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Gilded Gotham Mystery #4
Opulence and Ashes
The rich are getting richer—and stone-cold dead—in the next installment in Kate Belli’s thrilling Gilded Gotham Mystery series, for fans of Rhys Bowen and Deanna Raybourn.
Spring, 1890 . The long New York winter is over, the buds are blossoming, and romance is in the air. But not all’s right in Gilded-Age Manhattan. Genevieve, a society journalist, and her fiancé, Daniel, are working with photographer Dagmar Hansen on an investigation into the House of Refuge, a children’s workhouse, inspired by Daniel’s near incarceration when he was young. Genevieve is also working on her own piece for the Globe about the Sunflower Mission House, which burned down in a suspicious fire.
When a blaze consumes Dagmar’s studio—and Genevieve barely escapes with her life in another—Daniel urges her to stop her investigation. But Genevieve is determined to finish the story, and her leads take her deep into the heart of the Bowery. When Genevieve suddenly goes missing, Daniel searches the city in a desperate effort to find her. When their new Fifth Avenue home is also set ablaze, Daniel fears the worst.
Someone has their sights on Genevieve—and if she can’t escape, she could be the next to go up in flames.
Spring, 1890 . The long New York winter is over, the buds are blossoming, and romance is in the air. But not all’s right in Gilded-Age Manhattan. Genevieve, a society journalist, and her fiancé, Daniel, are working with photographer Dagmar Hansen on an investigation into the House of Refuge, a children’s workhouse, inspired by Daniel’s near incarceration when he was young. Genevieve is also working on her own piece for the Globe about the Sunflower Mission House, which burned down in a suspicious fire.
When a blaze consumes Dagmar’s studio—and Genevieve barely escapes with her life in another—Daniel urges her to stop her investigation. But Genevieve is determined to finish the story, and her leads take her deep into the heart of the Bowery. When Genevieve suddenly goes missing, Daniel searches the city in a desperate effort to find her. When their new Fifth Avenue home is also set ablaze, Daniel fears the worst.
Someone has their sights on Genevieve—and if she can’t escape, she could be the next to go up in flames.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published October 17, 2023
32 people are currently reading
3430 people want to read
About the author
Kate Belli
6 books319 followersKate Belli writes thriller and historical mystery. She has lived all over, from Florence, Italy, to Brooklyn, New York, to the Deep South, to a cottage next to Monet’s gardens in Northern France. Today she lives and works in Central Pennsylvania with her husband and son. When not writing, Kate works as a professor or a yogi, depending on the day.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
October 14, 2023
The fourth book in the Gilded Gotham Mysteries series and I have read them all so far.
Opulence and Ashes is set in 1890s New York and Kate Belli does her usual excellent job of setting the scene and describing the way people lived their lives in that city at that time. Genevieve and Daniel are preparing for their society wedding which is just a few weeks away as the story begins.
I remember commenting in my review of the third book that it had a few slow moments. There was nothing slow about this book. As our main characters move from one terrible danger to another it is amazing they survive. The book is action packed, suspenseful, very hard to put down and it concludes perfectly.
I will certainly be happy to read the next one. Highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Opulence and Ashes is set in 1890s New York and Kate Belli does her usual excellent job of setting the scene and describing the way people lived their lives in that city at that time. Genevieve and Daniel are preparing for their society wedding which is just a few weeks away as the story begins.
I remember commenting in my review of the third book that it had a few slow moments. There was nothing slow about this book. As our main characters move from one terrible danger to another it is amazing they survive. The book is action packed, suspenseful, very hard to put down and it concludes perfectly.
I will certainly be happy to read the next one. Highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 10, 2024
This is the 4th book in the series, and I have read the previous ones. This is a well rated and researched book. I enjoy historical fiction that imparts information and historical facts that add to the plot. However. here the information has overtaken the story, and I feel the characters are secondary. The plot deals with prostitution, racism, mental asylums, contraception, corruption, suffrage movement and gangs. The writing is very good, but I ended up not caring about the main characters as I felt the story was written around them so all of the above evils of society listed above could be included. This is an era of great social change that I enjoy reading about, but this was too broad for me to find a good storyline so 3.5*.
