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Nell Sweeney Mysteries #2
Murder in a Mill Town
Nell Sweeney, a young Irish-born governess in post-Civil War Boston, may not have much, but she does possess both a keen mind and a brave heart. As governess to the wealthy Hewitt family, she finds plenty of opportunities to use both—especially when the seamy side of society shows itself...
The lowborn Fallons come to Viola Hewitt with a desperate plea for help. Their wayward daughter, Bridget, a pretty young employee of Hewitt Mills and Dye Works, hasn’t been seen for days. Mrs. Fallon, unwilling to believe that Bridget would just run off without a word, fears that she’s come to a bad end—possibly at the hands of her ex-con lover. Viola, confined to a wheelchair, enlists Nell to locate the missing mill girl. Working with Viola’s black sheep son, Will, Nell uncovers a web of schemes and greed and dark obsession… and what she knows may just be the death of her.
Originally published by Berkley Prime Crime.
The lowborn Fallons come to Viola Hewitt with a desperate plea for help. Their wayward daughter, Bridget, a pretty young employee of Hewitt Mills and Dye Works, hasn’t been seen for days. Mrs. Fallon, unwilling to believe that Bridget would just run off without a word, fears that she’s come to a bad end—possibly at the hands of her ex-con lover. Viola, confined to a wheelchair, enlists Nell to locate the missing mill girl. Working with Viola’s black sheep son, Will, Nell uncovers a web of schemes and greed and dark obsession… and what she knows may just be the death of her.
Originally published by Berkley Prime Crime.
272 pages, Paperback
First published July 6, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
December 29, 2024
I am trying to start the new year afresh so only a few words for outstanding reviews.
The 2nd volume from this series delivers what was expected from it: a cosy mystery although with a dark subject, with a bit of romance. I will be reading more of this series.
The 2nd volume from this series delivers what was expected from it: a cosy mystery although with a dark subject, with a bit of romance. I will be reading more of this series.
May 2, 2017
Review written June 12, 2016
4.4 Stars - Another terrific installment. I'm a sincere Ms Sweeney Mysteries fan by now.
Book #2
Eight audiobook hours in a historical mystery series narrated by Leigh Ryan. I very much liked, both this narrator, the characters and the story itself, in first part Still Life With Murder. 4.5 stars (rounded to 5) from me. — Glad to say; this sequel was as good.
Boston 1868...
Cornelia Nell Sweeney is a Irish immigrant and governess for the 4 years old adopted daughter of the wealthy Bostonians Viola and August Hewitt. Nell is nowadays also a kind of brave "sleuth" after helping Mrs Hewitt solving a mystery case in the first book.
Then, a half year ago, she first met the Hewitt family's dissapered "black sheep" and oldest son Will Hewitt for the first time. Assumed dead and after experiencing the US Civil War horrors ( that ended a couple of years ago) is still this war hero (and previously a dedicated medical doctor), struggling with his life and having a hard time to go back to the wealthy upper class Boston life his family lives. — Nell's, in early age quite damaged heart, has maybe in this, sadly opium addicted but so bright and charming, man found her supposed love of life. Or?
Murder in a Mill Town brings a new mystery case for Nell Sweeney. — A young worker woman has very strangely suddenly disappeared. Her parents, mother at least, are worried and they are visiting the Hewitt's townhouse to ask the Lady of the house for help. ...Their daughter was working at the Hewitt family's big textile mill. — We also learn more about Nel's past and Duncan.
# A new good mystery case. I wasn't sure who was the evil villain until the very last end and it was both exciting and thrilling heartbreaking.
# Best of course the slowly developing so very interesting relationship between Nell and Will.
Very enjoying audio-listening again...
The Nell Sweeney Mysteries is maybe my favorite historical crime series right now. I love to be with these terrific fiction characters and I just want more audio-hours with this lovely narrator. Not a romance series but this is for sure for me. Looking forward to start the third audiobook Death on Beacon Hill really soon.
I LIKE - so very much!!
4.4 Stars - Another terrific installment. I'm a sincere Ms Sweeney Mysteries fan by now.
Book #2
Eight audiobook hours in a historical mystery series narrated by Leigh Ryan. I very much liked, both this narrator, the characters and the story itself, in first part Still Life With Murder. 4.5 stars (rounded to 5) from me. — Glad to say; this sequel was as good.
Boston 1868...
Cornelia Nell Sweeney is a Irish immigrant and governess for the 4 years old adopted daughter of the wealthy Bostonians Viola and August Hewitt. Nell is nowadays also a kind of brave "sleuth" after helping Mrs Hewitt solving a mystery case in the first book.
Then, a half year ago, she first met the Hewitt family's dissapered "black sheep" and oldest son Will Hewitt for the first time. Assumed dead and after experiencing the US Civil War horrors ( that ended a couple of years ago) is still this war hero (and previously a dedicated medical doctor), struggling with his life and having a hard time to go back to the wealthy upper class Boston life his family lives. — Nell's, in early age quite damaged heart, has maybe in this, sadly opium addicted but so bright and charming, man found her supposed love of life. Or?
