Unseemly Ambition: a Concordia Wells Mystery

By K.B. Owen

A murder...a missing boy...a secret society’s bold and deadly plot...

It is 1898, and Professor Concordia Wells has come to expect the hectic routine of classes, clubs, teas, and the inevitable student pranks at the women’s college. If only she could avoid the cantankerous dean, Randolph Maynard, who has learned about her past experiences as a “lady sleuth.” To Concordia’s dismay, he scrutinizes her every move for evidence of unseemly conduct.

The dean will certainly scowl over the lady professor’s behavior when a disastrous turn of events affects those she loves. First, a mysterious woman claims that Concordia’s young friend, the eleven-year-old Eli, is her long-lost child. Soon after, they find the woman murdered and the boy gone.

Lieutenant Capshaw is given the case, only to be abruptly replaced by a junior associate. An innocuous reassignment, or something more?

Concordia calls upon a former ally, Penelope Hamilton, for help. As they search for the child and untangle the mystery of his mother’s death, Concordia realizes that not even her own colleagues are above suspicion. Not knowing whom at the school to trust as she attempts to side-step Dean Maynard’s continual scrutiny, she must tread carefully. Far more is at risk than the loved ones she seeks to protect, and there is no turning back.

Praise for the Concordia Wells Mysteries:

“The exquisitely plotted mystery will keep you turning the pages well into the night, and the richness of the world will keep you thinking about the story long after you put it down.” ~Janice Hamrick, award-winning author of Death Makes the Cut

“...finely wrought historical details that make the reader feel totally at home...truly a delight to read. I’ll definitely be awaiting more adventures of the intrepid Miss Wells.” ~Martha Powers, award-winning author of Conspiracy of Silence and Death Angel

“As long as K.B. Owen keeps writing Concordia Wells mysteries, I'll keep reading them.” ~Marcy Kennedy, editor and SFF author

• Language: English
• Publisher: K.B. Owen
• Release date: Oct 5, 2014
• ISBN: 9780991236831

K.B. Owen

K.B. Owen taught college English at universities in Connecticut and Washington, DC and holds a doctorate in 19th century British literature. A long-time mystery lover, she drew upon her teaching experiences in creating her amateur sleuth, Professor Concordia Wells. Unseemly Ambition is the third book of the series. The first two books, Dangerous and Unseemly (book 1) and Unseemly Pursuits (book 2) were published in 2013. K.B. currently lives in Virginia with her husband and sons, and is busily planning the lady professor’s next adventure. Check out K.B.’s book page to learn more about the Concordia Wells mysteries: http://kbowenmysteries.com/books/

Reviews for Unseemly Ambition

[vesper1931 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

September 1896, and the Hartford Women's College has a new Lady Principal. But events turn serious when at the opening of the college's new exhibition donated items go missing. Then the donar himself is killed. Lt Capshaw investigates but Concordia finds herself involved especially with the links to her father's past.
Another enjoyable and interesting well-written mystery with its likeable characters.

[jansenschmidt · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a lovely book filled with interesting anecdotes about college life for young ladies around the turn of the century. A cozy mystery with just the right combination of suspense and romance. A great week-end read.