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Gaslight Mystery #12
Murder on Lexington Avenue: A Gaslight Mystery
With her Gaslight Mysteries, Edgar Award finalist Victoria Thompson colorfully evokes the crowded, lamp-lit world of turn-of-the century New York City. In this 12th entry, philosophical conflicts within the deaf community reap a tragic harvest.
After Nehemiah Wooten, a polarizing figure among the hearing impaired, turns up dead, NYPD Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy begins to investigate. While interviewing Nehemiah’s wife Valora, he’s surprised when the not-so-grieving widow—hiding a secret pregnancy—goes into labor. Summoning his midwife friend Sarah Brandt, Frank learns from her of the eugenics views that kept Nehemiah from Valora’s bed ever since the birth of their deaf daughter Electra—now suspiciously joyful at her dad’s death. As more information comes to light, Frank and Sarah must ferret out the killer from a growing list of suspects. In this revealing portrait of a bygone day, Suzanne Toren’s splendid narration brilliantly distinguishes each character and helps build tension through the novel’s stunning conclusion.
After Nehemiah Wooten, a polarizing figure among the hearing impaired, turns up dead, NYPD Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy begins to investigate. While interviewing Nehemiah’s wife Valora, he’s surprised when the not-so-grieving widow—hiding a secret pregnancy—goes into labor. Summoning his midwife friend Sarah Brandt, Frank learns from her of the eugenics views that kept Nehemiah from Valora’s bed ever since the birth of their deaf daughter Electra—now suspiciously joyful at her dad’s death. As more information comes to light, Frank and Sarah must ferret out the killer from a growing list of suspects. In this revealing portrait of a bygone day, Suzanne Toren’s splendid narration brilliantly distinguishes each character and helps build tension through the novel’s stunning conclusion.
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First published May 26, 2010
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About the author
Victoria Thompson
83 books2,452 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 358 reviews
December 28, 2017
If you know me, you know I adore this series. For lack of repeating myself, it’s just so good.
Thompson has followed her regular Gaslight series formula here, and I have yet to figure out whodunnit. I guess I’m not as good as a detective as I thought!
I enjoyed learning about the different schools of thought as to the education of the hearing impaired at the turn of the century. This is something I knew nothing of, and it’s always a plus when you can be educated on a subject while reading.
I docked a half a star on this one for the conclusion. It left something lacking and felt a bit abrupt to me. It’s hard to not compare to other is the series, this was a strong one but not my favorite. I still can’t wait to read the others! 3.5 stars.
Thompson has followed her regular Gaslight series formula here, and I have yet to figure out whodunnit. I guess I’m not as good as a detective as I thought!
I enjoyed learning about the different schools of thought as to the education of the hearing impaired at the turn of the century. This is something I knew nothing of, and it’s always a plus when you can be educated on a subject while reading.
I docked a half a star on this one for the conclusion. It left something lacking and felt a bit abrupt to me. It’s hard to not compare to other is the series, this was a strong one but not my favorite. I still can’t wait to read the others! 3.5 stars.
December 12, 2018
I really enjoyed this twelfth entry in this very entertaining series. Our two main characters have settled into quite a comfortable relationship now and seemed to complement each other in the way they worked the case.
The mystery was interesting and appeared to be quite easy to solve, but then it turned out not to be the obvious or even the second most obvious. The author turned the whole thing upside down and served us a surprise ending. I thought it was well done although I had reservations about the part played by Electra.
As usual there was lots to learn both about how people lived at that time in New York and about the treatment of the deaf. I am looking forward to Frank learning sign language. It must happen sometime. And he does know one useful one already;)
This is a really absorbing historical mystery series. It has the slowest slow burn romance ever........one day something must happen! I will be there when it does!
The mystery was interesting and appeared to be quite easy to solve, but then it turned out not to be the obvious or even the second most obvious. The author turned the whole thing upside down and served us a surprise ending. I thought it was well done although I had reservations about the part played by Electra.
As usual there was lots to learn both about how people lived at that time in New York and about the treatment of the deaf. I am looking forward to Frank learning sign language. It must happen sometime. And he does know one useful one already;)
This is a really absorbing historical mystery series. It has the slowest slow burn romance ever........one day something must happen! I will be there when it does!
December 10, 2018
Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy is called to the office of broker Nehemiah Wooten whose body was found by the administrator of one of the two schools in New York City for the deaf. Since the scene is outside of his district, Frank assumes he’s been assigned to the case because it involves the deaf community and he has a son who is deaf. Wooten’s daughter attends the school where the students are taught speech reading and speaking; his son is being taught sign language at the other. The two methods, and schools, are at odds and are at the center of the conflict involving Wooten, which may lead to the perpetrator.
Midwife Sarah Brandt becomes involved when her particular skills are needed in an emergency that arose during Frank’s interviews. It was absolutely wonderful having these two teamed again in a murder investigation, her facilitating situations he could never have access to and him providing her investigative direction. They worked almost seamlessly, a reflection now of how they’ve grown equally as comfortable with each other personally.
