Recuperating from injuries received during a recent investigation, Professor Benjamin Bradshaw was enjoying a warm September afternoon with his friend Missouri Fremont when someone shouted to him that Thomas Edison was there to see him. The so-called Wizard of Menlo Park was interested in a device that could transform direct current invented by a former student of Bradshaw’s by the name of Oscar Daulton.

The Daulton device was thrown into the Elliott Bay by its inventor prior to his arrest for murder. Edison sought the details of Daulton’s invention that could advance the use of electricity beyond imagination.

One morning in 1903, a department store electrician was found dead in the Men’s Wear window. The Bon Marche employee, Vernon Doyle, was clutching a string of Edison’s new Christmas lights. The victim had previously worked with Daulton and, after talking with Edison, had learned the secret of Daulton’s invention. It was believed his death was not an accident, but was deliberate.

Bradshaw and Detective O’Brien of the Seattle Police Department were assigned the task of solving the murder, along with the help of Bradshaw’s assistant, Henry Pratt.

Bradshaw had earned respect as a private investigator in the area of science and electricity. He also forged ahead during investigations, never letting up until he solved the crime no matter what he had to do or how long it took.

The Edison Effect is the fourth in a unique series by Bernadette Pajer that focuses on the early years of the 1900’s during an exciting time when inventions such as electricity and airplanes are created and put into practice to make life easier for not just the rich, but for everyday people that make up the United States.

The author has created a fast-paced mystery set mainly in Seattle, Washington, populated with interesting characters, captivating scenes, and a solid plot.

I like that the novel isn’t just about the mystery part of the story, but the author also works in a special bond between Professor Bradshaw and his son, a loving relationship with a woman he has grown to care for despite the challenges before them, while also questioning his faith.

A special thank you goes to Poisoned Pen Press for providing us with a complimentary copy of this novel for our review.

The Edison Effect is available at Amazon.com.