The purpose of a forensic investigation is said to be "convict the guilty, clear the innocent, and find the truth in a nutshell.”

In January 1919 a tank bursts in Boston’s North End, flooding the neighborhood with molasses. When a woman is found murdered in the wreckage, Frances Glessner Lee asks her old friend, medical examiner Dr. George Magrath to help exonerate a young serviceman. Frustrated by her lack of education and skills, she wants the clear the young man’s name and find the killer. Will creation of a miniature crime scene lead to the truth? It’s the best she can do.

This is the first in a series of fictional stories roughly based on the Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death. Over twenty miniature crime scenes were used from the 1940’s to the present to train police detectives. Set in the 1920’s these stories imagine Frances Glessner Lee working with Dr. George Magrath to learn about “legal medicine” as forensic science was known at the time. Working with Magrath provided the foundation for the miniatures for which Frances Glessner Lee has become known as the Mother of Forensic Science.

 

Praise for Molasses Murder in a Nutshell

 

"One of the challenges of anyone writing historical fiction is to tell a compelling story while getting the setting and the time period 'right.'  Frances McNamara masterfully accomplishes both with Molasses Murder in a Nutshell -- a riveting read that occurs amidst the sights and sounds of the early 20th century.  What more can lovers of historical fiction ask for?" Stephen Puleo, author of Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919, and Voyage of Mercy: The USS Jamestown, the Irish Famine, and the Remarkable Story of America's First Humanitarian Mission

“Overall, Molasses is a real treat. Settings and back stories about the time period run smoothly. Particularly delicious is the unexpected denouement. This reader, for one, looks forward to the next Nutshell mystery.” Historical Novel Society

“I really enjoyed this cozy mystery with a female lead. I also loved the connection to "nutshells". I always enjoy reading about women who "step out of their comfort zones along with societal expectations…" Ktande2

“What a wonderful little book!! A mix of historical characters and situations with a clever murder mystery and you’ve got a great story. Tightly wound, but a little murky in the middle. Great ending, keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end. Highly recommended.” Brazos Booksellers

Comments from other GoodReads and Amazon reviewers:
"A well written, fast paced historical mystery. Great fun to read. Will definite keep an eye out for
further books in this series!" Kim Herdman Shapiro
"A good start for a new historical fiction mystery series. I’ll be looking for Book 2." Virginia Williams
"A good historical mystery, based on a fascinating idea, and compelling. The mystery is solid, the characters well developed and the I liked the storytelling." Anna Maria Giacomasso Goodreads reviewer
"Molasses Murder in a Nutshell is highly recommended for history nerds who are a fan of murder mysteries." Gizel Salabao Goodreads reviewer