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Gilded Age #1
Ten Days in August
From the Lower East Side to uptown Manhattan, a curious detective searches for clues on the sidewalks of New York—and finds a secret world of forbidden love that’s too hot to handle…
New York City, 1896. As the temperatures rise, so does the crime rate. At the peak of this sizzling heat wave, police inspector Hank Brandt is called to investigate the scandalous murder of a male prostitute. His colleagues think he should drop the case, but Hank’s interest is piqued, especially when he meets the intriguing key witness: a beautiful female impersonator named Nicholas Sharp.
As a nightclub performer living on the fringes of society, Nicky is reluctant to place his trust in a cop—even one as handsome as Hank. With Police Commissioner Theodore Roosevelt cracking down on vice in the city, Nicky’s afraid that getting involved could end his career. But when he realizes his life is in danger—and Hank is his strongest ally—the two men hit the streets together to solve the crime. From the tawdry tenements of the Lower East Side to the moneyed mansions of Fifth Avenue, Nicky and Hank are determined to uncover the truth. But when things start heating up between them, it’s not just their lives on the line. It’s their love…
New York City, 1896. As the temperatures rise, so does the crime rate. At the peak of this sizzling heat wave, police inspector Hank Brandt is called to investigate the scandalous murder of a male prostitute. His colleagues think he should drop the case, but Hank’s interest is piqued, especially when he meets the intriguing key witness: a beautiful female impersonator named Nicholas Sharp.
As a nightclub performer living on the fringes of society, Nicky is reluctant to place his trust in a cop—even one as handsome as Hank. With Police Commissioner Theodore Roosevelt cracking down on vice in the city, Nicky’s afraid that getting involved could end his career. But when he realizes his life is in danger—and Hank is his strongest ally—the two men hit the streets together to solve the crime. From the tawdry tenements of the Lower East Side to the moneyed mansions of Fifth Avenue, Nicky and Hank are determined to uncover the truth. But when things start heating up between them, it’s not just their lives on the line. It’s their love…
256 pages, Paperback
First published March 29, 2016
64 people are currently reading
487 people want to read
About the author
Kate McMurray
52 books348 followersKate McMurray writes smart romantic fiction. She likes creating stories that are brainy, funny, and of course sexy, with regular guy characters and urban sensibilities. She advocates for romance stories by and for everyone. When she’s not writing, she edits textbooks, watches baseball, plays violin, crafts things out of yarn, and wears a lot of cute dresses. She lives in Brooklyn, NY, with a bossy cat and too many books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
January 28, 2016
1896, Manhattan
--Alice Austen photographer, hansom cab of period
All kinds of things happen when it gets hot, too hot.
Nicholas Sharp is a singer for Club Bulgaria, a low rent venue for men sharing likeminded desires. When one of the club's employees ends up dead, Nicky is the one to find him and the police have questions.
Hank Brandt, an Acting Inspector for NYPD has a secret. This secret means that he has no interest in pushing the fairy resort murder aside, especially when another body with like wounds and matching victim profile turns up. Like all jobs, there's the work and there's the politics of work. Hank has a mind for one, but not the other.
Nicky, and his alter ego Paulina Clodhopper, have an effect on Hank. He suddenly wants things, that which he's denied himself for years since joining the force, and the consequences be damned. That's all fine and good, but between the serial killer and Roosevelt's cleaning shop and "morally questionable" officers are being ousted, Hank's got to be careful. So does Nicky.
--This is an image of the tenements during the heatwave of 1896, source NPR
This is a feel good historical, you meet a lot of interesting characters and while there are some portrayals of the poor and seedier parts of life at the time, the hardships; it isn't gritty. A bit unrealistic and Nicky got a bit wordy and whiny as the story progressed. I loved the setting and all the historical references, but the interactions felt a bit canned towards the end, and my rating reflects it. While I preferred the first half of the book to the second, I enjoyed reading it. Just not in love with it.
Overall, an optimistic love story during difficult times.
~~ARC provided by Netgallery~~
--Alice Austen photographer, hansom cab of period
All kinds of things happen when it gets hot, too hot.
Nicholas Sharp is a singer for Club Bulgaria, a low rent venue for men sharing likeminded desires. When one of the club's employees ends up dead, Nicky is the one to find him and the police have questions.
Hank Brandt, an Acting Inspector for NYPD has a secret. This secret means that he has no interest in pushing the fairy resort murder aside, especially when another body with like wounds and matching victim profile turns up. Like all jobs, there's the work and there's the politics of work. Hank has a mind for one, but not the other.
Nicky, and his alter ego Paulina Clodhopper, have an effect on Hank. He suddenly wants things, that which he's denied himself for years since joining the force, and the consequences be damned. That's all fine and good, but between the serial killer and Roosevelt's cleaning shop and "morally questionable" officers are being ousted, Hank's got to be careful. So does Nicky.
--This is an image of the tenements during the heatwave of 1896, source NPR
This is a feel good historical, you meet a lot of interesting characters and while there are some portrayals of the poor and seedier parts of life at the time, the hardships; it isn't gritty. A bit unrealistic and Nicky got a bit wordy and whiny as the story progressed. I loved the setting and all the historical references, but the interactions felt a bit canned towards the end, and my rating reflects it. While I preferred the first half of the book to the second, I enjoyed reading it. Just not in love with it.
Overall, an optimistic love story during difficult times.
~~ARC provided by Netgallery~~
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April 11, 2016 DNF at 10%
I didn't like the writing, what OF COURSE doesn't mean that it was BAD.
It was just NOT MY CUPPA.
I tried, I really did, but...
**Copy provided by the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
I didn't like the writing, what OF COURSE doesn't mean that it was BAD.
It was just NOT MY CUPPA.
I tried, I really did, but...
**Copy provided by the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
March 13, 2020
Not quite 4 stars but I rounded up.
I'd totally read another book in this series...if there were one. Eagerly awaiting more.
I'd totally read another book in this series...if there were one. Eagerly awaiting more.
dnf
May 22, 2019The attention to historical details was good, but the writing was standard, at best. There was a lot of repetition, the characters weren't really grabbing me, and Hank was bordering on "bad at his job" since the only witness/suspect he could bother questioning is the one he has the hots for. *headdesk*
DNF @ 23%
Edit: Oh! Oh! AND Hank has a mustache!
I kept trying to mentally erase it, but it kept getting mentioned and there's only so much I can do. I am but one woman!
Also, the aforementioned tendency to not using contractions was endlessly distracting. There are indeed contractions (I did a search, since I only noticed when they weren't there), and there are times you want characters to not use them for added emphasis and such, but it was so often and felt so stilted, it kept throwing me out of the story. Such a small thing, but there you go.
DNF @ 23%
Edit: Oh! Oh! AND Hank has a mustache!
I kept trying to mentally erase it, but it kept getting mentioned and there's only so much I can do. I am but one woman!
Also, the aforementioned tendency to not using contractions was endlessly distracting. There are indeed contractions (I did a search, since I only noticed when they weren't there), and there are times you want characters to not use them for added emphasis and such, but it was so often and felt so stilted, it kept throwing me out of the story. Such a small thing, but there you go.
