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Gaslight Mystery #14
Murder on Fifth Avenue
Midwife Sarah Brandt braves the dangers of the tenements in nineteenth-century New York to help the impoverished and, with Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy, bring the guilty that prey on them to justice. Now, the latest novel in the Edgar®-nominated series finds Sarah and Malloy investigating the murder of a Knickerbocker club member who was made to pay his dues…
Sarah Brandt’s family is one of the oldest in New York City, and her father, Felix Decker, takes his position in society very seriously. He still refuses to resign himself to his daughter being involved with an Irish Catholic police detective. But when a member of his private club — the very exclusive Knickerbocker — is murdered, Decker forms an uneasy alliance with Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy to solve the crime as discreetly as possible.
Malloy soon discovers that despite his social standing, the deceased — Chilton Devries — was no gentleman. In fact, he’s left behind his own unofficial club of sorts, populated by everyone who despised him. As he and Sarah sort through the suspects, it becomes clear to her that her father is evaluating more than the detective’s investigative abilities, and that, on a personal level, there is much more at stake for Malloy than discovering who revoked Devries’s membership — permanently.
Sarah Brandt’s family is one of the oldest in New York City, and her father, Felix Decker, takes his position in society very seriously. He still refuses to resign himself to his daughter being involved with an Irish Catholic police detective. But when a member of his private club — the very exclusive Knickerbocker — is murdered, Decker forms an uneasy alliance with Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy to solve the crime as discreetly as possible.
Malloy soon discovers that despite his social standing, the deceased — Chilton Devries — was no gentleman. In fact, he’s left behind his own unofficial club of sorts, populated by everyone who despised him. As he and Sarah sort through the suspects, it becomes clear to her that her father is evaluating more than the detective’s investigative abilities, and that, on a personal level, there is much more at stake for Malloy than discovering who revoked Devries’s membership — permanently.
296 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2012
215 people are currently reading
1495 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Thompson
83 books2,447 followersVictoria Thompson was a beloved authoress of 'standard mystery' novels.
This middle of the road tone is not violent like a 'thriller' but unsanitized (NOT light like a 'cozy mystery'), is unflinchingly adult, serious, and dark.
Humour, romance, family, and compassion balance out the crime part of dear Victoria's unforgettable mysteries.
This middle of the road tone is not violent like a 'thriller' but unsanitized (NOT light like a 'cozy mystery'), is unflinchingly adult, serious, and dark.
Humour, romance, family, and compassion balance out the crime part of dear Victoria's unforgettable mysteries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 396 reviews
February 14, 2019
I do enjoy these long historical mystery series. It is so nice to be able to return over and over again to characters I enjoy and a story told by an author who writes well. I always feel safe in Victoria Thompson's hands and Murder on Fifth Avenue did not let me down.
The story begins in a very original way with Felix Decker not only asking Frank to investigate a case, but also encouraging his wife and daughter to assist. A very clever way to get all of the main characters involved. Sarah's mother is becoming one of the best characters in these books and she shines in this one, especially with her sense of humour and her openness to all situations. It is easy to see where Sarah got some of her ideas and beliefs from.
A most enjoyable read and I am already looking forward to the next one.
The story begins in a very original way with Felix Decker not only asking Frank to investigate a case, but also encouraging his wife and daughter to assist. A very clever way to get all of the main characters involved. Sarah's mother is becoming one of the best characters in these books and she shines in this one, especially with her sense of humour and her openness to all situations. It is easy to see where Sarah got some of her ideas and beliefs from.
A most enjoyable read and I am already looking forward to the next one.
February 18, 2019
When NYPD Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy is summoned by Felix Decker to meet him at his Knickerbocker Club, he’s expecting the worst. So he’s quite surprised when Sarah Brandt’s father, a respected member of New York’s elite society, asks him to investigate the death of one of his friends and fellow club member. Chilton Devries died at the club and what was first thought to be a natural death was determined to be anything but. Decker wants the investigation done discreetly until they determine the killer. His (or her) identity will determine whether that person is brought to justice.
Throughout the series, justice is rarely meted out to the “haves” in the same manner as the “have nots.” This story puts that practice to the test superbly as the murder victim is determined to be everything but a gentleman. His group of detractors/enemies seemed endless and his true reputation was well earned, covered by the veneer of polite society. I loved how the Deckers were slowly exposed to his true nature, having to shift their thinking about the behaviors of their own class and challenging their beliefs. The biggest impact is on Felix Decker as those beliefs are shattered and he has to face the truths of his own daughter’s life choices.
I found the mystery challenging, not so much for the who but the how and where. Sometimes it took Frank and Sarah longer to catch up to what I’d solved but I was just as much in the dark about how everything had evolved. This was a masterfully told story in terms of the underlying themes and messages. And, having all of the Deckers involved in the investigation was just fun. Frank was put to a test by Felix and I’m still not clear as to the kind and the purpose. That’s a perfect setup for the next story. Still loving this series!
Originally posted on Blue Mood Café
Throughout the series, justice is rarely meted out to the “haves” in the same manner as the “have nots.” This story puts that practice to the test superbly as the murder victim is determined to be everything but a gentleman. His group of detractors/enemies seemed endless and his true reputation was well earned, covered by the veneer of polite society. I loved how the Deckers were slowly exposed to his true nature, having to shift their thinking about the behaviors of their own class and challenging their beliefs. The biggest impact is on Felix Decker as those beliefs are shattered and he has to face the truths of his own daughter’s life choices.
I found the mystery challenging, not so much for the who but the how and where. Sometimes it took Frank and Sarah longer to catch up to what I’d solved but I was just as much in the dark about how everything had evolved. This was a masterfully told story in terms of the underlying themes and messages. And, having all of the Deckers involved in the investigation was just fun. Frank was put to a test by Felix and I’m still not clear as to the kind and the purpose. That’s a perfect setup for the next story. Still loving this series!
