Not They Who Soar

by Amanda Flower

I had high expectations for this series because I have appreciated many books by the author. Sadly, I was disappointed with this second book, Not They Who Soar. I enjoyed the first, To Slip the Bonds of Earth, but this one dragged for most of the book as Katharine Wright was repeatedly insulted by casual comments men made about women, especially concerning their potential in the workplace. While I understand the frustration women of that era must have felt, it just seemed that the author had Katharine wallowing in it. Katharine was college educated in Greek and Latin. While that was an outstanding achievement, and she used her knowledge to teach Latin, she too often relied for her self-esteem on her brothers’ efforts to build a successful flying machine. She also claimed to have a lot of knowledge of flying from being around Orville and Wilbur even though she did not assist them. She managed the house and the business end of their bicycle business and took care of “the boys” (actually grown men) after the death of their mother. I got tired of hearing of her interest in birds and flying because it was their interest.

Another aspect of the plot that bothered me is that Katharine’s trip is in response to the request of her very good friend Margaret who is stressed, but gives no reason for her anxiety. She wants help at the 1904 World Fair. Katharine travels two days by train to get there. Then she is of very little help to her friend who develops a stomach ailment. Time and again she abandons her in pursuit of a mysterious person or persons who ruined an expensive balloon craft that was expected to win an aeronautics competition. Perhaps that same person killed a young female mechanic who kept intercepting Katharine. The main character has a reputation for running into trouble, and she lives up to her image while ruining dresses and then borrowing her friend’s expensive dresses for events.

On a positive note, although the mystery seems to drag its way to a conclusion, there is a very satisfying ending where all the pieces are tied together and motives are sorted out. Villains get their just deserts, Katharine and Margaret have some fun together, and Margaret’s husband is successful in winning new clients. Part of his success is due to Margaret facilitating a business party in the huge Ferris wheel on the fair grounds. There is also a thread about infertility which is not really pursued. In addition, the book explores common attitudes in the U.S. at that time concerning non-western cultures and people. They were included in the fair as exhibits for entertainment, not for expanding cultural awareness.

I received a review copy of this book for free. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Rating: 3/5

Category: Historical Fiction, Mystery

Notes: 1. #2 in the Katharine Wright Mystery Series, but could be read as a stand alone.

    2. The Author Note gives some background information that explains what is historical in this book and what has been altered for the sake of the story.

Publication:  May 27, 2025—Kensington

Memorable Lines:

“Women don’t have interest in mechanics.” He paused. “At least, no respectable woman does. Their focus should be on the home and the children.” I never so badly wanted to pop someone in the mouth as I did in that moment.

“These others were made to come from deserts, small islands, and deep jungles. They were brought here so that people like you can stare at them and watch their primitive, and to some, inferior ways of living. Difference attracts ridicule.”

It seemed there always had to be a dark side, even to a celebration of accomplishments and advancement like the Louisiana Purchase Exposition. It was a sad fact that I would do well to remember.