September 11, 2018
4 stars! Really loved this book. 😍. I found it quite accidentally when I was doing a blind search for historical MM books in our local library catalog.., and I'm so glad that I found this author. The story develops within the extent of ten days, as the title says ; New York in 1896 is sweltering through a heat wave when a male "working boy" is murdered in Detective Hank Brandt's precinct. Suspecting a serial murderer to be on the prowl, he starts investigating the crimes, much to his investigative partner's surprise, since crimes against "such" people was ignored generally. While talking to witnesses he meets Nicholas Sharp. a female impersonator; and is immediately attracted. However, it is a dangerous time for both of them due to the politics and laws of those days, and add to that a serial killer on the loose makes things even more difficult for them. Nicky's past experiences make him hesitant to get involved seriously with Hank, but their relationship evolves as the danger increases. Both the MCs are quite likable and so are the supporting characters. 😊
The story is very well-written and researched. The plot revolves around true events and shows a pretty interesting portrayal of Theodore Roosevelt during his early political days. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading more from this author.😁
The story is very well-written and researched. The plot revolves around true events and shows a pretty interesting portrayal of Theodore Roosevelt during his early political days. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading more from this author.😁
August 5, 2016
New York City, August 1896: Police Inspector Henry (Hank) Brandt is convinced a serial killer is murdering working boys – a dangerous situation in more ways than one. Brandt is in line for a promotion from Police Commissioner Theodore Roosevelt (yes, the guy on Mount Rushmore), and his partner suspects that Hank’s interest in the case may not be entirely police-related. Brandt is hiding a secret – he’s an “invert” (as gay men were called at the turn of the century) – and he finds himself captivated by his key witness – Nicholas (Nicky) Sharp, a female impersonator at Club Bulgaria in the Bowery.
Hank soon finds himself in a quandry; he cannot walk away from the attraction he feels for Nicky, and knows if he is discovered to be an “invert” he will lose his livelihood as a police detective, but he is determined to solve the case. And when it turns out the main suspect is a member of New York high society, Hank realizes he may never be able to bring the man to justice in a society where money and prestige are more important than ethics, morals …. and murder.
The attraction between Hank and Nicky happens quickly – “Well, I hate to tell you, darling, but I am all male beneath my skirts.” “Yes, I know. It’s part of your appeal.” – and although there are some steamy scenes between the two, the murders hold most of the focus in this book. Along the way, we meet a rich set of secondary characters, from Nicky’s family and coworkers to Hank’s childhood friend Amelia who has married into the highest realms of New York society.
The pace of the story is good, broken down into days 1 through 10 of the infamous August 1896 heatwave that killed more people than the 1871 Great Chicago Fire. But when Nicky’s life is in danger and the entire case hangs in the balance, the last 20% of the book races to a very satisfying conclusion.
I really enjoyed this book and if you are a history geek, as I am, I think you’ll enjoy being immersed into New York at the end of the century. The historic August 1896 heatwave is true, and over 1500 people died during those awful ten days. People took to their rooftops to escape the heat, some falling to their deaths in their sleep. The mayor refused to let people sleep in city parks or to allow city workers to work night shifts to avoid the heat. Horses dropped from the heat, died on the streets, and were left to rot. Crowded tenements had no air circulation and no tap water, and ice was an unimaginable luxury. Hot Time in the Old Town: The Great Heat Wave of 1896 and the Making of Theodore Roosevelt is a non-fiction book with more information.
FYI — there were perhaps a half-dozen “fairy resorts” in the Bowery at the turn of the century, “nightclubs where rouged men mingled with brawny laborers and uptown swells” and wearing a red ascot was a subtle signal to fellow “inverts”. There's an interesting NY Times article with lotsa great info -- http://www.nytimes.com/2000/06/11/nyr...
I received an ARC from the author, via GayBook Reviews, in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at GayBook Reviews.
Hank soon finds himself in a quandry; he cannot walk away from the attraction he feels for Nicky, and knows if he is discovered to be an “invert” he will lose his livelihood as a police detective, but he is determined to solve the case. And when it turns out the main suspect is a member of New York high society, Hank realizes he may never be able to bring the man to justice in a society where money and prestige are more important than ethics, morals …. and murder.
The attraction between Hank and Nicky happens quickly – “Well, I hate to tell you, darling, but I am all male beneath my skirts.” “Yes, I know. It’s part of your appeal.” – and although there are some steamy scenes between the two, the murders hold most of the focus in this book. Along the way, we meet a rich set of secondary characters, from Nicky’s family and coworkers to Hank’s childhood friend Amelia who has married into the highest realms of New York society.
The pace of the story is good, broken down into days 1 through 10 of the infamous August 1896 heatwave that killed more people than the 1871 Great Chicago Fire. But when Nicky’s life is in danger and the entire case hangs in the balance, the last 20% of the book races to a very satisfying conclusion.
I really enjoyed this book and if you are a history geek, as I am, I think you’ll enjoy being immersed into New York at the end of the century. The historic August 1896 heatwave is true, and over 1500 people died during those awful ten days. People took to their rooftops to escape the heat, some falling to their deaths in their sleep. The mayor refused to let people sleep in city parks or to allow city workers to work night shifts to avoid the heat. Horses dropped from the heat, died on the streets, and were left to rot. Crowded tenements had no air circulation and no tap water, and ice was an unimaginable luxury. Hot Time in the Old Town: The Great Heat Wave of 1896 and the Making of Theodore Roosevelt is a non-fiction book with more information.
FYI — there were perhaps a half-dozen “fairy resorts” in the Bowery at the turn of the century, “nightclubs where rouged men mingled with brawny laborers and uptown swells” and wearing a red ascot was a subtle signal to fellow “inverts”. There's an interesting NY Times article with lotsa great info -- http://www.nytimes.com/2000/06/11/nyr...
I received an ARC from the author, via GayBook Reviews, in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at GayBook Reviews.
April 2, 2017
I have read Kate McMurray in the past and was not enthused.
Glory be! This time she caught me by the shorthairs and didn't let go. She created characters that I cared about instantly who I wanted to see succeed. Truth be told, I wanted to know a lot more about Andrew and Charlie's backstory. McMurray used New York City extremely well. You could follow the streets they walked and it was appropriate. I like that. Yes, I wish McMurray had been able to handle the mystery portion of the story in a more procedural way that would have given a lot more weight to the entire the book. I know I'm asking for a lot but this author did her homework and you could see the results of that research. This period of time in New York City was so well studied she might as well continue on and truly documented how they solve crimes.
I was very pleased with the ending. Who knows what would've happened in a true honest past but I'll take it because I enjoyed it. I will admit there were times it made me so sad to know these people truly had to live like that, in the dark, in the shadows, afraid of everything, knowing there was little chance they'd ever have a loving future. Luckily, McMurray pulled it out, forged ahead and was able to keep me, this reader entertained and happy.
Glory be! This time she caught me by the shorthairs and didn't let go. She created characters that I cared about instantly who I wanted to see succeed. Truth be told, I wanted to know a lot more about Andrew and Charlie's backstory. McMurray used New York City extremely well. You could follow the streets they walked and it was appropriate. I like that. Yes, I wish McMurray had been able to handle the mystery portion of the story in a more procedural way that would have given a lot more weight to the entire the book. I know I'm asking for a lot but this author did her homework and you could see the results of that research. This period of time in New York City was so well studied she might as well continue on and truly documented how they solve crimes.