October 14, 2023
1890 in New York and Genevieve and Daniel's wedding was only a matter of weeks away. Both of them were investigating recent and suspicious fires when Daniel was caught with photographer, Dagmar, in his dark room, with the building on fire and the two of them trapped - deliberately it would seem. The police deemed it an accident, and when Genevieve visited her physician one evening, she was locked in the cellar by persons unknown, and the house above set ablaze. Someone was desperate to stop their investigations into the fires, and doing what they'd done only made the two of them more determined.
When Genevieve went missing, Daniel and her family were desperate. Daniel rounded up the men he trusted and they searched high and low. When they couldn't find her, and neither could the police, they began to suspect the worst. Would Genevieve be found alive? And would Daniel discover who wanted them dead?
Opulence and Ashes is the 4th in the Gilded Gotham Mystery series by Kate Belli and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fast paced, filled with gritty tension and heart stopping moments, I'm really looking forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
When Genevieve went missing, Daniel and her family were desperate. Daniel rounded up the men he trusted and they searched high and low. When they couldn't find her, and neither could the police, they began to suspect the worst. Would Genevieve be found alive? And would Daniel discover who wanted them dead?
Opulence and Ashes is the 4th in the Gilded Gotham Mystery series by Kate Belli and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fast paced, filled with gritty tension and heart stopping moments, I'm really looking forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
May 22, 2024
May 2024: Word is that the publisher, Crooked Lane, is putting a "hold" on this series. If you love Genevieve and Daniel, consider sharing that you want to see more on social media and tagging them or writing an email.
December 2023: You know a book is epic when I read it twice in a year.
June 2023: Mystery series with couples tend to follow a certain path. The couple meets, they sleuth, and they wind up together. While Genevieve Stewart and Daniel McCaffrey follow the path, their stories are full of suspense and surprises that make the Gilded Gotham books unique page-turners. What’s more, Kate Belli gives readers a mix of beautiful, heart-melting moments and action scenes that make you hold your breath while reading.
In this fourth book in the series, Genevieve and Daniel are weeks away from their wedding. They are excited to move into their new house and start married life (and so are all of us who have been watching them work together!). They're content to let Genevieve’s mother see to the details of their society wedding and dedicate time to Daniel’s reform efforts and Genevieve’s newspaper job. When a series of arson fires are connected to their work, they decide to investigate. The beloved secondary characters assist and Genevieve’s brother Charles is especially charming in his interactions with her. Some characters from the past appear as well. No spoilers here, but those characters from the past are stunning!
Two things I always notice and enjoy in this series are that the first chapter gives insight into the emotions of the main characters and Genevieve isn’t relegated to a “damsel in distress” role, often escaping danger through her own strength and determination. That’s not to say Daniel isn’t a protective partner - he’s a swoon-worthy character who is devoted to Genevieve.
This is one of my most eagerly awaited books for 2023 and though NetGalley provided the ARC, I already have a physical copy preordered. I’ll do my usual reread of the series to prepare for publication day in October.
December 2023: You know a book is epic when I read it twice in a year.
June 2023: Mystery series with couples tend to follow a certain path. The couple meets, they sleuth, and they wind up together. While Genevieve Stewart and Daniel McCaffrey follow the path, their stories are full of suspense and surprises that make the Gilded Gotham books unique page-turners. What’s more, Kate Belli gives readers a mix of beautiful, heart-melting moments and action scenes that make you hold your breath while reading.
In this fourth book in the series, Genevieve and Daniel are weeks away from their wedding. They are excited to move into their new house and start married life (and so are all of us who have been watching them work together!). They're content to let Genevieve’s mother see to the details of their society wedding and dedicate time to Daniel’s reform efforts and Genevieve’s newspaper job. When a series of arson fires are connected to their work, they decide to investigate. The beloved secondary characters assist and Genevieve’s brother Charles is especially charming in his interactions with her. Some characters from the past appear as well. No spoilers here, but those characters from the past are stunning!
Two things I always notice and enjoy in this series are that the first chapter gives insight into the emotions of the main characters and Genevieve isn’t relegated to a “damsel in distress” role, often escaping danger through her own strength and determination. That’s not to say Daniel isn’t a protective partner - he’s a swoon-worthy character who is devoted to Genevieve.
