In 1892, the death of an unknown, somewhat attractive woman that seemed very out of place as a lodger at the exclusive and very expensive Hotel del Coronado, left behind a mystery enhanced by frequent sightings of a ghost and tales of ghostly disturbances.

John T. Cullen does an excellent job of bringing this mystery to life, while giving an alternate scenario to what reportedly happened. He is very adept at setting the Victorian San Diego scene--bringing in the hustle and bustle of "red light" district; explaining the ins and outs of the sugar dynasty created by the Spreckels family and their tenuous relationship to the Hawaiian monarchy; and putting the reader right into the heart and mind of a young, unfortunate girl that becomes the victim of violence--by murder or by her own hand.

Cullen gives you a good look at some of the seedier characters of the day, including Kate Morgan--a scheming woman with great focus and determination, seemingly after as much money as she could get in what ever manner save honest work, and who some believe is the ghost that walks the hotel corridors to this day. He also shows the drama between the American sugar barons and the Pineapple Kings in their struggle to control Hawaii for their own vested interests.

Although this is a novel, Cullen has obviously spent a lot of hours researching the facts and possibilities surrounding the death of a young woman, turning up facts that support his alternative theory. It is an exciting read that keeps you wondering what will happen next, who is in league with who, and how far each player will go to gain what they want.

To listen to an interview with author John T. Cullen, an excerpt from our Champagne Sundays - Special Women's History Month Show, please double click on the Play Button below.