I was very pleased with the ending. Who knows what would've happened in a true honest past but I'll take it because I enjoyed it. I will admit there were times it made me so sad to know these people truly had to live like that, in the dark, in the shadows, afraid of everything, knowing there was little chance they'd ever have a loving future. Luckily, McMurray pulled it out, forged ahead and was able to keep me, this reader entertained and happy.
July 1, 2016
I liked this book. It has a slow and steady pace with solid characters. It isn't particularly dynamic or exciting but it is a good story about a New York detective in 1896 who is on the trail of a possible serial killer.
This is a killer who maybe rich and powerful and who is preying on men who work the streets. Of course the police do not see these men as being worth protection, but not so Detective Hank Brandt because he knows what it is to desire someone of the same sex and he is determined to do his job and catch the murderer.
And in the course of solving the crime he meets a key witness Nicolas Sharp who is a night club entertainer and female impersonator. Hank asks Nicholas for help and the two men quickly become lovers.
But this is a dangerous situation to be in. Hank risks his reputation and his promotion, Nicholas risks his life.
All of this takes place against the backdrop of the deadly New York heat wave of 1896 which killed about in 1,500 people in August. Hank has to solve this crime in the midst of rising heat, rising numbers of deaths and the inability of city officials to respond to the heat or the murders.
I enjoyed the way the author was able to set her story within a real historical context and at the same time stay within the true events. I particularly liked the side characters Andrew ( Hank's friend) and Charlie, one of the boys working the street. It gave the story a different dimension, whilst not detracting from the main storyline.
At the centre of the story is a solid no frills mystery which was ok but a bit slow. I think the story would need a little more suspense, tension and excitement for it to be five stars for me but it was a good read for a hot summer day.
Copy provided by NetGalley
March 29, 2016
Rosalie's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
3.75 stars
I loved the setting of the book: New York, 1896, a night club…an ideal setting for me. The plot was one that hooked me – a potential serial killer that is set to kill all the working men in the area. Inspector Henry, Hank, doesn’t want this to come to light, or continue. Nicky, a female impersonator at the club who was one of the first to come into the club and find out about the murder that had occurred, is a key witness, and it seems Hank might want more than just information. The thing he worries about the most, however, is that if his “secret” of being gay comes out, he might not get the promotion he has worked so hard to try and achieve. But will the attraction to Nicky be too much to be able to stay away from?
I really did enjoy this read. There were a lot of societal norms that were pushed in this read, but played out beautifully. I loved how Hank knew that Nicky was a male, and that really ended up being one of the main thing that attracted him to him. Being an “invert” in those times was even more unheard of than in today’s times; but feelings are feelings and Hank knew that Nicky was something he definitely wanted to explore more of. Then, when Nicky is put in danger, Hank must decide what is more important to him, what he is perceived as, or Nicky. The accuracy of the historical pieces of the books made it even more enjoyable. I love anything history, and this one definitely fit the bill.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
3.75 stars
I loved the setting of the book: New York, 1896, a night club…an ideal setting for me. The plot was one that hooked me – a potential serial killer that is set to kill all the working men in the area. Inspector Henry, Hank, doesn’t want this to come to light, or continue. Nicky, a female impersonator at the club who was one of the first to come into the club and find out about the murder that had occurred, is a key witness, and it seems Hank might want more than just information. The thing he worries about the most, however, is that if his “secret” of being gay comes out, he might not get the promotion he has worked so hard to try and achieve. But will the attraction to Nicky be too much to be able to stay away from?
I really did enjoy this read. There were a lot of societal norms that were pushed in this read, but played out beautifully. I loved how Hank knew that Nicky was a male, and that really ended up being one of the main thing that attracted him to him. Being an “invert” in those times was even more unheard of than in today’s times; but feelings are feelings and Hank knew that Nicky was something he definitely wanted to explore more of. Then, when Nicky is put in danger, Hank must decide what is more important to him, what he is perceived as, or Nicky. The accuracy of the historical pieces of the books made it even more enjoyable. I love anything history, and this one definitely fit the bill.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
February 24, 2016
Ten Days In August by Kate McMurray (MM/Romance)
A copy of this book was provided to me by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
****4 STARS****
This book is set in 1896 New York. Hank is a police inspector and gets involved in a crime about dead prostitutes, someone is killing and needs to be stopped. He meets Nicky at his first crime scene, who works as a female impersonator...drag?
It wasn't love a first sight for these two, which I was glad for, but the attraction was there. In 1896, there was no way Hank could come out without serious issues. As the story builds, things heat up and they work together to solve the crimes. I'm not sure if this was a realistic take of 1896 or the way these two acted together. Sometimes I forgot that this wasn't present time until they mention something that is old and related to 1896...lol. The way they spoke seemed too present time for me, but they were interesting.
A copy of this book was provided to me by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
****4 STARS****
This book is set in 1896 New York. Hank is a police inspector and gets involved in a crime about dead prostitutes, someone is killing and needs to be stopped. He meets Nicky at his first crime scene, who works as a female impersonator...drag?
It wasn't love a first sight for these two, which I was glad for, but the attraction was there. In 1896, there was no way Hank could come out without serious issues. As the story builds, things heat up and they work together to solve the crimes. I'm not sure if this was a realistic take of 1896 or the way these two acted together. Sometimes I forgot that this wasn't present time until they mention something that is old and related to 1896...lol. The way they spoke seemed too present time for me, but they were interesting.
April 24, 2019
This was an ok story.
I think the author did a great job researching, the setting of the novel was quite captivating.
I just think the execution felt a little flat, the murder investigation wasn't very credible and the relationships between the protagonists and the secondary couple were too much insta-love to offer any kind of captivating tension in how things progressed.
I'd say the important things were left too much in the open. The end is sweet but I'd have preferred such eye for detail in this too.
All in all, reading this felt a little boring to me...
I think the author did a great job researching, the setting of the novel was quite captivating.
I just think the execution felt a little flat, the murder investigation wasn't very credible and the relationships between the protagonists and the secondary couple were too much insta-love to offer any kind of captivating tension in how things progressed.
I'd say the important things were left too much in the open. The end is sweet but I'd have preferred such eye for detail in this too.
All in all, reading this felt a little boring to me...
April 8, 2020
A sweet romance with a decent mystery, although the author's tendency to not use contractions was a serious distraction -- I had enough practice editing the conversations in-head that it was automatic by the end of the book. Still, both of the MCs were lovely -- Nicky is wonderful, although a bit of a stereotype, and I found myself thinking of Hank the detective as the Anti-Jake Riordan, in the closet out of self-preservation instead of self-denial. I don't know if I'll be searching out more by this author, but I certainly wouldn't be opposed to it if I happen across something that sounds interesting.
Edited: whadda ya know, I have read something by this author, a contemporary I gave 5 stars. Maybe she did the lack of contractions in this one since it's an historical? Hunh.
Edited: whadda ya know, I have read something by this author, a contemporary I gave 5 stars. Maybe she did the lack of contractions in this one since it's an historical? Hunh.
August 25, 2022
2.5 rounded up
Fine historical.
Low steam, high researched detail.
