With its atmospheric swampland setting, Hartman’s debut brings to mind Delia Owens’ blockbuster Where the Crawdads Sing (2018), while the mystery itself is on par with Stacy Willingham’s A Flicker in the Dark (2022)...While the plot has many different threads to follow, the fast pace and short chapters keep the story moving for an enjoyable ride.
As the enigma around Boyd's suspicious death gets more complex, the plotting can feel a little unwieldy...But the subversion of Loni's expectations is frequently refreshing; a few secondary characters offer intriguing perspectives, and the novel's framing details of Florida marshland, ornithology, museum work and fine art are expertly and beautifully drawn...The Marsh Queen is unwavering in its lush, finely detailed, appreciative portrayal of a distinctive natural setting, and ends on a redemptive, even inspirational note.
Hartman debuts with a well-crafted and fast-paced family drama set in the Florida panhandle...Hartman’s depiction of the natural setting show her to be a talented writer, as do the well-executed takes on museum work, botany, and ornithology...Readers will hope to see Loni back for more.
