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Gaslight Mystery #15
Murder in Chelsea
Sarah Brandt is shattered when she learns that a woman has inquired at the Daughters of Hope Mission for Catherine, the abandoned child she has taken as her daughter. The woman claims she was Catherine’s nursemaid, and is now acting on behalf of the girl’s mother to reunite them.
Unwilling to simply hand Catherine over to a complete stranger, Sarah asks Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy to investigate. But when he goes to interview the woman at her tenement in Chelsea, he finds she has been murdered.
Though her death leaves Sarah’s claim to Catherine unchallenged, her sense of justice compels her to work with Malloy to find the killer. Their search takes them from the marble mansions of the Upper West Side to the dilapidated dwellings of lower Manhattan and into the deepest and darkest secrets of Catherine’s past.
And while Malloy helps Sarah determine the fate of the child she loves, he faces a challenge of his own—and his decision could change both their lives forever…
Unwilling to simply hand Catherine over to a complete stranger, Sarah asks Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy to investigate. But when he goes to interview the woman at her tenement in Chelsea, he finds she has been murdered.
Though her death leaves Sarah’s claim to Catherine unchallenged, her sense of justice compels her to work with Malloy to find the killer. Their search takes them from the marble mansions of the Upper West Side to the dilapidated dwellings of lower Manhattan and into the deepest and darkest secrets of Catherine’s past.
And while Malloy helps Sarah determine the fate of the child she loves, he faces a challenge of his own—and his decision could change both their lives forever…
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2013
215 people are currently reading
2423 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Thompson
83 books2,446 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 570 reviews
March 6, 2019
Number fifteen in the series brings more great progress in the relationship between the Deckers and Frank. I am really enjoying seeing the nicer sides of Mr and Mrs Decker, sides which obviously had to be there since they produced a daughter like Sarah!
Apart from that there is an excellent story which deals with the background of little Catherine. There are some very emotional moments and some tense ones too. All very enjoyable as these books always are.
And then there is the ending. Let's just say this book marks a major milestone in this excellent series. I am so looking forward to the next one!
Apart from that there is an excellent story which deals with the background of little Catherine. There are some very emotional moments and some tense ones too. All very enjoyable as these books always are.
And then there is the ending. Let's just say this book marks a major milestone in this excellent series. I am so looking forward to the next one!
December 2, 2018
Best book in the series! What an ending, I can’t wait to see what happens to the characters in the next books! I’m so invested in their lives and so happy to see where they’re headed.
March 5, 2019
The day that Sarah Brandt dreaded but knew was inevitable finally arrived. Someone had inquired about her Catherine, saying she was her nursemaid and wanted her back to return to her biological mother. But since it’s been more than a year, neither she or Detective Sergeant Malloy are willing to accept this woman’s claims at face value and give up the child they’d come to cherish. Once they began investigating, they discovered there was a lot more going on than at first blush and Catherine was at serious risk.
This story had me at the first page and never let me go. Unraveling the past and trying to figure out the reality of the present was gnarly, in an extremely good way. I kept changing the scenarios and suspects until the very end, which made the mystery so much fun and challenging. Felix and Elizabeth Decker played major roles, too, making this even more compelling. Lastly, definitely not the least, Frank and Sarah’s relationship moved to a whole new level. After two years of inertia, I certainly didn’t see that coming.
I loved this story because it tugged so strongly at my emotions as Sarah faced losing Catherine and her life was in peril. The mystery helped provide some relief as I was so immersed in figuring out the players and their true motives. The ending was just perfect and now I’m anxious to see how Frank and Sarah move forward from here. This one tops my list of the favorites in the series.
This story had me at the first page and never let me go. Unraveling the past and trying to figure out the reality of the present was gnarly, in an extremely good way. I kept changing the scenarios and suspects until the very end, which made the mystery so much fun and challenging. Felix and Elizabeth Decker played major roles, too, making this even more compelling. Lastly, definitely not the least, Frank and Sarah’s relationship moved to a whole new level. After two years of inertia, I certainly didn’t see that coming.
I loved this story because it tugged so strongly at my emotions as Sarah faced losing Catherine and her life was in peril. The mystery helped provide some relief as I was so immersed in figuring out the players and their true motives. The ending was just perfect and now I’m anxious to see how Frank and Sarah move forward from here. This one tops my list of the favorites in the series.
March 21, 2019
The readers of this series are finally rewarded by this installment, for Frank and Sarah are finally engaged. Although I personally wished that Frank and Sarah's relationship would have been decided many installments before, I'm glad that at least by the 15th the author found a way finally to make that happen.