“There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.”
“What?” he asked.
She dipped the cloth in the water, wrung it out, and stroked it gently over his face. “I missed you, too.”
Murder in a Mill Town brings a new mystery case for Nell Sweeney. — A young worker woman has very strangely suddenly disappeared. Her parents, mother at least, are worried and they are visiting the Hewitt's townhouse to ask the Lady of the house for help. ...Their daughter was working at the Hewitt family's big textile mill. — We also learn more about Nel's past and Duncan.
# A new good mystery case. I wasn't sure who was the evil villain until the very last end and it was both exciting and thrilling heartbreaking.
# Best of course the slowly developing so very interesting relationship between Nell and Will.
Very enjoying audio-listening again...
The Nell Sweeney Mysteries is maybe my favorite historical crime series right now. I love to be with these terrific fiction characters and I just want more audio-hours with this lovely narrator. Not a romance series but this is for sure for me. Looking forward to start the third audiobook Death on Beacon Hill really soon.
I LIKE - so very much!!
December 4, 2017
I loved the investigation in this one, the big revelation at the end got me all spooked. I also loved how the relationship between Nell and Will got deeper but they're still just friends.
However, I do see some upcoming issues regarding their relationship and I don't like when an author prolongs romance on purpose to create more conflict.
However, I do see some upcoming issues regarding their relationship and I don't like when an author prolongs romance on purpose to create more conflict.
June 4, 2015
It only gets better and better.
I have been looking forward to read every single line of every book of the entire series. The Nell Sweeney mysteries introduced me to a completely new world of mystery novels. I have now finished the series, but I chose to write a review for this particular one because it is where I fully recognized the true potential of this saga.
Nell Sweeney is a strong-willed, brave and wicked-awesome female lead. I despise reading books which give me the urge to say "grow a backbone, for goodness' sake" to the female character. Of course, it doesn't hurt to show a weak side once in a while, but constant whines and complaints just drive me crazy. As for our beloved Nell Sweeney, she is the representative of a strong-willed woman. She not only has a courageous side, but also a fragile and delicate traits, reflecting her humane side. Although Nell is a wonderful character, alone she would have stood out too much among every other wonderful elements of this novel. That's when our hero joins in.
William Hewitt is no super hero. He is, in fact, an ex-battle physician injured both physically and emotionally, a serious drug addict, a former-prisoner, and a professional gambler. He is not what you would call the 'usual' one. I honestly don't think I have seen a more emotionally fragile hero before. Will is such an amiable character, because despite his 'flaws' he is the most gentlemanly hero you will ever meet. Doesn't mean that he has no dark sides to him, but it only adds on to his charms.
Murder in the Mill Town introduces us to Harry, Will's vicious half-brother. In this one we get to meet numerous new characters all armed with their own charms. The plot line is as exciting as ever, and the truth behind the mystery cases will make you shudder in the end.
I have been looking forward to read every single line of every book of the entire series. The Nell Sweeney mysteries introduced me to a completely new world of mystery novels. I have now finished the series, but I chose to write a review for this particular one because it is where I fully recognized the true potential of this saga.
Nell Sweeney is a strong-willed, brave and wicked-awesome female lead. I despise reading books which give me the urge to say "grow a backbone, for goodness' sake" to the female character. Of course, it doesn't hurt to show a weak side once in a while, but constant whines and complaints just drive me crazy. As for our beloved Nell Sweeney, she is the representative of a strong-willed woman. She not only has a courageous side, but also a fragile and delicate traits, reflecting her humane side. Although Nell is a wonderful character, alone she would have stood out too much among every other wonderful elements of this novel. That's when our hero joins in.
William Hewitt is no super hero. He is, in fact, an ex-battle physician injured both physically and emotionally, a serious drug addict, a former-prisoner, and a professional gambler. He is not what you would call the 'usual' one. I honestly don't think I have seen a more emotionally fragile hero before. Will is such an amiable character, because despite his 'flaws' he is the most gentlemanly hero you will ever meet. Doesn't mean that he has no dark sides to him, but it only adds on to his charms.
Murder in the Mill Town introduces us to Harry, Will's vicious half-brother. In this one we get to meet numerous new characters all armed with their own charms. The plot line is as exciting as ever, and the truth behind the mystery cases will make you shudder in the end.
July 17, 2012
I bought this as soon as I had finished the first one and tore through it like I did the first one. I haven't bought the next one yet, I don't want to go through them too fast so I'm going to re-read the first two before moving on to the third one. Plus now that we've gotten more of Nell's past, some surprising to me and some not, that had been hinted at in the first book, I want to re-read with that knowledge in mind.
