Title: Murder at Monticello
Author: Rita Mae Brown
First published January 1, 1994
284 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780553572353 (ISBN10: 0553572350)
Rating: 3.88
Overview
Rita Mae Brown’s latest novel, Murder at Monticello, takes readers on a thrilling journey through Virginia’s rich history. When an archaeological dig at Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello, reveals a shocking secret, the tiny town of Crozet is thrown into chaos.
As tensions rise, postmistress Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen and her animal companions, including the clever tiger cat Mrs. Murphy and the loyal corgi Tee Tucker, work to solve the mystery of a centuries-old skeleton and a modern-day killer.
With twists and turns at every corner, Murder at Monticello will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
About the Author
Rita Mae Brown is a well-known author from the United States, having written numerous novels and mysteries, including “Rubyfruit Jungle.” Additionally, she has been nominated for an Emmy award for her work as a screenwriter.
Born illegitimate in Hanover, Pennsylvania, Brown was raised by her mother’s female cousin and her husband in York, Pennsylvania and later in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She attended the University of Florida at Gainesville on a scholarship, but was expelled from the racially segregated institution in 1964 for her involvement in the civil rights movement.
Brown then enrolled at Broward Community College before moving to New York City where she attended New York University and later received a degree in cinematography from the New York School of Visual Arts. She earned a Ph.D. in literature from Union Institute & University in 1976 and holds a doctorate in political science from the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, D.C.
In 1973, Brown moved to Los Angeles, where she lived in the Hollywood Hills. She later purchased a farm in Charlottesville, Virginia where she currently resides.
Brown’s screenplay entitled “Sleepless Nights,” written during her time in Los Angeles, was retitled “The Slumber Party Massacre” and was released in theaters in 1982.
Brown has been active in numerous social movements throughout her life, including the civil rights movement, anti-war movement, feminist movement, and gay liberation movement. She was a founding member of The Furies Collective, a lesbian feminist newspaper collective in Washington, DC, which believed that heterosexuality was the root of all oppression.
Brown also took an administrative position with the National Organization for Women but resigned in 1970 due to Betty Friedan’s anti-gay remarks and NOW’s attempts to distance itself from lesbian organizations. She claims to have played a leading role in the “Lavender Menace” zap of the Second Congress to Unite Women on May 1, 1970, which protested Friedan’s remarks and the exclusion of lesbians from the women’s movement.
In a 2008 interview with Time magazine, Brown stated her belief that everyone is a degree of bisexual, rather than strictly straight or gay. She claimed that she was the only openly lesbian person in the United States during the late 1970s because no one had spoken out using their real name before.
Editoral Review
“Murder at Monticello” by Rita Mae Brown is a mystery novel that takes the reader on a thrilling journey through the past, unraveling the truth behind the murder of Thomas Jefferson’s daughter, Martha. Brown is a well-known author, having written many popular mystery novels, and her expertise in the genre shines through in this book.
Set in the early 1800s, the book is steeped in historical detail, and Brown does an excellent job of bringing the setting to life. From the sprawling Monticello estate to the bustling streets of Richmond, Virginia, the reader is transported to a time and place that is both fascinating and dangerous.
The plot centers around the murder of Martha Jefferson, who is found dead in her bedroom one morning. The main character, a young slave named Mungo, becomes the prime suspect in the case and is forced to go on the run to clear his name.
Along the way, he teams up with a cast of intriguing characters, including a feisty young woman named Sally Hemings, who becomes his ally in the search for the real killer.
Brown’s writing is top-notch, and she does an excellent job of creating a sense of urgency and tension that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. The characters are well-developed, and each one feels like a real person with their own motivations and desires.
The pacing of the plot is just right, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing but not so many that it becomes confusing.
One of the strengths of the book is its exploration of the complex issues of slavery and race in early America. Brown does not shy away from the harsh realities of the time, and she gives voice to the oppressed and marginalized people who are often left out of traditional historical narratives.
This makes the book both engaging and thought-provoking, and it has significant relevance to current events and social issues.
However, the book is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the ending to be somewhat predictable, and the resolution of the murder mystery may be a bit too tidy for some tastes.
Additionally, the book is not particularly subtle in its commentary on race and slavery, and some readers may find it heavy-handed.
Overall, “Murder at Monticello” is an excellent mystery novel that will appeal to fans of the genre as well as anyone interested in history and social issues. Brown’s writing is superb, and her exploration of complex themes is both engaging and thought-provoking.
While the book has its flaws, they are minor in the grand scheme of things, and the book is well worth reading.
I would give “Murder at Monticello” 4 out of 5 stars. While it is not a perfect book, it is an excellent example of the mystery genre and a compelling exploration of important historical and social issues.