The murder-mystery of this installment was revolved around Sarah's "adopted" daughter Catherine. It is not one of the best murder-mystery plots in the series, but the personal touch that rendered to the whole plot through Sarah and Frank's love and care for Catherine placed this novel a memorable one in the series.
This installment has developed on many of the characters of the series, especially Sarah, Frank and Sarah's father. And it also shows a much more tender side of Frank that was not seen before. The author has also worked out on the many relationships to make Sarah, Catherine, Frank and Sarah's parents finally fit into a sort of a comfortable family. To the readers who followed this series devotedly, this is very satisfactory.
Overall, it is a good installment of this series. I enjoyed it very much.
The murder-mystery of this installment was revolved around Sarah's "adopted" daughter Catherine. It is not one of the best murder-mystery plots in the series, but the personal touch that rendered to the whole plot through Sarah and Frank's love and care for Catherine placed this novel a memorable one in the series.
This installment has developed on many of the characters of the series, especially Sarah, Frank and Sarah's father. And it also shows a much more tender side of Frank that was not seen before. The author has also worked out on the many relationships to make Sarah, Catherine, Frank and Sarah's parents finally fit into a sort of a comfortable family. To the readers who followed this series devotedly, this is very satisfactory.
Overall, it is a good installment of this series. I enjoyed it very much.
March 17, 2016
BEST BOOK OF THE SERIES!!!!!! I can't even believe how good this book was! And, hoo boy, the PAYOFF! I just love these characters so much, and I really enjoyed how this book really centered around them. Why, oh why, can't I just snap my fingers and have the next book magically appear so I don't have to wait a whole more year to find out what happens next???? If you haven't read any of Victoria Thompson's Gaslight Mysteries before, I would recommend reading all of the others first to truly appreciate what happens in this book. But it will be so worth it! :D
June 29, 2019
Murder in Chelsea
3 Stars
Sarah Brandt is devastated to learn that a woman is asking questions about her foster daughter, Catherine. But when the woman is found dead, Sarah and Detective Frank Malloy are determined to unravel the mystery surrounding Catherine's past even if it means losing her forever.
It may be time to take a break from this series as, despite my affection for Sarah and Frank, the plots are becoming repetitious and mundane.
While there is finally some much-needed resolution to Frank and Sarah's slow burn romance, the actual outcome is far too deus ex machina for my tastes. All of the issues of social class and financial status are solved by a very convenient . Moreover, the chemistry that has been building between the two has fizzled somewhat in the past few installments.
In terms of the mystery, the progression of events are predictable and the identity of the villain quote obvious from the start. Nevertheless, there is an exciting climax and the ending is ultimately very satisfying.
All in all, this series has wonderful potential both in terms of the setting and the characters. Hopefully, with the developments in this installment, the next books will be more imaginative.
3 Stars
Sarah Brandt is devastated to learn that a woman is asking questions about her foster daughter, Catherine. But when the woman is found dead, Sarah and Detective Frank Malloy are determined to unravel the mystery surrounding Catherine's past even if it means losing her forever.
It may be time to take a break from this series as, despite my affection for Sarah and Frank, the plots are becoming repetitious and mundane.
While there is finally some much-needed resolution to Frank and Sarah's slow burn romance, the actual outcome is far too deus ex machina for my tastes. All of the issues of social class and financial status are solved by a very convenient . Moreover, the chemistry that has been building between the two has fizzled somewhat in the past few installments.
In terms of the mystery, the progression of events are predictable and the identity of the villain quote obvious from the start. Nevertheless, there is an exciting climax and the ending is ultimately very satisfying.
All in all, this series has wonderful potential both in terms of the setting and the characters. Hopefully, with the developments in this installment, the next books will be more imaginative.
January 25, 2021
Another great one!
Here the mystery is finding who wants Catherine and why!
Poor Sarah is afraid of loosing her girl! And, obviously, Malloy helps! :)
The ending is great!
Lovely, as always!
Here the mystery is finding who wants Catherine and why!
Poor Sarah is afraid of loosing her girl! And, obviously, Malloy helps! :)
The ending is great!
Lovely, as always!
January 30, 2021
Is Sarah going to lose Catherine? Now we're getting somewhere.....an interesting solution to an impossible social gap.
While Sarah Brandt, a midwife and newly reconciled* daughter of social magnate and financial tycoon Felix Decker, is performing her volunteer duties at the Hope’s Daughter Mission, she is informed that a woman claiming to be a nursemaid for Catherine, a child abandoned on the steps of the Mission a year earlier, has come forward, inquiring as to the whereabout of the child. (My apologies for the extremely long run-on sentences that are among the character traits and/or bastion of this obsessively comment-qualifying attorney). The woman claims that Catherine’s life and that of her mother had been in danger, but now her mother is returning to reclaim her daughter.
