FATAL INDUCTION
“Bradshaw’s engineering and forensic skills offer readers a glimpse at life during the early twentieth century, including both the social unrest and the excitement over new scientific and technological discoveries. A fine choice for historical-mystery buffs.”
Barbara Bibel, Booklist, April 2012
“Bradshaw will win readers over as he puts his own life and his friendship with Det. James O’Brien in jeopardy in pursuit of the truth.”
Publishers Weekly, Jan. 30, 2012
Fatal Induction is a well-crafted historical mystery novel, posing and answering intriguing questions about murder and divers[e] other possible crimes at a time when technology was propelling America into the future.”
David Marshall, Thinking About Books, Feb. 2, 2012
“Pajer’s second series entry (after A Spark of Death) shines brightly, bringing a real sense of scientific inquiry and wonder to the turn-of-the-20th-century historical. Her ability to weave together technology and emotion (particularly the connection between Bradshaw and his son) makes for an engaging series.”
Library Journal, March 2012
“If you enjoy historical mysteries, Pajer’s series is a particularly good example. She doesn’t just give the readers obvious details of setting; she digs a little deeper, works her research into the plot, and creates an immersive and enjoyable experience for the reader.”
Victoria Janssen, Criminalelement.com, April 30, 2012
A SPARK OF DEATH
“Hopefully, this is the just the first of many adventures for the indefatigable Bradshaw and his equally delightful cronies.”
Sue Emmons, Mystery Scene Magazine, Summer 2011
“With red herrings, foreshadowing, and hidden clues added in, A Spark of Death leads us on a . . . breathless journey from beginning to end.”
Judith Reveal, NY Journal of Books
“Set in 1901 Seattle, Pajer’s deft, highly entertaining debut introduces calm, relentlessly logical Benjamin Bradshaw, an electrical engineering professor at the University of Washington.“
Publisher’s Weekly 5/30/2011
“With plenty of historical details and an eclectic cast of characters, plus a well-constructed plot and terrific pacing, this engaging first novel should be recommended to all fans of historical mysteries . . . “
Jessica Moyer, BOOKLIST
“A SPARK OF DEATH crackles with mystery, romance, and expert, evocative explanation of electricity at the dawn of the 20th Century in vibrant frontier Seattle. Bernadette Pajer’s splendid debut promises dogged Professor Benjamin Bradshaw will be solving crimes in many books to come.”
William Dietrich, NYT Bestselling Author
“I made the mistake of starting to read this book very close to bedtime. I was quickly drawn into the story, and found myself staying up entirely too late. It was with great difficulty I reluctantly set the book down to sleep, only to take it up again as soon as I could the next day. And so I finished it in two sittings . . . Be forewarned, it’s a very engaging read . . . “
Laura “Tegan” Gjovaag, Bloggity-Blog-Blog-Blog
“In Spark of Death, Bernadette Pajer backs up great storytelling with thorough research to deliver a gripping tale of intrigue, wonder and mystery. A shockingly good read! ”
John Jenkins, President, The American Museum of Radio & Electricity
“Seattle in 1901 is the setting for this distinctive scientific mystery that delves into the political machinations of the university and the changing technological landscape of that era. Like today’s concerns about terrorists, fear of anarchists ran high at the time. Professor Bradshaw, our intrepid protagonist, becomes the amateur detective in this promising new series.”