Could have been better.
Fine historical.
Low steam, high researched detail.
Could have been better.
March 9, 2016
New York City's temperatures heated up during Summer in August 1896 in more ways than one. People keeled over from the heat and a serial killer roaming the city at night killing working boys at the Bowery fairy resorts. Acting Inspector Henry "Hank" Brandt was called to investigate one such murder when he met Nicholas "Nicky" Sharp, potential witness and beautiful female impersonator in the resort. As expected, sparks flied.
As a gay police detective in late 19th century, Hank lived a precarious life. His attraction to Nicky added to that. With the help of his friend, Andrew Ritchley who worked as secretary to Chief of Police, Hank raced against time to catch the killer before he hurt his closest person and the profession he loved.
This was a harrowing read for me. As depicted by the title, the story told what happened in New York City during the ten hottest days ever and they were not beautiful. It was slow-paced and quite descriptive; in almost every chapters, there were people sweating or wiping sweat, I sweated along reading it.
The characters were endearing and felt real with the struggles in their life. Readers could soon sort out the good guys from the bad guys; well, at least ones that mattered to the storyline.
That said, even as our hero figured who the villain was, it was frustrating that he had difficulties gathering damning evidence. Being (too) familiar with modern-day murder or mystery solving television series, the unavailability of CSI and DNA aggravated me to no end! LMAO.
As for the romance between characters... It's a ten-day story, so of course there would be rushed relationship. Although, somehow with the way it was related, it didn't feel too rushed for me. It was just about. Right.
ARC is kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the exchange of a fair and honest review.
As a gay police detective in late 19th century, Hank lived a precarious life. His attraction to Nicky added to that. With the help of his friend, Andrew Ritchley who worked as secretary to Chief of Police, Hank raced against time to catch the killer before he hurt his closest person and the profession he loved.
This was a harrowing read for me. As depicted by the title, the story told what happened in New York City during the ten hottest days ever and they were not beautiful. It was slow-paced and quite descriptive; in almost every chapters, there were people sweating or wiping sweat, I sweated along reading it.
The characters were endearing and felt real with the struggles in their life. Readers could soon sort out the good guys from the bad guys; well, at least ones that mattered to the storyline.
That said, even as our hero figured who the villain was, it was frustrating that he had difficulties gathering damning evidence. Being (too) familiar with modern-day murder or mystery solving television series, the unavailability of CSI and DNA aggravated me to no end! LMAO.
As for the romance between characters... It's a ten-day story, so of course there would be rushed relationship. Although, somehow with the way it was related, it didn't feel too rushed for me. It was just about. Right.
ARC is kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the exchange of a fair and honest review.
May 20, 2016
This was a good book set back in the late 1800's in New York with two unique MC Hank Brandt and Nicholas Sharp -
Detective Hank Brandt is looking into the murder of a male prostitute one that nobody else thinks is really worthy of his time however Hank wants to know what is going on and who killed this man and that leads him to female impersonator aka drag queen Nicholas Sharp. These two are an unlikely couple from all aspects and when they end up being thrown together in more than one way the story gets interesting as Hank has to decide if he is going to follow the rules or follow his gut & heart.
While I am not a fan of historical fiction I read this one because it was recommended and I am glad I did - although it didn't blow me out of the water, it was a good book and one that I would recommend to those who like historical male/male romance. The author did a really good job of setting up the scene, characters were well rounded and the sex was steamy.. Enjoy!
❥❥**´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*Review Copy provided by Kensington Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
Detective Hank Brandt is looking into the murder of a male prostitute one that nobody else thinks is really worthy of his time however Hank wants to know what is going on and who killed this man and that leads him to female impersonator aka drag queen Nicholas Sharp. These two are an unlikely couple from all aspects and when they end up being thrown together in more than one way the story gets interesting as Hank has to decide if he is going to follow the rules or follow his gut & heart.
While I am not a fan of historical fiction I read this one because it was recommended and I am glad I did - although it didn't blow me out of the water, it was a good book and one that I would recommend to those who like historical male/male romance. The author did a really good job of setting up the scene, characters were well rounded and the sex was steamy.. Enjoy!
❥❥**´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*Review Copy provided by Kensington Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
March 30, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Ten Days in August centers on two main arcs: Hank/Nicky and Andrew/Charlie. The former mostly takes place in and around New York, while the latter is centered around the police headquarters and a bit at Andrew’s apartment. Hank and Andrew work for the police force while Nicky and Charlie are employed at what is basically a club that caters to men who enjoy the company of other men.
I thought McMurray did a respectable job balancing the police-centric aspects with the romance-centric aspects and vice-versa. The back-and-forth kept the various elements in the story on a roll and fresh in my mind. The story also comes across sounding well researched. The author obviously did her homework to present period-accurate side stories concerning presidential politics. It was fun to google stuff in the book like Theodore Roosevelt (!) and the Democratic National Convention of 1896 (!!) and see it was all well within the realm of possibilities. Even better is that all this wasn’t just a ding-dong-ditch info-dump. McMurray actually uses the historical context to support the rest of the action. Case in point: the police are being encouraged to enforce the “Sunday Laws” but not seriously pursue the murder of male prostitutes—both in the spirit of moral rectitude.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Ten Days in August centers on two main arcs: Hank/Nicky and Andrew/Charlie. The former mostly takes place in and around New York, while the latter is centered around the police headquarters and a bit at Andrew’s apartment. Hank and Andrew work for the police force while Nicky and Charlie are employed at what is basically a club that caters to men who enjoy the company of other men.
I thought McMurray did a respectable job balancing the police-centric aspects with the romance-centric aspects and vice-versa. The back-and-forth kept the various elements in the story on a roll and fresh in my mind. The story also comes across sounding well researched. The author obviously did her homework to present period-accurate side stories concerning presidential politics. It was fun to google stuff in the book like Theodore Roosevelt (!) and the Democratic National Convention of 1896 (!!) and see it was all well within the realm of possibilities. Even better is that all this wasn’t just a ding-dong-ditch info-dump. McMurray actually uses the historical context to support the rest of the action. Case in point: the police are being encouraged to enforce the “Sunday Laws” but not seriously pursue the murder of male prostitutes—both in the spirit of moral rectitude.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
April 25, 2019
Two and half stars. Too much history, not enough story. I appreciate that the author did her research, but instead of adding to the atmosphere of the narrative it replaced it. Half the book detailed events like the preparation by the police for a presidential candidate's rally, which did nothing to advance the plot. Here we are in the midst of brutal heat wave and men are being murdered by a serial killer and yet there was no suspense, no tension. Instead we get not one, but two unlikely saccharine sweet instant-love M/M romances.
The book divides it's time between the romance between a NYC police and a female impersonator and a secondary romance between the assistant to the Chief of Police and a prostitute. I got the impression that the author was far more interested in chronicling historical events then she was in telling her fictitious murder story as there was very little to it. The writing is OK but often stilted due to the awkwardness of trying to use time period appropriate verbiage. Even though it was short, I found the book a chore to read and ending up skimming all of the irrelevant historical sections.