The cast of characters in this one was outrageous on so many levels, making it difficult to find any redeeming qualities for many of them. There are situations that will shock, appall and leave you stunned. I’m not used to the kind of twist this one presented at the end and it will be great fodder for our group’s discussion. The story also presented both teaching methods for the deaf quite fairly, providing the merits of both and their issues. As usual, I learned something new pertaining to this era (I’ll leave that for you to discover). I really enjoyed this story and was a bit stumped through the end, which I found provocative.
Midwife Sarah Brandt becomes involved when her particular skills are needed in an emergency that arose during Frank’s interviews. It was absolutely wonderful having these two teamed again in a murder investigation, her facilitating situations he could never have access to and him providing her investigative direction. They worked almost seamlessly, a reflection now of how they’ve grown equally as comfortable with each other personally.
The cast of characters in this one was outrageous on so many levels, making it difficult to find any redeeming qualities for many of them. There are situations that will shock, appall and leave you stunned. I’m not used to the kind of twist this one presented at the end and it will be great fodder for our group’s discussion. The story also presented both teaching methods for the deaf quite fairly, providing the merits of both and their issues. As usual, I learned something new pertaining to this era (I’ll leave that for you to discover). I really enjoyed this story and was a bit stumped through the end, which I found provocative.
November 4, 2020
Thank goodness, I finished this book minutes before my library loan expired and the book dropped off my shelf!
Frank Malloy is called in to investigate the murder of Business magnate Nehemiah Wooten, found dead in his office with his head bashed in. It turns out that the man was the benefactor for one of the two rival schools for the deaf in New York. His deaf daughter, Alectra, attended the school that he championed where the pupils learn to read lips and speak, as opposed to the method of signing, taught in the rival school (which, by the way, is the school that Frank’s deaf son attends). Wooten was not a very nice man and it appears that any number of people would have danced on his grave, given the chance, including his partner, his partner’s son, his daughter’s signing teacher, his wife …the list is long. Frank learns this while sniffing around to see who disliked him. When he came to the house to bring the sad tidings to his family, he met Alectra, Wooten’s 15 year-old daughter, who seemed completely nonplussed by the news, and Wooten’s wife, who he found in a compromising position on the sofa in the upstairs parlor in the arms of Wooten’s partner’s son. And, if that wasn’t weird enough, the newly widowed Wooten is soon wading in a pool of water at her feet…Only Frank realized what was going on to the horror of young lover-boy and buttinsky sister-in-law, and, to keep things hushed, a carriage was sent to Sarah Brandt’s home to fetch her for a discreet delivery.
So now we have our two silent lovers teamed up to get to the bottom of the mystery, ruling out one suspect after another, until they finally crack the case with the aid of a manipulative ingenue.
In every book in this series, there is a little historical gem of the period thrown in for good measure. In this book we learn a little about Alexander Graham Bell’s view that deafness was hereditary and that two deaf people should not marry for that reason…in fact, his wife was deaf since recovering from scarlet fever at the age of five, and Bell was a teacher who taught in a school for the deaf and as an inventor much of his work was focused in this field, preceding and contributing to his invention of the telephone. Although, this is not elaborated in the book, I recently read (the excellent) Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard where there is nearly as much juicy biographical information about Bell as there is of President Garfield.
Frank Malloy is called in to investigate the murder of Business magnate Nehemiah Wooten, found dead in his office with his head bashed in. It turns out that the man was the benefactor for one of the two rival schools for the deaf in New York. His deaf daughter, Alectra, attended the school that he championed where the pupils learn to read lips and speak, as opposed to the method of signing, taught in the rival school (which, by the way, is the school that Frank’s deaf son attends). Wooten was not a very nice man and it appears that any number of people would have danced on his grave, given the chance, including his partner, his partner’s son, his daughter’s signing teacher, his wife …the list is long. Frank learns this while sniffing around to see who disliked him. When he came to the house to bring the sad tidings to his family, he met Alectra, Wooten’s 15 year-old daughter, who seemed completely nonplussed by the news, and Wooten’s wife, who he found in a compromising position on the sofa in the upstairs parlor in the arms of Wooten’s partner’s son. And, if that wasn’t weird enough, the newly widowed Wooten is soon wading in a pool of water at her feet…Only Frank realized what was going on to the horror of young lover-boy and buttinsky sister-in-law, and, to keep things hushed, a carriage was sent to Sarah Brandt’s home to fetch her for a discreet delivery.
So now we have our two silent lovers teamed up to get to the bottom of the mystery, ruling out one suspect after another, until they finally crack the case with the aid of a manipulative ingenue.
