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Gaslight Mystery #19
Murder in Morningside Heights
In the latest from the bestselling author of Murder on St. Nicholas Avenue, former police sergeant Frank Malloy and his wife adjust to life in New York high society as they investigate a death in the field of higher learning... After spending his first few weeks as a private detective by investigating infidelities of the wealthy, Frank has a more serious case at hand. Abigail Northrup of Tarrytown, New York, was her parents’ pride and joy. After graduating from a prestigious women’s college in Morningside Heights, she took a job there as an instructor. She also joined the ranks of the New Women, ladies planning for a life without a husband in which they make their own decisions and make a difference in the world. Unfortunately, her murder ended all that. When the police declare the incident a random attack and refuse to investigate further, Abigail’s parents request Frank’s help. Of course, he’ll need Sarah’s assistance as she’s more familiar with the world of academia, and it will be far easier for her to interview the lady professors. Yet difficulties arise as they learn that although Miss Northrup may have been an exemplary student and teacher, she lived in a world of secrets and lies…
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2016
326 people are currently reading
1844 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 383 reviews
July 12, 2019
Frank finally gets a meaty case for his new detective agency. It involves the vicious murder of a young teacher at a college for women where she taught French. As he begins the investigation, Frank and Gino Donatello enter territory best handled by a female so Sarah gets put to great use.
The most interesting aspects of this story involve the historical elements, specifically the New Woman label given young women who opt for a college education and a career beyond. The murder victim, Abigail Northrup, surprised her family by wanting to teach following graduation, eschewing the marriage route as apparently the choice was one path or the other as working while married wasn’t an option. There were other beliefs about female sexuality, working women and pay philosophies that surprised me despite this being the turn of the century. It was enlightening.
The case was interesting but the investigation was tedious with a lot of repetition. There were a host of suspects but it was only challenging for a short time. I’m hoping that what was disclosed at the end of the story stimulates the direction going forward. I liked the story but it falls short of those that preceded it. 3.5 stars
The most interesting aspects of this story involve the historical elements, specifically the New Woman label given young women who opt for a college education and a career beyond. The murder victim, Abigail Northrup, surprised her family by wanting to teach following graduation, eschewing the marriage route as apparently the choice was one path or the other as working while married wasn’t an option. There were other beliefs about female sexuality, working women and pay philosophies that surprised me despite this being the turn of the century. It was enlightening.
The case was interesting but the investigation was tedious with a lot of repetition. There were a host of suspects but it was only challenging for a short time. I’m hoping that what was disclosed at the end of the story stimulates the direction going forward. I liked the story but it falls short of those that preceded it. 3.5 stars
February 28, 2017
Too many cooks spoil the broth.
Murder in Morningside Heights is #19 in the Gaslight Mystery Series. I've read every single one. Love Victoria Thompson and am a forever fan.
Sadly, what has happened in #18 is happening here as well. The once dynamic duo of Sarah and Frank solving crimes has expanded with an inclusion and constant presence of Maeve, Gino, and even the Deckers. Gleaning through the detective feedback from multiple characters just adds too much cumbersome weight to the already razor-thin storyline.
Abigail Northrup is a newly hired instructor at the prestigious women's college in Morningside Heights. Northrup is at the receiving end of a brutal screwdriver to the face and left for dead. Now here I thought that Thompson was taking a turn down a more sinister, dark tale in the Gaslight Series. I was tuned in and ready for some heightened levels of thrilling action on the part of Sarah and Frank.
Nah. We were given more of an atmospheric lecture series on social norms of the time period. There were pages and pages of background information in which we never quite left the suffocating walls of Ms. Wilson's house. I've never felt this way before with any of the books in this series. "Let me out. Oh, please, let me out!"
That broth needed a bit of the zest that was the Thompson of times past. Zero in on Sarah and Frank and maybe even take them out of New York City for a while. Perhaps hire Bathsheba to work in the Malloy household. She was the only one to show some lively spunk throughout the whole book.
