City of Light - by Lauren Belfer (Paperback)

About the Book

It is 1901 and Buffalo, New York, stands at the center of the nation's attention as a place of immense wealth and sophistication. Against this rich historical backdrop lives Louisa Barrett, an attractive, articulate headmistress who feels secure in her position, until a mysterious death at the power plant triggers a sequence of events that forces her to return to a past she has struggled to conceal.

Book Synopsis

NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK - "Breathtaking . . . a remarkable blend of murder mystery, love story, political intrigue, and tragedy of manners."--USA Today

The year is 1901. Buffalo, New York, is poised for glory. With its booming industry and newly electrified streets, Buffalo is a model for the century just beginning.

Louisa Barrett has made this dazzling city her home. Headmistress of Buffalo's most prestigious school, Louisa is at ease in a world of men, protected by the titans of her city. But nothing prepares her for a startling discovery: evidence of a murder tied to the city's cathedral-like power plant at nearby Niagara Falls. This shocking crime--followed by another mysterious death--will ignite an explosive chain of events. For in this city of seething intrigue and dazzling progress, a battle rages among politicians, power brokers, and industrialists for control of Niagara. And one extraordinary woman in their midst must protect a dark secret that implicates them all. . . .

Review Quotes

"Suspenseful...A historical novel of high intrigue."
--People

"Get your hands on City of Light, a full-to-the-brim first novel...a straight-through, sleepless read."
--Time

"A big novel, full of electricity...Niagara Falls, with currents of romance, suspense and history, cascades through City of Light...
a pleasure to read."
--The Oregonian (Portland)

"Breathtaking...a remarkable blend of murder mystery, love story, political intrigue and tragedy of manners."
--USA Today

"An ingenious first novel...alive with historical figures who mingle seamlessly with fictional characters."
--The New York Times Book Review

"Wonderful...part murder mystery, part love story."
--Chicago Tribune

A New York Times Notable Book
A Main Selection of the Book-of-the-Month Club

About the Author

Lauren Belfer grew up in Buffalo, New York. She received her M.F.A. in fiction from Columbia University in New York City, where she now lives with her husband and son. City of Light is her first novel.