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Carpenter and Quincannon #2
The Spook Lights Affair
In 1895 San Francisco young debutantes don't commit suicide at festive parties, particularly not under the eye of Sabina Carpenter. But Virginia St. Ives evidently did, leaping from a foggy parapet in a shimmer of ghostly light. The seemingly impossible disappearance of her body creates an even more serious problem for the firm of Carpenter and Quincannon, Professional Detective Services.
Sabina hadn't wanted to take the assignment, but her partner John Quincannon insisted it would serve as entrée to the city's ultra rich and powerful. That means money, and Quincannon loves the almighty dollar. Which is why he is hunting the bandit who robbed the Wells, Fargo office of $35,000.
Working their separate cases (while Sabina holds John off with one light hand), the detectives give readers a tour of The City the way it was. From the infamous Barbary Coast to the expensive Tenderloin gaming houses and brothels frequented by wealthy men, Quincannon follows a danger-laden trail to unmask the murderous perpetrators of the Wells, Fargo robbery. Meanwhile, Sabina works her wiles on friends and relatives of the vanished debutante until the pieces of her puzzle start falling into place. But it's an oddly disguised gent appearing out of nowhere who provides the final clue to both cases—the shrewd "crackbrain" who believes himself to be Sherlock Holmes.
Fans of Marcia's Muller's bestselling Sharon McCone novels and Bill Pronzini's Nameless Detective series will applaud The Spook Lights Affair and future exploits from the annals of Carpenter and Quincannon, Professional Detective Services.
Sabina hadn't wanted to take the assignment, but her partner John Quincannon insisted it would serve as entrée to the city's ultra rich and powerful. That means money, and Quincannon loves the almighty dollar. Which is why he is hunting the bandit who robbed the Wells, Fargo office of $35,000.
Working their separate cases (while Sabina holds John off with one light hand), the detectives give readers a tour of The City the way it was. From the infamous Barbary Coast to the expensive Tenderloin gaming houses and brothels frequented by wealthy men, Quincannon follows a danger-laden trail to unmask the murderous perpetrators of the Wells, Fargo robbery. Meanwhile, Sabina works her wiles on friends and relatives of the vanished debutante until the pieces of her puzzle start falling into place. But it's an oddly disguised gent appearing out of nowhere who provides the final clue to both cases—the shrewd "crackbrain" who believes himself to be Sherlock Holmes.
Fans of Marcia's Muller's bestselling Sharon McCone novels and Bill Pronzini's Nameless Detective series will applaud The Spook Lights Affair and future exploits from the annals of Carpenter and Quincannon, Professional Detective Services.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published December 3, 2013
20 people are currently reading
549 people want to read
About the author
Marcia Muller
165 books725 followersMarcia Muller is an American author of mystery and thriller novels.
Muller has written many novels featuring her Sharon McCone female private detective character. Vanishing Point won the Shamus Award for Best P.I. Novel. Muller had been nominated for the Shamus Award four times previously.
In 2005, Muller was awarded the Mystery Writers of America's Grand Master award.
She was born in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Birmingham, Michigan, and graduated in English from the University of Michigan and worked as a journalist at Sunset magazine. She is married to detective fiction author Bill Pronzini with whom she has collaborated on several novels.
Muller has written many novels featuring her Sharon McCone female private detective character. Vanishing Point won the Shamus Award for Best P.I. Novel. Muller had been nominated for the Shamus Award four times previously.
In 2005, Muller was awarded the Mystery Writers of America's Grand Master award.
She was born in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Birmingham, Michigan, and graduated in English from the University of Michigan and worked as a journalist at Sunset magazine. She is married to detective fiction author Bill Pronzini with whom she has collaborated on several novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
abandoned
May 21, 2014Oh, this just isn't going to work for me. I'm sure the story is good. Sadly, the audio narration left a lot to be desired. Meredith Mitchell in particular was reading as if she were reading a phone book. A little voice and expression would have been welcome. If I come back to this one, it will be in print format.
November 24, 2017
Plot-centric historical mystery, with very little character development. The mysteries weren't that interesting, and I was able to figure most of it out early in the story. Lots of info dumps ("telling") about the mysteries, instead of simply showing it to the reader. I won't be reading more of this series.
February 1, 2014
I have to admit that the whole reason that I grabbed this book from my library was that I saw that Bill Pronzini was listed as a co-author. I love his writing so I was dying to see the influence of it in this book. It had very little of the tension that I love his books for.
This book had more of a "cozy-lite" feel to it which simply bored me. Although parts of the story grabbed me, the majority did not.