Here's holding up my soup bowl to be filled with a more hearty portion with the likes of #20 on the back burner. Always a fan. Always a fan.
Murder in Morningside Heights is #19 in the Gaslight Mystery Series. I've read every single one. Love Victoria Thompson and am a forever fan.
Sadly, what has happened in #18 is happening here as well. The once dynamic duo of Sarah and Frank solving crimes has expanded with an inclusion and constant presence of Maeve, Gino, and even the Deckers. Gleaning through the detective feedback from multiple characters just adds too much cumbersome weight to the already razor-thin storyline.
Abigail Northrup is a newly hired instructor at the prestigious women's college in Morningside Heights. Northrup is at the receiving end of a brutal screwdriver to the face and left for dead. Now here I thought that Thompson was taking a turn down a more sinister, dark tale in the Gaslight Series. I was tuned in and ready for some heightened levels of thrilling action on the part of Sarah and Frank.
Nah. We were given more of an atmospheric lecture series on social norms of the time period. There were pages and pages of background information in which we never quite left the suffocating walls of Ms. Wilson's house. I've never felt this way before with any of the books in this series. "Let me out. Oh, please, let me out!"
That broth needed a bit of the zest that was the Thompson of times past. Zero in on Sarah and Frank and maybe even take them out of New York City for a while. Perhaps hire Bathsheba to work in the Malloy household. She was the only one to show some lively spunk throughout the whole book.
Here's holding up my soup bowl to be filled with a more hearty portion with the likes of #20 on the back burner. Always a fan. Always a fan.
July 4, 2019
As someone who has read every single book of this series to date in the correct order I feel I can say that this nineteenth outing is exactly what I wanted to happen!
Firstly Frank has set up his detective agency in style and is employing all the expected team members. His first case is complicated but fun for the reader and of course he solves it perfectly. It was good to see all the characters we have become accustomed too - except for Brian who I kept expecting to pop up but he did not.
Secondly Sarah seems about to fulfil her own hopes and dreams, thanks to Frank's imagination and of course his recently acquired fortune. This possibility is raised right at the end of the book. We will have to wait for #20 to see what materialises!
Firstly Frank has set up his detective agency in style and is employing all the expected team members. His first case is complicated but fun for the reader and of course he solves it perfectly. It was good to see all the characters we have become accustomed too - except for Brian who I kept expecting to pop up but he did not.
Secondly Sarah seems about to fulfil her own hopes and dreams, thanks to Frank's imagination and of course his recently acquired fortune. This possibility is raised right at the end of the book. We will have to wait for #20 to see what materialises!
May 15, 2016
Frank Malloy, now happily married to Sarah, had opened the doors to his new business: Confidential Inquiries. It was a name suggested by his mother-in-law for 'detective agency'. After being dismissed from New York's finest because he inherited some money, he was respectable now and a millionaire; he didn't need to work but he was bored.
So was Sarah.
His assistant was his former colleague and police officer, Gino Donatelli. And their first major case was a young teacher's murder in broad daylight and on school grounds. As always, not everything is as it seemed.
I was excited to finally read the 19th story in the Gaslight Mystery series. Secretly, I was hoping for a little more chemistry between Frank and Sarah now that they were married but their relationship was still very proper. I would also love for Maeve, Catherine's nanny and maybe-someday-Gino's fiancee, to lighten up some (Poor Gino!).
The suspense was decent but not very riveting. Usually the author has me guessing until almost the end but I figured out who did it about halfway through. IMHO, Ms. Thompson dropped quite a few hints. All in all, it was a pleasant diversion from a busy week.
So was Sarah.
His assistant was his former colleague and police officer, Gino Donatelli. And their first major case was a young teacher's murder in broad daylight and on school grounds. As always, not everything is as it seemed.
I was excited to finally read the 19th story in the Gaslight Mystery series. Secretly, I was hoping for a little more chemistry between Frank and Sarah now that they were married but their relationship was still very proper. I would also love for Maeve, Catherine's nanny and maybe-someday-Gino's fiancee, to lighten up some (Poor Gino!).
