Job or death in Philadelphia – Lilia Shumkova

It is a mystery novel with no geo-politics. P. J. James, a well known British mystery author, once said that the genre is so popular because it has a calming effect.
Mystery stories have a positive influence over our angst; they appeal to the idea that “no matter how puzzling the crime, a solution exists.” And it exists not by chance, but because of people’s courage, intelligence, and perseverance.
The main character is a woman with some leisure time on her hands to solve crimes, which she does with energy and perseverance. She doesn’t protect anybody, it’s she who needs nearly constant protection from people who, are aggrieved by her snooping. Instead of a wedding chapel at the end of the finish line, she expects to find a slice of cake and a cup of tea. So, it’s a comedy.
This story is based of an investigation I conducted a few years back, following a hint from an acquaintance how nonprofit companies bringing immigrants to the US were making their money.