Murder in Rose Hill

Gaslight Mystery #27

by Victoria Thompson, Suzanne Toren (Narrator)

9 hours, 49 minutes

Midwife Sarah Malloy and her private detective husband Frank discover that the cure is worse than the disease when they investigate the death of a promising young woman in this atmospheric, riveting mystery from the USA TODAY bestselling author of Murder on Bedford Street.
 
Sarah Malloy has just helped with the delivery of a bouncing baby girl at her women’s clinic, when she receives a visit from an engaging and determined young woman writing an article for New Century Magazine. Louisa Rodgers explains that she is researching the dangers of patent remedies. Sarah is only too happy to tell Louisa exactly what she thinks of the so-called medicines whose ingredients include heavy doses of alcohol and other addictive drugs, and hurt much more than they help.

A few days later, Sarah receives a visit from a bereft Bernard Rodgers, who explains that his daughter, Louisa, has been found strangled in the lobby of the building where New Century has its offices. The police have decided it was a random attack and have made no attempt to investigate, hinting that Louisa got what she deserved for sticking her nose where it didn’t belong. Sarah wants justice for the bright young woman but as she and Frank delve deeper into Louisa’s life, they find that nothing is quite as it seemed and Louisa is not who she claimed to be. The Malloys must first solve the mystery of Louisa’s life before they can figure out who wanted to see her dead…

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Historical, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook

Audiobook

First published April 23, 2024

About the author

Victoria 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.

Reviews

[Phrynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who reads my reviews will know by now how much I enjoy a good, long running series and this is one of them. #27 is every bit as good as the previous 26 books.

Set in 1901 in New York the murder occurs of a young, budding news reporter, someone Sarah has recently met. Frank is asked by the deceased's father to investigate and the mystery begins. All the family contribute to solving this one, even Mother Malloy who makes some of the best suggestions from her chair by the fire. Maeve and Gino take a step forward in their relationship in this book, and Maeve gets to do some real detective work.

As usual the author hits the spot with her research and historical facts. I love that Sarah enjoyed her electric car so much in 1901. Amazing that we had to wait until the 2020's to enjoy the same thing.

I am looking forward to the next book already.

[Jonetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

the setup…
Sarah Malloy was at her women’s clinic when she receives a visit from a young woman who claims to be writing an article for New Century Magazine. Louisa Rodgers is focused on patent medicines, these “cure-all” remedies that actually contained addictive drugs and alcohol. Not a fan, Sarah allows her to talk to the women currently at the clinic, understanding that Louisa plans to expose these companies in her article. A few days later, Louisa’s distraught father Bernard comes to see Sarah, seeking help in finding who might have killed his daughter who was found strangled in the lobby of her magazine’s building.

the heart of the story…
Frank Malloy is engaged by Bernard Rodgers to investigate his daughter’s death and he and his team, Gino Donatelli and Maeve Smith, find quite a few potential suspects. I enjoyed seeing them in action again, especially Maeve who is skilled at playing out undercover roles to get people to share vital information. It was also enlightening to learn about patent medicines that were popular during this era, completely unregulated without disclosure of their contents. This was also the same year (1901) when President McKinley was shot and later died, elevating their friend Teddy Roosevelt to the office.

the bottom line…
It’s another highly interesting case with lots of angles to explore. Of course, everyone has a role, including Sarah and her society parents, and Frank’s mother during those late evening parlor discussions. The historical elements serve as an important backdrop, based on true facts and characters of that time. Oh, and there’s some movement with the Maeve and Gino…finally. This continues to be one of my favorite historical mystery series for good reason.

Posted on Blue Mood Café

(Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)

[Jeannine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series has mysteries that are often related to real historical events and I enjoy them so much. I have been a little disappointed that the children have been written out and we’ve lost the flirting between Sarah and Frank. Even Maeve and Gino, supposedly falling in love, barely demonstrate affection for each other.

I love these characters…I just miss the magical moments like the carriage kiss, Brian walking for the first time, etc.

[Heather Moll · Rating 3 out of 5]

The scene setting in these is always good and there are a few believable villains to consider.
While I liked this mystery, my trouble overall with the later books in this series is with four pov characters (and sometimes five or six with Sarah’s parents) instead of two is there are more scene changes. The pace slowed as we hopped around to follow multiple threads and got all the characters caught up again. I miss seeing Sarah take a leading role like she used to. So even though the mystery is good and I like these characters, I find myself wishing for the plot to progress faster and for more of Sarah and Frank.

