The Midwife's Tale by Sam Thomas

Lady Bridget Hodgson, a respectable woman and midwife, becomes a detective in this mystery novel set during the English Civil War. As a midwife, Bridget is priovy to women's secrets. When her good friend, Ester Cooper is accused of murdering her Puritian Husband, Bridget knows she is innocent. All evidence points to Esther, but Bridget believes she was framed. To prove Esther's innocence, Bridget and her street savy servant,  Martha take to the streets, homes, prisons, and fortresses to learn the truth. Bridget refuses to give up, as Esther's life hangs in the balance.

This mystery novel weaves a great story. Bridget has a giving heart and hates to see anyone suffer. No stranger to loss, she guides women in the art of childbirth and motherhood. Martha, her plucky servant with a painful storied past, balances Bridget's personality with her own force. Together the women make a formidable team. The plot is full of twists and even the good guys have human flaws. I loved how the author really stretched the mystery to include councilmen, business rivals, politics, family and strangers. I really enjoyed this book. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sam Thomas is an assistant professor of history at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. He has received research grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Newberry Library, and the British Academy. He has published articles on topics ranging from early modern Britain to colonial Africa. Thomas lives in Alabama with his wife and two children.

http://samthomasbooks.com/

I reviewed  this book for the Historical Fiction Book Tours.
Link to Tour Schedule:  http://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/2012/11/sam-thomas-on-tour-for-midwifes-tale.html
Twitter Hashtag: #MidwifesTaleVirtualTour