In every book in this series, there is a little historical gem of the period thrown in for good measure. In this book we learn a little about Alexander Graham Bell’s view that deafness was hereditary and that two deaf people should not marry for that reason…in fact, his wife was deaf since recovering from scarlet fever at the age of five, and Bell was a teacher who taught in a school for the deaf and as an inventor much of his work was focused in this field, preceding and contributing to his invention of the telephone. Although, this is not elaborated in the book, I recently read (the excellent) Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard where there is nearly as much juicy biographical information about Bell as there is of President Garfield.
January 11, 2021
What an interesting book!
I liked how the issue between lip-reading and speaking vs sign language was explained. It reminded me of the movie "Children of a Lesser God"!
I could understand how Frank and Sarah would get involved in this mystery! And I completly understand why Frank's son was taught sign language instead. I never met a deaf people, but I always found fascinating the sign language!
I also liked that the deaf people were not represented as only good! Everybody in this book had something bad in them - some were right-out odious!
I liked how the issue between lip-reading and speaking vs sign language was explained. It reminded me of the movie "Children of a Lesser God"!
I could understand how Frank and Sarah would get involved in this mystery! And I completly understand why Frank's son was taught sign language instead. I never met a deaf people, but I always found fascinating the sign language!
I also liked that the deaf people were not represented as only good! Everybody in this book had something bad in them - some were right-out odious!
December 13, 2019
I'm still really enjoying this series!
In this novel, I really liked how the author had a focus into the deaf community, especially the deaf youth at the turn of the century. I never realized how divided society was at that time, even that there was two deaf school that taught totally different methods. One of the characters was a deaf teenager who was born into a wealthy family. She was taught to speech and listen to those around her, as if she wasn't deaf at all. Another school, which our main character's son goes to, teaches sign language, so that they can also speak with other deaf individuals. I had no idea that those during that time had such opinions and that the deaf community was so divided (sign language vs reading lips/speaking).
The mystery was also excellent and I thought I was super clever about who had done it, but was totally wrong! I was so caught off guard that I bumped up my review by a star.
In this novel, I really liked how the author had a focus into the deaf community, especially the deaf youth at the turn of the century. I never realized how divided society was at that time, even that there was two deaf school that taught totally different methods. One of the characters was a deaf teenager who was born into a wealthy family. She was taught to speech and listen to those around her, as if she wasn't deaf at all. Another school, which our main character's son goes to, teaches sign language, so that they can also speak with other deaf individuals. I had no idea that those during that time had such opinions and that the deaf community was so divided (sign language vs reading lips/speaking).
The mystery was also excellent and I thought I was super clever about who had done it, but was totally wrong! I was so caught off guard that I bumped up my review by a star.
June 12, 2020
New York City Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy is called to a murder scene at a business office on a Saturday afternoon. Frank quickly learns that the man has a deaf daughter and is heavily involved with one of the deaf schools in the area. Frank’s son is deaf as well, so he already has some knowledge of the schools, but he quickly begins to learn more about the deaf community as he investigates. He also realizes that he must bring in midwife Sarah Brandt. Sarah’s involvement turns out to be a good thing since she can get close to the victim’s family. Will she learn enough so that the two of them can solve the case?
Frank gets involved in this case pretty quickly, although Sarah’s involvement takes a little longer to develop. Still, the duo once again make a fantastic team as they work together well to solve the case. Along the way, we get plenty of suspects and twists. I was sure I had it figured out several times before we reached the end. We do get some updates on Frank and Sarah’s families, including something that I think will jump start a new longer mystery arc. I also appreciated how this book explored the deaf community in the 1890’s. You really could jump in here, but whether you start this series here or go back to the beginning, you’ll be pulled back in time with these excellent books.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Frank gets involved in this case pretty quickly, although Sarah’s involvement takes a little longer to develop. Still, the duo once again make a fantastic team as they work together well to solve the case. Along the way, we get plenty of suspects and twists. I was sure I had it figured out several times before we reached the end. We do get some updates on Frank and Sarah’s families, including something that I think will jump start a new longer mystery arc. I also appreciated how this book explored the deaf community in the 1890’s. You really could jump in here, but whether you start this series here or go back to the beginning, you’ll be pulled back in time with these excellent books.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
April 13, 2021
There weren’t a lot of suspects in this case involving a rich man, his business, and more importantly, his deaf daughter and her deaf fiancé. The case is full of the misperceptions about the deaf, sickening eugenics, lies, and secrets.
Sarah’s pulled into the case because of a baby, of course, and she’s happy to see Frank as it’s been several weeks since the resolution of their last case together. Frank does a creditable job of investigating, and even has a civil discussion with Felix Dekker as part of the case.
Victoria Thompson opens up a new story thread early on in the book concerning young Katherine, about whom I’m anxious to know more, so, on to the next book! : )
Sarah’s pulled into the case because of a baby, of course, and she’s happy to see Frank as it’s been several weeks since the resolution of their last case together. Frank does a creditable job of investigating, and even has a civil discussion with Felix Dekker as part of the case.
