This is the second book by Sandra Dallas I have read, the first being Prayers For Sale, and it won't be the last. Picture yourself in Denver, CO in 1885, on the streets where high society meets the dregs of society, and you have the backdrop for Fallen Women. When wealthy older sister Beret, living in New York, learns of the death of her younger sister, Lillie, she travels to Denver and learns the horrible truth of a gruesome murder. The author does a beautiful job of painting a period picture complete with descriptive homes, streets and dress of the time. The story is drenched in mystery with multiple suspects. I felt the author did a good job with character development. Had she dug any deeper into the characters, the plot would have unraveled. Even though with just a few clues I was able to figure it out early, I enjoyed the journey of watching the clues unfold to reveal the face of the real demon. A dramatic read that emphasized how blind love can be, that human nature causes us to see only what we want to see in others and what a sight we behold when the blinders are removed.

You begin reading thinking you are reading one kind of novel only to discover that you are reading another – much more intriguing and with vastly more depth than you thought. With each page we are drawn more deeply into the lives of Lillie and Beret and Mick. Dallas’s rich character development is apparent in the first chapters and continues throughout as the plot line unfolds. Even minor characters have depth. The title leaves one wondering which women (and men) are fallen.
Public appearance and actual moral character become evident as Beret and Mick proceed with their investigation into Lillie’s death and personality. Moral fiber will become a rich topic for book groups who choose to discuss this book. Dallas gives us many other topics for discussion and one persistent question – What is the story behind Beret’s name-- a question posed but never answered.
5 of 5 stars