This is one of my most eagerly awaited books for 2023 and though NetGalley provided the ARC, I already have a physical copy preordered. I’ll do my usual reread of the series to prepare for publication day in October.
November 4, 2023
This is book 4 in the Gilded Gotham series. Daniel and Genevieve are eagerly anticipating their upcoming wedding. However, things are amiss, Daniel is assisting his friend Dagmar, a photographer, put together a series of photos depicting underprivileged people in New York to raise awareness. When he and Dagmar are locked in a room and the house set on fire, Daniel wonders who is out to get them.
This turns out to be one of a series of arson attacks and Daniel and Genevieve are working together to try and figure out the connecting thread.
There certainly were a lot 'situations' that cropped up in this fast paced book. I really enjoyed the story and learning a bit more about life in New York in the late 1800's.
I am happy to recommend this series of books. Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.
This turns out to be one of a series of arson attacks and Daniel and Genevieve are working together to try and figure out the connecting thread.
There certainly were a lot 'situations' that cropped up in this fast paced book. I really enjoyed the story and learning a bit more about life in New York in the late 1800's.
I am happy to recommend this series of books. Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.
October 17, 2023
I missed out reading the third book 'Treachery on Tenth Street' and will get to it as soon as I can to know what happened that has led to Genevieve Stewart and Daniel McCaffrey becoming romantically involved as well as engaged in this fourth book.
This series is a really good one with well developed plotlines and characters. Each new mystery/problem that Genevieve and Daniel have encountered so far seem to be interconnected and seamlessly follows from one book to another. Daniel has a past (poverty, stolen family, and gangs) which keeps rearing its head in the form of old acquaintances/enemies and in this book he finally comes face to face with a long lost brother. I really love Daniel's character; he is complex, compassionate and full of charm.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author Kate Belli for the e-Arc of the book.
This book publishes today!
This series is a really good one with well developed plotlines and characters. Each new mystery/problem that Genevieve and Daniel have encountered so far seem to be interconnected and seamlessly follows from one book to another. Daniel has a past (poverty, stolen family, and gangs) which keeps rearing its head in the form of old acquaintances/enemies and in this book he finally comes face to face with a long lost brother. I really love Daniel's character; he is complex, compassionate and full of charm.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author Kate Belli for the e-Arc of the book.
This book publishes today!
September 14, 2025
Accidentally read the 4th book in the series first! So good that I am immediately going to the first book now to read the whole series ❤️
December 18, 2023
Excellent addition to this series. The author really puts Genevieve and Daniel through the wringer--both physically and emotionally.
April 1, 2024
An entertaining read. However, this reminds me too much of Alyssa Maxwell's Gilded Newport mysteries. Since I skipped a few books in between and because this happened to be an audiobook it was a little difficult to keep track of the characters as well. I like the social activist angle though and hope to read the books I missed in between this and the first book.
November 8, 2023
Up until this book, I had been enjoying this series quite a lot. However the plot choices in this one irritated me tremendously, and I won't be continuing with reading it.
One of the biggest things I liked in the earlier books was that Genevieve was smart and capable and working very hard to be a modern, independent woman in a world that wanted her to just get married and have babies. But in this book the decision she makes to absolutely infuriated me.
Especially because that choice puts multiple other people in her life in danger and in desperate worry for her, all because she had to ignore all the warnings she might be in danger and stubbornly do risky things anyway.
I also found the overall story here depressing and dark, and even the requisite HEA ending just did not do anything to make me feel positive about this story. I think this series has just run its course for me.
One of the biggest things I liked in the earlier books was that Genevieve was smart and capable and working very hard to be a modern, independent woman in a world that wanted her to just get married and have babies. But in this book the decision she makes to absolutely infuriated me.
Especially because that choice puts multiple other people in her life in danger and in desperate worry for her, all because she had to ignore all the warnings she might be in danger and stubbornly do risky things anyway.
I also found the overall story here depressing and dark, and even the requisite HEA ending just did not do anything to make me feel positive about this story. I think this series has just run its course for me.
