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Gaslight Mystery #17
Murder on Amsterdam Avenue
In this Gaslight Mystery from the national bestselling author of Murder in Murray Hill, midwife Sarah Brandt and Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy investigate foul play in the secretive high-society world of nineteenth-century New York City…
In the midst of Sarah and Frank’s wedding preparations, Sarah accompanies her mother on a condolence call to the Upper West Side, where Charles Fairfax, the son of family friends, has died unexpectedly after suffering from a mysterious disease. It is a tragic and all too common story—or so it seems. Charles’s father asks to speak with Sarah privately. He believes his son was poisoned and would like Sarah and Frank to look into the matter with the utmost discretion.
Putting their own personal affairs on hold, Sarah and Frank soon learn that not everyone wants to know more about Charles’s death, particularly if he was murdered. As they unravel secrets that reach back to the War Between the States, they also discover that they are in the company of a very present danger…
In the midst of Sarah and Frank’s wedding preparations, Sarah accompanies her mother on a condolence call to the Upper West Side, where Charles Fairfax, the son of family friends, has died unexpectedly after suffering from a mysterious disease. It is a tragic and all too common story—or so it seems. Charles’s father asks to speak with Sarah privately. He believes his son was poisoned and would like Sarah and Frank to look into the matter with the utmost discretion.
Putting their own personal affairs on hold, Sarah and Frank soon learn that not everyone wants to know more about Charles’s death, particularly if he was murdered. As they unravel secrets that reach back to the War Between the States, they also discover that they are in the company of a very present danger…
304 pages, Hardcover
First published May 5, 2015
355 people are currently reading
1443 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 440 reviews
May 6, 2019
Seventeen books into the series and big changes are afoot for Sarah and Frank in both their working and their personal lives. Meanwhile a friend of Sarah's family has been murdered, poisoned by arsenic, and Frank is asked to pursue and solve the case.
The first murder is quickly followed by more and there are suspects galore. Some amazing family secrets are exposed too and Sarah, her mother, Maeve and Gino all assist Frank in putting the clues together. I think even Sarah's father is involved a little!
I really enjoyed all the domestic stuff as well as the mystery and I like the way the author is making everything fall into place for everyone. Long may this series continue!
The first murder is quickly followed by more and there are suspects galore. Some amazing family secrets are exposed too and Sarah, her mother, Maeve and Gino all assist Frank in putting the clues together. I think even Sarah's father is involved a little!
I really enjoyed all the domestic stuff as well as the mystery and I like the way the author is making everything fall into place for everyone. Long may this series continue!
May 5, 2019
Sarah Brandt accompanies her mother on a condolence call to a family friend whose son died inexplicably after being ill for only a few days. The father, Gerald Oakes, takes them aside and asks Sarah if she’ll arrange to have Frank meet with him as he fears his son may have been poisoned. Frank does some investigating and quickly learns that Gerald has every right to be suspicious. In the meantime, Sarah and Frank’s wedding plans are on hold until the house renovations are complete and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight.
There seemed to be an unending list of suspects in this story, all problematic when considering motive and opportunity. I got brain cramps at times trying to keep up with all the details, which included a lot of red herrings. The Oakes were a dysfunctional family to say the least but one of the more interesting ones to explore. I liked that Gino Donatelli and Maeve had significant roles in helping Frank and Sarah, perhaps a good sign of future stories to come. There was also some comic relief around Frank and his house renovations.
The story also illustrated the prejudices against Blacks and residual attitudes about Southerners who were on the wrong side of the Civil War. Some I knew about, others were enlightening. I can always count on this series to provide educational elements that broaden my historical knowledge, no matter how repugnant the facts. It’s a good story that kept me interested and on my toes. And, there’s a lovely payoff at the end.
There seemed to be an unending list of suspects in this story, all problematic when considering motive and opportunity. I got brain cramps at times trying to keep up with all the details, which included a lot of red herrings. The Oakes were a dysfunctional family to say the least but one of the more interesting ones to explore. I liked that Gino Donatelli and Maeve had significant roles in helping Frank and Sarah, perhaps a good sign of future stories to come. There was also some comic relief around Frank and his house renovations.