The book divides it's time between the romance between a NYC police and a female impersonator and a secondary romance between the assistant to the Chief of Police and a prostitute. I got the impression that the author was far more interested in chronicling historical events then she was in telling her fictitious murder story as there was very little to it. The writing is OK but often stilted due to the awkwardness of trying to use time period appropriate verbiage. Even though it was short, I found the book a chore to read and ending up skimming all of the irrelevant historical sections.
January 16, 2020
Almost interesting . . . but - not enough to keep me turning pages.
1. Caleb Carr already did a similar storyline with The Alienist. No, the inspector was not attracted to one of the potential victims in his narrative, but the story of boys-n-brothels was well covered.
2. There are simply too many anachronisms in the narrative. Typewriters don't exist for another 15-20 years, an autopsy report would not be done and returned with results in two days (only happens on Television today, never in real life). For a man to visit a married woman, especially in a high-society setting would not be prudent without a chaperone, lest there would be talk - and a jealous husband. All of that made me doubt the world-building and sense of time/place that should have been second nature in the plot.
3. The format, although interesting, really puts constraints on what can happen in a given day. Modern life might be that hectic, but it was not as such in the late nineteenth century. We are lucky if we can get to resolution of a crime in a few months - but without modern communication and science, there is no way it could happen -then.
1. Caleb Carr already did a similar storyline with The Alienist. No, the inspector was not attracted to one of the potential victims in his narrative, but the story of boys-n-brothels was well covered.
2. There are simply too many anachronisms in the narrative. Typewriters don't exist for another 15-20 years, an autopsy report would not be done and returned with results in two days (only happens on Television today, never in real life). For a man to visit a married woman, especially in a high-society setting would not be prudent without a chaperone, lest there would be talk - and a jealous husband. All of that made me doubt the world-building and sense of time/place that should have been second nature in the plot.
3. The format, although interesting, really puts constraints on what can happen in a given day. Modern life might be that hectic, but it was not as such in the late nineteenth century. We are lucky if we can get to resolution of a crime in a few months - but without modern communication and science, there is no way it could happen -then.
March 28, 2016
Set in New York City, the year 1896 and spanning 10 of the hottest days on record, one police inspector is on a case to catch a killer of male prostitutes who no one else cared about. Nicky, a performer in one of the gentleman's clubs is a witness and can possibly identify the murderer. They work together to solve the crimes and grow closer while they're at it.
I personally enjoyed this historical m/m romance. Fast-paced, likable characters and an attraction that leads to a beautiful romance pulled me in. The murder mystery kept me intrigued and the promise of a HEA left me satisfied. Overall, one of the better reads in the m/m genre.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I personally enjoyed this historical m/m romance. Fast-paced, likable characters and an attraction that leads to a beautiful romance pulled me in. The murder mystery kept me intrigued and the promise of a HEA left me satisfied. Overall, one of the better reads in the m/m genre.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 14, 2017
** 4.5 Stars **
What I've read of Kate McMurray's writings I've greatly enjoyed. Ten Days in August is another great Historical novel!
There's something incredibly real about it, the imagery, the characters, the emotions ... Hank and Nicky are quite a pair. There are some wonderful secondary characters too. I liked it a LOT!
April 16, 2020
This leans more towards a 2 for me, in the 2.5 stars I feel about it, but there were elements of it, mostly the historical details, that were interesting enough so I rounded up, and 2 is usually my worst rating. I liked this one less than the other historical book I read by this author.
This one is set in the Gilded Age, some thirty years before the setting of the previous book also occurring in New York. They both have similar elements, namely romance between a performer at a "fairy bar" and those at opposite spectrums to the law (last book was a mobster, here it's a police detective), elements of violence and suspense with upsetting things happening throughout the story, side story of another male couple pairing that is shoehorned in, and very fast romances between the couple where they fall in love within the span of days. Hank and Nicky's relationship at least seemed more believable to me, than the secondary romance. Charlie the "working boy" was raped by a killer and escaped, and mere days later is now fully in love with secretary to Police Commissioner Andrew and they'll live happy together... this was very undeveloped for me.
This ran the gamut in upsetting events from dog killing to child dying to prostitute rape and kidnapping and threats- but I suppose it's the matter of fact world being set here where hundreds of people die in the city where the poor cannot leave to escape the heat or buy ice to cool down. I just didn't like that type of writing style of these horrific things happening and matter of fact, move on here though. I also didn't get on board with or understand the decision to separate chapters into ten days and it all occurring in this compressed time period. I suppose it's to evoke the feeling of suffocated tension and pressing heat that the characters feel, along with the temperature recordings being told, but I just found everything too sped up. The police investigation, the way the villain plotline and worries conveniently resolved itself for them, seemed the most unrealistic aspect here.
What I really did like were moments of sprinkles of details about New York during this time. These were the best parts of the story, and even when it meandered, I didn't care because these details were more absorbing than the actual suspense policing plot or the romantic plot of Hank and Nicky, and also Andrew and Charlie. Hank's father having been a veteran of the Civil War and an amputee, him living in his own modest house (a fortune now!), his childhood best friend's ascension into the upper class of "Mrs Astor's Four Hundred" and the opulence of that set, the squalor of the tenements and poorer folk dealing with heat and crime, as well as policing methods during that time, the fizzling out of William McKinley's opponent in that time's presidential race, comments by the characters about the future of New York building up on the island with skyscrapers and building on the Flatiron area, them soon to merge with Brooklyn and Queens, Hearst and Pulitzer's publications, Hammerstein building theaters further up (Broadway?), many other little details like this. And was the Police Commissioner here THE, ACTUAL, Theodore Roosevelt, future actual president later on during the turn of the century? I'd imagine it would be, so that's something from history I did not know, and makes the moments of the police preparing Madison Square Garden for a presidential candidate speech more interesting with this information in mind.
I also did really appreciate that here, Nicky worked at this shady Bulgaria club as a singer, and he did it under his crossdressing persona Paulina, and this was how he got to be fully free and show his true self. I appreciated that Nicky was femme-ish, a crossdresser, loved fashion and beautiful things and could convincingly pass off as a woman, and he did the best he could in the time and place he was born into, to find ways to survive and also find a space where he could be himself. His loyalty to his sister and her family is also commendable, and his roots highlight the aspect of the poorer folks in society during this age of lavish prosperity of tycoons (robber barons) which aren't depicted as much in the fiction I've encountered. It's also nice that Hank got the best case scenario good ending with the Inspector job within the police department that he gets to keep while living domestically and happily with Nicky on the down low- I liked Hank's mustache and bowler hat, and his strong sense of ethics and drive to serve, he's one of the "good cops".
So overall, elements I liked- mainly the evocative time period and details, but also many elements that I didn't and found rather boring and undeveloped and unrealistic. At the end, this passed the time so I'm not sorry I read this.
This one is set in the Gilded Age, some thirty years before the setting of the previous book also occurring in New York. They both have similar elements, namely romance between a performer at a "fairy bar" and those at opposite spectrums to the law (last book was a mobster, here it's a police detective), elements of violence and suspense with upsetting things happening throughout the story, side story of another male couple pairing that is shoehorned in, and very fast romances between the couple where they fall in love within the span of days. Hank and Nicky's relationship at least seemed more believable to me, than the secondary romance. Charlie the "working boy" was raped by a killer and escaped, and mere days later is now fully in love with secretary to Police Commissioner Andrew and they'll live happy together... this was very undeveloped for me.