December 27, 2023
Amazing story. Very exciting. I took off 2 thumb nails as the book came to a close and all was wrapped up. I hate giving anything away s you will just have to read it based on my round-about review. This whole series has been good from the very 1st book to #4 in the series. Oh please Kate Belli write more...
January 7, 2024
Not as good as I hoped
I started this series with high hopes, and the first two were good, but not great. Kept reading just to see where the story went. But there is too much excess writing to set up a scene and needless background. But in this book, everything was so predictable. And with Genevieve supposed to be a smart, independent women, she sure does a lot of stupid things.
I started this series with high hopes, and the first two were good, but not great. Kept reading just to see where the story went. But there is too much excess writing to set up a scene and needless background. But in this book, everything was so predictable. And with Genevieve supposed to be a smart, independent women, she sure does a lot of stupid things.
August 7, 2025
Presumably this is the last book in this series and if so, it's a strong finish. After feeling ho-hum about the serial killer plot (yawn) in the third book, our Gilded Age sleuthing couple gets to sink their teeth into a serial arsonist, the return of a long-lost brother, and an abduction. The series was never perfect (Genevieve runs a little too feisty and foot-stamping at times) but the setting, the blend of romance and mystery - I really enjoyed this whole series immensely. A word to the wise though, it's definitely a series where each book builds on the one that preceded it and former plot threads have a way of cropping back up. Read in order.
December 3, 2023
What a terrific book! It started out a bit slow (for me at least) but once it picked up- wow! What a roller coaster ride.
December 10, 2023
Let's start with what I liked. I liked that these are the same characters from the other books and picking up the thread of their lives was easy, and at first, comfortably familiar. They are likeable people... except Genevieve, quite often. I did like the conclusion because the story returns to itself and what I've come to expect of this series... see below.
About mid-way through the book things got pretty dark, and after reading the author's Acknowledgments I understand why. Call me crazy (pun intended) but an opus on the condition of 19th century lunatic asylums was not what I signed up for. This book takes such a sharp turn in its tone and social commentary, all concerning women's rights, that it lost its sense of itself as part of a series that is ongoing and not formerly agenda driven. It was not fun. And if on any point of the author's propaganda parade you might disagree, there is no room for you in the story.
Now let's talk about mechanics. There are some real problems throughout the book, primarily with sentence construction like the one on pg. 299 where the author writes: "Fat clusters of flowers decorated the trees as they rolled their way through the city, white and every hue of pink dancing against a relentlessly cheerful blue sky." I had images of the trees rolling down the street. This is the only instance I marked since it was close to the end, but this problematic construction was an issue throughout the book. Misused modifiers plague the writing. She often writes suddenly passively ("The confirmation of this fact was..."). And finally, she shares the eternal struggle with possessive pronouns. EG: "Nobody tried to trap the residents of the Sunflower Mission, as they did Dagmar and I." pg. 72. Correctly: "...as they did Dagmar and me." (As they did Dagmar. As they did me.)
So, between the sudden social crusade (which we all get quite enough of day-to-day, thank you!), the story's dark mid-section, and the mechanical issues, it wasn't my favorite. I'm disappointed.
About mid-way through the book things got pretty dark, and after reading the author's Acknowledgments I understand why. Call me crazy (pun intended) but an opus on the condition of 19th century lunatic asylums was not what I signed up for. This book takes such a sharp turn in its tone and social commentary, all concerning women's rights, that it lost its sense of itself as part of a series that is ongoing and not formerly agenda driven. It was not fun. And if on any point of the author's propaganda parade you might disagree, there is no room for you in the story.
Now let's talk about mechanics. There are some real problems throughout the book, primarily with sentence construction like the one on pg. 299 where the author writes: "Fat clusters of flowers decorated the trees as they rolled their way through the city, white and every hue of pink dancing against a relentlessly cheerful blue sky." I had images of the trees rolling down the street. This is the only instance I marked since it was close to the end, but this problematic construction was an issue throughout the book. Misused modifiers plague the writing. She often writes suddenly passively ("The confirmation of this fact was..."). And finally, she shares the eternal struggle with possessive pronouns. EG: "Nobody tried to trap the residents of the Sunflower Mission, as they did Dagmar and I." pg. 72. Correctly: "...as they did Dagmar and me." (As they did Dagmar. As they did me.)
