Dear Inmate by Lisa Boyle

Release: March 15, 2022
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Lisa Boyle
Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle

Massachusetts, 1854. The anti-foreigner American Party, better known as the “Know-Nothings,” take power throughout the state. The city of Lowell elects Leonard Ward, a member of the party, as its mayor. Suddenly the “Know-Nothings” are everywhere. And they’re going after the Irish.

Rosaleen is ready to fight back. Emboldened by strange conspiracies about the Catholic Church, violent mobs and corrupt government officials are making life nearly unbearable for her people. Lowell’s newly-formed police department is committed to ridding the streets of “Irish filth,” beating and arresting anyone who crosses them. When Rosaleen uncovers a horrific truth, it will test her in ways she could never have imagined.

Targeted by dangerous opposition, she needs help. But are her friends as loyal as she believes?

About the Author:

Lisa Boyle has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. Born and raised in Finksburg, Maryland, Lisa received a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a bachelor’s degree in international affairs from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. As part of her college program, Lisa traveled the Middle East and spent two months reporting on political and human-interest stories.

Various magazines and online publications have published her works. Also, she has held many different jobs over the years from cheesemonger to educator at the U.S.S. Constitution Museum. Moreover, Lisa and her husband Tim live in North Carolina with their daughter and a goofy-looking mutt named Lloyd. Signed, A Paddy is Lisa’s first novel.

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Dear Inmate Review:

I loved the first book, “Signed, a Paddy,” when I read it last year, and the author did a fantastic job in the sequel “Dear Inmate.”

What I appreciate in this book is how much research the author did in detailing the struggles of Irish Immigrants. I learned a lot from this book, like the Fugitive Slave Act and the “Know-Nothings.” Not only that, but the book also covers slavery and racism, which beautifully progresses the plot. Moreover, we also get details about paleontology and photography, and it was interesting to see how people from that time would have perceived these topics. The author writes the story in simple and short sentences, so the book feels like a breeze to read.

I adored Rosaleen in the lead and her headstrong attitude to take charge. The author also adds a dynamic cast of supporting characters who play equal importance to Rosaleen. On the one hand, we have Emmett, who shares a beautiful romance with Rosaleen, or Marie, who stays as her headstrong companion. I also cherished Mr. Joyce even though he appeared only for a few moments. Similarly, Nessa, Calvin, and Josiah were also memorable. Some notable moments in the tale were Rosaleen witnesses something shocking on her wedding day or the trial with George. As the story progresses, the author spins the plot to a thrilling climax that had me turning the pages to find out what happened.

Perhaps the only minor criticism I have of the tale is that I felt there were too many characters on the canvas. For instance, I didn’t think Ronan and Mairead brought any value to this book, and the author could have avoided them.

Apart from that, I love this series and cant wait to see what happens next.