Learning that the child is now living with a family, the “nursemaid” leaves her name and address at the Mission, so that the woman who was now caring for Catherine may come to speak with her. Many months earlier, Sarah became Catherine’s temporary guardian, bringing her into her home and raising her as her daughter. She has also brought Maeve into her home, another young girl from the Mission, to serve as Nanny for Catherine and companion for the child since Sarah is often called out to make emergency deliveries at all hours of day or night, with little to no advance warning.
Crestfallen, Sarah decides to handle the matter on her own, meeting with the “nursemaid” without first consulting Malloy whom she knows would insist on going with her. Sarah knows that she cannot keep a mother from her child, on the one hand, but she cannot be certain that Catherine’s life is not still in danger, or whether or not it is truly her mother coming forward. Furthermore, she cannot believe that a mother would have allowed her daughter to be so casually deposited on the steps of the Mission, without making any inquiries into her welfare over the span of a year.
After meeting the “nursemaid”, she brings Malloy into the picture, but when he goes to the boarding house to see the woman, he finds that she has been murdered. While Frank searches the woman’s room for clues, he discovers a package of letters addressed to the victim, shedding light on the name of the mother, a theater chorus girl, and eventually leading him to Catherine’s father, a wealthy tycoon of high social standing. We learn the circumstances of his union with Catherine’s mother and what transpired thereafter. Now that Catherine’s father finally knows the whereabouts of his daughter, he is not willing to forsake her. Fortunately for our heroes, the man is terminally ill and none of his family are interested in his “bastard” daughter so it is clear we can expect smooth sailing, once the ersatz parents are out of the picture.
Felix and Elizabeth Decker have grown completely besotted by their “granddaughter” and are willing to use all their influence and wealth to make sure she remains with Sarah.
After a few funky twists, the story ends with what develops into a, more or less, level playing field that will allow Frank Malloy to finally express his love for Sarah.
*Humpf. Apparently "rapproched" is not a word, fancy that...
While Sarah Brandt, a midwife and newly reconciled* daughter of social magnate and financial tycoon Felix Decker, is performing her volunteer duties at the Hope’s Daughter Mission, she is informed that a woman claiming to be a nursemaid for Catherine, a child abandoned on the steps of the Mission a year earlier, has come forward, inquiring as to the whereabout of the child. (My apologies for the extremely long run-on sentences that are among the character traits and/or bastion of this obsessively comment-qualifying attorney). The woman claims that Catherine’s life and that of her mother had been in danger, but now her mother is returning to reclaim her daughter.
Learning that the child is now living with a family, the “nursemaid” leaves her name and address at the Mission, so that the woman who was now caring for Catherine may come to speak with her. Many months earlier, Sarah became Catherine’s temporary guardian, bringing her into her home and raising her as her daughter. She has also brought Maeve into her home, another young girl from the Mission, to serve as Nanny for Catherine and companion for the child since Sarah is often called out to make emergency deliveries at all hours of day or night, with little to no advance warning.
Crestfallen, Sarah decides to handle the matter on her own, meeting with the “nursemaid” without first consulting Malloy whom she knows would insist on going with her. Sarah knows that she cannot keep a mother from her child, on the one hand, but she cannot be certain that Catherine’s life is not still in danger, or whether or not it is truly her mother coming forward. Furthermore, she cannot believe that a mother would have allowed her daughter to be so casually deposited on the steps of the Mission, without making any inquiries into her welfare over the span of a year.
After meeting the “nursemaid”, she brings Malloy into the picture, but when he goes to the boarding house to see the woman, he finds that she has been murdered. While Frank searches the woman’s room for clues, he discovers a package of letters addressed to the victim, shedding light on the name of the mother, a theater chorus girl, and eventually leading him to Catherine’s father, a wealthy tycoon of high social standing. We learn the circumstances of his union with Catherine’s mother and what transpired thereafter. Now that Catherine’s father finally knows the whereabouts of his daughter, he is not willing to forsake her. Fortunately for our heroes, the man is terminally ill and none of his family are interested in his “bastard” daughter so it is clear we can expect smooth sailing, once the ersatz parents are out of the picture.
Felix and Elizabeth Decker have grown completely besotted by their “granddaughter” and are willing to use all their influence and wealth to make sure she remains with Sarah.
