Murder in the Lightning Room by A.D. Brazeau – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Murder in the Lightning Room by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cora Croft is finishing up her last year of high school at Palmer High School in Colorado Springs. Cora is a young lady interested in pursuing higher education, something that most women do not consider in the year 1899. When her teacher mentions an opportunity for Cora to become Nikola Tesla’s lab assistant Cora is determined to seize the opportunity. Before long, Cora finds herself wrapped up deeply in a mystery as Nikola Tesla’s previous lab assistant has mysteriously ended up dead and important documents containing Nikola Tesla’s top-secret designs have been stolen. Tesla is at his wits end over the theft of his documents and is determined to pack up his lab and move back to New York. However, Cora not wanting to miss the unique experience to work with such a brilliant man offers to help Mr. Tesla figure out who is behind the theft.

Cora reluctantly enlists help from Harrison Byrne, a man whom she despises no matter how charming he seems to be on the surface. She also asks her friend Marshall, a man with whom she has known for years and trusts with her life. As the trio starts to investigate farther into the sudden and mysterious death of Tesla’s previous lab assistant and the top- secret documents they start to uncover something that is far more sinister than they could have imagined. When there is another death, Cora, Harrison, and Marshall quickly realize that their own lives may also be at risk.

I loved the character of Cora and found her to be inspirational. Cora was smart, feisty, and wise beyond her years. No matter who or what tried to stand in her way Cora was determined to battle against the social constraints of the time to pursue her dreams. Harrison seemed a bit arrogant initially as he liked to tease Cora and seemingly mock her, something that really irked Cora and made her despise him. Eventually, as I read farther, I learned there was more to Harrison’s character than I had thought at first. I soon realized that although he may appear almost condescending at times in his tone as he spoke to Cora, deep-down Harrison had a big heart and deeply cared about those around him, especially Cora. This book contained several twists and turns throughout with a surprise at the end that really caught me off guard. I highly recommend this book!

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