The story also illustrated the prejudices against Blacks and residual attitudes about Southerners who were on the wrong side of the Civil War. Some I knew about, others were enlightening. I can always count on this series to provide educational elements that broaden my historical knowledge, no matter how repugnant the facts. It’s a good story that kept me interested and on my toes. And, there’s a lovely payoff at the end.
January 27, 2021
Another great book! I just don't know where the autor gets her ideas - every book in this series considers a different type of situation and gives me an insight of how different types of people were treated in this period.
Here we have both the problems black people and Southerners had!
The abolition of slavery did not make lives much easier for black people. They were still surrounded by suspition and thought of as less human. They were relegated in one part of the city without the possibility to move and at the same time ruthlessly exploited by unscupulous building owners...
Also we get to see how the people who came from South after the war were treated with suspition as well. Hypocritically, because they used to own the black people...
A very convoluted mystery and several fun moments with Malloy and Sarah's house renovations and we have another winner!
Here we have both the problems black people and Southerners had!
The abolition of slavery did not make lives much easier for black people. They were still surrounded by suspition and thought of as less human. They were relegated in one part of the city without the possibility to move and at the same time ruthlessly exploited by unscupulous building owners...
Also we get to see how the people who came from South after the war were treated with suspition as well. Hypocritically, because they used to own the black people...
A very convoluted mystery and several fun moments with Malloy and Sarah's house renovations and we have another winner!
August 31, 2016
I have only four things to say.
~I could eat these books if they were edible.
~I loved this story.
~Ms. Thompson, once again, supplied plenty of entanglements, cracks and deflections; she had me continually guessing who the villain was.
~I cannot wait until November, 2015, for the next story. *Sigh.*
~I could eat these books if they were edible.
~I loved this story.
~Ms. Thompson, once again, supplied plenty of entanglements, cracks and deflections; she had me continually guessing who the villain was.
~I cannot wait until November, 2015, for the next story. *Sigh.*
May 13, 2019
**Reread May 2019: I listened to the audiobook for this reread and I didn't care for the narrator at all. I pretty much hated all the voices she used for the various characters, particularly Frank's. Otherwise, my original impressions of the book still stand.**
The Gaslight Mystery series has become one of my comfort reads. You know, those books you can go to where you can just sit back, relax, prop your feet up on the table and feel at home. This wasn't the best book in the series what with Sarah feeling somewhat sidelined in the first third of the book and there being precious little alone time between Sarah and Frank but, even so, it was an enjoyable way to spend an evening.
The Gaslight Mystery series has become one of my comfort reads. You know, those books you can go to where you can just sit back, relax, prop your feet up on the table and feel at home. This wasn't the best book in the series what with Sarah feeling somewhat sidelined in the first third of the book and there being precious little alone time between Sarah and Frank but, even so, it was an enjoyable way to spend an evening.
June 2, 2020
Ok, I did not see that one coming. A great installment to the Gaslight Mysteries and we finally get to see Frank and Sarah hitched! Can't wait for the next one.
May 7, 2015
Delightful and satisfying! I'm very glad to know that this will not be the last of the Gaslight mysteries and I'm a bit excited to find out more about Maeve and Gino in the next book.
I do have to say I like that the romance is a secondary plot and while it's nice to have the characters grow and change over the course of the series, each book stands alone quite well.
I do have to say I like that the romance is a secondary plot and while it's nice to have the characters grow and change over the course of the series, each book stands alone quite well.
May 11, 2019
When a family friend dies suddenly, Sarah Brandt and her mother make a bereavement call. It seems Charles Oakes suddenly took ill. He died a few days later. Charles' father thinks there may have been foul play and asks Sarah if she and her fiancée, Frank Malloy, would investigate. They discover that Charles was poisoned. Someone put arsenic in his warm milk. But everyone in the household professes to love Charles...everyone except his wife. Now Sarah and Frank have to put their wedding plans on hold in order to discover if there is a murderer living in an Upper West Side Mansion.
This is an excellent addition to the Gaslight Mystery series. There are a handful of suspects in this story. I kept jumping from one suspect to the next. It had me stumped. I was also happy that the author did not drag out Frank and Sarah's engagement over several books. My rating: 5 Stars.
This is an excellent addition to the Gaslight Mystery series. There are a handful of suspects in this story. I kept jumping from one suspect to the next. It had me stumped. I was also happy that the author did not drag out Frank and Sarah's engagement over several books. My rating: 5 Stars.