After a few funky twists, the story ends with what develops into a, more or less, level playing field that will allow Frank Malloy to finally express his love for Sarah.
*Humpf. Apparently "rapproched" is not a word, fancy that...
April 11, 2017
So I have now caught up with this series and I still find it as charming as the first book. I love the historical setting and while I am no expert in turn-of-century America, it feels very authentic and true to the period to me. The same can be said for the characters. I wish this series would be made into a weekly series for television because I can easily see it playing out on BBC America or Masterpiece Theater. Until then however, I will content myself with the books.
As for this book, the 15th in the series, it was truly a family affair as even Sarah's parents got involved to help solve a mystery that has intense, personal consequences. Malloy and Mr. Decker, Sarah's father, have had to interact some in previous books but I feel as though Malloy really earned his stripes with Daddy Decker in the last book and that was evident in this installment.
And as for Sarah and Malloy...sigh. The developing romance between these two has been agonizingly slow and very G-rated, as befitting the time period. Malloy has always been very much the gentleman (darn it!) and feeling that he was too far below Sarah's station to ever court her. Well, something happens in this book...something that I have been waiting for for a long time but which I did not foresee happening in quite the way it did. I'm happy about it, don't get me wrong, but it has left me very curious to see how it affects the series moving forward. The author has guaranteed that this is not the end of the series and that Sarah and Malloy will be solving murders for years to come so I eagerly await the next book. For one thing, I am dying to see what Malloy's mother has to say about this turn of events. lol
As for this book, the 15th in the series, it was truly a family affair as even Sarah's parents got involved to help solve a mystery that has intense, personal consequences. Malloy and Mr. Decker, Sarah's father, have had to interact some in previous books but I feel as though Malloy really earned his stripes with Daddy Decker in the last book and that was evident in this installment.
And as for Sarah and Malloy...sigh. The developing romance between these two has been agonizingly slow and very G-rated, as befitting the time period. Malloy has always been very much the gentleman (darn it!) and feeling that he was too far below Sarah's station to ever court her. Well, something happens in this book...something that I have been waiting for for a long time but which I did not foresee happening in quite the way it did. I'm happy about it, don't get me wrong, but it has left me very curious to see how it affects the series moving forward. The author has guaranteed that this is not the end of the series and that Sarah and Malloy will be solving murders for years to come so I eagerly await the next book. For one thing, I am dying to see what Malloy's mother has to say about this turn of events. lol
March 3, 2021
Sarah Brandt is devastated to learn someone is trying to locate Catherine, the little girl she’s taken in. When Sarah goes to meet this woman, her story seems genuine, but it could mean that Catherine is in danger, so Sarah asks Frank Malloy to help her figure out what is truly going on. However, Frank goes to meet the woman who is asking after Catherine only to find her dead. Is Catherine in danger, too?
The mystery of Catherine’s past has been brewing for several books now, and I was thrilled to see it finally fully explored. While you could jump in here, you’ll enjoy it more if you are already familiar with the characters. That includes some humor coming from how the regular characters interact with each other – I am loving how these relationships are developing. The plot is compelling and drew me in. These books always transport me to the world of New York City in the 1890’s, and I love visiting. I did have to question the series’ timeline as I read this book since it suddenly seemed to be compressed, but maybe that’s just me. I’m also very happy with some of the events that happened in the main character’s lives in this book. The series gets better with each book, and I can’t wait to get to the next entry in the series.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
The mystery of Catherine’s past has been brewing for several books now, and I was thrilled to see it finally fully explored. While you could jump in here, you’ll enjoy it more if you are already familiar with the characters. That includes some humor coming from how the regular characters interact with each other – I am loving how these relationships are developing. The plot is compelling and drew me in. These books always transport me to the world of New York City in the 1890’s, and I love visiting. I did have to question the series’ timeline as I read this book since it suddenly seemed to be compressed, but maybe that’s just me. I’m also very happy with some of the events that happened in the main character’s lives in this book. The series gets better with each book, and I can’t wait to get to the next entry in the series.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
May 3, 2020
4.25*
“Try not to dwell on what you might have done differently. You cannot change the past, and it only spoils the future.”
Book 15 (!) deals with Catherine, the little girl Sarah has been fostering, for want of a better word since single/widowed women couldn’t adopt! A nurse maid comes on the scene, looking for Catherine, to return her to her mother! As can be imagined, Sarah is beyond herself, as is Frank. And it all gets murkier when said woman is found murdered.
