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Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
In Ida Chatfield: Aspen’s Oldest Mystery by T.A. Stevens, readers meet a young woman whose death in Aspen, Colorado, in 1886 remains unsolved more than a century later. Told in the first person, Ida recounts her life in full, beginning in Nebraska and continuing through her time in Colorado. She has a passion for learning from a young age and dreams of becoming a teacher, not the wife of a farmer or rancher like so many expect her to be. Along the way, she forms many bonds, including with her sister, Jenny, and her very good friend, Lettie. She also experiences periods of sadness due to the amount of loss she has had in her short life. The story builds toward the evening of her death without resolving the mystery, focusing instead on the details of her life, the world she lived in, and the questions that have lingered for generations.
Ida Chatfield by T.A. Stevens really pulled me in. The audio format brought the story to life. Hearing the story unfold through Ida’s own point of view made everything feel more personal, as if she were speaking directly to me. The writing balances historical detail with an easy, steady flow. As an educator myself, I really felt connected to her desire to become a fully-fledged teacher. I appreciate that the story didn’t just focus on her death but also gave the backstory of her life. I really wish I knew what happened to her. There are moments when I was sure about what had happened to her, but there’s no way to prove it now. Fans of historical fiction, fictional autobiographies, or real-life unsolved mysteries will likely enjoy this one. I found it engaging, thoughtful, and I could even picture it as an episode of Unsolved Mysteries with Robert Stack.
I found the audiobook production exceptional. The story is brought to life by Suzy Brady, Jeff Carlson, and Kristin Carlson, and together they create an immersive experience for the listener. They each bring something a little different to the audiobook, which makes it feel more real. It flows smoothly, with clear sound and no noticeable technical issues. The narrative is natural and expressive without being overdone. I was engaged from beginning to end.
