Cartier's Hope by M.J. Rose

 This fictional story, set against the backdrop of NYC’s Gilded Age, brings the glitter on the outside including Cartier’s jewelry store and his rich clientele, and corruption hidden inside, including mysterious diamond, causing much havoc and mistreatment of less privileged and their injustices. Poor immigrants crammed into tenements contrast drastically with millionaires living in mansions on 5th Ave.

NYC, 1910: Vera Garland is the daughter of one of the wealthiest merchants in the city. And she is very ambitious. She chooses profession over marriage. As if married, it was expected of a woman to leave her position (if she had any) behind. And that was not what she wanted to do.

She takes a pseudonym of Vee Swann and works as an investigative journalist. Those positions are very limited for women. Women journalists are seen as accidents in the industry, only to be tolerated. Still considered second-class citizens, paid less and treated unfairly in regards to assignments and promotions. She and other brave women fight to change it.

Her assignment on illegal abortion puts her article on the first page, which is a double success for a woman. Her career takes a giant leap forward.

Now, a family situation gives her an idea for a new assignment, which would avenge her uncle’s and her beloved father’s deaths. It is an assignment involving Mr. Cartier’s overblown sales techniques. In the process of investigating Mr. Cartier, she develops feelings for his assistant Jacob Asher. But Mr. Asher turns out to be much more than just a jeweler.

The story beautifully comes to its end. The disagreements are better understood, what or rather who seemed perfect turns out to be with flaws, secrets revealed make more sense - all that happens, when you get to know someone better. And in some situations if you only let your heart be open. After the death of her father, Vera finds a letter from him, which is very heart-warming.

Well-developed protagonist, who defies conventions. She is focused on a career, rather than motherhood and meeting man’s expectations of a wife. She speaks out. She argues. She could be too challenging for a man, who most likely would like to tame her. She is a free spirit and bohemian breaking conventions.

Enjoyed many aspects of historical background including: the short story of the French Blue (Hope diamond) and how it changed owners; short introduction of Cartier family; about a paste copy to make imitation gems; the contrast of those less fortunate and those very fortunate; and women’s movement for equality at work.

Typically, I don’t read mystery, as the mysterious tone is not necessarily an engaging read for me. Therefore, the five stars is a testament to very skillful and talented writing.

Release date: 28 January 2020

Source: AtriaBooks; Simon & Schuster