The mysterious death of Junetta Plum / Valerie Wilson Wesley.
1926: Harriet Stone, a liberated, educated Black woman, and Lovey, the orphaned, biracial 12-year-old she is bound to protect, are Harlem-bound, embarking on a new, hopefully less traumatic chapter in their lives. They have been invited to move from Connecticut by Harriet's cousin, Junetta Plum, who runs a boardinghouse for independent-minded single women. It's a bold move, since Harriet has never met Junetta, but the fatalities of the Spanish flu and other tragedies have already forced her and Lovey to face their worst fears. Alone but for each other, they have little left to lose--or so it seems as they arrive at sophisticated Junetta's impressive brownstone. Her cousin has a sharp edge, which makes Harriett slightly uncomfortable. Still, after retiring to her room for the night, she finally falls asleep--only to awaken to Junetta arguing with someone downstairs. In the morning, she makes a shocking discovery at the foot of the stairs. What ensues will lead Harriet to question Junetta's very identity--and to wonder if she and Lovey are in danger, as well. It will also tie Harriet to five strangers. Among them, Harriet is sure someone knows something. What she doesn't yet know is that one will play a crucial role in helping her investigate her cousin's murder . . . that she will be tied to the others in ways she could never imagine . . . and that her life will take off in a startling new direction . . .
Record details
- ISBN: 9781496752499
- ISBN: 149675249X
- Physical Description: 206 pages ; 22 cm.
- Edition: First Kensington Hardcover Edition.
- Publisher: New York : Kensington Publishing Corp., 2026.
- Copyright: ©2026
Content descriptions
- Bibliography, etc. Note:
- Includes Character list; Key historical influences behind the Harlem Renaissance and the lives of my characters; Author's notes; Recipes; and Discussion questions.
Search for related items by subject
- Subject:
- Harlem Renaissance > Fiction.
African Americans > Fiction.
Women detectives > Fiction.
Harlem (New York, N.Y.) > Fiction. - Genre:
- Detective and mystery fiction.
Historical fiction.
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Available copies
- 25 of 34 copies available at NC Cardinal.
- 1 of 1 copy available at Onslow County Public Library. (Show)
Holds
- 3 current holds with 34 total copies.
Show Only Available Copies
| Location | Call Number / Copy Notes | Barcode | Shelving Location | Status | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville Main Library | FIC WESLEY (Text) | 36015000772935 | Adult Fiction | Available | - |
| Beaufort Main | F WESLE (Text) | 34208900273854 | Adult Fiction | Available | - |
| Bordeaux Library | F WESLEY (Text) | 31781070008584 | Adult Fiction | Available | - |
| Carver School Road Branch | FIC Wesley, Valerie (Text) | 0112523636311 | Adult New Fiction | Available | - |
| Carver School Road Branch | FIC Wesley, Valerie (Text) | 0112523636339 | Adult Fiction | Available | - |
| Clemmons Branch | FIC Wesley, Valerie (Text) | 0112524796752 | Adult New Fiction | Available | - |
| Clemmons Branch | FIC Wesley, Valerie (Text) | 0112524711175 | Adult New Fiction | Available | - |
| Clemmons Branch | FIC Wesley, Valerie (Text) | 0112524830947 | Adult New Fiction | Available | - |
| Clemmons Branch | FIC Wesley, Valerie (Text) | 0112524830956 | Adult New Fiction | Checked out | 08/18/2026 |
| Columbus Library | F WES (Text) | 31250200095548 | Adult New Fiction | Available | - |
Accessibility Features
Summary:
1926: Harriet Stone, a liberated, educated Black woman, and Lovey, the orphaned, biracial 12-year-old she is bound to protect, are Harlem-bound, embarking on a new, hopefully less traumatic chapter in their lives. They have been invited to move from Connecticut by Harriet's cousin, Junetta Plum, who runs a boardinghouse for independent-minded single women. It's a bold move, since Harriet has never met Junetta, but the fatalities of the Spanish flu and other tragedies have already forced her and Lovey to face their worst fears. Alone but for each other, they have little left to lose--or so it seems as they arrive at sophisticated Junetta's impressive brownstone. Her cousin has a sharp edge, which makes Harriett slightly uncomfortable. Still, after retiring to her room for the night, she finally falls asleep--only to awaken to Junetta arguing with someone downstairs. In the morning, she makes a shocking discovery at the foot of the stairs. What ensues will lead Harriet to question Junetta's very identity--and to wonder if she and Lovey are in danger, as well. It will also tie Harriet to five strangers. Among them, Harriet is sure someone knows something. What she doesn't yet know is that one will play a crucial role in helping her investigate her cousin's murder . . . that she will be tied to the others in ways she could never imagine . . . and that her life will take off in a startling new direction . . .