January 11, 2017
This is the seventeenth book in the Gaslight Mystery series by Victoria Thompson set in New York City in the late 1890s. Former City detective, Frank Malloy, and widowed midwife, Sarah Brandt, are engaged now and waiting for their new house to be renovated before they marry. Sarah and her mother have just come back from a condolence call to an old friend where she is asked by the dead man's family if Frank would be willing to investigate the circumstances. Frank is at loose ends now and eagerly takes on the job. As always, there are plenty of suspects.
One of the best things about this series are the interesting secondary characters, especially Maeve and Gino Donatelli. This entry dealt with some of the rules of society and obstacles members may face. The mystery moved along quickly and was well crafted. It could easily be read as a standalone even though I always recommend reading them in order.
Unlike many series where the characters never change, Victoria Thompson has done a great job of continuing to make them fresh. I look forward to continuing the series in the future.
One of the best things about this series are the interesting secondary characters, especially Maeve and Gino Donatelli. This entry dealt with some of the rules of society and obstacles members may face. The mystery moved along quickly and was well crafted. It could easily be read as a standalone even though I always recommend reading them in order.
Unlike many series where the characters never change, Victoria Thompson has done a great job of continuing to make them fresh. I look forward to continuing the series in the future.
April 9, 2019
This is the least interesting murder-mystery story of the series. The concept behind the story is novel, but it was poorly developed. I've not seen Frank, Sarah, Gino and Maeve portrayed with so poor investigative skills. They seemed to be ignoring vital clues and exercising amateur deductive reasoning. The writing was too repetitive, and at times it was exasperating. This is by far the poorly written installment I have read of the series. It is sadly disappointing.
The only thing satisfactory was Sarah's and Frank's wedding. Finally, after many many installments, they are finally united as husband and wife.
The only thing satisfactory was Sarah's and Frank's wedding. Finally, after many many installments, they are finally united as husband and wife.
July 6, 2021
Frank Malloy has moved into the house that he and Sarah Brandt will share after they get married, but they have to wait until restoration is done on the house to actually get married, and the workers are taking their sweet time about it. Meanwhile, Sarah accompanies her mother on a condolence call to the home of the Oakes family. Charles suddenly got sick and died a few days later. The Oakes have been friends with Sarah’s family for years, and so, on the visit, Charles’s father asks if Frank will investigate the death. He thinks that something is not right about it. It isn’t long before Frank confirms that Charles was poisoned. But who would poison him?
While these are historical mysteries, history doesn’t always come into play in these books. Here it does in a couple of different ways, and I enjoyed both of them. Fans of the series will be delighted with how the character’s lives are progressing. The mystery was a little slower than most, or maybe it just felt like it to me because I guessed some parts of the plot early on. Even so, I enjoyed some of the twists along the way to the satisfying climax. We get plenty of the supporting characters here, and I am enjoying how they are developing. The characters’ lives are transitioning still in this book, and long-time fans will be happy with how that progresses. This isn’t the strongest in the series, but it will still please fans.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
While these are historical mysteries, history doesn’t always come into play in these books. Here it does in a couple of different ways, and I enjoyed both of them. Fans of the series will be delighted with how the character’s lives are progressing. The mystery was a little slower than most, or maybe it just felt like it to me because I guessed some parts of the plot early on. Even so, I enjoyed some of the twists along the way to the satisfying climax. We get plenty of the supporting characters here, and I am enjoying how they are developing. The characters’ lives are transitioning still in this book, and long-time fans will be happy with how that progresses. This isn’t the strongest in the series, but it will still please fans.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
August 29, 2017
Another great addition to this series, and another one is apparently set to come this November. Can't wait!
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
June 22, 2020
Clever mystery, even if it verged on the gothic towards the end.
However, for this long time reader, the highlight of the book was Sarah and Frank's wedding. At last!
I am fairly certain that I read this when it first came out, however I have no record of that. But that was when I was in and out of the hospital a lot, so my memory of that time is vague. There were moments while reading this when I would say to myself, "that sounds familiar."
However, for this long time reader, the highlight of the book was Sarah and Frank's wedding. At last!
I am fairly certain that I read this when it first came out, however I have no record of that. But that was when I was in and out of the hospital a lot, so my memory of that time is vague. There were moments while reading this when I would say to myself, "that sounds familiar."
