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THE GOLDEN BOX is the second in the series of what was to become the Jean and Pat Abbott series by Frances Crane, that began with THE TURQUOISE SHOP. In this episode Jean Holly leaves her adopted home in the artist community of Santa Maria, a pseudonym for Taos, New Mexico, to visit an ailing aunt in her childhood hometown of Elm Hill, Illinois, not far from St Louis. As soon as she arrives she is whisked off to a church meeting presided over by the rich and unpopular widow Claribel Fabian Lake who is threatening to withdraw her funding from the annual Christmas party. Jean is staying with her cousin Peg and her husband Bill who are neighbours of Mrs Lake and her daughters and is thus amongst the first to hear that Claribel has died in the night. A day or two later Claribel's maid Ida is also found hanged, and Jean and Peg become suspicious that both deaths may be murder. Luckily, Detective, and suitor, Patrick Abbott has decided to visit Jean in Elm Hill and is on hand to lead the investigation and keep a professional eye on the amateur sleuths, and the untrained coroner. THE GOLDEN BOX is very different in feel to its prequel which was set so atmospherically in New Mexico. This is very much the tale of a small town community but the sense of place is equally strong. It is a fascinating window on the time in which it is was set and written, the days in November 1941 just before the attack at Pearl Harbour. The men, Patrick Abbott in particular, are nervous of what is happening with Japan and are always alert for news. Everyone dresses for dinner, and chain-smoking is almost the norm. It also highlights the situation of the African American community who are mostly, if not entirely, employed as servants for the rich middle classes, and the varying attitudes of the characters towards them. But this is also a book with a lovely light touch of humour too. Every so often Jean, who narrates the tale, makes a wonderful little side comment to the reader and I often found myself laughing. THE GOLDEN BOX is an interesting and charming read.
Reviewed by Bridget Bolton, May 2005
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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