Unflappable May quickly rebounds, elevating seduction and social climbing to an art form as she travels the world, eventually marrying a wealthy Dutch Baron.

Insinuating herself into Chicagoâ?s high society, May lands a well-to-do fiancÃ©â?until, that is, a Pinkerton Agency detective named Reed Doherty intervenes and summarily foils the engagement. Circumstances force her to take up residence at the cityâ?s most infamous bordello, but May soon learns to employ her considerable feminine wiles to extract not only sidelong looks but also large sums of money from the men she encounters. In 1887, at the tender age of eighteen, May ventures to Chicago in hopes of earning enough money to support her family. As the trial unfolds, May tells her version of events. The novel opens in 1917 with our cunning protagonist, May Dugas, standing trial for extortion. At the close of the opening chapter, May exhorts the reader to hear her out and then be the judge.HTML: Based on a true story, comes a sweeping historical novel about a beautiful con artist whose turn-of-the-century escapades take her around the world as she's doggedly pursued by a Pinkerton Agency detective Did May learn anything over the course of her adventures and trials? If so, what lessons did she learn?ġ0. Were Pinkerton Detective Reed Dougherty charges of blackmail, spying, and extortion justified, or was he, as May contends, interfering in personal matters outside the province of the law?ĩ. What does the yellow diamond necklace symbolize to May? What does it mean to you?Ĩ. Do you believe May really loved any of the men she met during her travels? Did she ever find true love?ħ.

To what extent do you believe May’s actions were motivated by a desire to serve her family? And do you think May considers this a justification for her actions?Ħ. What kind of influence did May’s childhood have on her?ĥ. What do Frank’s letters imply about the nature of the relationship between her and May? Can we trust Frank’s portrayal of her relationship with May?Ĥ. At the end of the first chapter May explains, “I will tell you my story-all of it-and truthfully, as I’ve never been able to tell anyone before.” Is she always honest and, if not, what gives her away?ģ. In the first paragraph May says, “You and I, my new friend, will become well acquainted over the course of this tale.” How well do you think you really know May by the end of the novel?Ģ.

Parlor games by maryka biaggio