Originally posted on Blue Mood Café
November 30, 2018
Victoria Thompson is my hero.
October 4, 2015
I can't believe this is the 14th book in the Gaslight Mystery series that I have read. And the author still has my attention!
An acquaintance of Sarah Brandt's father was found murdered at the hoity-toity Knickerbocker club. And who does Mr. Decker call on to try and solve the case? *Gasp!* Frank Malloy. For those of you that are unfamiliar with their relationship, suffice-to-say, they tolerate one another for the sake of Sarah. But I wouldn't be surprised to know that the temperature of the room they are in drops several degrees when Malloy and Felix are together.
Besides Frank, Sarah, Maeve, Catherine and Mrs. Ellsworth, we get to see Mrs. Decker once again. Her personality is evolving, continually, for the better. I loved the sly morsels and innocent looks she imparts when trying to 'assist' Sarah and Frank. The big difference this time around is Sarah's father is more involved with the plot and I loved it! We get a few glimpses of the very formal Felix Decker and the crispy wordplay between his wife and him. I think he was actually jealous of Frank's attention to his wife for one moment. :))
Decker glanced at his wife.
"No, I won't leave you two alone," she said. "And you might as will let me stay. It will save you the trouble of telling me everything later."
Decker sighed, and Frank had to bite his lip to keep from grinning.
As I mentioned in an earlier review, Ms. Thompson takes a look at the darker side of NYC in the late 1800s. The author takes you behind closed doors; it might be in a rich man's home or a slum-like tenement of New York. No subject is too tender for the author to cover. With MURDER ON FIFTH AVENUE I saw a turning point between Frank, Sarah and the Deckers, all for the better. There were even a few humorous moments not present in earlier stories.
Just remember to read the books in order. Each story reveals important pieces of information that move all of the relationships along: not just Frank's and Sarah's. The continual change with Maeve and Catherine. The increasing importance of Mrs. Ellsworth. Mrs. Decker with her timely and educational visits to Sarah's home. And I loved when the author shared moments with Frank's son, Brian.
I am even looking forward to seeing more of Felix Decker and the young Italian police officer, Gino Donatelli, Frank's intelligent protege. Like others, my only criticism is the oh-so-very-slow acceleration of Frank's and Sarah's romance. I wanted to see so much more before now!
An acquaintance of Sarah Brandt's father was found murdered at the hoity-toity Knickerbocker club. And who does Mr. Decker call on to try and solve the case? *Gasp!* Frank Malloy. For those of you that are unfamiliar with their relationship, suffice-to-say, they tolerate one another for the sake of Sarah. But I wouldn't be surprised to know that the temperature of the room they are in drops several degrees when Malloy and Felix are together.
Besides Frank, Sarah, Maeve, Catherine and Mrs. Ellsworth, we get to see Mrs. Decker once again. Her personality is evolving, continually, for the better. I loved the sly morsels and innocent looks she imparts when trying to 'assist' Sarah and Frank. The big difference this time around is Sarah's father is more involved with the plot and I loved it! We get a few glimpses of the very formal Felix Decker and the crispy wordplay between his wife and him. I think he was actually jealous of Frank's attention to his wife for one moment. :))
Decker glanced at his wife.
"No, I won't leave you two alone," she said. "And you might as will let me stay. It will save you the trouble of telling me everything later."
Decker sighed, and Frank had to bite his lip to keep from grinning.
As I mentioned in an earlier review, Ms. Thompson takes a look at the darker side of NYC in the late 1800s. The author takes you behind closed doors; it might be in a rich man's home or a slum-like tenement of New York. No subject is too tender for the author to cover. With MURDER ON FIFTH AVENUE I saw a turning point between Frank, Sarah and the Deckers, all for the better. There were even a few humorous moments not present in earlier stories.
Just remember to read the books in order. Each story reveals important pieces of information that move all of the relationships along: not just Frank's and Sarah's. The continual change with Maeve and Catherine. The increasing importance of Mrs. Ellsworth. Mrs. Decker with her timely and educational visits to Sarah's home. And I loved when the author shared moments with Frank's son, Brian.
I am even looking forward to seeing more of Felix Decker and the young Italian police officer, Gino Donatelli, Frank's intelligent protege. Like others, my only criticism is the oh-so-very-slow acceleration of Frank's and Sarah's romance. I wanted to see so much more before now!
November 7, 2020
When a member of the Knickerbocker club dies one afternoon, everyone assumes it was a heart attack – until they move the body and discover that he had been bleeding. Midwife Sarah Brandt’s father, Felix Decker, is a member of the club, so he immediately calls Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy to investigate. The victim was Chilton Devries, the head of a wealthy family. However, Frank soon learns that Chilton was not a well-liked man. With Sarah using her status in society to gain access to the family, the two begin to gain a long list of suspects. But who actually killed the man?
It’s always a pleasure to return to Sarah and Frank’s world, and this book was no exception. I enjoyed the fact that, in addition to who and why, we were trying to figure out how. That added a nice twist of the book. I try to space out authors because I start to pick up on some of their plotting techniques, and that did enable me to figure out a couple of twists early, but I was still left puzzled by many things until I reached the end. I was hooked, staying up late two nights in a row to finish it. The characters are strong, and the series regulars provided some moments that made me laugh out loud as I read. I’m anxious to find out what happens next thanks to a tease at the end of the book. I may have been late to this series, but I’m so glad I started it.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
It’s always a pleasure to return to Sarah and Frank’s world, and this book was no exception. I enjoyed the fact that, in addition to who and why, we were trying to figure out how. That added a nice twist of the book. I try to space out authors because I start to pick up on some of their plotting techniques, and that did enable me to figure out a couple of twists early, but I was still left puzzled by many things until I reached the end. I was hooked, staying up late two nights in a row to finish it. The characters are strong, and the series regulars provided some moments that made me laugh out loud as I read. I’m anxious to find out what happens next thanks to a tease at the end of the book. I may have been late to this series, but I’m so glad I started it.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
May 2, 2012
ms. thompson has announced on her website that she has finally decided how to approach the way her midwife and detective can interact and be together, and it shows in the sheer delight and fun rampant in this latest addition to the "gaslight" series. a sense of humor and lightheartedness, not to mention direction, that has been missing from the past several adventures returns with a vengeance, and it becomes, quite literally, a mystery for the entire family to enjoy. i really admire the way ms. thompson has evolved, not just frank and sarah, but the people in their lives as the story has progressed, and mr. and mrs. decker definitely get a chance to shine in this one.
