Chinawoman's Chance

Portia of the Pacific Historical Mysteries, Volume 1

By: James Musgrave

Narrated by: Anne James

Length: 5 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

Clara Foltz, Esq. fights sexism and racism in early San Francisco

After losing a case in a sexist and racist kangaroo court, Clara learns to use street tactics to find the real killer.

In this exciting first mystery in the new Portia of the Pacific Historical Mystery series, the reviews are in:

"Chinawoman's Chance is an engaging mystery with a historically informative feminist bent." (Anita Lock, Clarion Book Reviews - Foreword Reviews)

"It was fascinating to look at the reactions of the politicians to the perceived growing threat of the 'yellow menace', as they termed it, with their heathen religions and beliefs, comparing that to today's response with respect to Hispanic and Muslim immigration. The 'Exclusion Act' and the 'Muslim Ban' - not all that different, perhaps? This book appealed to me on many levels, but most importantly of all, it was a darn good read and an excellent mystery." (Grant Leishman, author of The Second Coming)

"The story line flows smoothly amid several provocative twists and turns that engage the reader until the very last page. Musgrave utilizes vivid description of setting and plot to lure the reader into the realistic detail of his story. The main character is well-defined and inspiring as a 19th century heroine. With its heavy reference to the sexist attitudes of the time, I envision Chinawoman's Chance as a staple in the library of many historical mystery collectors." (Lisa McCombs, author of I Have MS. What's Your Superpower?)

Now you can hear how it was in California before civil rights became an issue for anyone but males. Clara Shortridge Foltz, Esq. is the first woman admitted to the State Bar of California. It is 1884 in San Francisco's Chinatown.

©2018 James Musgrave (P)2018 James Musgrave

Mystery with Asian History and Ms. Clara S. Foltz

Chinawoman's Chance has some very interesting facts about Chinese immigrants and Clara Shortridge Foltz. For those who don't know Chinese American's history, under the Exclusion Act passed by Congress in the 1880s, Chinese immigrants were less then humans. They cannot have any jobs except for working at the laundry and railroads. If a crime was committed, the Chinese immigrants cannot be witnesses. They cannot become U.S. citizens. They cannot own lands.

As for Clara Shortridge Foltz, every Californians should know who she was. Clara Shortridge Foltz was the know as the first woman to passed the bar exam, the first in champion cases of the disadvantages which would have been dismissed by other lawyers.

These two facts were put together by the author to create a story to reflect the circumstances socially, politically, and economically of what the Chinese immigrants faces and what Clara Shortridge Foltz has to overcome as being a woman attorney. Ms. Foltz would have to use her street smart skills in representing a Chinese journalist, who is accused and may be an escape goat for the killing several women in Chinatown.

The story was well written with a very interesting ending of why this book is a historic fiction of a very infamous character who made his appearance in San Francisco, CA. Did this infamous character ever stay in California? Maybe but we will never know for sure.

When several women in San Francisco of low stature, were killed, I did guess of who the killer(s) was but there were no facts supporting that this infamous criminal were ever in San Francisco. I dismissed this theory. It turned out I was right since this is a historical fiction and not history being written.

For any readers/listeners who want to know what it is to be a Chinese immigrants and a little bit of background on Clara Shortridge Foltz, this book will portray a very good indication of what 1880's to both parties. I do highly recommend this book for anyone who need a story to explain Chinese American history during this period. Sometime, the facts could be overwhelming and need a story just to explain it.

I really did enjoy listening to this book. The prologue provided the information on the Exclusion Act passed by Congress which did happened. The book also gave some background information on Clara Shortridge Folz, for readers/listeners who do not know who she is. A good mystery.

The narrator, Anne James did a wonderful job on the characters' voices.

Engrossed from beginning to end!

I am not normally a fiction reader, but this was an outstanding read! It was a wonderful journey into the mind of a very interesting woman. The time period is thoroughly and realistically described, so the reader the reader is transported back in time. The chapters concerning the court scene are my favorite. A woman pushing her way through prejudices and status quo thinking, to intellectually convey her side.
The book was read with the feeling for each character.
I would recommend this audio book to anyone that wants to take a great leap into a great mystery.

Historical murder mystery in Chinatown

Clara Foltz was the first woman in Los Angeles to be allowed to practice law and her first case made it legal for women to attend law school. Captain Isaiah Lees, a British immigrant, became a policeman after he fought in the US Civil War.

Clara had just accepted the businessmen of Chinatown as clients to help them obtain citizenship and civil rights when George, the son of the wealthiest businessman, Andrew Kwong, was arrested for the murder and dismemberment of a white prostitute working in Chinatown. Captain Lee’s was assigned to investigate the murder and soon learned that seven Chinese prostitutes had also been murdered in the exact same way.

With more and more evidence coming to light exonerating George, the corruption of local politicians and law enforcement became obvious. After a kangaroo trial, George was condemned to hang, but was he guilty or just a scapegoat? Captain Lees was fired by Mayor Beasom, known as the White Whale, and joined forces with Clara to investigate the murders.

In 1886, only white men held any power. The Chinese, blacks, native Americans, and women were all powerless, having no right to vote or own property or have access to jobs. The Chinese culture and the men brought from across the ocean as cheap labor on the railroads come to light through the investigation and trial of George Kwong. Add crooked politicians and an influx of Suffragettes and Los Angeles and Chinatown become an exciting place to be in 1886.

A strong woman in a fascinating slice of history

I loved the heroine, and her shy love interest. The setting of Victorian San Francisco and the political implications of the time were the perfect setting for Carrie’s pioneering spirit, and fight against the injustices of that era, lack of rights for women and the racism against the Chinese. I loved the teaser at the end for the murderer who went back to England. This Audiobook was a gift of the author, but I am hooked on Portia of the Pacific, and will be purchasing the rest of the series.