So, between the sudden social crusade (which we all get quite enough of day-to-day, thank you!), the story's dark mid-section, and the mechanical issues, it wasn't my favorite. I'm disappointed.
October 17, 2023
another stellar installment to this series!! as always, i was immediately hooked from the beginning. after three books of waiting for daniel and genevieve to finally get their hea, it was right on the horizon….but of course we wouldn’t have another story without another deadly mystery to solve. the mystery behind the fires and daniel’s possible brother was so gripping and i love that it was centered around reform that in some aspects is still relevant today! kate belli so expertly writes a gripping mystery every time and i never have any clue who the perpetrator/perpetrators are. this book was no different. i love genevieve’s continued strength, fortitude and boldness. she is the perfect match for daniel and i absolutely love them together. a lot stood between them and their hard won hea, but it was so worth it. this book was perfect. although i would have liked to see a little retribution for a certain nurse. i hope this isn’t the end of the line for this beloved couple, but i could also see the series wrapping up here. if that’s the case, this is a series i will definitely come back to as genevieve and daniel have become comfort characters for me and i just love their story. i’ve fallen in love with this time period and all of the wonderful secondary characters that have shown up in all four books. i can’t recommend this wonderful series enough!
thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy. my thoughts are my own!
thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy. my thoughts are my own!
December 10, 2023
4 Stars
*Another great installment in this gripping mystery series full of historical details*
I love historical mysteries, but unfortunately I’ve had at least three of the series I’ve been reading go downhill this year. I was worried that this Gilded Gotham series might follow that trend, but thankfully it continued to deliver!
Opulence and Ashes is the fourth book in the series following a socialite turned journalist in Manhattan, 1890. Genevieve and her fiancé, Daniel, are trying to move past the traumatic events of the previous stories and focus on their upcoming wedding. But someone is setting buildings on fire and this fearsome duo might be a target.
As with the previous books, the story was built around strong historical details and explored the social issues of the time. There were times when the story seemed to be trying to address too many issues at once without giving a lot of focus to any one of them. Racism, classism, women’s rights, child labor, poverty, political corruption, gang violence, sex trafficking, and mental health treatment were all brought up. As I mentioned in my reviews for the previous books, this series certainly does not gloss over the issues of the time period. But it also doesn’t fall into nihilistic territory. It balances the issues of the time with likeable characters trying to make a difference in their world.
I’m glad that this series continues to be page-turning and engaging. But now I am once again stuck waiting for the next book to come out.
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 4 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 4 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 4 Stars
Level of Captivation: 4 Stars
Originality: 3 Stars
*Another great installment in this gripping mystery series full of historical details*
I love historical mysteries, but unfortunately I’ve had at least three of the series I’ve been reading go downhill this year. I was worried that this Gilded Gotham series might follow that trend, but thankfully it continued to deliver!
Opulence and Ashes is the fourth book in the series following a socialite turned journalist in Manhattan, 1890. Genevieve and her fiancé, Daniel, are trying to move past the traumatic events of the previous stories and focus on their upcoming wedding. But someone is setting buildings on fire and this fearsome duo might be a target.
As with the previous books, the story was built around strong historical details and explored the social issues of the time. There were times when the story seemed to be trying to address too many issues at once without giving a lot of focus to any one of them. Racism, classism, women’s rights, child labor, poverty, political corruption, gang violence, sex trafficking, and mental health treatment were all brought up. As I mentioned in my reviews for the previous books, this series certainly does not gloss over the issues of the time period. But it also doesn’t fall into nihilistic territory. It balances the issues of the time with likeable characters trying to make a difference in their world.
I’m glad that this series continues to be page-turning and engaging. But now I am once again stuck waiting for the next book to come out.
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 4 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 4 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 4 Stars
Level of Captivation: 4 Stars
Originality: 3 Stars
October 17, 2023
This is an excellent historical mystery series and I thoroughly enjoyed it as it's well plotted, featuring great characters and a vivid historical background.
Somehow I discovered I missed the second instalment and will surely go and read it.