I had two characters I was suspicious of this time and one of them turned out to be correct so I was pleased with the mystery aspect of the story. I was also please with how the relationship between Nell and Will is slowly moving forward, not just romantically, with the expected hurdles to a relationship between them, but also as them solving mysteries together. It's not like they go out with the intend to solve a mystery, but it evolves naturally with the storyline and it worked in their respective medical backgrounds plausibly. There was also a nice dramatic scene at the end that added that creditable threat of danger, even though you know nothing too terribly dreadful is going to happen to the main characters.
Edited to add: I prefer the covers of the actual books than to the kindle covers, which are kind of blah.
I had two characters I was suspicious of this time and one of them turned out to be correct so I was pleased with the mystery aspect of the story. I was also please with how the relationship between Nell and Will is slowly moving forward, not just romantically, with the expected hurdles to a relationship between them, but also as them solving mysteries together. It's not like they go out with the intend to solve a mystery, but it evolves naturally with the storyline and it worked in their respective medical backgrounds plausibly. There was also a nice dramatic scene at the end that added that creditable threat of danger, even though you know nothing too terribly dreadful is going to happen to the main characters.
Edited to add: I prefer the covers of the actual books than to the kindle covers, which are kind of blah.
June 10, 2018
Murder in a Mill Town
4 Stars
When a young woman working at the Hewitt family mill disappears, her parents approach the Hewitt matriarch for help locating her and Viola, in turn, enlists the aid of her inquisitive governess, Nell Sweeney. As Nell begins to investigate, she finds herself confronting shadows from her past that not only put her position at risk, but endanger her life as well.
The mystery is well-paced with Nell following clues and questioning witnesses. The identity of the villain is unexpected, although in hindsight the evidence is apparent, and the climax is one of the most intense I’ve encountered in this genre.
Nell’s relationship with the Hewitt’s prodigal son, Will, continues where it left off in the previous installment. While their romance is more of a slow-burn, the spark is definitely there and they are moving in the right direction.
More details are also forthcoming with regard to Nell’s murky past and it would seem that will be playing more of a role in the future. This is actually one aspect of the story that does not appeal and hopefully the author will not drag it out indefinitely.
In sum, Murder in a Mill Town is a solid sequel and I look forward to reading more in the series.
4 Stars
When a young woman working at the Hewitt family mill disappears, her parents approach the Hewitt matriarch for help locating her and Viola, in turn, enlists the aid of her inquisitive governess, Nell Sweeney. As Nell begins to investigate, she finds herself confronting shadows from her past that not only put her position at risk, but endanger her life as well.
The mystery is well-paced with Nell following clues and questioning witnesses. The identity of the villain is unexpected, although in hindsight the evidence is apparent, and the climax is one of the most intense I’ve encountered in this genre.
Nell’s relationship with the Hewitt’s prodigal son, Will, continues where it left off in the previous installment. While their romance is more of a slow-burn, the spark is definitely there and they are moving in the right direction.
More details are also forthcoming with regard to Nell’s murky past and it would seem that will be playing more of a role in the future. This is actually one aspect of the story that does not appeal and hopefully the author will not drag it out indefinitely.
In sum, Murder in a Mill Town is a solid sequel and I look forward to reading more in the series.
April 8, 2010
Although GR calls this the 3rd book in the series, it isn't it is really the 2nd.
When Bridget 'Bridie' Sullivan goes missing, no one believes that anything untoward has happened to her. She is a bit of a good time girl and everyone thinks she just ran off with her ex-con boyfriend. Everyone, that is, except her mother. Mrs. Fallon knows that Bridie wouldn't just run off, but no one will believe her. Desperate she turns to Mrs. Hewitt who is known to have a compassionate heart. And Bridie worked as a mill girl in one of the Hewitt family's mills.
Feeling sorry for the woman, Mrs. Hewitt does ask Nell to ask around and see what she can find out about Bridie's disappearance. Because Nell is a governess, she has the ability to move about that neither lower servants nor upper class ladies can lay claim to.
Nell agrees and as she does go in search of Birdie, Nell becomes convinced that Harry Hewitt, the ne'er do well middle son of the Hewitt clan is somehow involved. Harry and Nell have a hostile relationship. He despises Nell because she accused him of murder in the previous book Still Life with Murder. Nell despises Harry because he represents the very worst part of the wealthy upperclass. Harry is profligate with a very destructive lifestyle. Yet his worst excesses are always smoothed away by his father's money and he never feels any remorse for anything he does because he is never required to answer for it.
And Nell learns that Harry, who routinely slept with the mill girls he supervised, had been especially enamored of the beautiful Bridie.
But Harry has an unlikely champion. His older brother Will does not think Harry is capable of harming a woman. So he teams up with Nell to help find out what really happened to the woman.
This is a wonderful follow up to the previous book. All the things that I enjoyed in the first book -- the characters, the setting, the structure of the plot -- are all evident in this one as well.
I especially like that the story isn't very predictable. Just as the previous book, Ryan leads you on and allows you to make assumptions that she then cheerfully smashes with a nice curveball. I didn't guess the bad guy in this one either!