March 11, 2022
This book is the first full book in the phase of the series where Frank is freelancing. It was great to see Maeve and Gino taking a stronger roll. The one hitch was that Frank and Sarah weren’t investigating together as much as in the early books, which is kind of funny in light of them living on the same street now.
It’s always a little confusing where there are multiple generations of a family, all living in the same house, involved. I thought The Big Secret was pretty obvious from the start of their investigation, but it was still interesting to see it all play out.
The new, independent coroner might be an interesting character. I hope we see more of him.
It’s always a little confusing where there are multiple generations of a family, all living in the same house, involved. I thought The Big Secret was pretty obvious from the start of their investigation, but it was still interesting to see it all play out.
The new, independent coroner might be an interesting character. I hope we see more of him.
July 13, 2017
I must admit that I am getting very tired of how much padding is being done in this series. First Malloy learns something, then he tells Sarah all about it… in detail… then she tells Maeve… in detail… then they all fill in Gino… in detail… and on and on it goes. I can’t tell you how many times I read that milk is believed to bind arsenic and soothe the throat and stomach.
I consider this type of repetitious writing to be nothing more than “fill”.
NOTE: If it hadn’t been for , this book would have gotten 2 ½ stars.
I consider this type of repetitious writing to be nothing more than “fill”.
NOTE: If it hadn’t been for , this book would have gotten 2 ½ stars.
May 14, 2015
I love this series, but I think this might be my favorite book yet. I've followed Sarah Brandt and Frank Malloy from their first meeting. While I am excited that they finally (spoiler alert) get married, I was concerned that the series would lose something if they did. But I need not have feared. Victoria Thompson manages to keep the tension and the suspense from beginning to end. This book tackles some difficult subjects in our countries past with skill and finesse. I can't wait to see what comes next. Well done!
September 14, 2019
Murder on Amsterdam Avenue
4 Stars
With construction ongoing at his new house, Frank Malloy is eager to escape and readily agrees to investigate the mysterious death of Charles Oakes, a childhood acquaintance of Sarah's. It is soon revealed that young Charles was poisoned in his own home, but which of his family members or servants hated him enough to kill him?
An interesting mystery with compelling insights into the long-lasting effects of the American Civil War. One profound aspect of this series in general, and this book in particular, is the emphasis on the fact that very little has changed in the last century when it comes to twisted prejudices and hatred.
The investigation is pretty straightforward with several red-herrings to keep the reader guessing. There are some minor plot holes that could have been avoided with more character development, but the resolution is satisfying overall.
Frank and Sarah's growing menagerie of friends and family from different walks of life is a highlight of this series, and it was fun to see them all gathering to celebrate Frank and Sarah's marriage.
4 Stars
With construction ongoing at his new house, Frank Malloy is eager to escape and readily agrees to investigate the mysterious death of Charles Oakes, a childhood acquaintance of Sarah's. It is soon revealed that young Charles was poisoned in his own home, but which of his family members or servants hated him enough to kill him?
An interesting mystery with compelling insights into the long-lasting effects of the American Civil War. One profound aspect of this series in general, and this book in particular, is the emphasis on the fact that very little has changed in the last century when it comes to twisted prejudices and hatred.
The investigation is pretty straightforward with several red-herrings to keep the reader guessing. There are some minor plot holes that could have been avoided with more character development, but the resolution is satisfying overall.
Frank and Sarah's growing menagerie of friends and family from different walks of life is a highlight of this series, and it was fun to see them all gathering to celebrate Frank and Sarah's marriage.
October 22, 2020
Can Frank and Sarah solve this plot of poisoning?
Frank is called in to help solve a suspicious case of poisoning after Sarah and her mother pay a call of condolence. Plot twists abound including going back to the Civil War. Maeve and Gino get in on the case too.
Frank is called in to help solve a suspicious case of poisoning after Sarah and her mother pay a call of condolence. Plot twists abound including going back to the Civil War. Maeve and Gino get in on the case too.
May 14, 2024
This was absolutely wonderful.
June 23, 2015
**SPOILER ALERT**Finally, Frank and Sarah get married, after many years and 18 books! And after a very satisfying and knotty mystery surrounding yet another well-to-do New York family with skeletons galore in their collective closets...