This one is a fast paced, action packed and gripping story and I couldn't stop reading.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Somehow I discovered I missed the second instalment and will surely go and read it.
This one is a fast paced, action packed and gripping story and I couldn't stop reading.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
December 27, 2023
4.5 stars. I’m really loving this series! Great cozy mystery and terrific characters.
January 3, 2024
Not sure how much more battering and smoke inhalation these characters can take. Lol
August 24, 2024
This is the best book in the series. I couldn’t put it down.
September 10, 2023
Fourth in the Gilded Gotham historical mystery series, this one centers on wedding planning for Genevieve (a society journalist) and Daniel (a rags-to-riches philanthropist), at least when they’re not investigating suspicious fires, a murder, the appearance of a long-lost relative and a horrifying imprisonment…lots going on here.
I’ve been enjoying this series as it’s progressed and found this one to be a good addition to the continuing story. I like both Genevieve and Daniel as characters and especially enjoy the inclusion of specifically women’s issues during this period and place (1890s New York). I’ve found each book well written and always look forward to the next.
My thanks to the author, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing the free early arc of Opulence and Ashes for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
I’ve been enjoying this series as it’s progressed and found this one to be a good addition to the continuing story. I like both Genevieve and Daniel as characters and especially enjoy the inclusion of specifically women’s issues during this period and place (1890s New York). I’ve found each book well written and always look forward to the next.
My thanks to the author, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing the free early arc of Opulence and Ashes for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
August 4, 2023
Following the harrowing events of the previous installment, Genevieve and Daniel are now engaged and preparing for their future together. A series of arson attacks draw them in and puts Genevieve in particular in danger. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and recommend it to fans of the series (and I recommend the series to fans of Deanna Raybourn or Victoria Thompson). It did not have quite the same pace as the previous book, but I enjoyed the development of Genevieve and Daniel's relationship without sacrificing the tension that kept the relationship interesting.
I am docking one star for the author's attempts to reframe a Gilded Age story according to modern sensibilities. Contraceptives and reproductive rights feature as part of the plot-line, and the main characters go out of their way - repeatedly - to voice progressive thinking with regard to reproductive rights. These moments felt like the author breaking the fourth wall (does that term apply in books?) and detracted from the story in my opinion. Other readers may appreciate it.
I am docking one star for the author's attempts to reframe a Gilded Age story according to modern sensibilities. Contraceptives and reproductive rights feature as part of the plot-line, and the main characters go out of their way - repeatedly - to voice progressive thinking with regard to reproductive rights. These moments felt like the author breaking the fourth wall (does that term apply in books?) and detracted from the story in my opinion. Other readers may appreciate it.
Want to read
May 30, 2023The latest entry in Kate Belli’s gaslight series is my favorite so far. Genevieve and Daniel are preparing for their wedding when murder, arson, corruption, and a figure claiming to be from Daniel’s past intervene. The plot is excellent and keeps you turning pages, while the depth of the relationship between Genevieve and Daniel is lovely. I would strongly recommend reading the previous books to better get the context of key events and characters, and because they are excellent. The historical elements are well done, woven in seamlessly without being distracting.
December 7, 2023
Excellent historical mystery. As the main characters are social activists, much is learned about the inequities and social mores of the time.
May 18, 2024
Love, love this series!!
Bring on #5 please💕💕💕
Bring on #5 please💕💕💕
October 18, 2023
I received a complimentary ARC copy of Opulence and Ashes (A Gilded Gotham Mystery) by Kate Belli from Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books in order to read and give an honest review.
… an amazing plot, heart-stopping twists, and compelling characters this well-written, fast-paced mystery is a page-turning historical mystery that keeps the reader engaged to the very last page….
