Sisters Arrive in Bodie

Daisy and her younger sister Freddie, Englishwomen searching for their missing father, arrive in Bodie, a lawless gold-mining town in the Texican Territories. Warnings from fellow travelers about Bodie's dangers do little to deter them. The sisters are determined, despite the town's reputation for violence and the scarcity of respectable women. Their arrival is marked by a sense of unease and the daunting realization that finding their father among twenty thousand souls will be no easy task. Yet, their resolve is strengthened by the memory of their family and the hope that the network of boarding-house keepers—the "society of absent friends"—will aid them. The sisters' bond and courage are immediately tested by the harsh, unfamiliar landscape and the town's chaotic energy.

Casa Gallina's Warm Welcome

Daisy and Freddie find lodging at Casa Gallina, run by the vibrant and kind Mrs. Clarissa Moss, who welcomes them as "absent friends" thanks to a secretive network signified by a zinnia brooch. The sisters are swept into the boarding-house's social world, meeting other boarders, including the enigmatic "Mr. Carnegey" (Detective Barnaby Hayes in disguise). Mrs. Moss, the town's matchmaker, is preparing for the upcoming Autumn Ball and is eager to include the sisters in Bodie's social life. The sisters quickly sense that beneath the hospitality, secrets and tensions simmer—especially when Mrs. Moss's estranged, abusive husband makes a dramatic and threatening appearance, only to be ejected by Detective Hayes. The sisters realize that safety in Bodie is fragile and alliances are crucial.

Dangerous Town, Dangerous Ties

As Daisy and Freddie settle in, they reconnect with Detective Hayes, who is undercover in Bodie. The sisters learn more about the town's dangers: rampant crime, a single overworked constable, and the ever-present threat of violence. They also meet Peony Churchill, a wealthy and independent Englishwoman who arrives in her own airship, Iris, seeking answers about a past love. The sisters' quest to find their father intertwines with Peony's personal mission, and the group forms a tentative alliance. The town's social structure—dominated by boarding-house keepers, miners, and desperate men—becomes both a source of support and suspicion. The sisters' search for their father is complicated by Bodie's labyrinth of secrets and shifting loyalties.

Peony Churchill Descends

Peony Churchill's arrival in Bodie is a spectacle, drawing the town's attention and adding a new layer to the sisters' story. Peony, glamorous and resourceful, seeks closure about a failed romance and quickly bonds with Daisy and Freddie. Over tea, Peony confides her heartbreak and learns of the sisters' own losses and hopes. The women's conversation reveals the importance of female friendship and mutual support in a world where men's actions often dictate women's fates. Peony's presence brings both social cachet and practical help, as her airship and connections offer the sisters new avenues for their search. The group's camaraderie is tested by the town's undercurrents of jealousy, rivalry, and the ever-present threat of violence.

Secrets, Sorrows, and Tea

Daisy, Freddie, and Peony share their personal histories and sorrows, forging a deeper bond. Peony learns the truth about her former lover's betrayal, while the sisters recount their mother's death and their father's memory loss. The society of absent friends—boarding-house keepers who support each other—emerges as a vital network for women's survival and justice. The sisters are drawn into the group's activities, attending quilting bees and exchanging information. The women's solidarity is both a comfort and a source of strength as they navigate Bodie's dangers. Yet, the town's social rituals—balls, teas, and matchmaking—mask deeper tensions and unresolved grievances, setting the stage for tragedy.

The Autumn Ball Beckons

The much-anticipated Autumn Ball arrives, offering the sisters a rare chance to enjoy themselves and perhaps gather information about their father. The ball is a dazzling affair, with Peony and the sisters the center of attention among the town's eligible bachelors. Yet, the evening is fraught with tension: aggressive proposals, jealousies, and the ever-present threat of violence. Daisy and Freddie are overwhelmed by the men's desperation and the social pressures placed upon them. The ball's festivities are interrupted by a series of alarming events, including the sudden disappearance of Mrs. Moss, the matchmaker, and the eruption of violence outside the hall. The sisters' sense of safety is shattered as the night takes a dark turn.

Proposals and Perils

The ball's aftermath is chaotic: Daisy and Freddie fend off a barrage of marriage proposals, some sincere, others opportunistic. The town's gender imbalance and the value placed on respectable women are starkly revealed. Amid the confusion, Mrs. Moss vanishes, and Detective Hayes is shot during a street brawl. The sisters, Peony, and their allies scramble to care for the wounded and make sense of the night's events. The society of absent friends rallies to support each other, but the sense of danger intensifies. The sisters realize that their quest to find their father is now entangled with a murder mystery, and that their own safety is increasingly precarious.

