Review #61
You'd think Nuala (pronounced Noola) Anne McGrail, (a fey, Irish-speaking woman blessed with the gift of second sight) and her husband, Dermot, would have enough to worry about, what with their brand-new baby daughter being born three months premature. But, Nuala's fey gifts aren't about to go on maternity leave just because little Socra (pronounced Sorra) Marie needs more care and loving attention than the average newborn.
Nuala Anne senses that self-made Chicago lawyer and tough guy, Seamus Costelloe, is doomed after meeting him at a Milan music festival. Nuala persuades Dermot that they must find out why, hopefully, in time to prevent tragedy. Because Socra Marie must spend several weeks in the neonatal ICU, Dermot does much of the legwork as Nuala Anne recuperates and focuses on the baby. Although, she manages to run the show, as usual!
The immigrant condition is very much on their minds, in both past and present investigations, and even life at home is affected by the hardships and prejudices encountered by new arrivals, especially in ethnically complex Chicago.
There's a lot to keep straight in this book. When he isn't trying to help Nuala Anne save Costelloe, Dermot is reading transcripts of the 100-year old 'Haymarket Riots' trial and period newspaper articles, especially those penned by journalist Ned Fitzpatrick, who reported on the riot and its aftermath. (All the “Irish” books by Greeley have two stories going at the same time)
The double plot is rich with detail, while the charming couple's earnestness and good intentions are never in question. This book is just as enjoyable as “Irish Lace” (Book Review #57)
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