I am also enjoying the progress of the relationship between Nell and Will. On a professional level the two of them are creating a nice, albeit unconscious working relationship. With her background as a nurse and Will profession as a doctor (and his fascination with what we now know as forensics) and their knowledge of anatomy, physiology and even pathology give the conclusions they draw a little more credibility than if they had been random amateur sleuths.
On a personal level it is obvious the two of them are attracted to each other and are very much sublimating any less that platonic feelings. Will gently teases Nell and there is an undercurrent of courting to it. But Will is a man with some very large demons to slay and he has no intentions of becoming involved with Nell. For her part, Nell does not reciprocate -- at least not verbally. And Ryan does such a great job of parceling out pieces of Nell's past in a very deliberate fashion so that when certain revelations occur in this book they fill Will (and the reader!) with some dismay.
But then the book ends so --- sigh. I had to hop out of bed and grab the next one.
I am kicking myself that I let these books languish in a box for the last three years.
Recommended.
When Bridget 'Bridie' Sullivan goes missing, no one believes that anything untoward has happened to her. She is a bit of a good time girl and everyone thinks she just ran off with her ex-con boyfriend. Everyone, that is, except her mother. Mrs. Fallon knows that Bridie wouldn't just run off, but no one will believe her. Desperate she turns to Mrs. Hewitt who is known to have a compassionate heart. And Bridie worked as a mill girl in one of the Hewitt family's mills.
Feeling sorry for the woman, Mrs. Hewitt does ask Nell to ask around and see what she can find out about Bridie's disappearance. Because Nell is a governess, she has the ability to move about that neither lower servants nor upper class ladies can lay claim to.
Nell agrees and as she does go in search of Birdie, Nell becomes convinced that Harry Hewitt, the ne'er do well middle son of the Hewitt clan is somehow involved. Harry and Nell have a hostile relationship. He despises Nell because she accused him of murder in the previous book Still Life with Murder. Nell despises Harry because he represents the very worst part of the wealthy upperclass. Harry is profligate with a very destructive lifestyle. Yet his worst excesses are always smoothed away by his father's money and he never feels any remorse for anything he does because he is never required to answer for it.
And Nell learns that Harry, who routinely slept with the mill girls he supervised, had been especially enamored of the beautiful Bridie.
But Harry has an unlikely champion. His older brother Will does not think Harry is capable of harming a woman. So he teams up with Nell to help find out what really happened to the woman.
This is a wonderful follow up to the previous book. All the things that I enjoyed in the first book -- the characters, the setting, the structure of the plot -- are all evident in this one as well.
I especially like that the story isn't very predictable. Just as the previous book, Ryan leads you on and allows you to make assumptions that she then cheerfully smashes with a nice curveball. I didn't guess the bad guy in this one either!
I am also enjoying the progress of the relationship between Nell and Will. On a professional level the two of them are creating a nice, albeit unconscious working relationship. With her background as a nurse and Will profession as a doctor (and his fascination with what we now know as forensics) and their knowledge of anatomy, physiology and even pathology give the conclusions they draw a little more credibility than if they had been random amateur sleuths.
On a personal level it is obvious the two of them are attracted to each other and are very much sublimating any less that platonic feelings. Will gently teases Nell and there is an undercurrent of courting to it. But Will is a man with some very large demons to slay and he has no intentions of becoming involved with Nell. For her part, Nell does not reciprocate -- at least not verbally. And Ryan does such a great job of parceling out pieces of Nell's past in a very deliberate fashion so that when certain revelations occur in this book they fill Will (and the reader!) with some dismay.
But then the book ends so --- sigh. I had to hop out of bed and grab the next one.
I am kicking myself that I let these books languish in a box for the last three years.
Recommended.
October 4, 2014
I never do this anymore. There are too many things to do in the day (not the least of which are looming academic deadlines) to even contemplate this. But yesterday I finished Still Life With Murder and immediately bought this book, the sequel, and proceeded to read it in a day. Granted, it was not exactly a long book, but in order to complete this feat of a book and a half in one day I had to forgo my daily research/writing goal, lunch, email, and laundry. I refuse to name which of those was the hardest to give up, haha. But that should give you an idea of how enamored I am with this series.
This one did feel a little repetitive from the first, but not in such a way that I really cared. I was just glad to see the relationship between Will and Nell progress. Nothing like a little danger to make the heart grow fonder, am I right?
For the sake of my professional career I will be holding off on purchasing book three. But let's be honest... there are only six books in the entire series so now I've also moved into conservation mode. I think every truly dedicated reader has a favorite completed series (or possibly two or three!) where the dreaded thought of finishing the series sometimes outweighs the desire to read the next book. I need to portion off the remaining books so that my Nell/Will fix lasts as long as possible!
This one did feel a little repetitive from the first, but not in such a way that I really cared. I was just glad to see the relationship between Will and Nell progress. Nothing like a little danger to make the heart grow fonder, am I right?
