Publisher's Synopsis
This story is set in the period just before and during the U.S. becoming involved in the First World War (1916-1918), and the place is probably Pittsburg. The danger in the title can refer to the war, to the changing social norms, and to actions different characters take that endanger either their physical lives or their way of life and relationships. There's significant suspense but little mystery--this is more of a social drama. I found it hard to keep reading when it seemed that everybody was in such a dreary situation with little hope of any change except for the worse. However, some twists and turns of plot near the end result in an upbeat ending for at least some.
The one thing I'm liking about Mary Roberts Rinehart's novels of this period is seeing the self-determination of the female characters. This novel shows clearly how this can be both a positive or a negative thing, underscoring that true equality means cooperation, not competition nor repression. In at least one character, this novel also shows a woman breaking away from male oppression can be both dangerous and in danger--and that's a good thing.