The 4th installment in the Gilded Gotham Mystery series by Kate Belli Opulence and Ashes begins in spring 1890 with Genevieve and Daniel nuptials mere weeks away. In addition to wedding preparations, they are doing what they do best, working together. Interested in social reforms such as mental illness, false imprisonment, women’s reproductive health and homelessness, all causes dear to both their hearts they hope to put their social standing and riches to good use. When visiting a photographer, Dagmar Hansen who has been busy photographing the homeless in the dark corners of New York Daniel and Dagmar are barricaded in his studio when a fire breaks out nearly killing them both. The police declare it an accident, but Daniel and Genevieve believe differently. Genevieve working on a story about an arson at a local women’s shelter, they are convinced there is more to the story, and both are on the case to capture the culprit. They go on a chase that takes them along a path that puts Genevieve in peril, forcing her to endure fire, abuse, and abduction. When she goes missing, friends and family are beside themselves and the hunt is on to save the bride to be.
As always, I love this series, and in this installment, I can’t help but think although they were brilliant to begin with, they are becoming so much more. With an amazing plot, heart-stopping twists, and compelling characters this well-written, fast-paced mystery is a page-turning historical mystery that keeps the reader engaged to the very last page. I cannot wait to read more of Genevieve and Daniel’s adventures.
… an amazing plot, heart-stopping twists, and compelling characters this well-written, fast-paced mystery is a page-turning historical mystery that keeps the reader engaged to the very last page….
The 4th installment in the Gilded Gotham Mystery series by Kate Belli Opulence and Ashes begins in spring 1890 with Genevieve and Daniel nuptials mere weeks away. In addition to wedding preparations, they are doing what they do best, working together. Interested in social reforms such as mental illness, false imprisonment, women’s reproductive health and homelessness, all causes dear to both their hearts they hope to put their social standing and riches to good use. When visiting a photographer, Dagmar Hansen who has been busy photographing the homeless in the dark corners of New York Daniel and Dagmar are barricaded in his studio when a fire breaks out nearly killing them both. The police declare it an accident, but Daniel and Genevieve believe differently. Genevieve working on a story about an arson at a local women’s shelter, they are convinced there is more to the story, and both are on the case to capture the culprit. They go on a chase that takes them along a path that puts Genevieve in peril, forcing her to endure fire, abuse, and abduction. When she goes missing, friends and family are beside themselves and the hunt is on to save the bride to be.
As always, I love this series, and in this installment, I can’t help but think although they were brilliant to begin with, they are becoming so much more. With an amazing plot, heart-stopping twists, and compelling characters this well-written, fast-paced mystery is a page-turning historical mystery that keeps the reader engaged to the very last page. I cannot wait to read more of Genevieve and Daniel’s adventures.
October 30, 2023
The wedding of Daniel and Genevieve is quickly approaching and her mother is trying to get her involved in the planning. Genevieve is an investigative reporter. Flowers and settings are the last thing on her mind. At one planning session she learns of a fire at a mission house that was barely mentioned in the papers. It is an incident that she decides to investigate. Daniel and his friend Dagmar, a photographer, have been working to raise money for charity. A second fire is set at Dagmar’s studio, trapping and almost killing them. A fire is also set at a women’s clinic where the doctor is killed. Genevieve is searching for a connection between these fires and is getting close to an answer when she is abducted. As the days count down to the wedding, Genevieve is nowhere to be found and Daniel is getting desperate.
Daniel grew up in poverty, with a connection to street gangs. His younger siblings were taken away when their mother died and he has never given up searching for them. He is approached by a man claiming to be his brother Connor. The hair and eye color and even his mannerisms are familiar. He even recounts an event from their past. While Daniel wants to accept him, he is still skeptical when Connor is at the scene of several of the fires. When he looks into Connor’s background he is surprised by what he finds.
Kate Belli’s Gilded Age New York is a city of mansions and wealth. It is also a city of gangs and poverty. Belli takes you into an asylum where women could easily be confined for hysteria. There is also the children’s home where children were sold as indentured labor. Genevieve’s mother fights for women’s rights at a time when the Comstock law made contraceptives illegal. While Belli shares so much history, this is also a story of love, family and mystery that is perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen. I would like to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing this book for my review.
Daniel grew up in poverty, with a connection to street gangs. His younger siblings were taken away when their mother died and he has never given up searching for them. He is approached by a man claiming to be his brother Connor. The hair and eye color and even his mannerisms are familiar. He even recounts an event from their past. While Daniel wants to accept him, he is still skeptical when Connor is at the scene of several of the fires. When he looks into Connor’s background he is surprised by what he finds.
