Sugarland

What I loved about Sugarland is how quickly author Martha Conway engaged me as a reader. Within the first two pages, I was hooked. It's 1921, and Eve Riser, a young black jazz pianist, finds herself in both a romantic and frightening situation on a train in Chicago, one that will lead to more dangerous challenges in the future. I was particularly taken with Eve's step-sister, Chickie, a vulnerable and likeable singer, who has her own troubles with gangsters fighting for control of the bootlegged trade during this time of prohibition. Add to the mix, Lena, a white woman who becomes involved with Eve and Chickie after an unexpected murder, and you have a compelling mystery that also highlights the racism that prevented talented black musicians from getting the notice they deserved. Highly recommended.