The suspense was decent but not very riveting. Usually the author has me guessing until almost the end but I figured out who did it about halfway through. IMHO, Ms. Thompson dropped quite a few hints. All in all, it was a pleasant diversion from a busy week.
February 11, 2022
Frank Malloy’s new private investigation business has only been open a few months, but it hasn’t gotten him any interesting cases until the Northrups walk in. Their daughter Abigail has just been murdered on the campus of the women’s college where she taught. Her parents want to know what happened without the press getting wind of a scandal to ruin her reputation. Soon, Frank’s new wife, Sarah, is helping him figure out what happened to Abigail. With several competing motives, will they figure out the truth?
As always, this was an excellent trip back to 1890’s New York City. The story was fast paced, so even when I was ahead of the characters, it wasn’t for that long. And I still wasn’t sure about who the killer was until we reached the logical conclusion. Of course, it’s always great to spend time with the characters, and I love how Frank and Sarah’s world continues to evolve. I also enjoy the humor that the characters and their relationships provide. It’s a nice balance to some of the more serious themes the series tackles. This book will please fans of the series. Believe me, it is worth the time invested in catching up if you are still behind on the series like I am.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
As always, this was an excellent trip back to 1890’s New York City. The story was fast paced, so even when I was ahead of the characters, it wasn’t for that long. And I still wasn’t sure about who the killer was until we reached the logical conclusion. Of course, it’s always great to spend time with the characters, and I love how Frank and Sarah’s world continues to evolve. I also enjoy the humor that the characters and their relationships provide. It’s a nice balance to some of the more serious themes the series tackles. This book will please fans of the series. Believe me, it is worth the time invested in catching up if you are still behind on the series like I am.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
July 5, 2019
Frank Malloy's first big case as a private investigator is a murder at a women's college. Abigail Northrup, a former student and current teacher, was found on the grounds of the college with a screwdriver sticking out of her eye. She was known as a "new woman"--a lady who does not need a husband to make her decisions. The police declare the incident a random attack and refuse to investigate. Frank asks Sarah for help in interviewing the lady professors who lived with Abigail. She finds that Abigail had a lot of secrets that she was ready to spill.
As far as mysteries go, I found this one just "OK". I was way ahead of Frank and Sarah in discovering Abigail's many secrets. I also figured out who killed her by the middle of the book. I did enjoy the discussions about the case between Frank, Sarah, Gino and Maeve. I also liked that Sarah's mother was called on once again to lend a hand. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
As far as mysteries go, I found this one just "OK". I was way ahead of Frank and Sarah in discovering Abigail's many secrets. I also figured out who killed her by the middle of the book. I did enjoy the discussions about the case between Frank, Sarah, Gino and Maeve. I also liked that Sarah's mother was called on once again to lend a hand. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
October 1, 2017
Abigail Northrup of Tarrytown, New York, was her parents’ pride and joy. After graduating from a prestigious women’s college in Morningside Heights, she took a job there as an instructor. She also joined the ranks of the New Women, ladies planning for a life without a husband in which they make their own decisions and make a difference in the world. Unfortunately, her murder ended all that.
I always enjoy visiting Sarah and Malloy. Now that they are married the books have taken a slightly different tone. I'm not sure how I feel about some of the changes. I'm not used to reading about Malloy and Sarah being wealthy and living in a mansion and part of me wishes that they weren't. I think they make a cute couple, but I personally would have liked to see more romantic chemistry between them now that they are married, maybe more flirting and talk of romantic things happening off the page.
For the most part I thought Murder in Morningside Heights was a bit on the dull side compared to some of the other books in the series. As usual it wasn't too difficult to figure out the mystery side of the book. And as usual Sarah and Malloy are slow in figuring things out, only this time it was even worse than normal, and I did not think it could ever get worse. I mean come on, there were several answers staring them in the face!