Mr and Mrs Keller take on a bigger role in this story and it worked very well. The mystery was a satisfying one, as they all are, but what makes me come back time after time to this series, is the continuing development of all the characters, and not just the main ones. Thompson is also not scared to change things, albeit slowly. This instalment (and I guess the next one too) is pivotal in the series.
“Try not to dwell on what you might have done differently. You cannot change the past, and it only spoils the future.”
Book 15 (!) deals with Catherine, the little girl Sarah has been fostering, for want of a better word since single/widowed women couldn’t adopt! A nurse maid comes on the scene, looking for Catherine, to return her to her mother! As can be imagined, Sarah is beyond herself, as is Frank. And it all gets murkier when said woman is found murdered.
Mr and Mrs Keller take on a bigger role in this story and it worked very well. The mystery was a satisfying one, as they all are, but what makes me come back time after time to this series, is the continuing development of all the characters, and not just the main ones. Thompson is also not scared to change things, albeit slowly. This instalment (and I guess the next one too) is pivotal in the series.
September 23, 2019
I would give four stars but I'm so very happy that finaly Sarah and Frank are together and so I'm giving it the extra star!
The mystery was also good and it was interesting to figure out about Catherine's backround!
I can't say I actually liked any of the characters that Sarah and Malloy were investigating! I felt sorry though about Catherine's father because he really cared for his child!
I liked how Sarah's parents grew to love Catherine and it's always sweet to read how much Catherine loves Sarah and Frank as much as they love her!
It had some funny moments too which I enjoyed!
I wasn't very pleased with the way the author chose to make Frank able to get together with Sarah but I'm happy all the same!
The final scene with them was funny and sweet and loving!
Can't wait to see how their story will contiune!
The mystery was also good and it was interesting to figure out about Catherine's backround!
I can't say I actually liked any of the characters that Sarah and Malloy were investigating! I felt sorry though about Catherine's father because he really cared for his child!
I liked how Sarah's parents grew to love Catherine and it's always sweet to read how much Catherine loves Sarah and Frank as much as they love her!
It had some funny moments too which I enjoyed!
I wasn't very pleased with the way the author chose to make Frank able to get together with Sarah but I'm happy all the same!
The final scene with them was funny and sweet and loving!
Can't wait to see how their story will contiune!
November 12, 2013
The primary problems with this are two: anachronisms and repetition. The detectives go and interview someone. Then they go home and discuss it, point by point, adding nothing to their or our knowledge in this discussion. Then they decide to go tell a third party about it. And they re-discuss it, point by point, and then they all summarize: "So it could be X or Y." I kept thinking, yes, yes, they know, we know, so get on with it! There's like 80 pages of plot here, stretched out to fill more pages. (And once again leading me to ask...what is it that editors do these days to justify their salaries?) Historical inaccuracies, particularly in the matters she has strangers discussing with each other that they wouldn't have discussed even in 1960, much less half a century earlier. And the allegedly upper class female protagonist doesn't know grammatical English.
(The only one of the series I read, as audio book. The narration was good. The book wasn't.)
(The only one of the series I read, as audio book. The narration was good. The book wasn't.)
June 25, 2020
It has been years since I first read this. I suspect I didn't write up any sort of review because I had other things on my mind.(This was at the beginning of what turned out to be several 'hospital years').
I recently skimmed through it again to refresh my memory. Tight, interesting mystery, as well as major progress on the Frank/Sarah relationship front. Loved the ending!
Note: Frank makes a remark near the end that he had known Sarah for 2 years. Well, the author managed to stretch those 2 years over 15 books, at 1 book a year. No wonder we readers had almost abandoned hope!
I recently skimmed through it again to refresh my memory. Tight, interesting mystery, as well as major progress on the Frank/Sarah relationship front. Loved the ending!
Note: Frank makes a remark near the end that he had known Sarah for 2 years. Well, the author managed to stretch those 2 years over 15 books, at 1 book a year. No wonder we readers had almost abandoned hope!
March 7, 2022
FINALLY!!! No spoilers, but this is another installment in the series where the crime is related to our characters and we get lots of relationship development.
A woman shows up at the mission claiming to have left Catherine there the year before. She wants the little girl back to take her to her mother. Of course, Sarah is devastated and decides to meet with the woman to see if she’s legitimate. By the end of this one, four people are dead, Catherine’s story is known, and Frank is even more heroic than usual.
The ending is so, so satisfying.
A woman shows up at the mission claiming to have left Catherine there the year before. She wants the little girl back to take her to her mother. Of course, Sarah is devastated and decides to meet with the woman to see if she’s legitimate. By the end of this one, four people are dead, Catherine’s story is known, and Frank is even more heroic than usual.
