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Carpenter and Quincannon #5
The Dangerous Ladies Affair
For the firm of Carpenter and Quincannon, Professional Detective Services, stopping extortionists is not only grand, but excitingly lucrative.
When a pleasant afternoon s bicycling through Golden Gate Park with a friend ends with the revelation of threatening letters, followed by a gunshot in a mansion garden, Sabina Carpenter knows this is a case that demands her immediate and undivided attention.
The questions her partner John Quincannon has to unravel are not difficult: Wrixton, a wealthy banker, has met his extortionist's first demand, but the order to pay another $5,000 is too much to face. The banker s real problem is something he doesn't want to reveal. That was fine with the detective, and when he was informed that some private letters were involved and Wrixton absolutely needed them back, there was nothing more Quincannon needed in the way of background. As with so many of San Francisco s elite, the bedroom doors never seemed to stay shut.
That was the easy part; far more difficult was the matter of the dead courier, murdered most foully in a locked room within a locked room, creating a trail that will take John Quincannon through most of San Francisco s less savory places and end with a riverboat trip that is anything but a relaxing cruise.
The Dangerous Ladies Affair is the next thrilling installment in this charming historical mystery series from MWA Grand Masters Marcia Muller and Bill Pronzini.
"
When a pleasant afternoon s bicycling through Golden Gate Park with a friend ends with the revelation of threatening letters, followed by a gunshot in a mansion garden, Sabina Carpenter knows this is a case that demands her immediate and undivided attention.
The questions her partner John Quincannon has to unravel are not difficult: Wrixton, a wealthy banker, has met his extortionist's first demand, but the order to pay another $5,000 is too much to face. The banker s real problem is something he doesn't want to reveal. That was fine with the detective, and when he was informed that some private letters were involved and Wrixton absolutely needed them back, there was nothing more Quincannon needed in the way of background. As with so many of San Francisco s elite, the bedroom doors never seemed to stay shut.
That was the easy part; far more difficult was the matter of the dead courier, murdered most foully in a locked room within a locked room, creating a trail that will take John Quincannon through most of San Francisco s less savory places and end with a riverboat trip that is anything but a relaxing cruise.
The Dangerous Ladies Affair is the next thrilling installment in this charming historical mystery series from MWA Grand Masters Marcia Muller and Bill Pronzini.
"
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 3, 2017
30 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Marcia Muller
165 books723 followersMarcia Muller is an American author of mystery and thriller novels.
Muller has written many novels featuring her Sharon McCone female private detective character. Vanishing Point won the Shamus Award for Best P.I. Novel. Muller had been nominated for the Shamus Award four times previously.
In 2005, Muller was awarded the Mystery Writers of America's Grand Master award.
She was born in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Birmingham, Michigan, and graduated in English from the University of Michigan and worked as a journalist at Sunset magazine. She is married to detective fiction author Bill Pronzini with whom she has collaborated on several novels.
Muller has written many novels featuring her Sharon McCone female private detective character. Vanishing Point won the Shamus Award for Best P.I. Novel. Muller had been nominated for the Shamus Award four times previously.
In 2005, Muller was awarded the Mystery Writers of America's Grand Master award.
She was born in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Birmingham, Michigan, and graduated in English from the University of Michigan and worked as a journalist at Sunset magazine. She is married to detective fiction author Bill Pronzini with whom she has collaborated on several novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
May 21, 2017
Sabina Carpenter and John Quincannon Professional Detective Services are presented with a couple of new opportunities to solve mysterious crimes in San Francisco in the late 1890's in "The Dangerous Ladies Affair". Bill Pronzini and Marcia Muller alternate every few chapters telling the intricacies of how the detective pair investigate and solve the puzzles they are hired for.