I liked the idea Malloy has for Sarah at the end of the book and am looking forward to seeing how that plays into the series. I think it will make the future books feel more like past ones in the series as Sarah will be doing what she loves to do.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
I always enjoy visiting Sarah and Malloy. Now that they are married the books have taken a slightly different tone. I'm not sure how I feel about some of the changes. I'm not used to reading about Malloy and Sarah being wealthy and living in a mansion and part of me wishes that they weren't. I think they make a cute couple, but I personally would have liked to see more romantic chemistry between them now that they are married, maybe more flirting and talk of romantic things happening off the page.
For the most part I thought Murder in Morningside Heights was a bit on the dull side compared to some of the other books in the series. As usual it wasn't too difficult to figure out the mystery side of the book. And as usual Sarah and Malloy are slow in figuring things out, only this time it was even worse than normal, and I did not think it could ever get worse. I mean come on, there were several answers staring them in the face!
I liked the idea Malloy has for Sarah at the end of the book and am looking forward to seeing how that plays into the series. I think it will make the future books feel more like past ones in the series as Sarah will be doing what she loves to do.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
July 16, 2016
Rounding up from a 3.5. I do enjoy the family teamwork in solving the mystery. This one seemed a bit on the bland side. Perhaps as others have speculated, the series is not as exciting with Sarah and Frank married -- no romantic tension. Maybe Maeve and Gino will have to step it up.
February 1, 2021
Mmmm... I didn't like this one as much as the others...
Not because it was badly written, but because I didn't like the mystery. The reason for the crime was just meh...
It could be described as: mind your business, otherwise you'll get hurt!.
The victim was such an odious person also...
Not because it was badly written, but because I didn't like the mystery. The reason for the crime was just meh...
It could be described as: mind your business, otherwise you'll get hurt!.
The victim was such an odious person also...
December 29, 2019
Really had a hard time with this story. I’ve had the author highly recommended to me by quite a few people and was very interested in the premise of the series. It looked clean and rather routine.
Spoilers...
Overall, it was too wooden and too unbelievable, and I won’t be continuing with the series. I can read contemporary mystery and not be maddened by historical inaccuracies.
Spoilers...
Overall, it was too wooden and too unbelievable, and I won’t be continuing with the series. I can read contemporary mystery and not be maddened by historical inaccuracies.
May 27, 2016
My review for 'Murder in Morningside Heights' by Victoria Thompson will be linked back here in the near future. Stay Tuned!
March 20, 2022
The Malloys (et al) investigate the death of an instructor at a women’s college uptown after being hired by the woman’s father, who heard about Frank via the Knickerbocker Club. The woman found out a scandalous secret about someone else at the college and was killed before she could act on it. Along the way, we learn about “new women” and Boston Marriages (unmarried women cohabitating).
The mystery is interesting and it unfolds nicely. I think the personal storylines were a little lacking in this one. There was no development in Maeve and Gino’s relationship. Mr. Decker is absent, his prominent role in the last book seems to have been a lark. Sarah is bored and craves meaningful activities beyond being taken along on Frank’s investigation once in a while.
The ending is abrupt, with Frank suggesting a way for Sarah to still be a midwife, but the that’s literally the final moment in the book.
Gino probably had the most interesting parts of this one because he reconnected with a fellow soldier from his time with the Rough Riders in Cuba while at the NYAC. I thought the friend could become a new character, but perhaps this one will fade away like others have in recent books.
The mystery is interesting and it unfolds nicely. I think the personal storylines were a little lacking in this one. There was no development in Maeve and Gino’s relationship. Mr. Decker is absent, his prominent role in the last book seems to have been a lark. Sarah is bored and craves meaningful activities beyond being taken along on Frank’s investigation once in a while.
The ending is abrupt, with Frank suggesting a way for Sarah to still be a midwife, but the that’s literally the final moment in the book.
Gino probably had the most interesting parts of this one because he reconnected with a fellow soldier from his time with the Rough Riders in Cuba while at the NYAC. I thought the friend could become a new character, but perhaps this one will fade away like others have in recent books.