For the sake of my professional career I will be holding off on purchasing book three. But let's be honest... there are only six books in the entire series so now I've also moved into conservation mode. I think every truly dedicated reader has a favorite completed series (or possibly two or three!) where the dreaded thought of finishing the series sometimes outweighs the desire to read the next book. I need to portion off the remaining books so that my Nell/Will fix lasts as long as possible!
February 29, 2012
In some ways I actually liked this mystery more than the first and I like how the relationships between the characters are developing. I didn't guess whodunit until the end but I should have because it was the same guy that did it in the first book. The writing is so good though and both Nell and William Hewitt and other characters are so likable that it makes up for a lot of things. It was a fun read and very entertaining in spite of itself.
.... ***********SPOILER ALERT NOW************** ...
There were two things that I dind't like; one of them was not so much a dislike as I could see it getting tiresome if the same situation crops up in Book #3.
Firstly, the request to investigate the disappearance of Bridie seems to come out of nowhere as if Nell had become some famous sleuth like Sherlock Holmes. It just didn't seem to fit. I mean, during that time the parents of a millworker would have never gone to the "big house" asking the boss's mother to investigate their daughter's death.
The second, which could get tiresome if it's repeated in the 3rd book is that Nell is now 2 for 2 -- Unsuspectingly trapped by yet another psychotic lunatic that wants to rape and kill her. I'm sure there are other types of killers running around that won't succumb to Nell's charms....
So, it's on to Book 3 because these are just fun, quick reads!
.... ***********SPOILER ALERT NOW************** ...
There were two things that I dind't like; one of them was not so much a dislike as I could see it getting tiresome if the same situation crops up in Book #3.
Firstly, the request to investigate the disappearance of Bridie seems to come out of nowhere as if Nell had become some famous sleuth like Sherlock Holmes. It just didn't seem to fit. I mean, during that time the parents of a millworker would have never gone to the "big house" asking the boss's mother to investigate their daughter's death.
The second, which could get tiresome if it's repeated in the 3rd book is that Nell is now 2 for 2 -- Unsuspectingly trapped by yet another psychotic lunatic that wants to rape and kill her. I'm sure there are other types of killers running around that won't succumb to Nell's charms....
So, it's on to Book 3 because these are just fun, quick reads!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2015
I really enjoyed the first book in this series (Still Life With Murder), and I'm really glad to find out the second book continues all the things that I liked in the first. By a series of luck and coincidence Nell Sweeney has managed to rise from the Irish ghettoes of Boston to become the governess for one of Boston's Brahmin families and a bit of a private investigator for her boss. In this book we find out more about Nell's background - which I won't go into here as it would involve spoilers - and her growing relationship with William Hewitt, the black-sheep son of her employer. In this adventure, Mrs. Hewitt asks Nell to look into the disappearance of a mill worker at the family factory overseen by another of the Hewitt sons. This brings us into the Boston prisons of the 1860s. If you're looking for historical accuracy, this probably is not the series for you. Nell gets around way too much in her hoop skirts. But it's completely entertaining, and I enjoyed the way the plot was revealed, with just a fine ending. Can't wait for the next one.
March 16, 2020
Once again Nell is drawn into the investigation of a murder and once again looks to the Irish detective and her 'friend' Dr. Hewitt to solve the mystery.
It is a great whodunit that gives great detail about the post-Civil War era in Brahmin Boston.
It is a great series and I look forward to continuing reading the adventurs of Nell Sweeney!
It is a great whodunit that gives great detail about the post-Civil War era in Brahmin Boston.
It is a great series and I look forward to continuing reading the adventurs of Nell Sweeney!
October 22, 2014
My second Nell Sweeney book followed very quickly from the first, something I don't usually do, but I loved the first story so much I jumped straight in. And I loved this one even more! Now that the scene is set, and we've been introduced to Boston, Nell, Will and the Hewitts in the first book, there was more of a murder/mystery in this one, and much more time to concentrate on Nell's background. In fact, her past plays a major role in this story, and it's fascinating. I don't want to spoil it, so I'll say no more, save that it didn't disappoint. And as to Will and Nell - this was my favourite part of the book. It would have been tempting to get them together, but totally against their very complex natures, and the obstacles they have to overcome are huge. I thought Ms Ryan handled the relationship brilliantly - so brilliantly that I'm going to have to work very hard not to launch into book three. Great stuff, highly recommended.
April 23, 2017
I enjoyed this more than the first one. Not that I didn't like the first one, but this has less focus on opium addiction and opium dens, and the mystery is more central, with both Nell and Will on the case. The mystery has a couple good twists, and the relationship between Nell and Will develops without taking over the plot or jumping into romance. There's actually almost no romance to it at all - more a deepening friendship. We get to learn more about Nell's past as well.
September 25, 2024
I'm really enjoying this series. Flawed protagonists, historical ambience of post-Civil War America and a few red herrings along the way. Liked it so much I immediately bought and began reading the next in the series!
