Smooth flashbacks carry this inventive romp through a 19th-century New England scandal, which opens at the deathbed of Henry Ward Beecher, "the most brilliant preacher in America," in March of 1887. Around him are his many siblings, notably his famous sister, Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom's Cabin. The deathwatch mirrors the moment when, 15 years earlier and further on in the book, the clan assembles to discuss a front-page story in Victoria Woodhull's newspaper that, in veiled language, accuses Henry of having an affair with parishioner Elizabeth Tilton, in which the two conduct "orgies" in front of her children. The result is (among other things) a punishing church committee hearing. Three years later, Henry's former protege and parishioner, Theodore Tilton, files suit against Henry, charging alienation of affections. O'Brien (coauthor of I Know Just What You Mean) takes the reader into the courtroom, a scene of such twists, betrayals and revelations that it will entertain even those who know how it ended-a tricky business since even Elizabeth, who has confessed, denied and confessed, wonders, "Which of my stories was true?" That the question remains just makes the telling juicier, and O'Brien delivers just enough history to make a reader feel virtuous while savoring the gossip. (Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

As Henry Ward Beecher lies dying in 1887, his estranged sister, Isabella Hooker, comes to Brooklyn Heights for a final attempt at reconciliation. Among those who oppose her visit is her sister, Harriet Beecher Stowe. The rich and powerful Beecher family has never recovered from the trial 12 years earlier in which Henry, a charismatic preacher, stood accused of committing adultery with Elizabeth Tilton. Rather than supporting Henry unquestioningly, Isabella stood by Victoria Woodhull, the outspoken suffragette who made the charges public to advance her own causes. O'Brien (The Glory Cloak) skillfully carries readers back and forth through time and place in brief chapters that elucidate Isabella's involvement in the suffrage movement and Harriet's literary triumphs. Mrs. Tilton's contradictory accounts of events and Henry's ambiguous explanations contribute to the jury's inability to reach a verdict, and the nagging uncertainties influence the dynamics among the Beecher siblings as well. This intriguing novel illuminates the era's political and social struggles as well as the stresses within a celebrity family. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction, the book should also attract a broader public library readership.-Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State Univ. Lib., Mankato (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

O'Brien provides an interesting new spin on an infamous nineteenth-century scandal. When superstar preacher Henry Ward Beecher is publicly accused of adultery and brought to trial, his extended family is drawn into the fray. Sisters Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom's Cabin, and suffragist Isabella Beecher Hooker hold opposing viewpoints and quarrel bitterly. Although Harriet supports Henry unconditionally, Isabella is vocally convinced of his guilt. The effective courtroom scenes rival anything contemporary readers can view on court TV and offer a titillating glimpse into a scandal that gripped the nation. Authentically detailed, this finely wrought historical novel also features plenty of family drama and juicy dish. Renewed interest in the Beecher clan (The Most Famous Man in America, 2006; The Beecher Sisters, 2003) guarantees a ready-made audience for this fictional page-turner.--Flanagan, Margaret Copyright 2007 Booklist