July 20, 2018
A great series. I did not think I liked this one as much since the midwife-ness has morphed into aide-de-detective but the ending shows this to be resolving. But as a cozy mystery it still works--I was certainly fooled by the red herrings right to the end. As a period mystery I felt it was a little lighter than some of the past in the series and I missed that richness. Nevertheless a solid addition to the series. Great interaction between Maeve and Gino, love the relationship between Mr and Mrs Malloy.
December 21, 2019
I love the new direction of the series.
June 1, 2016
I have read all of this series except I somehow missed the one where Frank inherits his millions. I must go back and read that one as well. Well, enough about my progress onto the review of this fantastic book. Victoria Thompson's tales of Sarah and Frank continue to entertain, inform, and captivate the readers. Being a "woman of many hats" and hat pins I especially liked it when Mrs. Decker referred to her hat pin as a weapon. If I remember correctly, in one of the first books of this series the weapon of choice was a hat pin. I strongly recommend this entire series to all my friends and family.
May 13, 2016
This is usually a pleasant little series with agreeable characters and interesting touches of New York history in the late 19th century. This one, though, was a bit of a letdown. The plot plodded, normally astute characters were thick as planks when presented with rather obvious clues, the dialogue seemed artificial and overly formal, and frankly, it was easy for even me (who NEVER figures out whodunnits) to nail the perp pretty early on. And what the heck is up with Frank and Sarah? They were a lot more interesting BEFORE they got married. Looking for better things in the next one.
May 18, 2016
My first for this series and by this author. It was good but not much of a mystery. Still entertaining and fun.
May 13, 2022
I missed some of the supporting characters in this one, and the individual character storylines here felt a bit lacking. This was still an enjoyable read, but not one of the stronger entries in the series. I'm very much looking forward to Sarah getting back to working as a midwife though!
February 6, 2017
Thanks to my library for my copy of this book. I am a fan of this series and am up to date with the series. Frank and Sarah Mallory are adjusting to their new life. Frank has opened a Detective Agency and Sarah is missing portions of her life as a mid-wife occupation. Frank is hired to find the killer of a normal teacher and made that there is no scandal. Sarah and Gino work with him on the investigation. side stories include their new family life and Sarah has a problem with the mission. The investigation brought information on the lives of women teachers. The killer was easy to spot but the reason why I need the explanation. I recommend this book.
May 17, 2016
I found this book a rather weak entry into the Sarah Brandt series. Maybe it's because Sarah and Frank are now married and happily ensconced in their new mansion. Frank's no longer with the police and Sarah is no longer practicing midwifery. This domestic bliss, funnily, seemed to take away from the suspense and excitement of the story. These books are enjoyable because they always seemed to be a realistic portrayal of life in late 19 century New York City. This book does that to a point, but even that seems watered down somewhat. It was okay, but certainly not a page-turner.
September 30, 2016
Not as good as the earlier ones in this series
This book was light on mystery. It was easy to guess the murderer way ahead of time. Also, I found Sarah Brandt and Frank Malloy not quite "in character" - they seemed to have become different people after coming into money
This book was light on mystery. It was easy to guess the murderer way ahead of time. Also, I found Sarah Brandt and Frank Malloy not quite "in character" - they seemed to have become different people after coming into money
June 23, 2021
Murder in Morningside Heights
2 Stars
Now a private investigator, Frank Malloy, is hired by the parents of a young woman on the grounds of the Normal school in Morningside Heights. Who would have wanted the French teacher dead?
Unfortunately, there is nothing new or interesting in this installment. In fact, the series has stagnated Frank and Sarah have settled into married life and there is little to no character development for them or any of the secondary cast.
The mystery is mundane with a predictable culprit and much of the investigation consists of repeated interviews and redundant musings.
Something needs to happen to shake things up in this series.
2 Stars
Now a private investigator, Frank Malloy, is hired by the parents of a young woman on the grounds of the Normal school in Morningside Heights. Who would have wanted the French teacher dead?
Unfortunately, there is nothing new or interesting in this installment. In fact, the series has stagnated Frank and Sarah have settled into married life and there is little to no character development for them or any of the secondary cast.
