The Four Pools Mystery - Jean Webster

A rather good detective story by the author of "Daddy Long Legs."

The book has been printed so badly that it’s painful to read – looks like a condensed pdf (or kindle) with tiny font. So frustrating I had to return it. I do not recommend the purchase.

Fortunately well written otherwise this story, not without its negatives, including racism, wouldn't have held my attention. Kind of slow and often the characters, including the main, were fairly unbelievable . Still, because it was written well, I'll look for another by the author, this being my first by... her? Ah, that may be why things about the mostly male characters I found didn't ring true.

This book was originally published in 1908. It takes place on a plantation in VA. The servants are negroes, but they are still being treated like slaves. I found it hard to understand their broken English. The "n" word is used frequently. I did not enjoy the story. I see that the author wrote other books which are not mysteries but I'm afraid to read another one.

great