I received an arc from NetGalley

[V.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Victoria Thompson's Gaslight Mystery series. Murder in Rose Hill is another great installment in this long running series. Thoroughly enjoyable. Great plot, wonderful characters and a twist that kept me guessing until the end.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder in Rose Hill by Victoria Thompson is a wonderful historical fiction and mystery that is the 27th book in the delightful and longstanding Gaslight Mystery series.

I have read every one of these novels that are a part of this brilliant series. At this point, I really do feel like Frank, Sarah, Maeve, Gino, and the rest of the cast are part of my extended family. One could follow along easily if they picked this up as a first novel, but why would one not want to start from the very beginning?

I liked the continuation of the personal lives of the characters in this one, and the murder/mystery did keep me guessing for the majority of the story, however I did figure out the culprit before it was revealed. That does not detract from the drama, quick one-liners, and smooth pacing that I have come to expect from this series.

The characters are a delight, and I really, really like the way the book ended.

Highly recommend.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Berkley Publishing for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/23/24.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars, rounding up

For me, this was a significant improvement from the last one. It won't be one I go back to, but there were some more family moments here and the mystery plot was a significant improvement. Although I will say it does feel like we missed out on a step or two with Maeve and Gino. I wish we'd gotten to see a little more of their overall development to how we got to this point.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is always on my BUY NOW list and it never disappoints. Victoria Thompson does an extensive amount of research for her books and it shows: in the setting, the characters, the mannerisms, and even the methods of murder and the investigations into them. I love the characters and the stories get better and better; everyone is equally involved in the investigations and this brings their different points of view into the mix as well. I love this series and can’t wait for the next!

[Marjon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished the last book in this series - 27 books! I will miss the well developed characters the author had the reader follow with each subsequent mystery. Sadly, the author passed away last August and there will be no more stories. If you haven’t read Victoria Thompson, give her a try. I read the entire series, in order, and I love it.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent addition to the series. The mystery truly had me guessing along with Sarah and Frank throughout the whole book. And some delightful character development for long time readers. :)

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit that most series can't hold my attention for twenty-seven books (manga notwithstanding; that's a very different storytelling format), but this one is truly an exception. The resolution of the romantic subplot many books ago didn't slow the rest of the ongoing plot in the slightest, and this volume continues to take on what were topical issues of the late nineteenth/early twentieth century in a way that makes them feel modern and relevant. It doesn't matter that I figured out whodunit halfway through - it's a good enough mystery that I still wanted to find out how the detectives would get there.

[Michelle Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent as usual. Loved this series so much and am so saddened by the passing of Victoria Thompson.

[Anne - Books of My Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
 

Review copy was received from Netgalley . This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I always love the Gaslight Mystery series and look forward to each one. I've enjoyed the various characters but was glad Frank and Sarah were well involved here, along with Maeve and Gino.   Mother Malloy is one sharp cookie.  The Deckers are always a pleasant addition and I love Catherine and Brian (wish we saw a bit more of them).

Sarah met a young woman who was writing an article about patent medicines.  At this time, that didn't mean they had a patent or were even really medicine.  They were more likely to be full of alcohol or heroin or opium.  They were popular since they relieved pain but they didn't really cure anyone.  Louisa was writing an expose of sorts about these medicines.

When Louisa turns up dead, her grieving father hires them to find her killer. Is it a purveyor of medicines who killed her?  Is it someone at her rooming house or coworkers? Also, the family has all kinds of grudges and fights. Her mother wanted her to marry and not have a job.  She and her brother never got along, because Louisa was excellent at school and a favorite of her father.

The fun thing about these stories is we learn a lot about the level of medicine, law enforcement, society classes and living conditions in New York City of this past time.  In Murder in Rose Hill,  President McKinley has just died and so it's likely Sarah's old friend Teddy will now be President. I really appreciate how the author includes themes and details which are accurate to the period. The author's note is a must read for me.

As usual, the whole team gathers the oddest bits of evidence to get to the truth. There is also a nice background of their personal and family lives.


COYER April Mystery RAT

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A series of sad tragedies and a family torn apart. Sarah and Frank Malloy could never have guessed what a chance meeting with an ambitious young woman would lead to. Yet they are once again investigating a tragic and mysterious death the police are uninterested in with few clues or evidence to go on. Yet that’s never stopped them before and doesn’t now.
I’m a huge fan of the series and this latest installment does not disappoint! The victim was not all she purported to be, there are many suspects and few hard facts and the family is just downright confusing. I loved how realistic the world building is, including real life events along with some fictionalized ones as well. What results is an intriguing walk through history as we watch Malloy and all try to solve this puzzle. I especially loved the ending bit about Gino and Maeve!!

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gino & Maeve!!!!! So happy about that progress but very interested to see how Thompson handles it going forward.

Also enjoyed Mrs. Decker getting involved in another case; she’s great.

