Book Review: Not They Who Soar

Not They Who Soar

Not They Who Soar is a shining example of how good historical mysteries can be.

• Series: A Katharine Wright Mystery (Book Two)

• Written by: Amanda Flower

• Published by: Kensington Books

• Release date: May 27, 2025

• Mystery type: Historical cozy mystery

Plot Overview

In Not They Who Soar, Katharine Wright is taking a much-needed break from her duties as a teacher, bicycle shop manager, and caretaker of the Wright family home to spend the summer with an old college friend in St. Louis, Missouri. The city is hosting an international event to mark the anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase.

The exposition, also known as the St. Louis World's Fair, is an international event that has drawn people from all over the world. Katharine is entralled by the sights, buildings, people, and art.

Her trip takes a deadly turn when she comes across a dying woman who uses her last breath to utter two key words. Katharine can't stop thinking about the moment and decides to investigate.

Spoiler-Free Review

A mystery with Katharine Wright at the center is a brilliant idea. Katharine's high-flying brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright, may be more well-known than she is, but Katharine is an interesting and unique individual whose story deserves to be told.

Unlike many women of the era, Katharine is a college graduate and a strong, outspoken, independent woman. She teaches Latin and manages the family bicycle shop. She is also the primary caretaker of the Wright household, a role she assumed as a teenager after her mother’s death.

Katharine is an astute sleuth. She has a keen eye for detail and a brain that can quickly process any information that comes her way. She also has a kind and nurturing heart. When a distressed woman dies in her arms, Katharine can not stop thinking about her or the last words she uttered: aeronautics competition.

The mystery in this story is top-notch, and the detailed descriptions of the fair transport you to the moment, evoking the excitement and awe that must have been felt by the participants at the time.

Historical figures and events are peppered throughout this well-researched book. I found myself looking up facts and learning more about the fair and the Wrights while reading the story and after.

Not They Who Soar is Amanda Flower’s 55th book. Her skill as a mystery writer and storyteller is on full display in this story. The first entry in the series, To Slip the Bonds of Earth, won the Agatha Award (named for Agatha Christie) for Best Historical Novel. Not They Who Soar will most certainly be a contender for that award and others.

Review disclosure: I received an advanced reader copy of Not They Who Soar from Net Galley and Kensington Books. Affiliate disclosure: This page includes affiliate links. Clicking on a link and purchasing a product may allow Cozy Crime Reads to earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.