Victoria Thompson opens up a new story thread early on in the book concerning young Katherine, about whom I’m anxious to know more, so, on to the next book! : )
March 1, 2022
I’ve read my share of historical fiction, mystery, and romance books. None have included such fascinating insight into the Deaf community during the late 1800s. Not only did I get another interesting mystery with Sarah and Frank, I learned a lot.
I think this is the second book where most of Sarah’s scenes have taken place in one location and Frank has been running around the city sleuthing. I missed some of the repartee between them, but the action scene at the end made up for that along with a few exciting moments that seem to have advanced their relationship just a smidge more.
I think this is the second book where most of Sarah’s scenes have taken place in one location and Frank has been running around the city sleuthing. I missed some of the repartee between them, but the action scene at the end made up for that along with a few exciting moments that seem to have advanced their relationship just a smidge more.
December 16, 2018
Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy is called to investigate the murder of wealthy businessman Nehemiah Wooten. Wooten's daughter, Electra, is deaf and attends the Lexington Avenue School for Deaf Mutes. Frank's own son is deaf and attends a rival school. When Frank learns that Electra is working with a teacher at his son's school against her father's wishes, he begins to believe that someone at his son's school may have been behind Mr. Wooten's murder. On visiting the Wooten household to tell them of Mr. Wooten's murder, Mrs. Wooten goes into labor and Frank must call midwife Sarah Brandt to help him with the baby...and the murder investigation.
Another excellent addition to the Gaslight Mystery series. Unlike the last couple of books, Frank and Sarah are working closely together on this one. There are lots of suspects in this story. It had me stumped for a while. I highly recommend this book (and this series). My rating: 4.5 Stars.
Another excellent addition to the Gaslight Mystery series. Unlike the last couple of books, Frank and Sarah are working closely together on this one. There are lots of suspects in this story. It had me stumped for a while. I highly recommend this book (and this series). My rating: 4.5 Stars.
December 31, 2019
Another wonderful instalment!
The mystery kept me up all night! So many suspects with a good reason to murder the victim made me guess and I really enjoyed that! I kinda figured who did it but I wasn't sure until Malloy mentioned it!
From the family and acquaintances Sarah and Malloy investigated I only liked two but I still like most of the regular characters and especially Frank and Sarah they are such sweet characters you can't not love them!
A very smart way from Mrs. Thompson how she made Sarah and Frank confess how they feel for each other! And they make my heart melt with how happy they are to see each other each time!
I liked also very much the moment when Sarah is teasing Malloy at the station!
A good read which I believe all fans of the series will enjoy!
The mystery kept me up all night! So many suspects with a good reason to murder the victim made me guess and I really enjoyed that! I kinda figured who did it but I wasn't sure until Malloy mentioned it!
From the family and acquaintances Sarah and Malloy investigated I only liked two but I still like most of the regular characters and especially Frank and Sarah they are such sweet characters you can't not love them!
A very smart way from Mrs. Thompson how she made Sarah and Frank confess how they feel for each other! And they make my heart melt with how happy they are to see each other each time!
I liked also very much the moment when Sarah is teasing Malloy at the station!
A good read which I believe all fans of the series will enjoy!
July 10, 2010
I agree with other reviewers that the current installment in this series is an improvement over the last book, but still feels somewhat stilted and formulaic in parts. I've read every entry in the series but stopped purchasing about four books ago; I borrow them from the library because I feel the series has become sterile and predictable (and frustrating in the lack of forward movement in Frank and Sarah's relationship). I read a lot of historical mysteries, and enjoy a literate puzzle rich in accurate historical details, multi-layered characters and clever dialogue. I consider this series "historical mystery lite" - accessible, light, entertaining reads with likeable characters. Early in this series Thompson created a darker, grittier atmosphere where the seedy, teeming underside of New York tenement life came alive; the growing awareness between Sarah and Frank felt passionate and real, as did the seemingly insurmountable obstacles they would face if they acted on that forbidden attraction.
Not so lately; they even end this book sitting side-by-side on a park bench like two old married folks! Nothing wrong with that, but they really used to spark off of each other; Thompson made you feel both Frank's loneliness and longing for the well-born and seemingly unobtainable Sarah, and Sarah's forbidden attraction to the handsome, virile, tough-yet-decent Irish Catholic cop of whom her family would NEVER approve. I hope Thompson listens to her readers and brings back that spark and moves the romantic storyline along to keep the series believable. It can be (and has been) done, i.e., Elizabeth Peters' long-lived Amelia Peabody and Emerson mystery series - a married couple passionate about their work and each other, interesting mysteries, historical accuracy, humor, warmth - not every book was perfect, but a great example of how to move a series along enjoyably.