While I wouldn't continue on with this series,I did feel that it was written well enough to pass it onto my cozy lovin' friends.
This book had more of a "cozy-lite" feel to it which simply bored me. Although parts of the story grabbed me, the majority did not.
While I wouldn't continue on with this series,I did feel that it was written well enough to pass it onto my cozy lovin' friends.
April 8, 2025
I really wanted to love this tale, set in San Francisco in the late 1890s. The protagonist, Sabina Carpenter, is certainly to my taste. She is a former Pinkerton agent, whose husband was killed in the line of duty. Now she is partner in a detective firm, with Irishman John Quincannon. They are very different--she all about intellect and process, he more about informants, muscle and dogged legwork.
While Sabina keeps an eye on a wayward young lady, Virginia St. Ives, wealthy whose parents seek to keep her from a bad marriage, Quincannon is pursuing leads in a recent Wells Fargo robbery, with a nice bounty if he can find culprits and cash.
Sabina's charge appears to throw herself off a rampart one evening at a ball, leaving a suicide note. But her body is nowhere to be found. And John's case is going no better--dead-end leads and a dead body. But an annoying acquaintance claiming to be a certain British detective (reportedly deceased) pops in to suggest the two cases may be connected.
I found Quincannon more annoying than romantic, and wished for a more of the mysterious Holmes. Oh well. Lots of foggy San Francisco atmosphere, a shady suitor or two, and even a spooky spectre make for an interesting enough read. I might try a few more of this series if I can find them.
While Sabina keeps an eye on a wayward young lady, Virginia St. Ives, wealthy whose parents seek to keep her from a bad marriage, Quincannon is pursuing leads in a recent Wells Fargo robbery, with a nice bounty if he can find culprits and cash.
Sabina's charge appears to throw herself off a rampart one evening at a ball, leaving a suicide note. But her body is nowhere to be found. And John's case is going no better--dead-end leads and a dead body. But an annoying acquaintance claiming to be a certain British detective (reportedly deceased) pops in to suggest the two cases may be connected.
I found Quincannon more annoying than romantic, and wished for a more of the mysterious Holmes. Oh well. Lots of foggy San Francisco atmosphere, a shady suitor or two, and even a spooky spectre make for an interesting enough read. I might try a few more of this series if I can find them.
December 8, 2013
Carpenter & Quincannon Detective Agency is still in its youth so when a high profile client asks Sabina to babysit their spirited young daughter she grudgingly accepts. The young woman in question is Virginia St. Ives. On a foggy night, while attending a ball, and under the watchful eye of Sabrina, she commits suicide and the body vanishes. This turn of events creates scandal and serious problems for the C & Q Detective Agency. Sabina is determined to figure out what happen and clear her good name. Meanwhile, Quincannon has set his sights on solving the recent robbery of the Wells Fargo train and earning the agency a hefty reward of 3, 500 dollars. The two are working feverishly on their own cases when a third case involving ghostly apparitions falls into their lap. They gain clues from the man claiming to be Sherlock Holmes. (Who reportedly died in England at the hands of Dr. Moriarty) Clues and suspects had me flipping the pages, and the mystery that unfolded held me captive.
Quincannon and Sabrina are strong, opinionated and brilliant at their work. She previously worked as a Pinkerton operative until her husband was killed in the line of duty. He is ex-Secret service and quite infatuated with Sabrina. She chooses to ignore his advances all of which I find delightful. The two are in a lot of ways total opposites. He is stingy and doesn’t believe in tipping, and she leaves food on her stoop for a homeless woman. They make an incredible team; yin and yang. There is a light romance developing between them, and while little advancement is made you can see hints of it unfolding. This subtle thread intrigues me without distracting from the mysteries and in my opinion is quite cleverly done. The man who refers to himself as Sherlock Holmes appears again. He is quite a mystery, and I am curious to learn more. Villains, suspects and clients, were colorful and added to the suspense.
Spook Lights Affair offered an excellent addition to the Carpenter & Quincannon Mystery series, solidifying it as a one I will continue. The authors furthered our connection to these characters and again offered up mysterious cases. The adventure kept me entertained as I traveled the streets of San Francisco. We mingling with the upper and lower classes, and it offered us an opportunity to see each of them at work. The tale has enough details regarding 1895 San Francisco to bring the scenery to life, yet allows the cases to be at the forefront making time and place irrelevant. There were clever twists surrounding all three cases and the weaving of them was brilliantly done. While admittedly this Holmes and Christie enthusiast pieced things together, the search for clues and the plot was highly entertaining. I am looking forward to my next adventure with this dynamic duo.