A Matchmaker's Murder

The next morning, Daisy discovers Mrs. Moss's body in the Casa Gallina kitchen—brutally murdered. The town's only constable and doctor dismiss the death as an accident, but Daisy, Freddie, and their friends are convinced it was murder. The society of absent friends implores the sisters to investigate, as the official channels are indifferent or incompetent. Daisy sketches the crime scene, hoping her artist's eye will reveal clues. The sisters are reluctantly drawn into the role of amateur detectives, balancing their own grief and fear with a sense of duty to their fallen friend. The murder exposes the town's underlying violence and the vulnerability of women, even those as well-connected as Mrs. Moss.

The Society of Absent Friends

The boarding-house keepers—absent friends—mobilize to support the sisters and seek justice for Mrs. Moss. They share information, resources, and suspicions, forming a clandestine network that compensates for the town's lack of effective law enforcement. Daisy and Freddie are given firearms and practical advice, a stark reminder of Bodie's dangers. The women's solidarity is both empowering and sobering, as they realize that justice in Bodie often depends on collective action rather than official authority. The sisters' investigation uncovers a web of secrets, rivalries, and old wounds among the town's residents. The society's strength and resilience become a beacon of hope in the face of violence and indifference.

The Unwilling Detectives

Daisy and Freddie, with help from Peony and Detective Hayes, begin their investigation into Mrs. Moss's murder. They interview suspects, including Mrs. Moss's estranged husband, rejected suitors, and disgruntled clients. The sisters encounter resistance from the town's men, especially Constable Lynch, who refuses to believe a crime has occurred. The investigation is complicated by Bodie's culture of silence, the prevalence of violence, and the sisters' own inexperience. Yet, their determination and the support of the absent friends drive them forward. The sisters' search for their father is sidelined as the murder mystery takes center stage, testing their courage and resourcefulness.

Suspects and Red Zinnias

The investigation uncovers a tangle of motives: jealousy, revenge, greed, and fear. The sisters discover that Mrs. Moss's distinctive red zinnia pin is missing, and a similar pin turns up in the laundry of a local laundress. The pin's journey becomes a key clue, linking various suspects and revealing the interconnectedness of Bodie's residents. The sisters and their allies sift through ledgers, personal papers, and town gossip, gradually narrowing the list of suspects. The case is complicated by additional deaths, including that of a disgruntled client, and the town's reluctance to confront uncomfortable truths. The sisters' persistence and the absent friends' support keep the investigation alive.

The Ghosts of the Mine

Freddie, sensitive to the supernatural, is overwhelmed by the presence of countless ghosts in the mine—a testament to Bodie's deadly history. The sisters' visit to the mine with Beth Selkirk, the managing director's daughter, reveals both the town's wealth and its human cost. The mine's troubles—devalued gold, dangerous working conditions, and superstitions—mirror the instability and violence of the town itself. The sisters' investigation is haunted by the literal and figurative ghosts of Bodie, as they struggle to find justice for Mrs. Moss and closure for themselves. The mine's secrets and the town's collective trauma become central to understanding the murder.

The Case of the Missing Pin

The discovery of Mrs. Moss's missing red zinnia pin in the laundry, and its connection to a local man, becomes a turning point in the investigation. Daisy and Freddie, with help from the absent friends and the town's women, trace the pin's journey and piece together the events leading to the murder. A visit to the smithy reveals that a gun belonging to Richard Pender, a seemingly harmless journalist and boarder, matches the weapon used to kill Mrs. Moss. The sisters realize, with horror, that the murderer has been living among them all along. The revelation is both a triumph of their detective work and a chilling reminder of the dangers they face.

The Smithy's Revelation

Daisy's discovery at the smithy—that a fragment of wood from Mrs. Moss's wound fits perfectly into the grip of Pender's gun—provides the physical evidence needed to identify the killer. The sisters, shaken and fearful, gather the absent friends and present their findings. The women's collective action is decisive, as they confront the reality that official justice may never be served. The town's constable remains skeptical, demanding a motive as well as means and opportunity. The sisters and their allies are forced to consider taking justice into their own hands, as the line between law and vigilantism blurs in Bodie's lawless environment.

The Murderer Among Friends

Richard Pender, realizing he has been discovered, lures Daisy and Freddie to the mine under false pretenses. There, he confesses to the murder, revealing that fear—of exposure, of losing his influence, of the women's knowledge—drove him to kill. The confrontation is tense and terrifying, as Pender prepares to kill the sisters to cover his tracks. At the last moment, the society of absent friends and a crowd of townsmen intervene, surrounding Pender and preventing further violence. The sisters are saved by the collective action of the community, and Pender is arrested, his crimes finally brought to light.

Justice, Vigilantes, and Truth

The town's men, enraged by the murder of the matchmaker and the threat to the sisters, form a vigilante mob—the infamous "six-oh-one"—to mete out justice. Constable Lynch, with Detective Hayes's help, intervenes to ensure that Pender is arrested and will face a proper trial, rather than summary execution. The sisters, traumatized but relieved, reflect on the thin line between justice and vengeance in Bodie. The society of absent friends is vindicated, and the sisters' role in solving the murder is recognized. Yet, the experience leaves them changed, more aware of the dangers and complexities of the world they inhabit.

Farewells and New Journeys

With the murder solved, the sisters prepare to leave Bodie and continue their search for their father. They receive news that he has moved on to San Francisco, and, with Peony Churchill and her airship, set out for new adventures. The society of absent friends remains a source of support and connection, and the sisters carry with them the lessons learned in Bodie. The town's violence and resilience, the power of female friendship, and the importance of justice and solidarity shape their journey. The sisters' bond is stronger than ever, and their story continues as they pursue hope and reunion in an uncertain world.

Characters

Daisy Linden

Daisy is the elder Linden sister, practical, intelligent, and fiercely loyal to her family. Trained as a painter, she uses her keen observational skills both in art and in sleuthing. Daisy's psychological journey is marked by grief for her lost mother, anxiety for her missing father, and the burden of responsibility for her younger sister. She is initially reluctant to become involved in murder investigations, but her sense of justice and empathy compels her to act. Daisy's development is shaped by her growing confidence, her ability to navigate danger, and her deepening connections with other women. Her relationship with Detective Hayes is complex, blending trust, admiration, and unspoken affection.

Frederica "Freddie" Linden

Freddie is Daisy's younger sister, more emotionally open and sensitive to the supernatural. She possesses a gift for perceiving ghosts and is often overwhelmed by the spiritual residue of Bodie's violent past. Freddie's optimism and kindness are tempered by trauma and fear, but she remains a source of comfort and insight for Daisy. Her psychological arc involves learning to balance her empathy with self-protection, and to find strength in vulnerability. Freddie's relationships—with her sister, with Peony, and with the society of absent friends—highlight the importance of female solidarity and the challenges of navigating a world that often dismisses women's experiences.

Mrs. Clarissa Moss

Mrs. Moss is the proprietress of Casa Gallina and the town's beloved matchmaker. Beautiful, warm, and shrewd, she embodies the power and vulnerability of women in Bodie. Her role as a connector and confidante makes her both indispensable and a target. Her murder is the catalyst for the novel's central mystery, exposing the dangers faced by women who wield influence in a patriarchal society. Mrs. Moss's relationships—with her abusive husband, her boarders, and the society of absent friends—reveal the complexities of female agency and the costs of defying social norms.

Detective Barnaby Hayes ("Mr. Carnegey")

Detective Hayes is a Rocky Mountain Detective posing as a journalist. Intelligent, resourceful, and principled, he is haunted by past failures and the violence he has witnessed. His relationship with the Linden sisters is protective and respectful, marked by mutual trust and unspoken affection, especially with Daisy. Hayes's psychological journey involves reconciling his sense of duty with his personal vulnerabilities, particularly after being wounded. His presence provides the sisters with both practical support and a model of ethical masculinity, contrasting with the town's more predatory men.

Peony Churchill

Peony is a wealthy, fashionable Englishwoman who arrives in Bodie on her own airship, Iris. Outwardly glamorous and confident, she is inwardly searching for closure after a failed romance. Peony's psychological arc is one of self-discovery, as she moves from heartbreak to empowerment, finding purpose in friendship and justice. Her relationships—with the sisters, with Detective Hayes, and with her own crew—highlight her adaptability and generosity. Peony's presence challenges social norms and provides the sisters with resources and connections otherwise unavailable to them.

Richard Pender

Pender is a seemingly amiable boarder at Casa Gallina, known for his wit and social skills. Beneath his affable exterior, he is manipulative, fearful, and ultimately murderous. His psychological profile is marked by paranoia, a need for control, and a willingness to kill to protect his secrets. Pender's relationships—with Mrs. Moss, the sisters, and the town's men—are transactional and self-serving. His unmasking as the murderer is a shock to the community, revealing the dangers of misplaced trust and the capacity for evil in ordinary people.

