This suspenseful mystery set in Philadelphia during the Reconstruction era, 11-year-old African-American Addy Walker saves the wealthy architect Albert Radisson from a runaway horse as her father works nearby. Radisson is grateful, notices her father's carpentry talents, and not only offers him a job, but also housing for their family in the servants' quarters on his estate. While Radisson's late father was known as an abolitionist, his mother is not of the same mind, and is quite hostile to the Walkers. When the man's fiancée, Elizabeth, comes to town to prepare for their wedding, she is kind and generous but then she suddenly turns against Addy and accuses her of stealing a necklace. Addy discovers the reason for this change of heart, and also solves the mystery of a shadowy stranger who is hiding in the house. Addy and her family experience many verbal assaults from white people they encounter, and the tensions of this era are clearly and honestly depicted. Coleman is faithful to the characters and settings in Connie Porter's Addy books (American Girl), and provides an enjoyable and informative mystery.

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