Copy received in exchange for unbiased review and full review originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Quincannon and Sabrina are strong, opinionated and brilliant at their work. She previously worked as a Pinkerton operative until her husband was killed in the line of duty. He is ex-Secret service and quite infatuated with Sabrina. She chooses to ignore his advances all of which I find delightful. The two are in a lot of ways total opposites. He is stingy and doesn’t believe in tipping, and she leaves food on her stoop for a homeless woman. They make an incredible team; yin and yang. There is a light romance developing between them, and while little advancement is made you can see hints of it unfolding. This subtle thread intrigues me without distracting from the mysteries and in my opinion is quite cleverly done. The man who refers to himself as Sherlock Holmes appears again. He is quite a mystery, and I am curious to learn more. Villains, suspects and clients, were colorful and added to the suspense.
Spook Lights Affair offered an excellent addition to the Carpenter & Quincannon Mystery series, solidifying it as a one I will continue. The authors furthered our connection to these characters and again offered up mysterious cases. The adventure kept me entertained as I traveled the streets of San Francisco. We mingling with the upper and lower classes, and it offered us an opportunity to see each of them at work. The tale has enough details regarding 1895 San Francisco to bring the scenery to life, yet allows the cases to be at the forefront making time and place irrelevant. There were clever twists surrounding all three cases and the weaving of them was brilliantly done. While admittedly this Holmes and Christie enthusiast pieced things together, the search for clues and the plot was highly entertaining. I am looking forward to my next adventure with this dynamic duo.
Copy received in exchange for unbiased review and full review originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer
November 17, 2014
The Spook Lights Affair is a light mystery revolving around the apparent suicide of a wealthy debutante one foggy night during a party in San Francisco, 1895. Detective Sabina Carpenter was hired to look after the girl and the tragedy is seen as a failure on her part. But Sabina senses that not all is as it seemed, and she pursues her own investigation in order to salvage her agency's reputation.
Meanwhile, her partner, John Quincannon, is working on a bank robbery case: $35,000 stolen and not a single suspect. Who could resist trying for the 10% reward?
I don't read a lot of historicals so this was something of a novelty for me. The setting feels authentic (and the authors assure us that it is, in their afterword), and the mist-shrouded streets have a lot of atmosphere. The novel's weakness lies in its dearth of characterization. The characters serve the plot and little more. I couldn't even tell you much about Carpenter and Quincannon themselves, for whom this is their second outing. John has a big crush on Sabina, but she prefers to keep their relationship professional. He likes poetry. That's...about it. Any such information we do get is simply stated, rather than worked into the story naturally. The duo are likable enough, but they don't feel quite as real as the physical world they inhabit.
All in all, a pretty bare-bones mystery that I found less than satisfying.
Meanwhile, her partner, John Quincannon, is working on a bank robbery case: $35,000 stolen and not a single suspect. Who could resist trying for the 10% reward?
I don't read a lot of historicals so this was something of a novelty for me. The setting feels authentic (and the authors assure us that it is, in their afterword), and the mist-shrouded streets have a lot of atmosphere. The novel's weakness lies in its dearth of characterization. The characters serve the plot and little more. I couldn't even tell you much about Carpenter and Quincannon themselves, for whom this is their second outing. John has a big crush on Sabina, but she prefers to keep their relationship professional. He likes poetry. That's...about it. Any such information we do get is simply stated, rather than worked into the story naturally. The duo are likable enough, but they don't feel quite as real as the physical world they inhabit.
All in all, a pretty bare-bones mystery that I found less than satisfying.
October 13, 2017
Following in the footsteps of The Bug House Affair; Sabina Carpenter and John Quincannon tie together two apparently unrelated mysteries in the greater San Francisco environs of the turn of the last century. Although the cases are fictional, much of the story involves real people and places, so that it reads like an alternate history with a criminal element.
The "bug-house Holmes" makes another appearance, adding to the fun. Personally, I'm looking forward to the next one from Muller and Pronzini.
The "bug-house Holmes" makes another appearance, adding to the fun. Personally, I'm looking forward to the next one from Muller and Pronzini.
August 1, 2014
Set in San Francisco in 1895, the Carpenter and Quincannon, Professional Detective Services finds itself involved in two separate cases that in the end become one and the same. While the storyline may prove simple and predictable, the descriptive passages of California living at the turn of the century makes this an enjoyable read.
