Imminent unemployment, alligators on her birthday, and a dead man in her bedroom…
What can possibly go wrong?
Loveda Brown is a governess for a wealthy 1911 Boston family,
but things are about to get complicated.
The August heat could be blamed for short tempers and frizzy curls, but only Loveda Brown would know how a dead man landed in her third-floor bedroom unannounced.
Or would she?
The clock ticks down as Loveda and her best friend Bea try to untangle the mystery while her future becomes dimmer than a sixteen-watt lightbulb.
Can she take the heat? Or will the truth shock her world?

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What an interesting twist, where Thomas Edison is portrayed in a less-than-honoring light! The structure of the plot is a good one–an unexpected murder mystery featuring high-level names and important secrets. The characters are distinctive–employers who are not very supportive and mischievous twin boys. The writing style is excellent and clear.
A few drawbacks that hindered my enjoyment: the beginning of the story is rather long and rambling, and doesn’t lead one straight into the meat of the plot. I imagine this is due to being a prequel to the main series, and anyone who’s read the main series will enjoy the background information. Second, the solving of the mystery was very confusing, and though apparently Loveda and her friend both knew the answer and knew that the other knew the answer, it wasn’t explained enough for this reader. I do not recall that Bea’s relationship with Edison was explained, or her brother’s connection, for that matter.
I enjoyed the historical explanatory note at the end. I highly applaud any author who takes the effort to use factual historical tidbits to spice up a story!
I enjoyed this book very much! Jolie Tunnell transported me back in time, when life was less complicated and the simpler things were important.
Loveda’s Origin Story!
I enjoyed listening to this audiobook and am looking forward to more.
Loveda is an adult orphan and has been working as a governess. Not only is her time as governess running out [boys heading to boarding school] but there’s a dead man in her bedroom. Amusing story of her treatment by the boys and her memories of her parents.
This is an amazing historical fiction book. I bought book one of this series up in Idyllwild, CA after visiting their little musrum on a weekend getaway. However, when I learned there were 2 prequels, I just had to go back to the beginning of Loveda’s story. I could not put this book down and read it in about 3 hours. It was so balanced with history, mystery, and a brave young orphan girl who was trying to make a living, as well as a life, for herself. I can’t wait to buy and read “The Rattler” so I can then read my Book One and start her adventures in Idyllwild (one of my favorite havens on the planet).
The twist at the end was good . Didn’t see it coming . Nice historical book . I read it in one setting . A new series to me . Cute cover
Loveda Brown: The Boston Burglar, my first read from author Jolie Tunnell.. A well-written enjoyable historical mystery. “I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.” The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author, I own 4 of the first 5 books in the series by this author & after reading this one they’ve just moved higher on my TBR list. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 – July 24, 2018).
Wow! I just read Boston Burglar in one sitting. It is a great backstory to Loveda’s life in Boston. Thanks for sharing your gift of writing!