The mystery is mundane with a predictable culprit and much of the investigation consists of repeated interviews and redundant musings.
Something needs to happen to shake things up in this series.
December 27, 2021
Review to follow...I love this series
June 27, 2024
This was really fun and interesting and for once, I guessed who did it!
May 4, 2016
Vague-ish SPOILERS:
Loved the book. It seemed to run the natural course that the other books do. Sara was clever, Malloy was shrewd, Gino was a doofus, and Maeve teases him for being a doofus.
That being said, the secret was kind of a lame one. So, he'd been there for years and she was the first student thats ever run into French people? REALLY?
I expected Bathsheba to be someones daughter. Was sad she wasn't. I was looking for janitor/teacher forbidden love in the gazebo, but no such luck. Shame, really.
The girls at the school screaming and running at the sight of a man was a little over the top, though. Be shocked and retreat, yes, but he's not Malloy Mouse. There have to be fathers and brothers and cousins visiting the deans office to get reports on the girls' education. Delivery men? Someone?
Also, I totally knew the girl at the mission was lying about the calendar. I have no idea how Sarah missed it. Maybe Gino's rubbing off on her. I thought it needed a bigger plot, but it was literally just to set the stage for the next book so it's forgivable.
We need to see more guys at the gym flexing. Gino needs to join that gym. Malloy can join him. They can stir things up and be awesome. Please, oh please, let the next book be in the gym.
Also, Mean Lesbians WTF? I do not approve of these ladies behavior. I wanted to yell stop that and be nice. Moral of that story: be honest and not a bitch and people will think better of you when you get strangled in an alleyway.
I want to know more about the whorehouse. What on earth were that girls specialties? Nosy-ass readers want to know!
But seriously, I loved it. Things are always more interesting when you have to crack an institution to get at the truth. It made me want to read more about Sarahs new foundation, the gym, and what on earth is going on with Brian and Catherine. They must be getting older now. Is Brian turning into a research genius? Is Catherine in ninja training under supervision of Maeve?
I need to know!!!!! :D
Loved the book. It seemed to run the natural course that the other books do. Sara was clever, Malloy was shrewd, Gino was a doofus, and Maeve teases him for being a doofus.
That being said, the secret was kind of a lame one. So, he'd been there for years and she was the first student thats ever run into French people? REALLY?
I expected Bathsheba to be someones daughter. Was sad she wasn't. I was looking for janitor/teacher forbidden love in the gazebo, but no such luck. Shame, really.
The girls at the school screaming and running at the sight of a man was a little over the top, though. Be shocked and retreat, yes, but he's not Malloy Mouse. There have to be fathers and brothers and cousins visiting the deans office to get reports on the girls' education. Delivery men? Someone?
Also, I totally knew the girl at the mission was lying about the calendar. I have no idea how Sarah missed it. Maybe Gino's rubbing off on her. I thought it needed a bigger plot, but it was literally just to set the stage for the next book so it's forgivable.
We need to see more guys at the gym flexing. Gino needs to join that gym. Malloy can join him. They can stir things up and be awesome. Please, oh please, let the next book be in the gym.
Also, Mean Lesbians WTF? I do not approve of these ladies behavior. I wanted to yell stop that and be nice. Moral of that story: be honest and not a bitch and people will think better of you when you get strangled in an alleyway.
I want to know more about the whorehouse. What on earth were that girls specialties? Nosy-ass readers want to know!
But seriously, I loved it. Things are always more interesting when you have to crack an institution to get at the truth. It made me want to read more about Sarahs new foundation, the gym, and what on earth is going on with Brian and Catherine. They must be getting older now. Is Brian turning into a research genius? Is Catherine in ninja training under supervision of Maeve?
I need to know!!!!! :D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2016
Another series which i now give up on.
I had been losing interest in the series lately but the last installment which was completely from the pov of the side characters was a hoot. Now we are back to sarah and malloy and they are snooze worthy. The dialogues feel stunted. There are no moments of hilarity, wit or surprises. The jokes, like the neighbour's superstitions, feel repetitive and forced rather than quirky.
