Judith Miller Whispers Along the Rails

In 1893 Pullman, Illinois, Olivia Mott, formerly a London scullery maid, works as an assistant chef at the Hotel Florence. That is when she is not undercover as a spotter on the Pullman cars where she makes process observations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the company. Mr. Pullman's prime assistant Samuel Howard and worker Fred are attracted to her, but both cause issues for Olivia, the company town and the firm.

Lady Charlotte Spencer feels guilty for leaving her baby with Olivia while she ran off to Chicago. Financially broke although the daughter of an affluent English aristocrat, Charlotte obtains employment at Marshall Field's store and a place to live. However, though she feels she is not mommy material, she needs to see her child before she faces her disproving parents.

The second Postcards from Pullman tale (see IN THE COMPANY OF SECRETS) continues the saga of the four prime players as each has major problems to contend with. The story line provides a vivid look back at a nineteenth century company town as well as the operations of the Pullman Company. Although seeking process improvements and related efficiencies before the publications of the works of Fredrick Taylor on industrial engineering seems a minor anachronism, Judith Miller provides a strong late nineteenth century Americana.