(Reviewed 7/15/12)
(Reviewed 7/15/12)
January 14, 2013
Nell what did you get your self into this time... Oh she s just one hell of a character! Absolutely loved it! And I cannot wait for more ...
August 26, 2016
The twists and turns continue in this second installment of PB Ryan’s Gilded Age mystery series. A good mystery + the beginnings of a romance = what more could I ask for?
June 11, 2014
Mystery is a treat
PB Bryan gets better as this book shows at intricately spinning a story to add surprise at the last second with an ending to please the reader.
PB Bryan gets better as this book shows at intricately spinning a story to add surprise at the last second with an ending to please the reader.
August 25, 2020
Ich bin wirklich erstaunt, wie gut dieses sehr unscheinbare Buch doch ist. Als ich es damals aus der Mängelexemplarkiste des Globus gerettet habe und dann jahrelang nicht gelesen habe, konnte ich mir wirklich nicht vorstellen, dass es ein kleiner Schatz ist. Also kurz gesagt, sehr spannender Krimi mit interessanter Wendung und tollen Charakteren.
Die Geschichte ist gut geschrieben, auch so, dass Leute, die den ersten Band nicht gelesen haben, trotzdem mit Charakteren klar kommen. Schließlich wird ja sehr viel der Hintergrundgeschichte der Hauptfiguren erst in diesem Band gezeigt, zumindest erfährt Will erst am Ende des Buchs von Nells Vergangenheit. Der Kriminalfall an sich war gut und ich wusste auch erst mit der Hauptfigur zusammen, wer jetzt nun der Täter ist, also es gab genug Hinweise, die aber unter den Lügen der einzelnen Charaktere versteckt waren.
Ich konnte auch richtig gut mit der Hauptfigur Nell mitfühlen, der Schreibstil ist auch sehr direkt, was wirklich dazu beiträgt. Ich werde auf jeden Fall auch die anderen Bücher lesen und den ersten Band nachholen.
I am really amazed at how good this quite unspectacular book is. When I rescued it back then from the Globus' damaged book box and then didn't read it for years, I really couldn't imagine that it was a little treasure. So in short, very exciting crime novel with an interesting twist and great characters.
The story is well written, also in a way that people who didn't read the first volume still get along with characters. After all, a lot of the background story of the main characters is only shown in this volume, at least Will only learns about Nell's past at the end of the book. The criminal case itself was good and I only knew who is the culprit along with the main character, so there were enough clues, but they were hidden under the lies of each character.
I was also able to empathize really well with the main character Nell, the writing style is also very direct, which really contributes to this. I will definitely read the other books as well and catch up on the first volume.
Die Geschichte ist gut geschrieben, auch so, dass Leute, die den ersten Band nicht gelesen haben, trotzdem mit Charakteren klar kommen. Schließlich wird ja sehr viel der Hintergrundgeschichte der Hauptfiguren erst in diesem Band gezeigt, zumindest erfährt Will erst am Ende des Buchs von Nells Vergangenheit. Der Kriminalfall an sich war gut und ich wusste auch erst mit der Hauptfigur zusammen, wer jetzt nun der Täter ist, also es gab genug Hinweise, die aber unter den Lügen der einzelnen Charaktere versteckt waren.
Ich konnte auch richtig gut mit der Hauptfigur Nell mitfühlen, der Schreibstil ist auch sehr direkt, was wirklich dazu beiträgt. Ich werde auf jeden Fall auch die anderen Bücher lesen und den ersten Band nachholen.
I am really amazed at how good this quite unspectacular book is. When I rescued it back then from the Globus' damaged book box and then didn't read it for years, I really couldn't imagine that it was a little treasure. So in short, very exciting crime novel with an interesting twist and great characters.
The story is well written, also in a way that people who didn't read the first volume still get along with characters. After all, a lot of the background story of the main characters is only shown in this volume, at least Will only learns about Nell's past at the end of the book. The criminal case itself was good and I only knew who is the culprit along with the main character, so there were enough clues, but they were hidden under the lies of each character.
I was also able to empathize really well with the main character Nell, the writing style is also very direct, which really contributes to this. I will definitely read the other books as well and catch up on the first volume.
September 20, 2019
What am I going to do when this series is over? Now, this is a crazy thing to be worrying about when I've just finished the second of the six novels in this series. This author is offering something unique in the world of reading -- an intelligent, resourceful, likable heroine who avoids the common problems of lots of heroines (immaturity, clinginess or other irritating character flaws).
Nell has a difficult past that she is hiding in order to keep her job as a governess in a wealthy Boston home. She's not proud of what she's done but she tries to learn from her previous mistakes and soldier on with life. Her Achilles heel is Will Hewitt. She doesn't realize how much he means to her and what a wonderful fit they are together. When they are together, they are magic. They don't do much but their interactions are significant to them both.