This ran the gamut in upsetting events from dog killing to child dying to prostitute rape and kidnapping and threats- but I suppose it's the matter of fact world being set here where hundreds of people die in the city where the poor cannot leave to escape the heat or buy ice to cool down. I just didn't like that type of writing style of these horrific things happening and matter of fact, move on here though. I also didn't get on board with or understand the decision to separate chapters into ten days and it all occurring in this compressed time period. I suppose it's to evoke the feeling of suffocated tension and pressing heat that the characters feel, along with the temperature recordings being told, but I just found everything too sped up. The police investigation, the way the villain plotline and worries conveniently resolved itself for them, seemed the most unrealistic aspect here.
What I really did like were moments of sprinkles of details about New York during this time. These were the best parts of the story, and even when it meandered, I didn't care because these details were more absorbing than the actual suspense policing plot or the romantic plot of Hank and Nicky, and also Andrew and Charlie. Hank's father having been a veteran of the Civil War and an amputee, him living in his own modest house (a fortune now!), his childhood best friend's ascension into the upper class of "Mrs Astor's Four Hundred" and the opulence of that set, the squalor of the tenements and poorer folk dealing with heat and crime, as well as policing methods during that time, the fizzling out of William McKinley's opponent in that time's presidential race, comments by the characters about the future of New York building up on the island with skyscrapers and building on the Flatiron area, them soon to merge with Brooklyn and Queens, Hearst and Pulitzer's publications, Hammerstein building theaters further up (Broadway?), many other little details like this. And was the Police Commissioner here THE, ACTUAL, Theodore Roosevelt, future actual president later on during the turn of the century? I'd imagine it would be, so that's something from history I did not know, and makes the moments of the police preparing Madison Square Garden for a presidential candidate speech more interesting with this information in mind.
I also did really appreciate that here, Nicky worked at this shady Bulgaria club as a singer, and he did it under his crossdressing persona Paulina, and this was how he got to be fully free and show his true self. I appreciated that Nicky was femme-ish, a crossdresser, loved fashion and beautiful things and could convincingly pass off as a woman, and he did the best he could in the time and place he was born into, to find ways to survive and also find a space where he could be himself. His loyalty to his sister and her family is also commendable, and his roots highlight the aspect of the poorer folks in society during this age of lavish prosperity of tycoons (robber barons) which aren't depicted as much in the fiction I've encountered. It's also nice that Hank got the best case scenario good ending with the Inspector job within the police department that he gets to keep while living domestically and happily with Nicky on the down low- I liked Hank's mustache and bowler hat, and his strong sense of ethics and drive to serve, he's one of the "good cops".
So overall, elements I liked- mainly the evocative time period and details, but also many elements that I didn't and found rather boring and undeveloped and unrealistic. At the end, this passed the time so I'm not sorry I read this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2020
As I write this in Los Angeles, we're in the "Dog Days" of August with a triple-digit heatwave. My Great-Grandparents lived in NYC at the time the book takes place, and I grew up hearing family stories of that time/place. Maybe I'm too gay to pretend that closeted men can be so emotionless while wrestling with the life-altering ramifications of being outed. Or perhaps I read too much detective fiction/cozy mysteries and have too much to compare this with. For those and many other reasons, I should have connected with the story, but I didn't.
I think the biggest detractor for me is the antiquated syntax in both the narration and dialog. It makes for difficult reading. Felt like walking through muddy clay in tall Wellies with each foot making a sucking sound as it's extricated from the quagmire. Slow, plodding progress with each paragraph doesn't work for me. I get that it's how people move through a world of high heat and humidity in an age before A/C, but that's not how readers should move through narration. If it was intentional, it did nothing to bring the bustling world of the period alive for me.
Another sore spot that stands out is the goals for each scene. They were obtuse or just nonexistent in too much of the book. Hank goes uptown to meet with his childhood friend, but too much of it felt tacked-on like it was only there to serve a plot point over the story.
I get that people IRL are shallow and not always as self-aware as is healthy, but slathering interactions with thick layers of period-appropriate propriety and obtuse syntax proved too much for me. I had to abandon this book. I realize the author wanted to establish his uptown connections and sew some seeds for future chapters, but as presented, there was absolutely no purpose for them to meet the husband and his friend. The argument about skyscrapers wasn't an argument by modern standards, so for her to cut it off so abruptly felt weird and off-putting. He was bustled to the door so quickly that I couldn't figure out why it all went down as it did. Then, because Hank never thought about it, acted like it was perfectly reasonable or rational, it further distanced me from this world. By the time he got back to his desk to review the coroner's report, the whole uptown escapade felt more like the author's smug nod to period research instead of the faltering first steps in a murder investigation.
I think the biggest detractor for me is the antiquated syntax in both the narration and dialog. It makes for difficult reading. Felt like walking through muddy clay in tall Wellies with each foot making a sucking sound as it's extricated from the quagmire. Slow, plodding progress with each paragraph doesn't work for me. I get that it's how people move through a world of high heat and humidity in an age before A/C, but that's not how readers should move through narration. If it was intentional, it did nothing to bring the bustling world of the period alive for me.
Another sore spot that stands out is the goals for each scene. They were obtuse or just nonexistent in too much of the book. Hank goes uptown to meet with his childhood friend, but too much of it felt tacked-on like it was only there to serve a plot point over the story.
I get that people IRL are shallow and not always as self-aware as is healthy, but slathering interactions with thick layers of period-appropriate propriety and obtuse syntax proved too much for me. I had to abandon this book. I realize the author wanted to establish his uptown connections and sew some seeds for future chapters, but as presented, there was absolutely no purpose for them to meet the husband and his friend. The argument about skyscrapers wasn't an argument by modern standards, so for her to cut it off so abruptly felt weird and off-putting. He was bustled to the door so quickly that I couldn't figure out why it all went down as it did. Then, because Hank never thought about it, acted like it was perfectly reasonable or rational, it further distanced me from this world. By the time he got back to his desk to review the coroner's report, the whole uptown escapade felt more like the author's smug nod to period research instead of the faltering first steps in a murder investigation.
April 19, 2016
This is my review from my M/M Romance Books Blog OJ He Say Click the link below to see the whole review and more.
http://ojhesay.com/index.php/2016/04/...
Ten Days in August, by Kate McMurray
Rating: 3.75 stars
THE BLURB
New York City, 1896. As the temperatures rise, so does the crime rate. At the peak of this sizzling heat wave, police inspector Hank Brandt is called to investigate the scandalous murder of a male prostitute. His colleagues think he should drop the case, but Hank’s interest is piqued, especially when he meets the intriguing key witness: a beautiful female impersonator named Nicholas Sharp.
