Read Stalking Jack: The Hunt Begins... (Madeline Donovan Mysteries Book 1) for Free Online Page A

friend,” said Grace, who spoke little when Mr. Franks was present. She was particularly shy around men.
    “At last, I did not feel it my place to ask, but may we all do that. Ladies, may I call you by your first names?”
    Madeline was the only one who hesitated, but then realized how foolish she was, after all, what is the harm in it, she thought and agreed also.
    “Will we finish our novel today? You both have the copies of the book, and we shall be at a great loss if we do not know how the book ends,” said Sophie.
    After an hour or so of reading, both Anna and Helen were tapping their foreheads with their white handkerchiefs, leaning in with anticipation and anxiety. When they finished, there were sighs and many “OH’s”.
    “Madeline, I don’t know much about the Mormon’s. Can all they say about them be true? That’s in your backyard, Salt Lake City. The Latter Day Saints—are they notorious in America?” said Sophie.
    “It is in America, but I’m afraid Utah is thousands of miles away from where I reside in Chicago, and I have never been there. There are Mormon’s that live about us. They bring brochures to our doors describing their religion, and sometimes they stop to talk to us. They are very consistent with their solicitation in trying to convert someone to their religion. I have never heard it said, that I can recall, however, that they in some way present a threat to anyone. It is a curious plot indeed.”
    “What about who the murderer turned out to be? Did anyone guess?” asked Jonathan.
    There seemed to be a consensus that everyone had discerned who it was, but Madeline doubted that. She had only come to her conclusion in the last few pages of the book and deemed it lucky that she was right. The plot was complicated and unpredictable, but the ladies, bless them, would never have admitted that amongst each other. Jonathan was quite boastful of saying he knew who did it early into the novel. Of that, she definitely was skeptical, but perhaps he had also an analytical mind, after all, she did not know him that well.
    “If this, what is his name again, Boyle, ever writes another novel, we must be sure to do another reading together,” said Anna.
    “It’s Doyle, but I agree. I do hope he writes another mystery, but now we have our own. We need to find your niece, Mary Ann. As soon as I settle in, I will be in to see you,” said Madeline.
    “We will meet tonight then at the Grand Saloon before we take our leave of each other,” said Anna.
    “Thank you, Jonathan, for providing this night for us. I look forward to it and also am saddened to think we will not be able to share our conversations,” said Madeline.
    “I too, will miss it and hope for our continued friendship.”
     
    As she dressed for dinner , for the first time, she wished she had brought something other than all black dresses. She would never stop mourning, at least, that’s how she felt today, but she was young, and the drabness of her pale white face against the deep black was disconcerting. She had brought along her grandmother’s white lace shawl, the stitching so delicate and beautiful, she liked to run her fingers across it, and draped it around her shoulders. Looking in the mirror, she was satisfied that it brightened her appearance.
     
    The orchestra was playing in the Grand Saloon; with the room decorations festive, as it was the last dinner that would be served to the travelers before they arrived at their destination.
    “A toast, to the loveliest ladies in all of London,” said Jonathan.
    Grace blushed, Helen pushed her shoulders back, and Anna and the others smiled broadly, appreciating his flattery.
    “It has been a while since I have been called lovely, Jonathan, and it is good to hear, no matter how untrue the statement. Any further developments regarding The Ripper?” said Anna.
    “Now they are saying, perhaps it was a policeman or other figure of authority that approached the women, and that is why