LOUISA AND THE COUNTRY BACHELOR is the second installment in the Louisa "Louey" May Alcott mystery series.  In 1855, Louey accepts an invitation from her Cousin Eliza and Uncle Benjamin and she moves to Walpole, New Hampshire for some much needed rest and relaxation.  Although the rest of the Alcott family joins her in Walpole, she still intends to find the time for her writing and to work with the local amateur dramatic company.  The last thing Louey expects is a murder in Walpole.

Ernst Nooteboom is found dead at the bottom of a ravine.  Lilli, his sister, does not believe that he fell to his death because her brother was an experienced climber in the Alps and Louey sees evidence that supports her claim.  Louey investigates the death and quickly finds out that the Nooteboom's own land close to the path of the future railroad; Lilli believes that Mr. Tupper killed Ernst because of the land.

Another mystery surrounds the Alcott's neighbors.  Ida Tupper is married to Mr. Tupper's son, Jonah, but the father disapproves.  Jonah is a commercial bell salesman but his prolonged absence seems suspicious to Louey.  Ida's son Clarence and her brother, who is an invalid, add to the mystery surrounding Jonah's absence.  Once again, Louey's curiosity about Jonah Tupper gets the best of her and she finds out that she is sticking her nose into something that could be dangerous.

Anna Maclean has created an entertaining period piece around Louisa May Alcott and her adventures as an amateur sleuth before she becomes a well known author.  Louisa investigates both mysteries in the novel with the manners and grace of a lady of that time.  The rest of the Alcott family is a delightful addition to the series; they provide insights into the impact that the family had on Louisa's writing.  Those readers who enjoy mysteries set in the past, like the Irene Adler series, will want to add this series to the list of their must-reads.