Trying to escape the rumors of her past that caused her to return to America from Germany, Dr. Rosalind Werner is working alongside Dr. Leal strinving to eradicate cholera and other waterborn diseases by proving that water clorination is effective and safe. Encountering opposition, but given a 90-day window to persuade the judge, Rosalind meets with Nick Drake, an outspoken former plumber turned millionaire who is trying to convince the city that another expensive water filtration plant is the right way to go and that he should be one of three commissioners in charge of New York's water systerm. With 90 days to come to a resolution, can Rosalind and Nick come to an agreement on what's best? For water systems and their futures?
Water quality is something we take very much for granted in this day and age in our country. We don't think twice about running a glass of water out of the tap, or having functioning bathrooms, unless there's a problem. Even then, there's usually a relatively quick and easy solution. So the premise of this book, the battle over chemical aids to eliminate raging disease through large cities, was intriguing. According to the author's note, Dr. Leal (and George Fuller) were "real life heroes who implemented the first chlorine feed system in the world." Even though Rosalind was not a historical figure, I loved the inclusion of a female biochemist, who earned a legitimate degree through back channels in Germany. Additionally, the novel included a female CPA who looks to be the main character in the 3rd installment of this series.
I do wish I had read the first book, as it seems that would have given more insight into the feud between Nick and his sister against his Aunt Margaret upon their Uncle Thomas's death. It might also have helped to round out Nick's character, as I found him a contradiction - a humble plumber who's inherited millions - he's happy to throw his money whever his passions and heart lead him, but he's desperate to fit into the rich people's world, forcing himself to try caviar, making his 3-year-old daughter wear silks and fancy shoes for every occasion. Also, why does he hate the outdoors? Without more background for him, I found him a difficult character to like, and the relationship between Nick and Rosalind ran so hot and cold, with no real development, that while I wanted Rosalind to successfully rise above the rumors and destruction of her reputation, I would have been just as happy for another character to come along for her to end up with. Poor Rosalind was surrounded by unsettling characters; why does her sister-in-law hate her so much? What else was going on with her Doctor Clean situation that they pushed her out so easily? How did Rosalind manage to keep plugging along in life when it seemed she had no real support from anyone?
I give this book 3 stars; the purification of water and the creation of large reservoirs was not something I'd read about previously, and I found it interesting; however, the characters left too many questions for me to really care about them.
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I received a digital copy of this book, via NetGalley, from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.