May 2, 2014
#2 Quincannon/Carpenter mystery
This is a good story, not too complicated plotwise, but enjoyable. I doubt I'll read more of this series, due to my long TBR.
I picked this up at the library because I liked the cover and title.
This is a good story, not too complicated plotwise, but enjoyable. I doubt I'll read more of this series, due to my long TBR.
I picked this up at the library because I liked the cover and title.
August 5, 2021
A bit difficult to follow but a very interesting storyline. The most interesting part was all the words I needed to check in the dictionary. Words that were common in the late nineteenth century are no longer in everyday use.
March 9, 2018
The second foray into Carpenter and Quincannon was a satisfying mystery neatly tied in a bow at the end, but it just didn't grab me. Perhaps the fact that the audio version is read by both a male and female narrator who alternate depending on the POV.
That alternating voice works well on paper, but when listening, having the male character's dialogue being read by a female voice is a bit off-putting to my ears. Perhaps if they read their own character and only alternated the descriptive passages? I found this distracting enough that it regularly pulled me out of the plot.
Speaking of the plot, two cases were at the center of this tale--one was solved, but the other was left partially open (no more info here because it would enter spoiler territory). And the ending seemed rushed to me. John and Sabina simply went over their respective parts and the reader was told the parts of the detective work that filled in the gaps at the end of the case.
The last chapter, from Sabina's point of view, was placed there--I assume--to make the reader want to read the next book. I personally found it unnecessary and it actually somewhat convinces me I don't want to continue reading these. Why must a career woman, even a widow like Sabina Carpenter, be written into a romantic storyline?
At any rate, although the series advances and the main characters are engaging, if I continue reading about John and Sabina, it will be via paper or e-book. No more audio versions for me with this set of stories.
That alternating voice works well on paper, but when listening, having the male character's dialogue being read by a female voice is a bit off-putting to my ears. Perhaps if they read their own character and only alternated the descriptive passages? I found this distracting enough that it regularly pulled me out of the plot.
Speaking of the plot, two cases were at the center of this tale--one was solved, but the other was left partially open (no more info here because it would enter spoiler territory). And the ending seemed rushed to me. John and Sabina simply went over their respective parts and the reader was told the parts of the detective work that filled in the gaps at the end of the case.
The last chapter, from Sabina's point of view, was placed there--I assume--to make the reader want to read the next book. I personally found it unnecessary and it actually somewhat convinces me I don't want to continue reading these. Why must a career woman, even a widow like Sabina Carpenter, be written into a romantic storyline?
At any rate, although the series advances and the main characters are engaging, if I continue reading about John and Sabina, it will be via paper or e-book. No more audio versions for me with this set of stories.
January 4, 2022
A mildly interesting story set in the San Francisco of 1895. Carpenter has been hired to look after the daughter of a rich San Francisco family at a large party thrown by Sutro, the mayor of the city. The girl disappears, apparently a suicide victim, during the party and Carpenter attempts to discover what actually happened. Quincannon has taken it upon himself to recover a large sum of money taken from the Wells, Fargo Express company in hopes of a sizable reward. That case leads to a couple of murders which he also must solve in pursuit of the money. At the same time, a spectral figure has been seen in the dunes along the Pacific west of the City. Needless to say, all these cases have elements in common. The efforts of the detectives seem very shallow, and it comes as no surprise that the book ends in one (or more) cliffhangers to set up further entries in this series.
May 5, 2017
I did this one as an audio book, just as I did the Bug House Affair, the first book in the Carpenter/Quincannon series. I liked this one much better than the first book as the annoying Sherlock Holmes had only a very minor role. These stories are simplistic and fun little mysteries, great for enjoying while soaking in the tub or while driving to work (remember, I did this audiobook so it was safe). There's nothing terribly complex about the writing, but I do find the description of 19th century San Francisco interesting. If you're looking for something light and entertaining to read, then this series might just do the trick.
December 20, 2019
I love the concept of these stories, two detectives who do their best to solve mysteries in 1900 San Francisco with the occasional help of someone who may or may not be Sherlock Holmes. I did have some issues with this particular entry in the series. I hate coincidences in mysteries; they always feel contrived. Here two apparently separate cases almost magically come together at the end to reveal themselves as one big case. I also had some problems with turn of the century special effects. That being said, it was still an entertaining read.
December 31, 2023
So I remember I really loved this book and I had wanted to read more books in this series too. It is very well written and the time period really comes to life. The story was interesting with well developed characters. What more could you want, besides more books that is? Unfortunately I was reading this at the same time my allergies grew more severe so I had to lay off the library books. This was one of the last library books I had read. Hopefully in the future I may be able to read library books again but I am uncertain.