The ending is so, so satisfying.
April 18, 2020
I am definitely in the minority on this one, but I was greatly disappointed.
It started off strong, but then the story got lost in the middle with minutiae, and then ended in "tell mode". Sarah and Frank deserved a much stronger story.
I'm giving it 3 stars because there were some good moments, but all in all, it was a disappointing read for me.
It started off strong, but then the story got lost in the middle with minutiae, and then ended in "tell mode". Sarah and Frank deserved a much stronger story.
I'm giving it 3 stars because there were some good moments, but all in all, it was a disappointing read for me.
April 1, 2020
Nice ending....the finally long wait with Sarah.
And the truth about Catherine finally out...about her mysterious pass.
And the truth about Catherine finally out...about her mysterious pass.
February 8, 2023
Added to TBR 01/2021
After 15 books, it finally happened!!!!!!!!!!!!!
After 15 books, it finally happened!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 15, 2019
This is the book in which we learn about Catherine's past and meet her blood relatives.
The murder mystery was pretty straightforward, but it wasn't really the point of the story. The middle section consisted mainly in characters getting other characters up to date on what they discovered the previous chapter, so it was quite slow and a bit repetitive. In the last part instead there was more action and then there's that ending.
The murder mystery was pretty straightforward, but it wasn't really the point of the story. The middle section consisted mainly in characters getting other characters up to date on what they discovered the previous chapter, so it was quite slow and a bit repetitive. In the last part instead there was more action and then there's that ending.
September 16, 2016
3 1/2 stars
This one was a hard one for me to rate. The entire time I was reading it I had such a feeling of "been there, done that". It was a 2 1/2 star book at best. But then I came to the ending...
I'm bumping up my rating to 3 1/2 stars.
I was about to give up on this series, but now I am sucked right back in!
This one was a hard one for me to rate. The entire time I was reading it I had such a feeling of "been there, done that". It was a 2 1/2 star book at best. But then I came to the ending...
I'm bumping up my rating to 3 1/2 stars.
I was about to give up on this series, but now I am sucked right back in!
March 1, 2019
This is perhaps my favorite book in the series, and I really love the series! Sarah's world is turned upside down when she receives a message that Catherine's mother has returned and is looking for her. Sarah had applied to be guardian of this four year old, abandoned at the mission almost a year ago. When Catherine's former nursemaid is murdered, Sarah and Detective Frank Malloy set out on a dangerous investigation to insure her safety and prevent this child from being a pawn in the hands of unsavory characters.
As in all of these Gaslight mysteries, the plot moves quickly along with several suspects to consider. It is a challenge to wade through the clues, and although I thought I had this mystery solved, Thompson throws in enough red herrings to keep the reader guessing. She has a wonderful way of writing the child characters in her stories. Since this one featured Catherine, we learned more about her and also were treated to scenes with Frank's young son, Brian. Another pleasure was seeing Sarah's parents play a major role. I thoroughly enjoy this look at New York City right before 1900, as Sarah and Frank navigate their way between the upper crust Knickerbocker Families, the nouveau riche, and the many seamy sides of the city. I'm on to the next book in this fabulous series!
As in all of these Gaslight mysteries, the plot moves quickly along with several suspects to consider. It is a challenge to wade through the clues, and although I thought I had this mystery solved, Thompson throws in enough red herrings to keep the reader guessing. She has a wonderful way of writing the child characters in her stories. Since this one featured Catherine, we learned more about her and also were treated to scenes with Frank's young son, Brian. Another pleasure was seeing Sarah's parents play a major role. I thoroughly enjoy this look at New York City right before 1900, as Sarah and Frank navigate their way between the upper crust Knickerbocker Families, the nouveau riche, and the many seamy sides of the city. I'm on to the next book in this fabulous series!
March 10, 2019
Midwife Sarah Brandt's world is turned upside down when she is told that there has been an inquiry about Catherine, the abandoned child that now lives with her. Anne Murphy claims to be the child's nursemaid. She says she wants to reunite Catherine with her mother. Not trusting Anne Murphy at all, Sarah enlists the help of Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy. But when Frank tries to talk to Miss Murphy, he finds she has been murdered.
Book 15 in the Gaslight Mystery series is another winner. Actually, the mystery was personal to Sarah, Frank, and the other characters that appear in this series. That made this story a step above the usual installment. The mystery was intriguing. There were a handful of suspects to eliminate. The best part of this story for me was Sarah and Frank. There was a huge twist near the end of the story that I never saw coming. It will impact the series from here on. I can't wait for the next book. My rating: 5 Stars.