Not so lately; they even end this book sitting side-by-side on a park bench like two old married folks! Nothing wrong with that, but they really used to spark off of each other; Thompson made you feel both Frank's loneliness and longing for the well-born and seemingly unobtainable Sarah, and Sarah's forbidden attraction to the handsome, virile, tough-yet-decent Irish Catholic cop of whom her family would NEVER approve. I hope Thompson listens to her readers and brings back that spark and moves the romantic storyline along to keep the series believable. It can be (and has been) done, i.e., Elizabeth Peters' long-lived Amelia Peabody and Emerson mystery series - a married couple passionate about their work and each other, interesting mysteries, historical accuracy, humor, warmth - not every book was perfect, but a great example of how to move a series along enjoyably.
Read
September 13, 2011I am a native New Yorker and have enjoyed all of Victoria Thompson's books. Murder on Lexington Avenue is the best one. You can read this instead of a dry sociology book and get the feel of a certain era in Manhattan and how the different social classes there interacted. Read and enjoy!
June 12, 2010
Much tighter mystery than the last one and the machinations to get Sarah involved ran smoother than usual. Not much development on the romance front though which is simply ridiculous by now.
May 7, 2022
3.5/5 stars
There were a few loose ends left in the mystery plot that were a tiny bit unsatisfying for me, and while it was interesting having Sarah more or less in one place the whole time, I missed her being out and about as part of the investigation. Still some very interesting character moments here. Looking forward to finding out more about Catherine, and I enjoyed Felix Decker's appearance in this one.
There were a few loose ends left in the mystery plot that were a tiny bit unsatisfying for me, and while it was interesting having Sarah more or less in one place the whole time, I missed her being out and about as part of the investigation. Still some very interesting character moments here. Looking forward to finding out more about Catherine, and I enjoyed Felix Decker's appearance in this one.
August 4, 2024
*happy sigh*
We all needed the right time to read the right book. Even though I started reading it in June and abandoned it, I sped through it the second time I picked it up.
It was what I needed at this point in my life. The company of Sarah and Frank and the crimes of the late 19th century. I can’t remember who killed Sarah’s husband from the last book but I felt that I never left their company. I think it was almost 2 years since I read the last book.
We all needed the right time to read the right book. Even though I started reading it in June and abandoned it, I sped through it the second time I picked it up.
It was what I needed at this point in my life. The company of Sarah and Frank and the crimes of the late 19th century. I can’t remember who killed Sarah’s husband from the last book but I felt that I never left their company. I think it was almost 2 years since I read the last book.
January 16, 2019
Murder on Lexington Avenue
3.5 Stars
Detective Frank Malloy is assigned to investigate the murder of a wealthy business man, Nehemiah Wooten, whose advocacy for speech reading as opposed to sign language has earned him several enemies in the deaf community. The case becomes even more entangled when Frank is forced to summon midwife Sarah Brandt for professional reasons during his questioning of the Wooten household.
Sarah and Malloy's partnership is back on track in this installment and it is wonderful to have them working so well together. The last couple of books have been very disappointing in this regard.
While the mystery itself is on the predictable side, the historical information on the conflicts within the deaf community regarding the best methods for teaching communication skills is very interesting. While Thompson's research is usually impeccable, her portrayal of Alexander Graham Bell's isn't as factual as it could have been.
All in all, another enjoyable book in the series. Looking forward to the next one.
3.5 Stars
Detective Frank Malloy is assigned to investigate the murder of a wealthy business man, Nehemiah Wooten, whose advocacy for speech reading as opposed to sign language has earned him several enemies in the deaf community. The case becomes even more entangled when Frank is forced to summon midwife Sarah Brandt for professional reasons during his questioning of the Wooten household.
Sarah and Malloy's partnership is back on track in this installment and it is wonderful to have them working so well together. The last couple of books have been very disappointing in this regard.
While the mystery itself is on the predictable side, the historical information on the conflicts within the deaf community regarding the best methods for teaching communication skills is very interesting. While Thompson's research is usually impeccable, her portrayal of Alexander Graham Bell's isn't as factual as it could have been.
All in all, another enjoyable book in the series. Looking forward to the next one.
October 3, 2025
4.5 stars!
post reading: not my favourite story in the series but still so thoroughly enjoyable because of the amazing characters 💗 I almost got the culprit but I second guessed myself and changed my mind 😩😅. Sometimes I just wished there wasn't any murder case, but only a story about Malloy and Sarah going through their lives in New York with the kids 🥺 genuinely all i want rn !!
proper review to come when I have the time 🩷
pre reading:
of course i just keep jumping straight into the next book in the series and istg im gonna be finished with them so soon its so sad 😭
and also helllo?!? why am I still waiting for these people to get together 😩😩😩 like pls let this be the book they realise how silly they're being 🥹
post reading: not my favourite story in the series but still so thoroughly enjoyable because of the amazing characters 💗 I almost got the culprit but I second guessed myself and changed my mind 😩😅. Sometimes I just wished there wasn't any murder case, but only a story about Malloy and Sarah going through their lives in New York with the kids 🥺 genuinely all i want rn !!
