LOUISA AND THE CRYSTAL GAZER is the latest work of accomplished historical mystery writer Anna Maclean.  Behind this pseudonym stands Jeanne Mackin who has published a number of other fictional works under her real name as well, such as THE SWEET BY AND BY, DREAMS OF EMPIRE, THE QUEEN'S WAR, and THE FRENCHWOMAN.  Non-fiction works credited to her are THE CORNELL BOOK OF HERBS AND EDIBLE FLOWERS and THE BOOK OF LOVE. As Ms. Maclean she wrote
the famous Louisa May Alcott mystery series which started off with LOUISA
AND THE MISSING HEIRESS and continued with the second book entitled LOUISA AND THE COUNTRY BACHELOR. Mrs. Mackin has a brilliant imagination which she has honed over the years when imagining what Louisa May Alcott's life must have been like before she obtained fame and fortune. This thought gripped her at a young age and she was never able to completely let it go. Since then she has not only become an accomplished historic mystery  writer, but also an award winning journalist whose work can be found in the New York times, American Artist, and Travel And Leisure.

LOUISA AND THE CRYSTAL GAZER tells the story of adventurous young Louisa May Alcott who is spending the impending Christmas holidays of 1855 away from home in Boston and is temporarily supporting herself financially as a seamstress. To get away from the drudgery of the work she consents to accompanying her friend to a séance held by a crystal gazer who is  considered the latest fad in Bostonian society. There she meets up with a
> host of characters who are also looking for a word about the future,
> including the infamous showman P. T. Barnum. When the crystal gazer is
> found murdered, Louisa cannot help but get involved - much to the chagrin  of Constable Cobban who knows all about her involvement in murder investigations. Yet soon the situation becomes treacherous and Louisa's very life is threatened!  Will she remain on the trail of the killer or
will she end her involvement in the case?

LOUISA AND THE CRYSTAL GAZER is an absolutely delightful book that is
lovingly crafted with great care.  Much consideration is given to the
characters, and Ms. Mackin takes no liberties with this famous writer, but
instead creates a believable character who is true to the original in
sentiment, yet at the same time spellbinding and entreating to the modern
mystery reader.  If you have not already read the other parts of this
lovely series, do yourself a favor and pick them up today.  Mrs. Mackin's
writing is wonderful, and the series is absolutely phenomenal!