All the characters seem to be well-rounded so that the reader understands why they have acted in a certain way. In this story, Duncan Sweeny makes an appearance and we learn more about Nell's previous life. The fact that the author is parceling Nell's information out slowly only adds to the reader's fascination with Nell and the Hewitts.
Gilded Age Mystery
1. Still Life with Murder (2003)
**2. Murder in a Mill Town (2004)
3.Death on Beacon Hill (2005)
4. Murder on Black Friday (2005)
5.Murder in the North End (2006)
6. A Bucket of Ashes (2007)
Nell has a difficult past that she is hiding in order to keep her job as a governess in a wealthy Boston home. She's not proud of what she's done but she tries to learn from her previous mistakes and soldier on with life. Her Achilles heel is Will Hewitt. She doesn't realize how much he means to her and what a wonderful fit they are together. When they are together, they are magic. They don't do much but their interactions are significant to them both.
All the characters seem to be well-rounded so that the reader understands why they have acted in a certain way. In this story, Duncan Sweeny makes an appearance and we learn more about Nell's previous life. The fact that the author is parceling Nell's information out slowly only adds to the reader's fascination with Nell and the Hewitts.
Gilded Age Mystery
1. Still Life with Murder (2003)
**2. Murder in a Mill Town (2004)
3.Death on Beacon Hill (2005)
4. Murder on Black Friday (2005)
5.Murder in the North End (2006)
6. A Bucket of Ashes (2007)
June 28, 2025
This has the same atmospheric Boston setting and intriguing main characters as the first book, but the mystery surrounding the titular murder was fairly disjointed. The story’s focus was much more on developing Nell’s backstory that was only hinted at in book one, and it was definitely satisfying to get more details, even if her life prior to being a governess was quite difficult (and, as we learn, still has its challenges). Nell gets roped into investigating a missing persons case that naturally leads to a murder, but I didn’t think the mystery plot was as strong as in the first book, though still handles fine. Much of the mystery investigating happened as kind of a background plot to Nell’s more personal conflicts in the story.
Once again, the shining heart of this series is clearly Nell and Will’s developing relationship. They have a genuine foundation of trust and friendship, and yet they each have underlying deeper feelings that are never openly addressed in the text but are nearly suffocating in their intensity. It’s interesting to see how they both cope with that—Nell’s willful ignorance and Will’s quiet longing buried under his sarcastic exterior are both overwhelming undertones to the story. I remain eager to continue this series because the romantic tension is so compelling, especially because it’s developing so well.
Once again, the shining heart of this series is clearly Nell and Will’s developing relationship. They have a genuine foundation of trust and friendship, and yet they each have underlying deeper feelings that are never openly addressed in the text but are nearly suffocating in their intensity. It’s interesting to see how they both cope with that—Nell’s willful ignorance and Will’s quiet longing buried under his sarcastic exterior are both overwhelming undertones to the story. I remain eager to continue this series because the romantic tension is so compelling, especially because it’s developing so well.
January 28, 2025
In spite of my best intentions, I didn’t get to this second book of the series until a few years after I read the first book. It all came back to me though. I remembered Nell and Gracie, the little girl that Nell is governess to. I remembered the Hewitt family with their two ne’er do well sons. I also remembered Nell’s feistiness and her street smarts. In this book Nell’s boss has her looking into the disappearance of a young Irish girl. Unfortunately, searching for this girl brings some very bad and old enemies into Nell’s life. With the help of Will Hewitt, Nell’s friend and confidant, they turn over some very big rocks, and at great risk to themselves, they find the dangerous and psychotic killer. This is a killer that has killed a lot of innocent people during his reign of tyranny. I must admit that I was very surprised when the perpetrator was revealed. These are great historical mysteries with real down and dirty facts about what it was like in late 19th century Boston, I certainly won’t wait so long to read the third book in this series.
November 17, 2021
Love this series! Nell is asked by Viola Hewitt to look into the disappearance of Bridie, a young woman who has disappeared and works for her morally bankrupt son, Harry Hewitt, who was running the Mill & Dye Company. Bridie was married but having an affair with Harry until he found out about another man Bridie was messing around with. Harry becomes a suspect along with the other man since he also disappeared at the same time as Bridie. Will Hewitt helps Nell find the murderer because he believes his brother is innocent while Nell does not. She tells Will of Harry’s physical attack and attempted rape to her that happened months earlier. He also finds out that Nell is married to Duncan Sweeney, in jail for 30 years and puts space between them. He’s still using drugs, but mostly just morphine and is off the opium. In the final scene of the book, she tells Will that she missed him while he was gone for four years (since the first book).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2021
I really, really liked this book, but for me, I wasn't as pulled in by the characters as much as I was in the first book. I was looking forward to what Will would decide to do after meeting Nell and coming home to Boston. And I still loved Will, but some of the chemistry between him and Nell was missing for most of the story. The contradictions of Will didn't sparkle again until later in the book. The mystery was great, but I knew who the killer was. That didn't bother me, though. I just waited to watch him unwind. But Viola didn't play any part in the story, and I missed her. I wanted more of the big, hulking Irish detective, too, but he didn't get much of a part. The writing was wonderful. Nell's wonderful. Everything in the story worked. This is an odd critique, because I loved the entire story. I just missed what wasn't there.