Book 15 in the Gaslight Mystery series is another winner. Actually, the mystery was personal to Sarah, Frank, and the other characters that appear in this series. That made this story a step above the usual installment. The mystery was intriguing. There were a handful of suspects to eliminate. The best part of this story for me was Sarah and Frank. There was a huge twist near the end of the story that I never saw coming. It will impact the series from here on. I can't wait for the next book. My rating: 5 Stars.
September 29, 2020
Number 15 in the series. Page-turner.
The parents of Sarah's "adoptive" daughter come to light in this installment. Mayhem, plots, and yes murder ensue.
Frank comes to her aid to track down the legitimacy of the parents and solving murders. Both Sarah's parents come to the aid using their talents. The relationship between Mr. Decker and Frank evolves and always comic relief from Mrs. Decker.
Finally a whopper of an ending with the relationship of Frank and Sarah finally after 15 installments. Exciting to see where that road leads!
The parents of Sarah's "adoptive" daughter come to light in this installment. Mayhem, plots, and yes murder ensue.
Frank comes to her aid to track down the legitimacy of the parents and solving murders. Both Sarah's parents come to the aid using their talents. The relationship between Mr. Decker and Frank evolves and always comic relief from Mrs. Decker.
Finally a whopper of an ending with the relationship of Frank and Sarah finally after 15 installments. Exciting to see where that road leads!
April 28, 2016
This 15th volume in Victoria Thompson's charming and enjoyable Gaslight Mystery series is one of the best. At long last, after 15 books and about as many years, we have the story that will get Detective Frank Malloy and midwife Sarah Brandt together. (This is not a spoiler -- Victoria Thompson announced this would be the book in which it happens months before it came out. The question was how.)
The idea of Sarah getting together with Frank has always been problematic. As Ms. Thompson points out in the afterword of her book, she had put so many barriers in their way, it was hard to see how to remove them all. We know, as readers, that Frank and Sarah love each other, but in that era, people of such different social standing (Sarah is from a very rich family) do not just get together. We also know Sarah would probably willingly marry Frank, but that Frank's sense of honor would not allow him to even suggest it, knowing that he could never build the kind of life she deserves. As readers, we go into the story with the knowledge that somehow Victoria Thompson is going to solve it, but we don't know exactly how.
Against this wonderful backdrop, we witness two different murders, both highly suspicious. There are any number of people who could be accused, and the circle of suspects is fairly large. With some of Thompson's mysteries I figure it out right away, but in this one, I jumped to the wrong conclusion at least three times before settling on the real murderer. Even then I was wrong about the motive, and there were still some shocks and surprises along the way.
Thompson also ups the ante by making the murders relate to one of the sweetest and most likable characters in the books -- little five-year-old Catherine, Sarah's foster daughter. We haven't known who Catherine's parents are or why she was abandoned, but in this book we find out, and how we have something else to worry about: is Sarah going to lose custody of little Catherine? This would break her heart, and also take away one of our favorite characters (certainly one of mine!) so we worry right along with Frank and Sarah as the story unfolds.
For anyone who likes the Gaslight Mysteries, this book is a treasure. It's one of Thompson's best, and I literally could not put it down, finishing it in just over 24 hours. I kept trying to pace myself, knowing the next book in the series won't be out for a year, but i just could not put it down. If you haven't tried the Gaslight mystery series, do not start with this book -- start with the first one. But if you're a Gaslight fan, this one will definitely delight you. It is suspenseful, enjoyable, and charming.
The idea of Sarah getting together with Frank has always been problematic. As Ms. Thompson points out in the afterword of her book, she had put so many barriers in their way, it was hard to see how to remove them all. We know, as readers, that Frank and Sarah love each other, but in that era, people of such different social standing (Sarah is from a very rich family) do not just get together. We also know Sarah would probably willingly marry Frank, but that Frank's sense of honor would not allow him to even suggest it, knowing that he could never build the kind of life she deserves. As readers, we go into the story with the knowledge that somehow Victoria Thompson is going to solve it, but we don't know exactly how.
Against this wonderful backdrop, we witness two different murders, both highly suspicious. There are any number of people who could be accused, and the circle of suspects is fairly large. With some of Thompson's mysteries I figure it out right away, but in this one, I jumped to the wrong conclusion at least three times before settling on the real murderer. Even then I was wrong about the motive, and there were still some shocks and surprises along the way.