As a nightclub performer living on the fringes of society, Nicky is reluctant to place his trust in a cop—even one as handsome as Hank. With Police Commissioner Theodore Roosevelt cracking down on vice in the city, Nicky’s afraid that getting involved could end his career. But when he realizes his life is in danger—and Hank is his strongest ally—the two men hit the streets together to solve the crime. From the tawdry tenements of the Lower East Side to the moneyed mansions of Fifth Avenue, Nicky and Hank are determined to uncover the truth. But when things start heating up between them, it’s not just their lives on the line. It’s their love…
Personal Tags: Historical; Drag Queens; New York City; Turn of 20th Century; Police; Non-consensual; Murder; Detective Story; Prostitutes; Romantic Angst
Ten Days in August
I couldn’t help it. When I read the blurb on this book it called out to me immediately. I’ve always had a fascination for this time period, the late 19th century/turn of the 20th century. So many events were happening: cities had gotten to the point where science needed to step in to make them livable; things like air conditioning and a reliable source of potable water and dependable plumbing, refrigeration for foods, more efficient modes of individual transportation besides horse drawn carriages, things we take for granted these days.
The cities had drawn in huge numbers of people from all walks of life and all places on Earth, so for the first time people realized they weren’t alone, including gay people – thus begins the evolution that would lead to the modern gay rights movement, further propelled by the two World Wars.
THE CHARACTERS
Nicholas Sharp – Stage name Paulina Clodhopper:
…he found Nicholas – Nicky – beautiful. Nicky had stood there on the street with a soulful pout as Hank and Stephens had approached the scene, and there was something about Nicky’s sass and indifference – insouciance, perhaps – Hank found compelling. His blond hair had shone on his hatless head, his clothes were well tailored and fashionable, and Hank got the feeling this was a man who had seen a lot in his short life, though he still had something delicate about him.
Henry “Hank” Brandt – Acting Inspector NYPD:
This man was really quite attractive, in a sweaty, disheveled way, although Nicky supposed there was no way around that in this weather. The man pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and then pulled the dusty bowler hat off his head, revealing dark brown hair, cut short. He wiped his whole face from his damp forehead to his thick mustache before he dropped the hat back on his head. There seemed to be a strong body under the wrinkled clothing, but it was hard to tell. Still, this man intrigued Nicky. His companion in the uniform was blond and bearded and looked considerably more polished, but in a bland way. This disheveled man was far more interesting.
THE STORY
This is a fascinating story of a serial killer on the loose, taking advantage of the rent boys that flourished in The Bowery section of Manhattan at the end of the 19th century. Set against the backdrop of the summer of 1896, with a 10-day heat wave that killed nearly 1,500 people, many of them tenement-dwellers, across New York City. Enter Theodore Roosevelt, Police Commissioner. It was Roosevelt that spurred the administration of Mayor Strong to open up the parks so people could sleep at night and escape the suffocating, murderous heat, and it was he who initiated the delivery of free ice to the suffering inhabitants. Add in the tumultuous election of 1896 between William McKinley and William Jennings Bryan and the elaborate tapestry that binds this story together is all set.
THE WRITING
One can tell right away that this book was well researched. From the manner of speech to the affectations of the characters, from the historical backdrop of the heat wave to the tumultuous election of 1896 that would change American politics for the next 40 years, from the clothing fashions to the lifestyle of a bustling, dirty, smelly megalopolis that New York City was on the verge of becoming, this book seems to have been meticulously researched. What a joy this is when it is coupled with the smooth storytelling that Kate McMurray carries out in this book.
I could absolutely see the time period, smell the fetid, pungent smells of a city in the throes of a massive heat wave. A city that did not yet have the modern efficiencies of air conditioning to escape the heat and refrigeration to maintain the food from spoiling. I could feel and taste the dust of a horse drawn cab and the smells of sweat from our MC’s. This was really good, descriptive prose.
The story was well drawn and the story arc progressed at a good pace, not too fast and not too slow, just about right. Although I could feel the romance and attraction of our two MC’s, and our two SC’s, I do wish there had been more intense, descriptive sex between them as I could feel their desire and angst for each other. Delving a bit more into this aspect of their relationship would have propelled and made the story so much more. As it is, it is good, solid writing, well enjoyed.
THE DISCLAIMER
I would like to thank Kate McMurray and Lyrical Press, Kensington Publishing Corp.,
for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
http://ojhesay.com/index.php/2016/04/...
Ten Days in August, by Kate McMurray
Rating: 3.75 stars
THE BLURB
New York City, 1896. As the temperatures rise, so does the crime rate. At the peak of this sizzling heat wave, police inspector Hank Brandt is called to investigate the scandalous murder of a male prostitute. His colleagues think he should drop the case, but Hank’s interest is piqued, especially when he meets the intriguing key witness: a beautiful female impersonator named Nicholas Sharp.
As a nightclub performer living on the fringes of society, Nicky is reluctant to place his trust in a cop—even one as handsome as Hank. With Police Commissioner Theodore Roosevelt cracking down on vice in the city, Nicky’s afraid that getting involved could end his career. But when he realizes his life is in danger—and Hank is his strongest ally—the two men hit the streets together to solve the crime. From the tawdry tenements of the Lower East Side to the moneyed mansions of Fifth Avenue, Nicky and Hank are determined to uncover the truth. But when things start heating up between them, it’s not just their lives on the line. It’s their love…
Personal Tags: Historical; Drag Queens; New York City; Turn of 20th Century; Police; Non-consensual; Murder; Detective Story; Prostitutes; Romantic Angst
Ten Days in August
I couldn’t help it. When I read the blurb on this book it called out to me immediately. I’ve always had a fascination for this time period, the late 19th century/turn of the 20th century. So many events were happening: cities had gotten to the point where science needed to step in to make them livable; things like air conditioning and a reliable source of potable water and dependable plumbing, refrigeration for foods, more efficient modes of individual transportation besides horse drawn carriages, things we take for granted these days.
The cities had drawn in huge numbers of people from all walks of life and all places on Earth, so for the first time people realized they weren’t alone, including gay people – thus begins the evolution that would lead to the modern gay rights movement, further propelled by the two World Wars.
THE CHARACTERS
Nicholas Sharp – Stage name Paulina Clodhopper:
…he found Nicholas – Nicky – beautiful. Nicky had stood there on the street with a soulful pout as Hank and Stephens had approached the scene, and there was something about Nicky’s sass and indifference – insouciance, perhaps – Hank found compelling. His blond hair had shone on his hatless head, his clothes were well tailored and fashionable, and Hank got the feeling this was a man who had seen a lot in his short life, though he still had something delicate about him.
Henry “Hank” Brandt – Acting Inspector NYPD:
This man was really quite attractive, in a sweaty, disheveled way, although Nicky supposed there was no way around that in this weather. The man pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and then pulled the dusty bowler hat off his head, revealing dark brown hair, cut short. He wiped his whole face from his damp forehead to his thick mustache before he dropped the hat back on his head. There seemed to be a strong body under the wrinkled clothing, but it was hard to tell. Still, this man intrigued Nicky. His companion in the uniform was blond and bearded and looked considerably more polished, but in a bland way. This disheveled man was far more interesting.
THE STORY
This is a fascinating story of a serial killer on the loose, taking advantage of the rent boys that flourished in The Bowery section of Manhattan at the end of the 19th century. Set against the backdrop of the summer of 1896, with a 10-day heat wave that killed nearly 1,500 people, many of them tenement-dwellers, across New York City. Enter Theodore Roosevelt, Police Commissioner. It was Roosevelt that spurred the administration of Mayor Strong to open up the parks so people could sleep at night and escape the suffocating, murderous heat, and it was he who initiated the delivery of free ice to the suffering inhabitants. Add in the tumultuous election of 1896 between William McKinley and William Jennings Bryan and the elaborate tapestry that binds this story together is all set.
