J.R. Lindermuth's "By Strangers Mourned" is a beautifully written, gripping historical mystery/procedural that will grab your attention instantly and keep you turning pages until you reach the end. I was so absorbed in this story that at one point when I had to stop reading to go to work or do errands, I was irked because I really wanted to find out what was going to happen next.

Set in a small Central Pennsylvania town on the cusp of the 20th century, the story centers on Sheriff Tilghman's investigation into the tragic, brutal death of an immigrant woman. The trail of clues leads him to discover how foreign women are being lured from abroad with false promises of lucrative employment but instead are being hoodwinked into a sex slavery ring. A man of high principles and inordinate decency, Tilghman is a very likable, rootable protagonist and the archetype of a genuinely good person. You not only want him to succeed and root out the villains responsible for this evil scheme but you also root for him and his kind-hearted sweetheart Lydia and everyone in his circle.

One thing I especially enjoyed about this novel were the deeply evocative descriptions the author uses to set up each scene. The sensory imagery is so rich and palpable you can practically taste and smell the delicious meals Tilghman eats with Lydia and his colleagues as well as feel and see the encroaching wilderness and rural underbrush where much of the criminal action transpires.

At one point, when I was reading this story, I was reminded of another great historical thriller/procedural "The Alienist," which takes place around the same time except in New York City.

"By Strangers Mourned" is a wonderful, riveting page-turner that will have you on the edge of your seat as you flip the pages. Sheriff Tilghman is such a captivating hero and the suspenseful story J.R. Lindermuth crafts will keep you enthralled throughout. Highly recommended.