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LET THE HATCHET FALL Helen Jewett, a sophisticated prostitute, is murdered in 1836 in an upscale brothel in New York City. David Tuck, consumed by his estranged sister’s untimely death moves to New York to discover why she ended up in the world’s oldest profession and became the target for a homicide.
Distraught, David decides to attend the highly publicized trial of her suspected murderer—a highbrow, well-connected citizen named Richard Robinson. During the proceedings, David discovers the corrupt underbelly of the city’s leadership. He is shocked when the media runs amuck with scandalous tales and accusations. The brutal murder of this well-educated courtesan affected the way journalists reported the news—sensational, opinionated, and often full of lies. The speculation and contradictions in the media led readers to believe the most creative reporter. Helen’s story splashed across the front pages of newspapers and penny presses in several major cities for years. Her death contributed to turning New York City into the prostitution capital of the United States. This work of historical fiction reveals captivating details about the trial, the profession some women resorted to in a world of powerful men, and one brother’s journey to find truth and happiness in the face of great loss. Genre: Historical Fiction / Crime / Corruption/ Suspense/Romance/Humour |