the case itself is twisty and compelling, just the way we like it, and involves more of the "swells" that frank has learned to tolerate in his years of friendship with sarah brandt. i can't say the whodunit was much of a stumper, but it ambled along quite amiably until the end and never got too bogged down in itself. more importantly, it created many wonderful character beats that felt natural and, more importantly, well-earned after all of these years. memorable moments between frank and the deckers, frank and sarah, frank and the children and, of course, mrs. ellsworth, populate the story and kept me turning pages until i had finished the entire novel in one sitting. next may cannot come quickly enough for this long-time fan!
the case itself is twisty and compelling, just the way we like it, and involves more of the "swells" that frank has learned to tolerate in his years of friendship with sarah brandt. i can't say the whodunit was much of a stumper, but it ambled along quite amiably until the end and never got too bogged down in itself. more importantly, it created many wonderful character beats that felt natural and, more importantly, well-earned after all of these years. memorable moments between frank and the deckers, frank and sarah, frank and the children and, of course, mrs. ellsworth, populate the story and kept me turning pages until i had finished the entire novel in one sitting. next may cannot come quickly enough for this long-time fan!
January 20, 2021
Better than the previous one!
It was ineteresting to see how the view of Chilton Devries character changed from an unpstanding citizen and powerful man to a total reprobate and pervert!
Also interesting was the how Sarah's father reacted to discovering that a man he thought was a friend and a good person was the complete opposite!
Mr. Decker was always been strict and almost unfeeling, full of righteousness and fully conscious of his importance. But here he is forced to acknowledge that his class is not without any wrongs only because they're rich and powerful - all the contrary!
Still, he's honorable enough to accept these facts and to act in the right way!
I almost liked him!
Good mistery and for once I was not even a little sorry for the victim!
It was ineteresting to see how the view of Chilton Devries character changed from an unpstanding citizen and powerful man to a total reprobate and pervert!
Also interesting was the how Sarah's father reacted to discovering that a man he thought was a friend and a good person was the complete opposite!
Mr. Decker was always been strict and almost unfeeling, full of righteousness and fully conscious of his importance. But here he is forced to acknowledge that his class is not without any wrongs only because they're rich and powerful - all the contrary!
Still, he's honorable enough to accept these facts and to act in the right way!
I almost liked him!
Good mistery and for once I was not even a little sorry for the victim!
December 31, 2019
That was interesting...
Malloy working together with Mr. Decker!
The murder mystery was intriguing and I enjoyed reading it!
I liked several of the characters and felt sorry for them but the victim in my opinion deserved to die!
I started to like Felix Decker while reading this instalment and knowing him better!
Sarah's mother is full of surprises and I'm happy to read more about her in the books!
The setting of the books in the particular era of New York is very fascinating!
I've said it in previous reviews but I love Frank and Sarah and it's a pleasant surprise that I grow to love them even more with every new instalment I read!
I really want to know what Frank and Mr. Decker talked about!
Malloy working together with Mr. Decker!
The murder mystery was intriguing and I enjoyed reading it!
I liked several of the characters and felt sorry for them but the victim in my opinion deserved to die!
I started to like Felix Decker while reading this instalment and knowing him better!
Sarah's mother is full of surprises and I'm happy to read more about her in the books!
The setting of the books in the particular era of New York is very fascinating!
I've said it in previous reviews but I love Frank and Sarah and it's a pleasant surprise that I grow to love them even more with every new instalment I read!
I really want to know what Frank and Mr. Decker talked about!
January 30, 2021
I giggled a lot in this one....I wanted to go back a bit and review three books I read earlier this month but had no time to review. Also, writing one review after another, of four books in my favorite series, when mostly the same characters are doing much of the same thing with only slightly different mysteries, is a hard thing to sustain.
Never-the-less, sitting around Sarah Brandt’s kitchen table drinking coffee and munching sandwiches or noshing on one of Mrs. Ellsworth’s pies while listening to Sarah, Maeve, Mrs. Ellsworth, Elizabeth Decker and Frank Malloy gossiping (er, I mean discussing a case), are among my most treasured literary moments. So, before I read the next one or two novels in the series I will give a brief review of one of the three books I neglected to review this month.
Sarah Brandt’s father, Felix Decker, is Secretary of the Knickerbocker gentlemen’s club (est. 1871), the most exclusive NYC club of its kind. Decker has come to (dare I say) respect Frank Malloy, as less corrupt than his (police) cohorts. He knows he can depend on Frank’s discretion, if not his obedience and complicity in the investigation of a club member, Chiton Devries’, death on the premises. Decker wants to be sure that the death does not reflect poorly on the integrity of the club. Upon Malloy’s arrival at the scene, however, it becomes apparent that a murder has been committed. Decker wants justice done – as long as the justice does not in any way reflect on the honor of his creed.
Chilton Devries, was a cruel, manipulative, and lascivious sexual predator – the most worthy and delectable of victims. It soon becomes apparent that not one member in his household truly grieves the man’s death. The suspects are soon narrowed down to Devries’ wife, son, mistress, daughter-in-law and her mother, all having motives to commit the murder.
Both Decker and Malloy surprisingly enlist the help of Decker’s wife and daughter, Elizabeth and Sarah, respectively, to help get to the truth. Whether or not the perpetrator will be brought to justice is not necessarily relevant in these novels – solving the crime is the issue.
