The Second Mrs. Hockaday
By: Susan Rivers
Release Date: January 10, 2017
Placidia is a young teenager, living on her father’s farm, when she meets Major Gryffth Hockaday. The Major has been in several Civil War battles, but he needs a wife, to raise his child and look after the farm. Flash forward to his return home after two years, as he learns that his bride had been pregnant and buried the child. He charges her with infidelity and murder. Is Placidia guilty or are there things that happen on the home front, during war?
Susan Rivers weaves an intricate tale told through letters and journal entries. Readers will discover multiple time periods, as they try to solve the mystery. Although the set-up takes time to get used to, readers will be kept guessing until the very end. Major Hockaday’s letters not only describe the effect of Civil War on his men, but also on nature in Virginia. Placidia’s cousin, Mildred, represents the readers, as she pleads to hear the truth from her cousin.
Notes:
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This review was written for My Sister’s Books. To learn more about this bookstore, please visit their website.