Like the previous book, I felt like the case let this one down. It was fun to have a case mostly centered on family drama again—haven’t had one of those in awhile—but I figured it out so early and the fact that our leads missed such obvious clues (like the powder papers) is an insult to their intelligence.

Still, a solid entry to the series; always looking forward to the next one.

[Lori Ronald · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the plot idea was good, there are glaringly missed deductions & a lack of communication between those investigating that would allow the mystery to be solved much faster. This is frustrating. Some of the dialogue is painfully trying to lead the reader to conclusions that seem obvious. This makes one wonder if the writer assumes readers have a lack of intelligence and are unable to make obvious connections.

[Paraphrodite · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars.

I think I figured out who the murderer is when we have the second victim. But I have to say I couldn't fathom why

I'm really sad when I heard Victoria Thompson has passed away. This has been such a good series with a cast of interesting characters that I would have loved to see what the future holds for them. Especially since Teddy Roosevelt has just become President, which could have provided some diverting subplots.

RIP Victoria.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frank, Sarah and the rest become involved in solving a murder of a young woman that Sarah had recently met. Louisa was writing a story about what she considered a scam in the latest medical aids of patent medicines. The Malloys 's dig in to find the answers. Interesting subject and mystery.

[Tessa Talks Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder in Rose Hill by Victoria Thompson, the 27th installment in the Gaslight Mystery series, stands out with its unique charm. Even if you're new to the series, you'll find it captivating as a stand-alone read. And if you weren't already a fan, prepare to add the previous 26 books to your TBR list, as this one will surely ignite your love for the series.

The characters in Murder in Rose Hill are not just well-developed, they are relatable and endearing. Sarah, in particular, is a character you can't help but root for. Her husband, Frank, is a fascinating figure, ahead of his time. The supporting cast, each with their unique charm, perfectly complements Sarah and Frank, making their journey all the more engaging.

The historical elements in Murder in Rose Hill are not mere background details, but integral parts of the story. The turn-of-the-century setting, with its detailed depiction of home life and the impact of news events, offers a captivating window into the past. This meticulous attention to historical detail not only enriches the narrative but also transported me to that time and place, enhancing my reading experience.

The mystery in Murder in Rose Hill unfolds early in the story, a delightful surprise. It takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride of twists, turns, and revelations, leading to an ending that is impossible to predict. The strategic placement of red herrings keeps the suspense high, and the pacing is just right, ensuring the story never drags, but instead, kept me guessing and glued to the pages.

Murder in Rose Hill is an engaging historical mystery full of everything I love in the genre!

[Nan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Gaslight series is my guilty pleasure, following the endearing Malloy family, Gino, and Maeve as they solve murders in turn-of-the 20th Century NYC. I can’t believe I’ve read 27 of them! The setting and historic details of New York City during the era and the charming, now familiar characters as they progress through their life milestones keep me coming back, even though the mysteries are predictable. This book has a somewhat more interesting premise than the last few, although solving the mystery was no challenge. I appreciated the patent medicine info, McKinley assassination background, and gas vs. electric vehicle details. I’m eager for #28.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

The mysteries are still good, but I miss Frank, and his wife who was a lady who woke up all hours delivering babies, and helping those in need, with her carpet bag of medications,and medical tools along .She would do much , but still finds dead children all over the seedy town . I miss the murder mysteries that seemed to grow less in these books.. I miss Mollie now that her children are raised. They are uptown now, and her husband much respected. Parties, and dinners gave way to some emergencies, as she planned to pull back more . I missed the married couple spending quality time together, the talks at the table that included Geno, and other staff that showed an interest in solving crimes. Now they were above that with the money left to then. He no longer worked with the police, but went out with Gino to own a private detective agency. It runs fine, but it lacks warmth, and that is what made the stories great. Her husband had a small son who couldn’t hear. With new institutions, and Mother Malloy to show her his school days work. His older sister away in another town busy with her career, but did write and counted the days , until another visit could find them together again. it was a cozy book before, and I feel someone is streamlining it now Leaving the touches out that made these books a success. 3 stars.

[Laura Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on April 23rd, 2024.

I like this late 19th/early 20th century series by Victoria Thompson starring midwife Sarah Malloy (nee Brandt) and her private detective husband Frank. The characters have continued developing at the rate of approximately one book per year since 1999 beginning with the initial meeting of the young widow and the rare, incorruptible Sergeant Frank Malloy. Thompson does an excellent job with historical detail — inserting each story in pieces of history with deftly integrated details that do not sound like a regurgitation of Wikipedia articles.