Thompson also ups the ante by making the murders relate to one of the sweetest and most likable characters in the books -- little five-year-old Catherine, Sarah's foster daughter. We haven't known who Catherine's parents are or why she was abandoned, but in this book we find out, and how we have something else to worry about: is Sarah going to lose custody of little Catherine? This would break her heart, and also take away one of our favorite characters (certainly one of mine!) so we worry right along with Frank and Sarah as the story unfolds.
For anyone who likes the Gaslight Mysteries, this book is a treasure. It's one of Thompson's best, and I literally could not put it down, finishing it in just over 24 hours. I kept trying to pace myself, knowing the next book in the series won't be out for a year, but i just could not put it down. If you haven't tried the Gaslight mystery series, do not start with this book -- start with the first one. But if you're a Gaslight fan, this one will definitely delight you. It is suspenseful, enjoyable, and charming.
June 8, 2013
I did enjoy this latest Sarah Brandt mystery, but I have to admit that I figured out the murderer(s)? early on in the book. But that did not spoil the book for me as I so enjoy Ms. Thompson's writing and her fast-paced plotting. And the ending was a wonderful surprise too. Ms. Thompson's sense of time and place is spot on and she portrays her era (New York City-late 19 century very convincingly. I really like Sarah Brandt and Frank Malloy. They make a formidable crime-fighting team. This book delves into the life of Sarah's ward - 4 year old Catherine, and we find out how she ended up as a foundling on the settlement home for women where Sarah Brandt volunteers. Unfortunately, Catherine's resurfacing past puts her in grave danger and Sarah and Frank must protect her from thos who want to harm her. We are also treated to a closer look at Sarah's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Felix Decker. It was nice to see a bit more of them in this book. This is an excellent historical mystery series.
October 30, 2013
The last few books in this series have been kind of lagging in spark. None of them have been bad, but they haven't been the "can't put it down" quality of cozy mysteries I'm used to expecting. This is back to that higher intensity that the series had in the past.
The story itself is quite compelling, as it explains a long-time mystery of the series - what happened in Catherine's past? Why was she so frightened when she first came to the mission? The story then goes further, setting up a challenge to her status with Sarah, a murder regarding Catherine's origins, and quickly challenges both Frank Malloy and Sarah's whole family to discover the truth about Catherine's history to save the little girl from peril.
There's a surprise ending that should make longtime readers of this series very happy.
The story itself is quite compelling, as it explains a long-time mystery of the series - what happened in Catherine's past? Why was she so frightened when she first came to the mission? The story then goes further, setting up a challenge to her status with Sarah, a murder regarding Catherine's origins, and quickly challenges both Frank Malloy and Sarah's whole family to discover the truth about Catherine's history to save the little girl from peril.
There's a surprise ending that should make longtime readers of this series very happy.
October 1, 2017
Sarah Brandt is shattered when she learns that a woman has inquired at Hope’s Daughters Mission for Catherine, the abandoned child she has taken as her daughter. The woman claims she was Catherine’s nursemaid, now acting on behalf of the girl’s mother to reunite them.
Finally after 15 books a certain thing happens that we've all been waiting for. The mystery was easy to figure out but I didn't care because I'm so happy about the other development. I liked that we discovered a lot about Catherine's background. Any time this series puts the focus on its recurring characters it's a real treat for me. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
Finally after 15 books a certain thing happens that we've all been waiting for. The mystery was easy to figure out but I didn't care because I'm so happy about the other development. I liked that we discovered a lot about Catherine's background. Any time this series puts the focus on its recurring characters it's a real treat for me. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
July 11, 2016
I didn't enjoy this one and found the ending to be contrived, which took away from the anticipation. I can't believe the author couldn't have found some better way to go about things where Sarah, Frank, and Catherine were concerned.
I'm also starting to think that Sarah is stupid. There was also an asinine comment about how Maeve and Sarah could never pass for sisters. With Maeve's red hair, she could never pass for anything other than Irish, and Sarah, no matter how unfashionable her clothes may be, with her honey gold hair and practiced bearing, she was marked as upper class.
I guess lower class people didn't have honey gold hair. Of all the ridiculous...
I'm also starting to think that Sarah is stupid. There was also an asinine comment about how Maeve and Sarah could never pass for sisters. With Maeve's red hair, she could never pass for anything other than Irish, and Sarah, no matter how unfashionable her clothes may be, with her honey gold hair and practiced bearing, she was marked as upper class.
I guess lower class people didn't have honey gold hair. Of all the ridiculous...
January 27, 2019
Definitely a solid 4. We finally find out about what had happened with Catherine and other stuff that I can't write about without a spoiler. But definitely one for the fans of this series. I've read too many of these in the last few months so I'm going to take a break so I don't read them too fast.
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