May 3, 2025
1895 San Francisco: Sabina Carpenter is at Mayor Sutro’s home for a debutante ball where she is to keep an eye on Virginia St. Ives at her parents’ request. Things go awry when Virginia runs out into the footy night to throw herself off a cliff. Sabina was too far behind her to stop her; but something is off, niggling at the back of Sabina’s mind. Meanwhile, John Quincannon is searching for $35,000 stolen from Wells Fargo; he has a lead. To complicate matters, Sabina and John are hired to find out about the ghostly apparitions appearing in Carville-by-the-Sea. Are the cases connected?
July 1, 2018
Another great mystery in the Carpenter and Quincannon series.
The writing is smooth and the plot compelling.
I love PI stories and San Francisco historicals which this combines.
In addition, there is nothing in here that Mom will object to reading.
Win, win.
I bought a copy of this thinking the library did not have it. It did, but I am glad to have a copy to pass on to all my mystery reading friends.
The writing is smooth and the plot compelling.
I love PI stories and San Francisco historicals which this combines.
In addition, there is nothing in here that Mom will object to reading.
Win, win.
I bought a copy of this thinking the library did not have it. It did, but I am glad to have a copy to pass on to all my mystery reading friends.
September 9, 2018
Yikes. This has been a very slow read for me. I struggled through most of this book, with only a couple of riveting scenes. My stubbornness got the best of me which is why I kept reading, but as many others noted the character development was very weak and there was much telling and lack of showing. I'm at the end where everything is being revealed and still losing interest. I feel there's too many characters involved and I can't keep track as they keep jumping from one to another to another when explaining what happened. A very frustrating read, indeed.
January 19, 2019
This novel had some moments of good writing and an engaging plot, but there were also some moments when the energy seemed to lose some power. I found the final explanation of the mysteries rather strange. I have not read the first of the Carpenter and Quincannon mysteries, so this might have caused some gaps in my knowledge of the characters (especially the Homes character). I might go back and pick up Volume 1 in the future, but there many books ahead of it in queue.
August 9, 2020
This mystery — part of a series starring a male/female PI team in 1890s San Francisco — starts out with several pages of exposition (about the protagonists, the current case, San Francisco society) which hardly hooked me). When the story gets going (involving a bank robbery and a possibly suicidal debutante) it's ... meh. Competently done but not particularly arresting. Of course I'm not a mystery fan, so YMMV.
February 13, 2024
Slow paced. Set in 1895 San Francisco. A Wells Fargo robbery and a supposed suicide of a spoiled debutante keep the detectives busy. I enjoyed the olde timey vernacular but got a bit bored with the story. Like reading a Dick Tracey or Sam Spade story, a little too campy. I did enjoy the info about people creating houses out of old railway cars connected together. Much like the current fad of using shipping containers.
July 25, 2020
I enjoyed this book quite a bit and it helped that I felt like I knew Sam and Sabina A little better. It certainly was an interesting storyline… I mean you knew that something was up and the case has had to be connected but you still needed the author and the characters to connect the dots for you. It was really kind of fun to read and three light.
June 30, 2017
[library audiolbook]
By depicting the apparent thoughts of 19th century San Francisco, the narrative became tiresome and I turned off and deleted. Also, the depiction of the female lead as a former Pinkerton op was a turn off.
By depicting the apparent thoughts of 19th century San Francisco, the narrative became tiresome and I turned off and deleted. Also, the depiction of the female lead as a former Pinkerton op was a turn off.
June 25, 2020
This one just seems too forced - I love both writers and enjoyed the first one of these, but this one I struggled with. Learning to put down a book I'm not really enjoying - life is too short. I'll continue with each of the authors singularly.
July 25, 2017
Good, fast moving story. I always like when women are doing unexpected(for the times) things.
October 8, 2017
it was an ok mystery. but really need a glossary - as some of hte terms from that period were unfamiliar...
October 10, 2017
Still not a big fan of Mr Quincannon but at least the narrator was better this time.
November 9, 2017
I savored the unexpected twists and turns in this book.
December 17, 2017
I quite liked it. The alternating chapters between Carpenter and Quincannon ultimately came together to a satisfying conclusion. It's very interesting to read about pre-earthquake San Francisco
April 27, 2018
Kind of dragged.
Some good detail about Victorian SF which was interesting.
Some good detail about Victorian SF which was interesting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews