To the Editor,

Back in the 1880s in London, England, Gerald Witherspoon was a poor bachelor working as a clerk on records at Scotland Yard, top dog of law enforcement. Then his aunt died, leaving him a huge house and lots of money.

Along with the house came a coachman named Smythe who drove his carriage, and a footman named Wiggins who ran errands. He hired a housekeeper named Mrs. Jeffries, and a cook named Mrs. Goodge. A hungry girl looking for help collapsed on his doorstep, she became his maid.

None of these people had close family, so as they got to know each other, they became a family.

Witherspoon climbed up the ladder at work until he reached the job of Inspector in the Homicide Department.

He had no idea some of the clues that helped him solve murders came from his people at home. Hints from Mrs. Jeffries, notes sent from unknown persons, all helped, and were searched out by his home help.

These characters come alive in Emily Brightwell’s series of books with each book title beginning with the words Mrs. Jeffries.

In one story, Wiggins is almost killed by the murderer. He stops one cousin from murdering another cousin, so that he can be next in line to inherit a soon to die uncle’s estate.

The Witherspoon family dog, 60-pound Fred, who was rescued by Wiggins from the mean streets of London, successfully takes a bite out of crime. He pulls the murderer of Wiggins, and pins him to the ground. The night ends with all enjoying cups of tea together at the kitchen table.

These books tell the reader that you don’t have to be blood related kin to feel like a family. You just have to care for them in your heart. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13.

Mary C. Albertson

Albany, Kentucky