by Liz Hedgecock (Author)

A Book Review  by Jackie Houchin

   OFF THE MAP is the second in Liz Hedgecock’s Maisie Frobisher Victorian Era mysteries series.  In the first book Maisie made her way from England to India via steamship. She met several unique characters (some of which are in this book), helped to solve a crime (almost to her demise), and made flirty eyes at one police inspector.

Now we find her trying to get settled in Bombay society and finding it difficult despite her wealth and well-known name. She makes friends, rides elephants, picnics, and watches polo matches with them, and then is suddenly shunned. She discovers a malevolent woman is spreading rumors about her. But why?

Suddenly the fun is gone and Maisie wonders if she should pack up and return to England.

But then…a dangerous adventure and a handsome policeman entice her to stay in India. She is to travel by train to Calcutta to meet someone who says his name is “Leopard” and deliver a message.

Adventure and suspense ensue (plus a bit of flirty romance on the side). Maisie meets “Leopard” alright, but faces death in the process. And the “cat” disappears into the darkness. Who is he? What does he really want?

The well-written denouement in the parlor of the Viceroy of India weaves all the mysterious facts of the mystery together. Except one. Leopard.

I fear he will be in the next book in the series as well. (I peeked at the cover, so I know!) This is a very well-researched series. I recommend it.

FIVE stars