The truth and the murder weapon are uncovered after numerous twists and red herrings. Justice prevails, and that is what makes these novels so much fun!
Never-the-less, sitting around Sarah Brandt’s kitchen table drinking coffee and munching sandwiches or noshing on one of Mrs. Ellsworth’s pies while listening to Sarah, Maeve, Mrs. Ellsworth, Elizabeth Decker and Frank Malloy gossiping (er, I mean discussing a case), are among my most treasured literary moments. So, before I read the next one or two novels in the series I will give a brief review of one of the three books I neglected to review this month.
Sarah Brandt’s father, Felix Decker, is Secretary of the Knickerbocker gentlemen’s club (est. 1871), the most exclusive NYC club of its kind. Decker has come to (dare I say) respect Frank Malloy, as less corrupt than his (police) cohorts. He knows he can depend on Frank’s discretion, if not his obedience and complicity in the investigation of a club member, Chiton Devries’, death on the premises. Decker wants to be sure that the death does not reflect poorly on the integrity of the club. Upon Malloy’s arrival at the scene, however, it becomes apparent that a murder has been committed. Decker wants justice done – as long as the justice does not in any way reflect on the honor of his creed.
Chilton Devries, was a cruel, manipulative, and lascivious sexual predator – the most worthy and delectable of victims. It soon becomes apparent that not one member in his household truly grieves the man’s death. The suspects are soon narrowed down to Devries’ wife, son, mistress, daughter-in-law and her mother, all having motives to commit the murder.
Both Decker and Malloy surprisingly enlist the help of Decker’s wife and daughter, Elizabeth and Sarah, respectively, to help get to the truth. Whether or not the perpetrator will be brought to justice is not necessarily relevant in these novels – solving the crime is the issue.
The truth and the murder weapon are uncovered after numerous twists and red herrings. Justice prevails, and that is what makes these novels so much fun!
February 16, 2019
Influential businessman Felix Decker calls Detective sergeant Frank Malloy to investigate a death at the exclusive Knickerbocker Club. Chilton Devries has been found dead at the club. At first they believed he had died from a heart attack, until they discovered the blood stain on the back of his chair. Mr. Decker wants to know who murdered Mr. Devries and even offers his daughter, Sarah Brandt, as someone who can help Malloy. Malloy is happy for the help, especially since he and Sarah have solved some tough cases together. But Sarah believes that her father is testing more than Malloy's investigative skills.
This is another great addition to the Gaslight Mystery series. They mystery is enjoyable, even though it was pretty easy to figure out. It's the characters that shine in this story, especially Mrs. Decker who also takes part in the investigation. Her character has certainly evolved since the beginning of the series. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
This is another great addition to the Gaslight Mystery series. They mystery is enjoyable, even though it was pretty easy to figure out. It's the characters that shine in this story, especially Mrs. Decker who also takes part in the investigation. Her character has certainly evolved since the beginning of the series. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
April 5, 2019
Murder on Fifth Avenue
4 Stars
Detective Frank Malloy is surprised to receive a summons from Sarah Brandt's father, the wealthy and powerful, Felix Decker. It seems that a member of the prestigious Knickerbocker club has been found dead on the premises and Decker is in dire need of Malloy's help in solving the crime as discreetly as possible.
Another solid installment in the series and one of the few in which my guess of the culprit's identity turned out to be wrong, so kudos to Thompson for that.
This book presents a number of troubling social perceptions common in the 19th and early 20th centuries, but also disturbingly familiar today such as the limited options available to women without the protection of men, and the notion that people of the lower classes are somehow less important and even less worth of living.
The Decker family dynamics and the interactions between Felix Decker and Frank Malloy are one of the highlights of the book. It does seem that Decker is coming to accept Malloy's role in his daughter's life and one can only hope that their will finally be some progression in Sarah and Frank's romantic relationship.
Overall, this is an entertaining addition to the series.
4 Stars
Detective Frank Malloy is surprised to receive a summons from Sarah Brandt's father, the wealthy and powerful, Felix Decker. It seems that a member of the prestigious Knickerbocker club has been found dead on the premises and Decker is in dire need of Malloy's help in solving the crime as discreetly as possible.
Another solid installment in the series and one of the few in which my guess of the culprit's identity turned out to be wrong, so kudos to Thompson for that.
This book presents a number of troubling social perceptions common in the 19th and early 20th centuries, but also disturbingly familiar today such as the limited options available to women without the protection of men, and the notion that people of the lower classes are somehow less important and even less worth of living.
The Decker family dynamics and the interactions between Felix Decker and Frank Malloy are one of the highlights of the book. It does seem that Decker is coming to accept Malloy's role in his daughter's life and one can only hope that their will finally be some progression in Sarah and Frank's romantic relationship.
Overall, this is an entertaining addition to the series.
March 12, 2019
Just when I thought the series is getting stagnated, Victoria Thompson picks it up by presenting her readers with another good murder-mystery. The story is pretty interesting with good turns and twists which made the reader mind wavering between the possible culprits.
More interesting than the murder-mystery plot is the progress of the main characters. This time Frank is summoned to the investigation by none other than Sarah's father. It is interesting to see how the two of them work together. They seem to be clearing their misunderstandings and learning to appreciate each other. And it is also interesting to note that how comfortable and secure Sarah and Frank are becoming of each other's company. And both Sarah's and Frank's families seem to part of at least "unofficial" family. It looks their relationship will have a happy conclusion sooner. I'm glad I plodded on with the series.
More interesting than the murder-mystery plot is the progress of the main characters. This time Frank is summoned to the investigation by none other than Sarah's father. It is interesting to see how the two of them work together. They seem to be clearing their misunderstandings and learning to appreciate each other. And it is also interesting to note that how comfortable and secure Sarah and Frank are becoming of each other's company. And both Sarah's and Frank's families seem to part of at least "unofficial" family. It looks their relationship will have a happy conclusion sooner. I'm glad I plodded on with the series.
January 16, 2019
I really enjoyed Sarah's mother in this one.
January 14, 2023
I started reading this series in 2020. I have now read 14 books in the series and still look forward to the next book.
March 13, 2023
Definitely my favorite of the last few. This was a perfect rainy day read.
One thing I really love about this series is how often Frank and Sarah remark that taking the train is the fastest way to get anywhere in the city and is the best way to avoid traffic on the roads. Some things haven't changed in the past 120 years...
I loved the involvement of both of Sarah's parents, and how we've slowly gotten to see a new side of Felix Decker in particular. It was also great seeing Gino again. The way this case played out, we got to spend a lot of time with the different main and supporting characters, which always makes these stories more interesting. And that scene in Washington Square Park at the end was just great. I probably shouldn't even pretend that I'm going to read my other library books until I read the next one.
Reread 3/12/23: Still really enjoyed this one on second read/listen. I love the role the Deckers play in this one.
One thing I really love about this series is how often Frank and Sarah remark that taking the train is the fastest way to get anywhere in the city and is the best way to avoid traffic on the roads. Some things haven't changed in the past 120 years...
I loved the involvement of both of Sarah's parents, and how we've slowly gotten to see a new side of Felix Decker in particular. It was also great seeing Gino again. The way this case played out, we got to spend a lot of time with the different main and supporting characters, which always makes these stories more interesting. And that scene in Washington Square Park at the end was just great. I probably shouldn't even pretend that I'm going to read my other library books until I read the next one.
Reread 3/12/23: Still really enjoyed this one on second read/listen. I love the role the Deckers play in this one.
April 12, 2020
I enjoyed this one much more than the last two in the series. We get much more time with Sarah and Malloy and a chance to know the Deckers a bit better. Sarah's mother was introduced first in the series. She's even helped Malloy solve a few murders. This time we get more insight into Felix Decker, Sarah's father. They're quite a pair.
April 3, 2019
Rating: 3.9 / 5
Interesting though this story was as Thompson dives yet again into the "rich family with problems" dynamic, by this point the series is getting pretty stagnant for me. I know that ratings have gone up for this book as opposed to the last one, but honestly, I think that's only to commend the enjoyment of solving the mystery rather than too many developments on the Frank-Sarah relationship front.
That being said, for once everyone's on the same page as both Felix and Elizabeth Decker (Sarah's parents) get involved in this mystery, and actually permit and encourage Malloy and Sarah to work as a team in solving the case. It's nice to see the interactions between them, but I wish that some more personal elements and discussions were brought to light in the story rather than focusing just on facts of the case. Again, I find myself wishing for that extra "warm and fuzzy" feeling that the earlier novels gave me, wherein the non-mystery tidbits were a true pleasure to read through and served as a good addition of relief in an otherwise tense mystery-solving situation. Odd as it may sound, Frank and Sarah had more chemistry with one another at the beginning, more passion between them even before they realized how they felt about one another, and this was especially reflected in Frank's determination to keep Sarah out of the cases for her own safety. By now though, it feels like Thompson has abandoned all pretext of developing their relationship, save for one small moment when Sarah feels she must defend Frank's dignity as a policeman.
Also, the mysteries follow a certain pattern that Thompson just repeats over and over again, and that is honestly getting pretty boring as well. Here are a few tropes I noticed:
+ first, a character gets murdered and this is the main case that is being investigated, but then ANOTHER murder occurs about 50-75% through the novel, which is directly a result of said investigation being conducted
+ there is always an "unexpected" person who turns out to be the murderer, and their reasons for killing said person are always something you wouldn't expect (some of which are pretty good reasons, actually, which gives more satisfaction to the murder being committed rather than solved)
+ at the end, there is always a big confrontation in which things go crazy and either Malloy or Sarah have to put themselves at risk or just end up in a dangerous situation in finding out who the murderer it
Honestly, these are all good tropes/plot devices to use, but when you're using all of them or at least some variation of them in every novel of the series, it gets pretty boring and predictable. Again, I still think this is a good series and that it's extremely well-written and with excellent characters, but it's also lost some of its charm for me as I keep reading the same things over and over again.
Now, I'm given to understand that the next novel does get more personal for Sarah on her end of things, and so I'll probably take a look at it, but I'm just really waiting for that breakthrough moment of when the charm to the series returns--if it does.
Interesting though this story was as Thompson dives yet again into the "rich family with problems" dynamic, by this point the series is getting pretty stagnant for me. I know that ratings have gone up for this book as opposed to the last one, but honestly, I think that's only to commend the enjoyment of solving the mystery rather than too many developments on the Frank-Sarah relationship front.
That being said, for once everyone's on the same page as both Felix and Elizabeth Decker (Sarah's parents) get involved in this mystery, and actually permit and encourage Malloy and Sarah to work as a team in solving the case. It's nice to see the interactions between them, but I wish that some more personal elements and discussions were brought to light in the story rather than focusing just on facts of the case. Again, I find myself wishing for that extra "warm and fuzzy" feeling that the earlier novels gave me, wherein the non-mystery tidbits were a true pleasure to read through and served as a good addition of relief in an otherwise tense mystery-solving situation. Odd as it may sound, Frank and Sarah had more chemistry with one another at the beginning, more passion between them even before they realized how they felt about one another, and this was especially reflected in Frank's determination to keep Sarah out of the cases for her own safety. By now though, it feels like Thompson has abandoned all pretext of developing their relationship, save for one small moment when Sarah feels she must defend Frank's dignity as a policeman.
Also, the mysteries follow a certain pattern that Thompson just repeats over and over again, and that is honestly getting pretty boring as well. Here are a few tropes I noticed:
+ first, a character gets murdered and this is the main case that is being investigated, but then ANOTHER murder occurs about 50-75% through the novel, which is directly a result of said investigation being conducted
+ there is always an "unexpected" person who turns out to be the murderer, and their reasons for killing said person are always something you wouldn't expect (some of which are pretty good reasons, actually, which gives more satisfaction to the murder being committed rather than solved)
+ at the end, there is always a big confrontation in which things go crazy and either Malloy or Sarah have to put themselves at risk or just end up in a dangerous situation in finding out who the murderer it
Honestly, these are all good tropes/plot devices to use, but when you're using all of them or at least some variation of them in every novel of the series, it gets pretty boring and predictable. Again, I still think this is a good series and that it's extremely well-written and with excellent characters, but it's also lost some of its charm for me as I keep reading the same things over and over again.
Now, I'm given to understand that the next novel does get more personal for Sarah on her end of things, and so I'll probably take a look at it, but I'm just really waiting for that breakthrough moment of when the charm to the series returns--if it does.
February 11, 2015
I usually save the Gaslight Mysteries for whenever I either hit a drought book-wise, or couldn’t be bothered reading for a while, OR just want to read a book I already know is great.
It really is that simple.
After thirteen books it’s like coming home.
I know the characters, I know it’s going to be intriguing and I know probably everybody is going to get what they deserve at the end.
So far I haven’t been disappointed.
“Murder on Fifth Avenue” deals with Frank being hired by Sarah’s father to investigate the murder of one of his club mates, and even Sarah’s mother can’t help but assume that it’s some kind of “test” her husband set up for our favourite Irish-American detective. Fully knowing that the rich and mighty of New York usually don’t want to know the truth as long as SOMEONE is convicted for a crime – preferably someone from the working class – Frank does his best to find out who REALLY did it – and then to let Sarah’s father decide what to do with that knowledge. Since Felix Decker IS one of the rich and mighty, that course of action might backfire.
There are also the beginnings of the Italian Mob and we even graze homosexuality slightly.
I’m still completely in love with the relationship of Sarah’s parents – with her AND with each other – and how they try to (and ultimately manage to) come to terms with the fact that their high-society daughter is now a midwife, an amateur sleuth and seems to be unseemly fond of an Irish copper. It’s an absolute joy to read and I dearly hope we’ll see more of them.
Yes, I also think it’s a true marvel that these books just don’t get boring, even if there are sixteen (I think) of them already, and that Victoria Thompson is perfectly able to keep the suspense, the mystery and the characters on the same (high) level as in all the books before. Also, the character development she allows her characters to go through is the best written I’ve seen so far. The main point some people are criticizing – that the characters, and especially Sarah and Frank’s romance, develop so slowly it’s positively glacial – is the most perfect thing for me. Plus, I can’t imagine anything changing fast in Victorian society. Not even in America, and surely not in the upper class.
I’m absolutely looking forward to reading all the Gaslight Mysteries I haven’t read yet.
***SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER***
The relationship between Paul, Hugh and Garnet is the cutest thing EVER and I’m positively thrilled that neither of them did anything wrong.
It really is that simple.
After thirteen books it’s like coming home.
I know the characters, I know it’s going to be intriguing and I know probably everybody is going to get what they deserve at the end.
So far I haven’t been disappointed.
“Murder on Fifth Avenue” deals with Frank being hired by Sarah’s father to investigate the murder of one of his club mates, and even Sarah’s mother can’t help but assume that it’s some kind of “test” her husband set up for our favourite Irish-American detective. Fully knowing that the rich and mighty of New York usually don’t want to know the truth as long as SOMEONE is convicted for a crime – preferably someone from the working class – Frank does his best to find out who REALLY did it – and then to let Sarah’s father decide what to do with that knowledge. Since Felix Decker IS one of the rich and mighty, that course of action might backfire.
There are also the beginnings of the Italian Mob and we even graze homosexuality slightly.
I’m still completely in love with the relationship of Sarah’s parents – with her AND with each other – and how they try to (and ultimately manage to) come to terms with the fact that their high-society daughter is now a midwife, an amateur sleuth and seems to be unseemly fond of an Irish copper. It’s an absolute joy to read and I dearly hope we’ll see more of them.
Yes, I also think it’s a true marvel that these books just don’t get boring, even if there are sixteen (I think) of them already, and that Victoria Thompson is perfectly able to keep the suspense, the mystery and the characters on the same (high) level as in all the books before. Also, the character development she allows her characters to go through is the best written I’ve seen so far. The main point some people are criticizing – that the characters, and especially Sarah and Frank’s romance, develop so slowly it’s positively glacial – is the most perfect thing for me. Plus, I can’t imagine anything changing fast in Victorian society. Not even in America, and surely not in the upper class.
I’m absolutely looking forward to reading all the Gaslight Mysteries I haven’t read yet.
***SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER***
The relationship between Paul, Hugh and Garnet is the cutest thing EVER and I’m positively thrilled that neither of them did anything wrong.
October 1, 2017
Sarah Brandt’s family is one of the oldest in New York City, and her father, Felix Decker, takes his position in society very seriously. He still refuses to resign himself to his daughter being involved with an Irish Catholic police detective. But when a member of his private club—the very exclusive Knickerbocker—is murdered, Decker forms an uneasy alliance with Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy to solve the crime as discreetly as possible.
Murder on Fifth Avenue was better than the previous book. This one kept me guessing, the characters also didn't feel so stale, and it wasn't as repetitious. Mr. and Mrs. Decker where involved in this one and I can see that the author might be moving the characters towards a relationship resolution in the next few books. She has stated that she now knows how she is going to make a relationship work between Sarah and Malloy and it shows in this book. Everything felt fresh again which is what the series desperately needed.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
Murder on Fifth Avenue was better than the previous book. This one kept me guessing, the characters also didn't feel so stale, and it wasn't as repetitious. Mr. and Mrs. Decker where involved in this one and I can see that the author might be moving the characters towards a relationship resolution in the next few books. She has stated that she now knows how she is going to make a relationship work between Sarah and Malloy and it shows in this book. Everything felt fresh again which is what the series desperately needed.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
February 4, 2021
I absolutely loved this! Now that I’m in the middle of the series, it seems like the background characters get harder to like while the main characters are even more likable. I LOVED seeing Sarah and Frank working alongside her parents of all people to solve this case.
Synopsis: Frank Malloy is baffled when Sarah Brandts father, Felix Decker, summons him to the exclusive gentleman’s club, The Knickerbocker. When a club member is found dead, the undertaker discovers the man was stabbed. Felix Decker thinks Frank can discretely find out what happened, then leave punishment for the guilty up to the Club. Unsure of why Felix Decker has asked him to investigate, Frank nonetheless agrees. However, finding out how the murder was committed and why is far more complicated than either man expects. The results are surprising and the way justice is delivered makes this one of my favorite books of the series.
Synopsis: Frank Malloy is baffled when Sarah Brandts father, Felix Decker, summons him to the exclusive gentleman’s club, The Knickerbocker. When a club member is found dead, the undertaker discovers the man was stabbed. Felix Decker thinks Frank can discretely find out what happened, then leave punishment for the guilty up to the Club. Unsure of why Felix Decker has asked him to investigate, Frank nonetheless agrees. However, finding out how the murder was committed and why is far more complicated than either man expects. The results are surprising and the way justice is delivered makes this one of my favorite books of the series.
March 22, 2020
4.5 stars
Such a delightful read. I was glad to be back to the late 1800s with Detective Frank and Sarah. Once again I was totally fooled to the end. Red herrings were everywhere. When I thought I got the right suspect, ended up not. Being #14 in the series, I won't deny that I'm still very much interested with the series. The author's writing is easy to digest and the mystery is always intriguing!
October 20, 2025
Post-reading: I completely forgot to check this one off as finished!! 😭 sooooo glad my wished panned out and we got to see even more of Sarah's parents !!
proper review to come when im less busy!! 💗
Pre-reading: I couldn't find any other book I wanted to listen to sooooo yeah im continuing straight on with this series!! I felt such a breath of fresh air with the characters in the last book and especially so with Elizabeth Decker. She was so wonderful and I'm hoping we start to see more of her and maybe even Papa Decker too? AND maybe this will be the book Frank and Sarah get together?!??? 😭😭😭🙏🏼
proper review to come when im less busy!! 💗
Pre-reading: I couldn't find any other book I wanted to listen to sooooo yeah im continuing straight on with this series!! I felt such a breath of fresh air with the characters in the last book and especially so with Elizabeth Decker. She was so wonderful and I'm hoping we start to see more of her and maybe even Papa Decker too? AND maybe this will be the book Frank and Sarah get together?!??? 😭😭😭🙏🏼
May 17, 2012
This is such a consistent series, always reliably entertaining. This one though I missed the interplay between Frank and Sarah, though reading about the Knickerbocker Club was interesting. So for the most part a quick but enjoyable read.
November 15, 2020
After being a little disappointed in the last couple of books, I decided it was time to try the next one. I did enjoy it more. We got to see a little more of Sarah, and a lot less of Mrs. Ellsworth. There was also less of a focus on Charlotte.
I love the settings of these books and the actual mysteries. I think the author does a brilliant job bringing the era to life. You can tell she does a lot of research.
When I read the first books I was obsessed, but as the series went on it got more and more repetitive, not the mysteries themselves, but the characters. They kept repeating the same inane acts over and over and over again. I mean, that is true to life, but its sure not fun to read about. The most annoying things were Mrs. Ellsworth coming over with baked goods and superstitions, and Catherine pouting every time they heard a knock at the door. Fortunately Mrs. Ellsworth only came over one time in this book. But I actually kept track of Catherine.
...when the front doorbell rang. Catherine’s bottom lip immediately popped into a pout.
...the doorbell rang. They all groaned, thinking she was being summoned to another birth...
“You come along now. The grown-ups need to talk in private.” Catherine tried a pout, but Maeve was unmoved.
Now just imagine this happening 3-5 times in every. single. book. It really starts to stand out and it's really boring, and really annoying. I feel like the characters are sometimes like those fancy clocks where the doors open and little wooden people come out repeating the same scenes. I kind of wish that Mrs. Ellsworth was gone and that Catherine hadn't shown up. The books were better before she did. It's a sweet little story, Sarah adopting and all, but significantly lowers the excitement in a mystery.
Anyway, back to the actual mystery itself. Malloy is surprised when he's summoned to the fancy Knickerbocker club by Sarah's father. A member is dead, possibly murdered, and Felix wants Malloy to figure it out. An even bigger surprise is when Felix suggest Sarah and her mother make a call to the family to try and learn some more for the case.
The case took lots of interesting turns, from a disgruntled mother-in-law, to a young mistress, to shady business dealings. Malloy has quite the job ahead of him.
I love the settings of these books and the actual mysteries. I think the author does a brilliant job bringing the era to life. You can tell she does a lot of research.
When I read the first books I was obsessed, but as the series went on it got more and more repetitive, not the mysteries themselves, but the characters. They kept repeating the same inane acts over and over and over again. I mean, that is true to life, but its sure not fun to read about. The most annoying things were Mrs. Ellsworth coming over with baked goods and superstitions, and Catherine pouting every time they heard a knock at the door. Fortunately Mrs. Ellsworth only came over one time in this book. But I actually kept track of Catherine.
...when the front doorbell rang. Catherine’s bottom lip immediately popped into a pout.
...the doorbell rang. They all groaned, thinking she was being summoned to another birth...
“You come along now. The grown-ups need to talk in private.” Catherine tried a pout, but Maeve was unmoved.
Now just imagine this happening 3-5 times in every. single. book. It really starts to stand out and it's really boring, and really annoying. I feel like the characters are sometimes like those fancy clocks where the doors open and little wooden people come out repeating the same scenes. I kind of wish that Mrs. Ellsworth was gone and that Catherine hadn't shown up. The books were better before she did. It's a sweet little story, Sarah adopting and all, but significantly lowers the excitement in a mystery.
Anyway, back to the actual mystery itself. Malloy is surprised when he's summoned to the fancy Knickerbocker club by Sarah's father. A member is dead, possibly murdered, and Felix wants Malloy to figure it out. An even bigger surprise is when Felix suggest Sarah and her mother make a call to the family to try and learn some more for the case.
The case took lots of interesting turns, from a disgruntled mother-in-law, to a young mistress, to shady business dealings. Malloy has quite the job ahead of him.
July 22, 2020
Honestly, I'm ruining my review scores with inflation because of how invested I am in this series. If you haven't gotten it by this point, I love these books and I'm in love with the characters. At this point, there's not a lot that could happen that would make me stop reading.
Malloy and Sarah have these character arcs that are really amazing. Thinking about Malloy from the first book is just really unthinkable, he's a completely different person. Sarah isn't as different, but also has had some serious progress. Her parents? Amazing people and both growing exponentially. The best element here was Mr. Decker and Malloy's growing relationship. He didn't prevent Sarah's first marriage, but holding back his acceptance didn't really help much. He genuinely likes Malloy at this point though, despite his status. That's really amazing and I can't wait to see more of it. (That cliffhanger on their conversation really killed me!!)
So I need more and I'm already a fifth of the way into the sequel. The only thing I'm scared of is getting to the end, I can't imagine waiting twenty years for all these reveals. I need more and I don't think I can stop.
This review and all my others can be found at: https://aworldshapedbybooks.blogspot....
November 1, 2018
Another great book in this series! When Frank is called in by Felix Decker to investigate the murder of a man found dead in the elite Knickerbocker Club, he quickly realizes his friend Sarah Brandt will become involved. After all, Sarah is Decker's daughter, but the surprising thing is that Decker wants her help. Add in Sarah's mother, who has become intrigued with investigations into events and people previously shielded by her aristocratic upbringing, and we have a wonderful family adventure as well as a chance for Sarah's father to become more impressed with Frank. Startling facts are revealed as the investigation unfolds, and as usual Ms. Thompson has some surprises in store for the reader.
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing more interaction with Sarah's parents as well as peeks into how the family Sarah has created with an adopted god-daughter and nurse is progressing. The ending hints at what might come next for Frank and the affect it might have on his and Sarah's relationship. Excellent way to keep the reader engaged and wanting more!
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing more interaction with Sarah's parents as well as peeks into how the family Sarah has created with an adopted god-daughter and nurse is progressing. The ending hints at what might come next for Frank and the affect it might have on his and Sarah's relationship. Excellent way to keep the reader engaged and wanting more!
March 5, 2022
The author’s note on this one says Victoria Thompson was inspired by news stories about two prominent men who had depraved lives behind the scenes. I’m guessing she’s referencing Harvey Weinstein and Bill Cosby.
A friend of Mr. Decker’s dies at their club and he asks Malloy to investigate. Mrs. Decker thinks this is a test, but Sarah doesn’t really understand why her father would test Frank.
The friend turns out to be a complete monster who ruined several lives and made life for some others very unpleasant. No one who really knows the guy is all that upset he’s gone, but Frank and Sarah investigate (with an assist from Mrs. Decker) regardless.
As always the ending to the mystery is satisfying. The few pages of “family time” at the very end with Frank, Sarah, and the kids left me wanting more, as usual.
A friend of Mr. Decker’s dies at their club and he asks Malloy to investigate. Mrs. Decker thinks this is a test, but Sarah doesn’t really understand why her father would test Frank.
The friend turns out to be a complete monster who ruined several lives and made life for some others very unpleasant. No one who really knows the guy is all that upset he’s gone, but Frank and Sarah investigate (with an assist from Mrs. Decker) regardless.
As always the ending to the mystery is satisfying. The few pages of “family time” at the very end with Frank, Sarah, and the kids left me wanting more, as usual.
January 30, 2019
I love these very concise historical mysteries. They take place in New York and shows us the difference between classes and how they were viewed at that time. I thought I had read this book before because I remember a similar book that had someone committing suicide because he lost a lot of money on a railroad, but it was not this particular one as the ending was much different.
This book clearly had all the Decker's involved and I loved how they interacted with Malloy and his investigation. The cliff hanger on the end of this book has me wanting to pick up the next on in the series to see what Mr. Decker wants from Malloy.
I am giving this 5 out of 5 stars. I loved the whole book and it was a very easy and fast read.
This book clearly had all the Decker's involved and I loved how they interacted with Malloy and his investigation. The cliff hanger on the end of this book has me wanting to pick up the next on in the series to see what Mr. Decker wants from Malloy.
I am giving this 5 out of 5 stars. I loved the whole book and it was a very easy and fast read.
January 24, 2019
I really enjoy the Gaslight Mysteries and getting to know what happens in the lives of Sarah and Malloy. I smugly thought I had this all figured out by the middle of the book and was almost impatient for the book to conclude and for the characters to confirm my solution. Boy, was I wrong! It didn't happen the way I thought it did and it wasn't the person I was sure it was going to be! I was right in one of the plot revelations but I won't say which. I love that I was wrong and got surprised although the author did keep one piece of evidence from us until the very end so it was a bit unfair. Good, good book!
May 27, 2018
When a man is found dead in Felix Decker's club, the Knickerbocker, he calls Detective Sargent Frank Malloy to investigate. Not only does Frank use Sarah's expertise, but also her mother. I love the way that Mrs. Decker loves to get in the middle of the intrigue. It's definitely like mother like daughter. This was a great story to see how the Decker's may become more accepting of Frank. Can't wait to see what happens next.
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