Kate Belli’s Gilded Age New York is a city of mansions and wealth. It is also a city of gangs and poverty. Belli takes you into an asylum where women could easily be confined for hysteria. There is also the children’s home where children were sold as indentured labor. Genevieve’s mother fights for women’s rights at a time when the Comstock law made contraceptives illegal. While Belli shares so much history, this is also a story of love, family and mystery that is perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen. I would like to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing this book for my review.
October 1, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance electronic copy. My opinions are my own.
Genevieve and Daniel are finally engaged! As their wedding approaches in 1890, they've decided to use their wealth and social sway for good. Genevieve continues her work as a society (and sometimes investigative) journalist, while Daniel works with an investigative photographer Dagmar Hansen to expose societal ills. But when one suspicious fire becomes a series of them, Genevieve disappears in the course of her investigations and Daniel desperately tears the city apart to find her.
I can't get enough of Genevieve and Daniel! And what a dramatic exploration of a LOT of social injustices of the day (many of which continue to this day, as do the prejudices that reinforce them): poverty, reproductive health and contraception, mental health, and unjust incarceration. This was a vivid and heavy one. Lots of triggers here (see below). It was helpful to have mentions of key events from previous books, which honestly serves to reminds me of all the trauma-inducing events they’ve been through. It’s a wonder they are still sane! As a reader I want to suspend reality and believe that all these things can happen to the same two people, while ALSO getting a glimpse into two realistic people in the very-real past. But it’s hard to have both. I can't wait to get my hands on the final version so I can read the historical notes--I can see Nelly Bly, Madame Restell, and others like them being serious inspiration for this one!
Triggers: abuse, abuse of disabled/neurodivergent/ chronically mentally ill, arson, murder, sexual abuse, self-harm
Genevieve and Daniel are finally engaged! As their wedding approaches in 1890, they've decided to use their wealth and social sway for good. Genevieve continues her work as a society (and sometimes investigative) journalist, while Daniel works with an investigative photographer Dagmar Hansen to expose societal ills. But when one suspicious fire becomes a series of them, Genevieve disappears in the course of her investigations and Daniel desperately tears the city apart to find her.
I can't get enough of Genevieve and Daniel! And what a dramatic exploration of a LOT of social injustices of the day (many of which continue to this day, as do the prejudices that reinforce them): poverty, reproductive health and contraception, mental health, and unjust incarceration. This was a vivid and heavy one. Lots of triggers here (see below). It was helpful to have mentions of key events from previous books, which honestly serves to reminds me of all the trauma-inducing events they’ve been through. It’s a wonder they are still sane! As a reader I want to suspend reality and believe that all these things can happen to the same two people, while ALSO getting a glimpse into two realistic people in the very-real past. But it’s hard to have both. I can't wait to get my hands on the final version so I can read the historical notes--I can see Nelly Bly, Madame Restell, and others like them being serious inspiration for this one!
Triggers: abuse, abuse of disabled/neurodivergent/ chronically mentally ill, arson, murder, sexual abuse, self-harm
April 29, 2024
New York City. April 1890. Kate Belli’s Opulence and Ashes (Gilded Gotham Mystery, #4) illustrates that although Spring has arrived, all is not well in “Gilded Age Manhattan”. Genevieve, a journalist who wants to write so much deeper articles than engagement, wedding announcements, and previews of flower shows, is herself engaged to her fiancé, Daniel, and both are working with photographer, Dagmar Hansen, investigating the House of Refuge, “a children’s workhouse” where Daniel almost became a resident in his youth. The Sunflower Mission House founded by a Black reformer has recently burned to the ground as well, and Genevieve is going to find out why. The author does amazing research into life in 19th century in New York, and what is presented is horrifying as seen by Genevieve’s stay at “Blackwell’s Lunatic Asylum, the psychiatric institution for women that was located on Blackwell’s Island, today’s Roosevelt Island.” The author’s dedication states the situation succinctly. “For the tireless advocates of woman’s rights, past and present”. This book is a true eye-opener to how life was for women, minorities, and those who tried to help. It all was not that long ago. My congratulations to the author! Well done! 5 stars.
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