They're back! Here we have the second episode in the ongoing mystery series that features poet Emily Dickinson and her maid, Willa Noble, as amateur detectives. When something untoward happens in Amherst, Massachusetts, Emily is sure to be curious enough to wonder who is responsible. And soon enough, she will drag Willa along in her impromptu investigations.

It's August 1856, and the town is buzzing because Ralph Waldo Emerson has agreed to speak during a literary seminar series held at Amherst College. He brings his personal secretary, Luther Howard, and they stay at the home of Austin Dickinson, Emily's brother and next-door neighbor. What an opportunity! Willa thinks that Emily should approach Mr. Emerson with some of her poems, since he is a famous writer who has publishing connections. At the same time, secretary Luther is doing some approaching of his own, especially toward Emily's younger sister Lavinia. And the young woman is already falling under his spell. Will his quick flirting lead to actual courting? Unfortunately, there's no way to know, because Luther is suddenly found dead in the Dickinsons' garden. The authorities believe he was poisoned. Luther HAD already proven himself to be a bit of a cad, and perhaps an untrustful one, at that. Who would have had the most reason to get rid of him?

Once again, Emily wants to ferret out the answers. She and Willa keep their eyes and ears open, whenever they are around people who interacted with Luther. They already suspect that the first person detained by the Amherst authorities is entirely innocent of the crime. But if he didn't do it, who did?

These books are a lot of fun to read -- although, not for the characters who get offed in the stories -- especially if you know anything about Emily Dickinson and/or the town of Amherst. In this one, another historical character also shows up in town, for other reasons. I'll leave it up to you, to be surprised by this person's appearance.

Author Amanda Flower stays as true as she can to the historical facts, while adding fiction to that foundation. This isn't the easiest writing task to undertake. Good for her! (Although true Emily fans may remain unimpressed, maybe even somewhat insulted. Oh well.)

I Heard a Fly Buzz When I Died is a stand-alone title, but it helps if you have already read the first book, Because I Could Not Stop for Death. I always recommend reading series books in order so you can understand the characters' backstories. Here, you should know about Willa's background and motivations, as they were revealed in that first book. And here's hoping that we are lucky enough to join Emily and Willa on more adventures.