines, ghost towns, landscapes, and attitudes of the times.
This one sounds especially intriguing, Mary, as I am a fan of Julie Weston’s books and stories. Thank you for this great review of her latest.
It’s been fun following this series, Alice. I’m so impressed with Julie Wesson’s research.
I have it, hope to get to it soon. I’ve enjoyed all of Julie’s books.
I agree, Irene. Her research is impressive!