proper review to come when I have the time 🩷
pre reading:
of course i just keep jumping straight into the next book in the series and istg im gonna be finished with them so soon its so sad 😭
and also helllo?!? why am I still waiting for these people to get together 😩😩😩 like pls let this be the book they realise how silly they're being 🥹
July 6, 2011
This book just didn't have that je ne sais quoi that makes (most of) the other books in this series so good. I think it might have been that all the secondary characters were pretty much cut out of the story, some of them didn't appear at all and all the others were absent, introducing instead a whole host of characters who won't be returning in the future and who weren't really all that interesting. As this book is about the deaf community I had hoped to see more of Brian but he only managed a measly two scenes. I think this is a shame as he's such a lovely young boy who sees joy everywhere in his silent world.
Honestly, I felt quite bored reading this one and that is never good. I hope that Sisters' Row is better but I won't be finding out until it's released in paperback next year.
Does anyone else think it'd be really interesting to see Sarah and Malloy get together, then Sarah fall pregnant and Malloy have to deal with his fears of potentially losing a second wife to childbirth? After reading this book, I think that would be a development that would be very revealing of deeper parts of Malloy's personality. Plus it would get the two characters together, which is much needed by this point in the series!
Honestly, I felt quite bored reading this one and that is never good. I hope that Sisters' Row is better but I won't be finding out until it's released in paperback next year.
Does anyone else think it'd be really interesting to see Sarah and Malloy get together, then Sarah fall pregnant and Malloy have to deal with his fears of potentially losing a second wife to childbirth? After reading this book, I think that would be a development that would be very revealing of deeper parts of Malloy's personality. Plus it would get the two characters together, which is much needed by this point in the series!
October 1, 2017
When a wealthy businessman is murdered, Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy is assigned to investigate, even though the crime is out of his jurisdiction. The reason he soon realizes, is that the man has a deaf daughter—and it is well known that Malloy’s own son attends the New York Institution for the Deaf and Dumb.
Murder on Lexington Avenue was quite enjoyable. This author has definitely gotten better at writing the mystery aspect of these books. They are not nearly as predictable as they were in the beginning. The relationship between Sarah and Malloy still has not progressed though, and that has become very frustrating. The things I enjoyed reading about the most in this book were the two different types of schools for the deaf and about the opposition to ASL back then. I had no idea that Alexander Graham Bell felt the way he did about it. That was a bit of an eye opener for me.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
Murder on Lexington Avenue was quite enjoyable. This author has definitely gotten better at writing the mystery aspect of these books. They are not nearly as predictable as they were in the beginning. The relationship between Sarah and Malloy still has not progressed though, and that has become very frustrating. The things I enjoyed reading about the most in this book were the two different types of schools for the deaf and about the opposition to ASL back then. I had no idea that Alexander Graham Bell felt the way he did about it. That was a bit of an eye opener for me.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
July 21, 2010
Like most reviewers here, I have read all of the entries in the Gaslight series, and thought this one was pretty good. I enjoyed the time with Frank and Sarah, and was relieved to see them spending more time cooperating in their crime-solving, rather than having Frank always trying not to get Sarah involved. I think this in itself is an advancement in their relationship and that warmed my heart.
The overall story, dealing as it did with the two radically-different viewpoints of teaching the deaf in that era, I found interesting, and I liked the little twist to the plotline.
Yes, I am looking forward to the next one, when we may see a little more progress in the romance and maybe further examination of young Catherine's fearful behaviors.
The overall story, dealing as it did with the two radically-different viewpoints of teaching the deaf in that era, I found interesting, and I liked the little twist to the plotline.
Yes, I am looking forward to the next one, when we may see a little more progress in the romance and maybe further examination of young Catherine's fearful behaviors.
December 15, 2022
Added to TBR January 2, 2021
Eugenics holds a particular disgust to me because I work with "special needs" individuals. I feel like this topic was handled in a good way. Malloy's son being deaf helped with this. I enjoy seeing the blooming romance between Sarah and Frank.
Eugenics holds a particular disgust to me because I work with "special needs" individuals. I feel like this topic was handled in a good way. Malloy's son being deaf helped with this. I enjoy seeing the blooming romance between Sarah and Frank.
July 4, 2017
Another great edition in a great series.
New York, 1897
New York, 1897
August 14, 2023
Excellent addition to the series.
October 15, 2012
I'd actually give this one 2.5 but gave it the benefit of the doubt & rated it 3.
What I liked: A little more of Catherine's backstory is revealed, we got to see Malloy's son & mother after several books without them, the exploration of the issue of communication for the deaf - use of signing vs. lip reading & speech.