Mrs. Selena Chang

Mrs. Chang is a boarding-house keeper and a key member of the society of absent friends. Trained in medicine, she provides practical support and wisdom to the sisters and their allies. Her psychological strength lies in her resilience, her ability to navigate both the Chinese and Texican communities, and her commitment to justice. Mrs. Chang's relationships—with the other women, with the sisters, and with the town's marginalized residents—underscore the importance of cross-cultural solidarity and the power of women's networks.

Beth Selkirk

Beth is the daughter of the mine's managing director, caught between her father's ambitions and her own desires for independence. Shy, intelligent, and creative, she aspires to be a writer and resists the town's expectations of marriage. Beth's psychological journey involves asserting her agency, forming friendships with the sisters and Peony, and navigating the dangers of Bodie's social scene. Her relationship with Detective Hayes is one of mutual respect and strategic alliance.

Mrs. Alvira Manning & Mrs. Muriel Porter

These two sisters are boarding-house keepers and pillars of the society of absent friends. Practical, outspoken, and fiercely loyal, they provide the sisters with both material support and emotional guidance. Their psychological resilience is rooted in shared loss and a commitment to collective action. The sisters' relationships—with each other, with the Lindens, and with the broader community—demonstrate the power of female friendship and the necessity of mutual aid in a hostile environment.

Mr. Vincent Selkirk

Selkirk is the managing director of Bodie Consolidated Mine, a figure of authority and suspicion. Ambitious, controlling, and emotionally distant, he is both a potential suitor and a possible murderer in the eyes of the community. His psychological complexity lies in his public persona versus his private motivations, particularly regarding his daughter and his past relationship with Mrs. Moss. Selkirk's role as both protector and potential threat exemplifies the ambiguities of power in Bodie.

Plot Devices

The Society of Absent Friends

The society of absent friends is a secretive alliance of boarding-house keepers who support each other and their guests. Signified by the zinnia brooch, the network provides shelter, information, and practical aid to women in need. This device serves as both a literal and symbolic lifeline for the sisters, enabling them to navigate Bodie's dangers and pursue justice. The society's existence highlights the limitations of official authority and the necessity of grassroots action in a lawless environment. It also provides a framework for female agency, collective memory, and the transmission of knowledge across social and cultural boundaries.

The Red Zinnia Pin

The missing red zinnia pin, once worn by Mrs. Moss, becomes a key piece of evidence in the murder investigation. Its journey—from the victim's collar to a laundress's possession—links various characters and reveals the interconnectedness of Bodie's residents. The pin's symbolism (thoughts of absent friends) underscores the themes of memory, loss, and solidarity. As a plot device, it provides both a tangible clue and a metaphor for the ways in which women's lives and secrets are woven together in a hostile world.

Amateur Sleuths and Reluctant Detectives

The sisters' transformation from grieving daughters to amateur detectives is driven by necessity rather than choice. The town's indifference and the failure of official justice compel them to investigate Mrs. Moss's murder themselves. This device allows for the exploration of female agency, the limits of social roles, and the moral ambiguities of justice. The sisters' inexperience and vulnerability heighten the narrative tension, while their resourcefulness and solidarity provide hope and inspiration.

Foreshadowing and Narrative Structure

The novel employs foreshadowing through early warnings about Bodie's dangers, the sisters' past traumas, and the town's history of violence. The narrative structure alternates between moments of social ritual (balls, teas, quilting bees) and sudden eruptions of violence, mirroring the unpredictability of life in Bodie. The emotional arc follows the sisters from hope to despair to renewed determination, paralleling the community's own cycles of loss and resilience. The use of letters, sketches, and personal artifacts as narrative devices deepens the sense of intimacy and immediacy.

Analysis

Shelley Adina's The Matchmaker Wore Mars Yellow is a masterful blend of steampunk, mystery, and feminist historical fiction, set against the backdrop of a lawless Wild West town. At its heart, the novel is a meditation on the power of female solidarity in the face of violence, indifference, and patriarchal authority. The society of absent friends—an underground network of boarding-house keepers—serves as both a literal support system and a metaphor for the ways women have always found strength in community. The murder of Mrs. Moss, the beloved matchmaker, exposes the fragility of women's safety and the inadequacy of official justice, compelling ordinary women to become detectives, protectors, and avengers. The novel's emotional arc is driven by grief, hope, and the search for belonging, as the sisters' quest for their father becomes entwined with the pursuit of justice for their friend. Adina's narrative celebrates resilience, resourcefulness, and the transformative power of friendship, while also acknowledging the costs of courage and the complexities of justice. The story's lessons—about the necessity of collective action, the dangers of complacency, and the enduring value of compassion—resonate powerfully in both its historical setting and the modern world.

Last updated: January 20, 2026