The biggest problem is that There is no tension between the characters themselves. Both of them have resolved all their issues and concerns and settled into domestic bliss. Good for them. I just don't want to read about it. Like in the previous book, there was this bickering between mr & mrs decker about how involved he wanted his wife to be in the investigation. Her ideas clashing with his. It was given a hilarious take and it was adorable. In comparison, malloy and sarah have reached an understanding about a women's role in marriage and her career. So zero conflict, zero tension. whats there to read ? where is the character growth ?
As for the mystery itself, it was lame and i figure it out like 60% through the book.
I have been giving up on a lot of series lately. I wish authors figure out when to stop. beyond 5-6 books, most authors struggle with character and plot development. 10 books at max.
I would love to read anything else by the author if she finishes this series. The fact that she hooked the readers for 19 books is a testament to her talent
I had been losing interest in the series lately but the last installment which was completely from the pov of the side characters was a hoot. Now we are back to sarah and malloy and they are snooze worthy. The dialogues feel stunted. There are no moments of hilarity, wit or surprises. The jokes, like the neighbour's superstitions, feel repetitive and forced rather than quirky.
The biggest problem is that There is no tension between the characters themselves. Both of them have resolved all their issues and concerns and settled into domestic bliss. Good for them. I just don't want to read about it. Like in the previous book, there was this bickering between mr & mrs decker about how involved he wanted his wife to be in the investigation. Her ideas clashing with his. It was given a hilarious take and it was adorable. In comparison, malloy and sarah have reached an understanding about a women's role in marriage and her career. So zero conflict, zero tension. whats there to read ? where is the character growth ?
As for the mystery itself, it was lame and i figure it out like 60% through the book.
I have been giving up on a lot of series lately. I wish authors figure out when to stop. beyond 5-6 books, most authors struggle with character and plot development. 10 books at max.
I would love to read anything else by the author if she finishes this series. The fact that she hooked the readers for 19 books is a testament to her talent
June 11, 2017
I guess this is #19 in the series. I can't believe I read that many. It looks as though Victoria Thompson cranks them out every year. I'm addicted to a series once I start. The characters are known and I sometimes have hard times getting into the book. I also like the historical setting of the book (New York in 1899) and the topics she addresses (this time women's colleges and adult female relationships). The writing isn't very nuanced but they are fun to read...and I just ordered number 20.
May 16, 2016
I have read and enjoyed every book in this series. The one thing that truly amazes me is the way that Vicki Thompson is able to include historical details so seamlessly into each book. She educates readers about the challenges of 1899 New York and still retains the cozy feel in each book. Nicely done.
April 29, 2017
Great mystery, but characterization was lacking in this one. The hints of Frank and Sarah finding fulfilling activities seemed gratuitous to the story and didn't feel satisfying. We hardly so a hint of Mrs. Malloy, and even Mrs. Ellsworth's apppearances seemed contrived.
January 15, 2023
It's been awhile since I read one of these books which definitely helped with the enjoyability. Reading so many together highlighted all of the VERY repetitive flaws.
One of my favorite things about this series is the setting and the way the author weaves in history. You can tell she has done her research and she always leaves an author's note at the end about the historical accuracy of events and places she describes. She does a great job of setting the scene without telling.
A wealthy young teacher at the Normal college is murdered, the parents ask Frank to investigate. They tell him that the police said it was a random robbery, but they don't buy it.
As Frank and Gino investigate further, (with the help of Sarah and Mauve of course!) they start learning some interesting things. They learn that many of the female students develop a "smash" for one of the female teachers. It's similar to a crush, but more friend-like than romantic.
“What’s a smash?” She registered a little surprise, but she said, “It’s the teacher you . . . I’m not sure how to describe it. Love? But not romantically. Admire? Not strong enough.” She frowned in concentration.
Abigail, the young girl that was murdered, had a strong smash for the professor she was renting a room from. There is also the matter of an explosive secret she told her friend she was going to let the head of the university know about.