What I didn't like: Who the murderer turned out to be, the fact that Sarah Brandt goes to the Wooten house and stays there for days and never sends a message back to Maeve & Mrs. Ellsworth or asks for some time to go back and check on them. Also the repetitive items that the author includes each time, i.e. items such as Mrs. Ellsworth used to spend every day sweeping her stoop in order to keep an eye on the comings and goings of the neighborhood but now she's busy teaching the girls domestic arts. I know some people will pick up a book without reading the previous ones in a series, but how about using a little Show, Don't Tell in the writing and spare those who have been reading from the start a bit of the repetition.
What I liked: A little more of Catherine's backstory is revealed, we got to see Malloy's son & mother after several books without them, the exploration of the issue of communication for the deaf - use of signing vs. lip reading & speech.
What I didn't like: Who the murderer turned out to be, the fact that Sarah Brandt goes to the Wooten house and stays there for days and never sends a message back to Maeve & Mrs. Ellsworth or asks for some time to go back and check on them. Also the repetitive items that the author includes each time, i.e. items such as Mrs. Ellsworth used to spend every day sweeping her stoop in order to keep an eye on the comings and goings of the neighborhood but now she's busy teaching the girls domestic arts. I know some people will pick up a book without reading the previous ones in a series, but how about using a little Show, Don't Tell in the writing and spare those who have been reading from the start a bit of the repetition.
June 19, 2010
Much, much better than the last installment. While I'd figured out the guilty party early on, there were enough red herrings to keep me second guessing myself throughout the book.
Not much happened in the way of relationship development between Sarah and Malloy...well, there was a tiny, minuscule bit, but that was all. It's gotten beyond aggravating!
Not much happened in the way of relationship development between Sarah and Malloy...well, there was a tiny, minuscule bit, but that was all. It's gotten beyond aggravating!
December 13, 2023
This series is a tremendous pleasure for me. In the case of the twelfth volume, Murder on Lexington Avenue, it was an extra-solid pleasure because I didn’t solve the mystery. I passed over the obvious suspect in mental pursuit of more than one “red herring,” an error I don’t often make. Yet, the foundation for solving it is there. I was like a police detective with tunnel vision in that “I liked” my “herrings” for the crime and didn’t want to look at the obvious clues. As reader, I injected myself into the role of one of those antagonist characters who annoy me when they become obstacles to the protagonist establishing her or his case. That’s a worthy accomplishment.
The eponymous murder for Murder on Lexington Avenue takes place in a well-to-do business office. The victim is incredibly disliked by many, providing a plethora of suspects. One constant conceit in this mystery series is the inability to effectively prosecute the wealthy. And yet, many of the suspects in Murder on Lexington Avenue are in this nearly-untouchable situation. We’ve seen it before, but now Malloy can no longer rely on the good-will of Theodore Roosevelt to provide cover for his investigations.
The murder is then complicated by a second murder. Where the first took place in a good neighborhood, the second involves the murder of a member of society in a Bowery alley. There is one misleading piece of evidence here (at least, it was misleading to me) to imply that the murderer is of another class than she or he actually was. To me, it was misleading, but it may only have been intended to be ambiguous. Still, it’s interesting upon reflection.
And how does Sarah Brandt get into this? One of the most amazing scandals you could expect causes her to end up at the house of the initial murder victim. I couldn't help but shake my head and keep reading like a bystander at a train derailing. I was ashamed of myself, but couldn't help myself.
This series is definitely one that a reader wants to visit in order. There are delightful little minor character arcs that provide intertextuality within the books. In more than one book, the young girl that Mrs. Brandt is fostering experiences screaming fits tied to some PTSD from her distant past. These hints occur over multiple books. Earlier in the series, there are revelations concerning Malloy’s son which take place over several books. The relationship of Malloy and Sarah’s father, Felix Decker, is intriguing as the former seems to be gaining (slowly) some stature in Decker’s eyes. I fully expect Maeve to further explore her eventual role as a detective in future installments. And, last but not least, what is going to happen with the unresolved sexual tension between Sarah and Malloy? Was Victoria Thompson concerned about creating a Moonlighting problem where the enjoyment was significantly diminished when that tension was resolved? Personally, I’m invested in these little character arcs and they would keep me reading even if the mysteries weren’t as solid as they are.
As for being historical fiction, there is usually at least one jewel in each novel. This one wasn’t huge, but I liked it a lot. Part of the story dealt with Princeton University and touched on the historical flavor that it had just changed its name from College of New Jersey.
The eponymous murder for Murder on Lexington Avenue takes place in a well-to-do business office. The victim is incredibly disliked by many, providing a plethora of suspects. One constant conceit in this mystery series is the inability to effectively prosecute the wealthy. And yet, many of the suspects in Murder on Lexington Avenue are in this nearly-untouchable situation. We’ve seen it before, but now Malloy can no longer rely on the good-will of Theodore Roosevelt to provide cover for his investigations.