October 17, 2023
Boston, 1868: Der nächste Fall für Nell steht an. Denn Viola Hewitt bekommt Besuch und die Fallons bitten sie um ihre Hilfe. Die Tochter ist verschwunden. Nell soll mal nachforschen, dabei trifft sie wieder auf Will und auch ihre Vergangenheit scheint sie einzuholen. Es bleibt bei der düsteren, bedrohlichen Atmosphäre, mit den spitzen Bemerkungen von Nell und dem dunklen Humor. Man merkt, dass zwischen Nell und Will es eine gewisse Anziehungskraft gibt, doch beide kämpfen um ihre eigenen Dämonen. Dieser Krimifall fand ich sogar noch spannender als der erste. Da ich diese Wendung nicht habe kommen sehen. Erst als es viel zu spät war, zusammen mit Nell habe ich gemerkt, wer der Mörder ist und das war schon der Hammer. So gruselig, verstörend und einfach nur genial. Also jetzt muss ich auf jeden Fall, das nächste Band auch noch lesen.
June 13, 2019
This series continues to make me very happy.
Nell is an amazing character-as many reviews have written, she is not the often typical damsel in distress. She is strong, but not overbearing, non judgmental and very likable.
The characters and the mysteries are both great.
There is a hint of a romance coming as she develops a friendship but I love how it doesn't move too fast.
Book 2 is just as good as Book 1; the mystery is creepy and evolves around the disappearance of a girl from the Mill which Will's older brother owns. The ending is very dark and fulfilling.
I am like another reviewer; want to read all the books now, but will space them out.
Great series-one of my favorites in a long time!
Nell is an amazing character-as many reviews have written, she is not the often typical damsel in distress. She is strong, but not overbearing, non judgmental and very likable.
The characters and the mysteries are both great.
There is a hint of a romance coming as she develops a friendship but I love how it doesn't move too fast.
Book 2 is just as good as Book 1; the mystery is creepy and evolves around the disappearance of a girl from the Mill which Will's older brother owns. The ending is very dark and fulfilling.
I am like another reviewer; want to read all the books now, but will space them out.
Great series-one of my favorites in a long time!
February 5, 2017
I'm continuing to enjoy Nell's adventures. I regretted that there was less Viola in this book, since I enjoy her a lot - she's really only in the very beginning to give Nell a reason to investigate. But Nell and Will finally get to the point of 'no more secrets' by the end of this one, I think (unless there are more secrets yet to be divulged).
It did feel a little short. I'm used to a few more twists in mystery novels, and not only do they add to the heft of a story, they also give room for alternate interpretations and red herrings. The solution to this one is clear extremely early on. Still, it's well-executed and a pleasant read.
It did feel a little short. I'm used to a few more twists in mystery novels, and not only do they add to the heft of a story, they also give room for alternate interpretations and red herrings. The solution to this one is clear extremely early on. Still, it's well-executed and a pleasant read.
November 5, 2023
Murder in Boston...
I enjoyed the first book in this series, despite a few discrepancies. The second in this series has Nell and Will trying to solve a murder that may or may not involve Nell's and the Hewitt's families. The murders are a bit graphic, but are well explained. The twist at the end was one I felt was coming as the secondary characters were so well explained that you could feel this coming. That aside, I love the characters and the writing. A 4.6 out of 5 rating.
I enjoyed the first book in this series, despite a few discrepancies. The second in this series has Nell and Will trying to solve a murder that may or may not involve Nell's and the Hewitt's families. The murders are a bit graphic, but are well explained. The twist at the end was one I felt was coming as the secondary characters were so well explained that you could feel this coming. That aside, I love the characters and the writing. A 4.6 out of 5 rating.
July 6, 2020
After my recent shattering reads, here's one for fun. . . Again Nell Sweeney, the Irish governess teams up with the retired, opiate addicted Dr. Hewitt to solve a double murder. Regrettably nothing about the Civil War in this one, instead some insight into the plight of mill workers in Massachusetts in those times. A 'whodunit' with interesting characters and a light romance. What's not to like? PS- there are four more books in the series after this one.
April 6, 2018
I read the entire series in just a few days. They are short and, if you enjoy one, you are going to want to read to the end. The mysteries are good enough, the romance (star-crossed lovers from different social classes) carries from one book to the next, the setting is well-described and one of the main characters has a major character flaw which adds a bit of interest. Read them in order.
September 1, 2019
A well done mystery. Great characterization and a taut plot. I did have a hunch about the murderer before the big reveal, but I was still surprised by the plot twist. Nell's governess duties played an unrealistically small role here, and I would have liked to read more about the mill town, given the title. I will keep reading this series!
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