For me this series started strong and gritty and has gotten cozier over the years (with a few rather lame installments), but these last several books have delivered an enjoyable combination of strong mysteries and a fun group of recurring characters to help Frank and Sarah to solve them. I'm glad I stuck with this series and look forward to "Murder on St. Nicholas Avenue", which Thompson says in her Author's Note will come out in November 2015 as a reward to loyal fans who've waited patiently over the years for Sarah and Frank to finally tie the knot. Two books in a year, and a chance for Gino and Maeve to take center stage? Sign me up!
For me this series started strong and gritty and has gotten cozier over the years (with a few rather lame installments), but these last several books have delivered an enjoyable combination of strong mysteries and a fun group of recurring characters to help Frank and Sarah to solve them. I'm glad I stuck with this series and look forward to "Murder on St. Nicholas Avenue", which Thompson says in her Author's Note will come out in November 2015 as a reward to loyal fans who've waited patiently over the years for Sarah and Frank to finally tie the knot. Two books in a year, and a chance for Gino and Maeve to take center stage? Sign me up!
June 10, 2016
Frank and Sarah are a terrific couple, and their sleuthing abilities and opportunities complement each other so well. I appreciated the reminder that the Civil War still had an impact in 1898-99, even up in NY. The character development and the story are equally strong, and we get a glimpse at a part of NY, the black community, that carries such interesting parallels to modern life.
December 27, 2021
Review to follow
April 4, 2019
This is another terrific entry in the Gaslight mystery series. In 17 books, Thompson always manages to create totally different scenarios around the murder and present a new aspect of history. Since the 1890's is only 30 years after the end of the Civil War, it makes sense that refugees would find their way to New York City. The wife of a wealthy man just happens to be a young woman he rescued after finding her alone on a Georgia plantation, with all of her family dead. Now, over thirty years later, Frank Malloy is summoned to his house to investigate the sudden death of his son. This mystery contains a number of suspects, including several red herrings. I was holding my breath until the very end to confirm who committed this dastardly crime.
Although sometimes Thompson's victims are revealed to have led unsavory lives, with their murder bringing a sort of justice, this was not the case in this story. I found myself tearful at times, which is a credit to Thompson's ability to involve the reader with her characters. But, never fear, there was plenty of joy at the end for Frank and Sarah. This is one of my favorite books of the series as it set up Frank's new role as an investigator, now that he has left the police force. We can expect more wonderful adventures to include Gino and Maeve as permanent members of this ensemble cast.
Although sometimes Thompson's victims are revealed to have led unsavory lives, with their murder bringing a sort of justice, this was not the case in this story. I found myself tearful at times, which is a credit to Thompson's ability to involve the reader with her characters. But, never fear, there was plenty of joy at the end for Frank and Sarah. This is one of my favorite books of the series as it set up Frank's new role as an investigator, now that he has left the police force. We can expect more wonderful adventures to include Gino and Maeve as permanent members of this ensemble cast.
March 22, 2021
Finally!!! The wedding that I never thought would happen! But of course a mystery has to be solved first.
Synopsis: Sarah accompanies her mother on a condolence call to the Oakes family. Gerald and Jenny Oakes have tragically lost their only son Charles. Sarah is shocked when Gerald tells her that he believes his son was murdered and he wants Frank to find out for sure if his son was in fact murdered and who did it. This book touched on a subject that is very much in the news right now, racism and prejudice. It’s a very accurate depiction of how things were during this time, and it is sad to imagine the lengths people would go to, in order to protect their reputation or the reputation of their family. Defintely one of my favorite books in the series.
Synopsis: Sarah accompanies her mother on a condolence call to the Oakes family. Gerald and Jenny Oakes have tragically lost their only son Charles. Sarah is shocked when Gerald tells her that he believes his son was murdered and he wants Frank to find out for sure if his son was in fact murdered and who did it. This book touched on a subject that is very much in the news right now, racism and prejudice. It’s a very accurate depiction of how things were during this time, and it is sad to imagine the lengths people would go to, in order to protect their reputation or the reputation of their family. Defintely one of my favorite books in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2022
The case here had its high and low points, but I was really interested in the transition points here as Frank is learning to embrace his new role. Lots of fun character moments and good family time, and I obviously adored the end getting to see everyone come together for the wedding. "I would be glad to marry you twice a day, every single day for the rest of my life" is a line that's going to stay with me a while.