In this installment, Louise, a young woman determined to follow in muckraker Ida Tarbell’s footsteps, is digging up information to bring down the patent medicine industry which she is sure harms more people than it could possibly help. (She is clearly correct given that most potions are mixtures of alcohol, heroin, and cocaine!) When Louisa is found dead shortly after interviewing Sarah, her father comes to the Malloys asking for help in finding her killer. The story brings in the new technology of the time (electric motors! the telephone!) along with the mechanics of the police force, the (widely varying) attitudes towards women who choose education and working lives over lives as wives and mothers, and of course, the ubiquitousness and impact of patent medicines. Did you know that the word “flashlight” comes from the fact that the originals gave out only short bursts of light because batteries were weak and bulbs primitive? Pretty fascinating stuff!

The writing is fairly simple, the characters are likable, though not terribly introspective, I never do figure out whodunnit in advance, and the history illuminates the every day details of life in a completely foreign time period.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twenty-seven book in, there's a reason why I keep coming back to the Gaslight Mystery series. Because when it's firing on all cylinders, it's my favorite kind of comfort read. And Murder in Rose Hill has all the best things about the series: a good mystery, historical touchstones, and above all, lots of fun with our favorite characters.

The mystery begins with a murdered young woman and proceeds through the twists of her professional and personal life until all suspects are eliminated... all but the killer. Meanwhile, President McKinley has been shot, Sarah and Frank balance work and family, and Maeve may finally have to make a decision about Gino and their growing feelings for each other.

I really enjoyed the mystery of this one, which was a relief after Murder on Bedford Street disappointed me. While I still identified the murderer before our heroes, they weren't lagging so far behind me this time! There were some very good suspects to choose from.

But most of all, I loved how much timed was spent with our main four interacting and moving forward in their personal plots. Sarah and Frank's martial bliss (and banter) had me grinning, and I was so glad to see real progress between Gino and Maeve – at long last! She, of course, continues to be the smartest of the bunch when it comes to mysteries, and now she's catching up in the interpersonal relationships department, too, which is gratifying, after all she's been through.

This book had me hooked from the start, then left me satisfied – but still wanting more. If you love the characters as much as I do, you won't be disappointed by Murder in Rose Hill.

My thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Joan Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young woman has a secretarial position in a magazine publishing office, but she longs to write and publish an expose on so-called patent medicines. She has no support from her mother who believes that a woman should be content being a wife and mother. Family conflict figures prominently in this intriguing mystery where a former police officer, now a private investigator, seeks to solve a murder that the police have no interest in. The plot is multi-faceted, the characters well developed, and the dialog is well written. I hope to read more by this author.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Angie Winnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite five stars series coming to a bittersweet end. Thompson has recently passed away and this may be the final installment of the Gaslight Mysteries which breaks my heart. With Thompson’s death, I am also feeling the loss of the beloved characters I have come to love. The Malloys, the Ellsworths, the Donatellis, the Deckers, the Robinsons, even Lou Lawson. I will feel their loss so deeply. Thompson created an amazing series. Her legacy lives on in these wonderful characters and their immortalized adventures. ❤️ I love the Gaslight Mysteries so deeply.

[Ashley Cate · Rating 5 out of 5]

It makes me sad that this is the last book in the series. It makes it next to impossible to rate this any lower than 5 stars. I really enjoy that this series bases its stories around real historical events and I think that added a lot to this story. I thought that the mystery was good but it was clear to me fairly early on who the killer was. Regardless, I still enjoyed watching everything unfold and then wrap up with the story. I enjoyed this book and this will remain one of my favorite series.

[Brenda Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the family feeling in this series. Both by blood and by friendship. Sarah and Frank once again have a case to work together. A young woman wants to interview Sarah about the tonics that are advertised and prescribed to women who have illnesses. She wants to know if she thinks they work or just get you addicted to the alcohol used in the making. When she winds up dead, Sarah sends the father to Frank to investigate.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

This time Frank, Sarah, and the entire investigation team are on the trail of the killer of a young woman involved in muckraking journalism. Patent medicine also feature heavily and I enjoyed learning about the unregulated, often dangerous products that people turned to to relieve pain and cure disease. I’ll always be excited to visit gaslit New York with this group of characters.

NetGalley provided me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Madeleine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is extremely predictable and I'm 100% here for it. Another solid, engaging, and entertaining entry in a series that is consistently all those things. More character development, more growing romance for some beloved side characters, and more appearances by Sarah's parents. The mystery was sneaky and I did not see it coming.

Was able to view an ARC in exchange for an honest review, thanks!

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this mystery was not the most interesting in the series, the characters really drew me in. I was so emotional at the end when a major character driven cliffhanger happens, since Victoria Thompson died this year and we will never know what happens next.

RIP VT, thank you for the last 27 books.