So, I got to thinking... What's Fall River really about?

Damsel in distress? Check.

Rotten cur? Check.

Murder in a sleepy town? Check.

Mystery and sleuthing? Check.

Lack of justice? Check.

Unusual discoveries regarding the damsel's background? Check.

In short, we have quite a bit going on here, but I'm still not sure what I'm dealing with. On the one hand, it seems to be a "crime novel;" however, on the other hand it's obvious that there is no attempt at objectivity on the part of the narrator. What's more, there's substantial emphasis on the matter of religion, particularly on the reaction of the Methodists when their pastor is taken by the authorities under suspicion of murder.

One of the most interesting occurences after the discover of the body is the initial reaction of Minister Avery, the eventual suspect's brother. Until he learns from the doctor that the deceased what involved with his brother, the first Avery claims her as part of the churce. Immediately after the revelation, he denounces her and her character. Although I think it's a bit hoaky to claim this, Miss Cornell suffers a second death and both at the hands of religious figures, figures supposedly of upright moral standing.

Religion... Hmmm....