May 31, 2019
It's the first book of the Gaslight mystery series in which Malloy has nothing to do with Police headquarters and I can't say I really liked it!
The crime solving part was interesting enough but I was so disappointed that after waiting for seventeen books the union between Sarah and Frank took only four pages!
They are a sweet couple though!
Hope the next instalments are better because I really love the main characters and the stories!
The crime solving part was interesting enough but I was so disappointed that after waiting for seventeen books the union between Sarah and Frank took only four pages!
They are a sweet couple though!
Hope the next instalments are better because I really love the main characters and the stories!
March 17, 2018
Finally. A less horrifying murder.
November 5, 2020
[4.5 stars]
May 21, 2019
This is another enjoyable installment of the Gaslight Mystery series. In this novel, now former midwife Sarah Brandt is engaged to be married to former police detective Frank Malloy. As they make plans for their wedding and work on having their future home renovated, a friend of Sarah's mother asks for Malloy's help, because he thinks his son was murdered. When this turns out to be true, Malloy and Sarah find themselves involved in an ever-thickening plot as more people fall victim to the diabolical murderer. There are plenty of twists and turns in this novel, and Victoria Thompson does not disappoint.
I am a huge fan of this series; it is by far my favorite mystery series, and all because of the wonderful characters. And it isn't just Sarah and Frank that I like, but also Catherine, Brian, Maeve, former-officer Donatelli, and Mrs. Ellsworth. They all put in appearances, and do their part to help solve the case. Victoria Thompson does a wonderful job with character, as usual, which is why I keep coming back to this series again and again.
At the end of the novel, a treat is announced: Usually Ms. Thompson puts out 1 book/year, but this year, she is putting out an extra one in the fall, which will focus on Maeve and Gino (who are starting to become romantically interested in each other) solving a case on their own. I am really excited about this. I love Frank and Sarah, but I'm also a huge fan of Maeve's and Gino's, so it will be fun to see them work a case together. I think it is fair to say that Gino will have no easier time keeping Maeve from getting into trouble than Frank had with Sarah -- maybe less.
If you like good mysteries or good period pieces, this book is worth a try. However, I highly recommend you start on book 1... and enjoy them all. This is the 17th book, and I hope there will be another 17 to come.
I am a huge fan of this series; it is by far my favorite mystery series, and all because of the wonderful characters. And it isn't just Sarah and Frank that I like, but also Catherine, Brian, Maeve, former-officer Donatelli, and Mrs. Ellsworth. They all put in appearances, and do their part to help solve the case. Victoria Thompson does a wonderful job with character, as usual, which is why I keep coming back to this series again and again.
At the end of the novel, a treat is announced: Usually Ms. Thompson puts out 1 book/year, but this year, she is putting out an extra one in the fall, which will focus on Maeve and Gino (who are starting to become romantically interested in each other) solving a case on their own. I am really excited about this. I love Frank and Sarah, but I'm also a huge fan of Maeve's and Gino's, so it will be fun to see them work a case together. I think it is fair to say that Gino will have no easier time keeping Maeve from getting into trouble than Frank had with Sarah -- maybe less.
If you like good mysteries or good period pieces, this book is worth a try. However, I highly recommend you start on book 1... and enjoy them all. This is the 17th book, and I hope there will be another 17 to come.
June 2, 2015
I cannot believe Frank and Sarah are finally getting married. It seems like forever that fans have been waiting this event. I have followed Sarah, as a midwife since her first book. I was reading when she adopted her daughter Catherine, and brought Maeve home to live with her. Meeting Det. Frank Malloy, and his grouchy mother, and his deaf son Brian was so great, yet took so long to develop into a lasting relationship for Sarah. That said, there is a back story of poisoning that happens to one of Sarah's families friends son. Frank is no longer working for the police, but agrees to look into the case for Sarah. Gino has returned from the war, and offers to pick up where he left off, and accepts Frank's offer for help. He was once attracted to Maeve, and still seems charmed by her. The murder mystery is well done, as always. There are lots of twists, and surprises. Lots of clues, and people you want to be guilty, just because they are horrid. It was well plotted out, and very enjoyable. I love these books. I gave it a 5, because of the ending, or the last three chapters. Those of us that have waited years, deserved a great ending of love in this series. This book like all the others, in this series was excellent.
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