The murder is then complicated by a second murder. Where the first took place in a good neighborhood, the second involves the murder of a member of society in a Bowery alley. There is one misleading piece of evidence here (at least, it was misleading to me) to imply that the murderer is of another class than she or he actually was. To me, it was misleading, but it may only have been intended to be ambiguous. Still, it’s interesting upon reflection.
And how does Sarah Brandt get into this? One of the most amazing scandals you could expect causes her to end up at the house of the initial murder victim. I couldn't help but shake my head and keep reading like a bystander at a train derailing. I was ashamed of myself, but couldn't help myself.
This series is definitely one that a reader wants to visit in order. There are delightful little minor character arcs that provide intertextuality within the books. In more than one book, the young girl that Mrs. Brandt is fostering experiences screaming fits tied to some PTSD from her distant past. These hints occur over multiple books. Earlier in the series, there are revelations concerning Malloy’s son which take place over several books. The relationship of Malloy and Sarah’s father, Felix Decker, is intriguing as the former seems to be gaining (slowly) some stature in Decker’s eyes. I fully expect Maeve to further explore her eventual role as a detective in future installments. And, last but not least, what is going to happen with the unresolved sexual tension between Sarah and Malloy? Was Victoria Thompson concerned about creating a Moonlighting problem where the enjoyment was significantly diminished when that tension was resolved? Personally, I’m invested in these little character arcs and they would keep me reading even if the mysteries weren’t as solid as they are.
As for being historical fiction, there is usually at least one jewel in each novel. This one wasn’t huge, but I liked it a lot. Part of the story dealt with Princeton University and touched on the historical flavor that it had just changed its name from College of New Jersey.
August 17, 2018
This was a very interesting book in the series as it delves further into the lives of the deaf in the late 19th century. The 16 year old daughter of the murder victim is deaf and has been sent to a school that teaches lip reading and speaking for the deaf to communicate. I was unaware that there was a controversy over whether this method of teaching the deaf or sign language was better. In fact there was a strong movement to eliminate the teaching of sign language that persisted into the early twentieth century. Alexander Graham Bell was against sign language for the deaf as well as deaf people marrying. He and many others of this time period were proponents of eugenics, believing that marriage between deaf people would produce more deaf people. One of the things I love about this series is the way Thompson uses real people to explore the lifestyles and mores of the time period. It is definitely a series that teaches the reader many interesting things. The author states in her note at the end that she uses terms and language that were used at the time and that might be found inappropriate today. I think this is extremely important to remember in view of the modern day attempt to judge those who lived in the past by standards of today. We cannot expect those people who had no exposure to thoughts and beliefs of today to have conducted themselves and spoken as if they had. This is history and should be reported as it existed and not as someone of today would have wished it to be.
The characters and story line that follows the family of the murder victim are very interesting and keeps the reader on the edge of the seat as Detective Malloy works to expose suspects and uncover the killer. His involvement with midwife Sarah Brandt, who is called in when the murder victim's wife suddenly goes into labor, advances in this book and is always one of the aspects I look forward to reading about. I love this series and would have rated this book a five, except for the ending. As always in a Thompson book, the reader must follow a twisting path to get to the killer and is often surprised. That makes a good mystery, however, I was unhappy with the ending in this book and wished for a different outcome. This is strictly a personal opinion and is not meant to discourage people from reading this book. Looking forward to more in this series.
The characters and story line that follows the family of the murder victim are very interesting and keeps the reader on the edge of the seat as Detective Malloy works to expose suspects and uncover the killer. His involvement with midwife Sarah Brandt, who is called in when the murder victim's wife suddenly goes into labor, advances in this book and is always one of the aspects I look forward to reading about. I love this series and would have rated this book a five, except for the ending. As always in a Thompson book, the reader must follow a twisting path to get to the killer and is often surprised. That makes a good mystery, however, I was unhappy with the ending in this book and wished for a different outcome. This is strictly a personal opinion and is not meant to discourage people from reading this book. Looking forward to more in this series.
May 9, 2018
This story takes the reader into the lives of deaf people. Frank Malloy is called to a murder scene and finds the victim is the father of a deaf teenage girl. He goes to the family home to investigate, and while talking to the victim's wife, her water breaks. Only it's a shock to everyone because no one knew she was pregnant. Frank calls is friend Sarah to the rescue. He learns that the victim was a follower of Alexander Graham Bell's beliefs about eugenics. This was a term I had never heard before, so this was interesting information. Come to find out, apparently Bell invented the phone while trying to help a family member with their hearing problems. This story talks about the different schools of thought - whether a deaf person should learn to sign or whether they can "integrate better" with others by lip reading and learning to talk. This was an informative topic and a good story. I would have given it five stars, but I thought the end was rather rushed. Just when you start to formulate what you believe happened, it takes the reader in an opposite direction. However it was a bit disjointed and didn't seem to flow as well.
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