Allison Pittman’s The Lady in Residence is a breathtaking novel with mystery, romance, and just the right amount of tension.
Book Blurb
Young widow Hedda Krause checks into the Menger Hotel in 1915 with a trunk full of dresses, a case full of jewels, and enough cash to pay for a two-month stay, which she hopes will be long enough to meet, charm, and attach herself to a new, rich husband. Her plans are derailed when a ghostly apparition lures her into a long, dark hallway, and Hedda returns to her room to find her precious jewelry has been stolen. She falls immediately under a cloud of suspicion with her haunting tale, but true ghost enthusiasts bring her expensive pieces of jewelry in an attempt to lure the ghost to appear again.
In 2017, Dini Blackstone is a fifth-generation magician, who performs at private parties, but she also gives ghost walk tours, narrating the more tragic historical events of San Antonio with familial affection. Above all, her favorite is the tale of Hedda Krause who, in Dini’s estimation, succeeded in perpetrating the world’s longest con, dying old and wealthy from her ghost story. But then Dini meets Quinn Carmichael, great-great-grandson of the detective who originally investigated Hedda’s case, who’s come to the Alamo City with a box full of clues that might lead to Hedda’s exoneration. Can Dini see another side of the story that is worthy of God’s grace?
My Thoughts
Pittman creates this delicious tension as she slowly reveals bits and pieces of Hedda’s story interspersed with Dini’s. I love how Hedda’s story was “excerpts” from her memoir, especially since that very memoir is one of Dini’s most treasured possessions.
And because Dini knows the story of Hedda and the reader doesn’t, I found myself relating even more to Quin. His perspective isn’t even shown in the novel, but I could relate to each question. Could understand his quest for answers. He and the reader both catch up to Dini’s extensive knowledge about the same time. And I was on the edge of my seat as they tried to solve the ultimate mystery: What really happened the night Hedda was robbed?
And Pittman also does a great job with characterization. She gives Dini all these quirks that make her unique, and she doesn’t even have to fully explain them. Once I learned more of Dini’s backstory, the quirks began to make sense. I thought this was genius on Pittman’s part.
As for the spiritual element, Quin and Delia have a great discussion about how life can seem like a set of coincidences but is actually arranged by the deft hand of God.
Overall, The Lady in Residence is an expertly written tale historical and contemporary fans alike will enjoy. One of my favorite dual timeline novels to date.
(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.)
Further Information
The Lady in Residence releases February 1. To pre-order from Bookshop.org, click the book cover above. Or you can visit your favorite book retailer.
For more on Allison Pittman, you can visit her website or follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