THE WRITING
One can tell right away that this book was well researched. From the manner of speech to the affectations of the characters, from the historical backdrop of the heat wave to the tumultuous election of 1896 that would change American politics for the next 40 years, from the clothing fashions to the lifestyle of a bustling, dirty, smelly megalopolis that New York City was on the verge of becoming, this book seems to have been meticulously researched. What a joy this is when it is coupled with the smooth storytelling that Kate McMurray carries out in this book.
I could absolutely see the time period, smell the fetid, pungent smells of a city in the throes of a massive heat wave. A city that did not yet have the modern efficiencies of air conditioning to escape the heat and refrigeration to maintain the food from spoiling. I could feel and taste the dust of a horse drawn cab and the smells of sweat from our MC’s. This was really good, descriptive prose.
The story was well drawn and the story arc progressed at a good pace, not too fast and not too slow, just about right. Although I could feel the romance and attraction of our two MC’s, and our two SC’s, I do wish there had been more intense, descriptive sex between them as I could feel their desire and angst for each other. Delving a bit more into this aspect of their relationship would have propelled and made the story so much more. As it is, it is good, solid writing, well enjoyed.
THE DISCLAIMER
I would like to thank Kate McMurray and Lyrical Press, Kensington Publishing Corp.,
for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2017
3.5 stars
A very interesting m/m historical mystery set during a massive heat wave in Victorian era New York city. There was a great deal I enjoyed about this. I liked both the lead characters. The mystery was an interesting one. the heat wave was a great touch and written so well I could almost feel the heaviness and misery of it. The structure of it too, set over ten days gave it an intriguing sense of urgency.
The writing style at the beginning had me a bit nervous. It was a bit of a miss for me the first little bit, but happily I persisted and either I settled into it or it settled into itself a bit more and then I quite enjoyed it. Once I met Nicky and the writing got a bit more into Hank's head I was definitely happily along for the ride.
Though it is a mystery, I felt the story was just as much about life for the characters during that time and that was particularly well done. My one minor quibble is that the end seemed to wrap up everything almost too neatly. Still it was well worth the read and I'm happy to have it on my shelf.
A very interesting m/m historical mystery set during a massive heat wave in Victorian era New York city. There was a great deal I enjoyed about this. I liked both the lead characters. The mystery was an interesting one. the heat wave was a great touch and written so well I could almost feel the heaviness and misery of it. The structure of it too, set over ten days gave it an intriguing sense of urgency.
The writing style at the beginning had me a bit nervous. It was a bit of a miss for me the first little bit, but happily I persisted and either I settled into it or it settled into itself a bit more and then I quite enjoyed it. Once I met Nicky and the writing got a bit more into Hank's head I was definitely happily along for the ride.
Though it is a mystery, I felt the story was just as much about life for the characters during that time and that was particularly well done. My one minor quibble is that the end seemed to wrap up everything almost too neatly. Still it was well worth the read and I'm happy to have it on my shelf.
July 4, 2021
I'm not a fan of the writing style but my biggest problem here was the lack of research and editing regarding the details, specifically verbiage. I'm sure that the historical events happened as written, but the consistent use of words that didn't exist at this time was horrible. A couple of examples are "Master Bedroom" (first seen in print in 1926) and "Serial Killer" (not even a concept at the time let alone a title-that didn't happen until over a hundred years later) but those are just two that stood out.
I did like the characters, Hank was particularly pleasant and it was good to see them happy together. I would like to see more exploration of Hank and Nicky and Andrew and Charlie but I'm not upset that isn't going to happen.
Basically this is a good book that could have been much better if the required research was done and if the editing had been of a higher caliber. If I hadn't been reading this for a challenge though I don't think I would have bothered finishing it.
I did like the characters, Hank was particularly pleasant and it was good to see them happy together. I would like to see more exploration of Hank and Nicky and Andrew and Charlie but I'm not upset that isn't going to happen.
Basically this is a good book that could have been much better if the required research was done and if the editing had been of a higher caliber. If I hadn't been reading this for a challenge though I don't think I would have bothered finishing it.
March 26, 2018
Turn of the century New York city during a heat wave. A NYC copper and a former male prostitute turned singer/drag queen/vaudeville performer who team up to catch a murderer who is targeting young gay prostitutes in New Yorks bowery district, which was known at the turn of the century as a gathering place for homosexual men.
I was in love with the wonderful atmospheric attention to detail that Ms McMurray gave this story. I could feel the intense heat of the heat wave, and smell the stench of the dead and dying victims of unrelenting high temperatures.
Hank and Nicky were a nice couple, I didn't feel that either character was as well developed as I would have enjoyed, both personalities had potential, but were somewhat flat.
The historical descriptions were so well done, it made MC's and supporting characters one dementional but nice. Just not that memorable.
The inclusion of a real life historical figure was fun, but was a little surprised that the author kind of protrayed old Teddy Roosevelt as a slightly overbearing, unlikeable jerk.
I was in love with the wonderful atmospheric attention to detail that Ms McMurray gave this story. I could feel the intense heat of the heat wave, and smell the stench of the dead and dying victims of unrelenting high temperatures.
Hank and Nicky were a nice couple, I didn't feel that either character was as well developed as I would have enjoyed, both personalities had potential, but were somewhat flat.
The historical descriptions were so well done, it made MC's and supporting characters one dementional but nice. Just not that memorable.
The inclusion of a real life historical figure was fun, but was a little surprised that the author kind of protrayed old Teddy Roosevelt as a slightly overbearing, unlikeable jerk.
June 16, 2019
A heat wave hits good olde New York and the lives in f several people will be affected for ever. Hank and Nickey, Andrew and Charlie,Amelia, Bridget all will never be the same after the heat wave has ended. Serial killer, seedy underworld of gay New York in a time when the language used was 'inverts' . Murder, romance, historical figures, drawing of love for two 'invert' couples you certainly get a lot in this book. I will say that it was hard to whet into but this is my first book by is author so not sure if it's her style, or it could have been easier initially. I'll have to read a few more just to check. But all in all a good read and well worth putting some time a sided for it.
I rarely score a five but in this instance, even with the start I feel it deserves it.
I rarely score a five but in this instance, even with the start I feel it deserves it.
October 13, 2024
The typical historical romance today is historical in that it’s set in the past but has little connection to actual pieces of history. Maybe there will be references to a war or a king but it so often seems that the only research was googling what kind of lube was used in 1825. Ten Days in August isn’t that. This is based on the real August heat wave of 1896 that killed hundreds of people up and down the east coast. It’s dark, gritty, and steeped in history. Direct references to real primary sources and newspaper stories are prominently featured. Real members of history (Teddy Roosevelt!) interact with our cast of characters.
I also thought it was cool that there were two couples and three POVs. 👍🏻
I also thought it was cool that there were two couples and three POVs. 👍🏻
August 6, 2017
Great suspense murder mystery...but much too graphic for me. Will not read this author again. Graphic sex details is just not my cup of tea. I like romance and implications of what's going on, I don't need graphic details weaved into an otherwise good story. Very disappointing as the premise of the book was very good.
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