I thought many of the "secrets" were pretty obvious from the get go, but I don't know how obvious they would've been to people of the time period. Sometimes I have a hard time telling if the author is trying to be historically accurate, with their views, or if she's just being regressive.
For instance, she'll say things like this:
Frank thought it odd that a college for women had only one female professor, but of course he didn’t know much about colleges.
But then she'll make a "joke" like this:
Going to college must be an incredible experience,” Sarah said. “I’m sorry I missed it.” “Well, we’re not sending Catherine,” Frank said. “I think I’ll marry her off when she’s thirteen or something, just to be sure.”
Or she'll have the characters make comments like this:
Of course, he knew that women usually got paid less than men, but that was because men had to support their families. Unmarried women had to support only themselves. It was only fair.
I just can't tell what the author is going for with some of the characters at times. One time Sarah is called because a young woman at the Mission is found to be pregnant and when she gets there, the author writes this:
“I’d like to listen to your heart, and to your baby’s heart.” Luckily, Sarah had thought to bring her medical bag with her.
Things like that make her characters sound stupid.
Another issue I had was with the use of the word "mulatto." I assume she was trying to be historically accurate, but as this book was written in 2016, I think she could've used something different.
A mulatto maid, wearing a brightly colored turban in contrast to her severe black dress and white apron, answered the bell at the neat brick town house.
Obviously, in spite of these issues, I still enjoyed reading the book. I found it relaxing. It was also helpful that Mrs. Ellsworth only made one minor appearance with her stupid superstitions, and the kids were hardly mentioned at all. I'll definitely finish this series eventually.
One of my favorite things about this series is the setting and the way the author weaves in history. You can tell she has done her research and she always leaves an author's note at the end about the historical accuracy of events and places she describes. She does a great job of setting the scene without telling.
A wealthy young teacher at the Normal college is murdered, the parents ask Frank to investigate. They tell him that the police said it was a random robbery, but they don't buy it.
As Frank and Gino investigate further, (with the help of Sarah and Mauve of course!) they start learning some interesting things. They learn that many of the female students develop a "smash" for one of the female teachers. It's similar to a crush, but more friend-like than romantic.
“What’s a smash?” She registered a little surprise, but she said, “It’s the teacher you . . . I’m not sure how to describe it. Love? But not romantically. Admire? Not strong enough.” She frowned in concentration.
Abigail, the young girl that was murdered, had a strong smash for the professor she was renting a room from. There is also the matter of an explosive secret she told her friend she was going to let the head of the university know about.
I thought many of the "secrets" were pretty obvious from the get go, but I don't know how obvious they would've been to people of the time period. Sometimes I have a hard time telling if the author is trying to be historically accurate, with their views, or if she's just being regressive.
For instance, she'll say things like this:
Frank thought it odd that a college for women had only one female professor, but of course he didn’t know much about colleges.
But then she'll make a "joke" like this:
Going to college must be an incredible experience,” Sarah said. “I’m sorry I missed it.” “Well, we’re not sending Catherine,” Frank said. “I think I’ll marry her off when she’s thirteen or something, just to be sure.”
Or she'll have the characters make comments like this:
Of course, he knew that women usually got paid less than men, but that was because men had to support their families. Unmarried women had to support only themselves. It was only fair.
I just can't tell what the author is going for with some of the characters at times. One time Sarah is called because a young woman at the Mission is found to be pregnant and when she gets there, the author writes this:
“I’d like to listen to your heart, and to your baby’s heart.” Luckily, Sarah had thought to bring her medical bag with her.
Things like that make her characters sound stupid.
Another issue I had was with the use of the word "mulatto." I assume she was trying to be historically accurate, but as this book was written in 2016, I think she could've used something different.
A mulatto maid, wearing a brightly colored turban in contrast to her severe black dress and white apron, answered the bell at the neat brick town house.
Obviously, in spite of these issues, I still enjoyed reading the book. I found it relaxing. It was also helpful that Mrs. Ellsworth only made one minor appearance with her stupid superstitions, and the kids were hardly mentioned at all. I'll definitely finish this series eventually.
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