This particular book is labeled number five in the series, however that numbering only apply's to this particular publisher, as there were two or three other books about the duo published by others. While Mr. Pronzini's "Nameless Detective" has been one of my go to mystery series for many years and Muller's thirty five or so "Sharon Mccone" mysteries have brightened many a reading moment, this particular series and pair of detectives have become slightly weary with their constant unrequited desire for each other. They have played this scenario into the ground.
Thankfully the series has now dropped the "Sherlock Holmes" type character (or is he the real thing) making the story more believable. Every time I'm reading a book in this series I chide myself and think that this is the last one I'm going to read, then find myself purchasing and reading the next one.
Spoiler: Unfortunately, both of the investigations run their course about three quarters through the book.
Also in the series:
1985 - " Quincannon"
1986 - "Beyond the Grave"
1998 - "Carpenter and Quincannon: Professional Detective Services" Crippen & Landru Publishers
2003 - "Burgade's Crossing"
2005 - "Quincannon's Game"
Approx. 20 short stories appeared in Louis L'Amour Western Magazine and Ellery Queen Magazine
This particular book is labeled number five in the series, however that numbering only apply's to this particular publisher, as there were two or three other books about the duo published by others. While Mr. Pronzini's "Nameless Detective" has been one of my go to mystery series for many years and Muller's thirty five or so "Sharon Mccone" mysteries have brightened many a reading moment, this particular series and pair of detectives have become slightly weary with their constant unrequited desire for each other. They have played this scenario into the ground.
Thankfully the series has now dropped the "Sherlock Holmes" type character (or is he the real thing) making the story more believable. Every time I'm reading a book in this series I chide myself and think that this is the last one I'm going to read, then find myself purchasing and reading the next one.
Spoiler: Unfortunately, both of the investigations run their course about three quarters through the book.
Also in the series:
1985 - " Quincannon"
1986 - "Beyond the Grave"
1998 - "Carpenter and Quincannon: Professional Detective Services" Crippen & Landru Publishers
2003 - "Burgade's Crossing"
2005 - "Quincannon's Game"
Approx. 20 short stories appeared in Louis L'Amour Western Magazine and Ellery Queen Magazine
March 27, 2017
These are interestingly plotted, and the very slow burn of Sabina's and John's relationship is a nice ongoing thread. The characterization is much improved here over the last, much more depth and reasoning behind the pair's actions and feelings. I prefer them aloud, however, and won't be tempted to read ahead next time just because there is no audio in Hoopla yet. The history of San Francisco is interesting though not always seamlessly included. I wish we could get back to the city history mysteries (or even the hard boiled city contemporaries) of the 90s, they left you knowing something new even if the writing wasn't fabulous.
March 18, 2017
I have enjoyed the previous stories in this series and this was no exception. I enjoy the dialogue between the detectives, Sabina and John. The old-fashioned words used to describe things - like instead of beau- swain was used. Also the descriptions of old San Francisco give you a different feel for the time and place. In the author's notes you realize how much research went into the telling of this story. I was surprised to find out that Utah was one of the first states to give women the right to vote. Highly recommend this series. Wonder if romance will finally happen between Sabina and John!!
Hope it is not so long for the next story!!
Hope it is not so long for the next story!!
February 8, 2017
The book tells of each partners investigation into different clients affairs. As this series continues, it continues our look into San Fran during an earlier time. A look at issues and people at the beginning of the women's fight for the vote, adding blackmail and murders, plus a few twists and turns.
April 30, 2020
I felt like I lurched my way through this mystery set at the turn of the 20th century. The POVs alternated between Ms. Carpenter and Mr. Quincannon, and in the audio version, each character was told in alternating voices as well. That being said, I felt as soon as I got settled into one voice there was a break in the story that alternated back to the other voice. And despite the fact that these two characters worked together and had a romantic interest in each other, their actual work involvement appeared very limited. This made it difficult to form deeper connections with either in these regards. I was hoping that my enjoyment of history and love of mysteries would have made this a great deal more enjoyable, but, alas I was disappointed.
January 29, 2018
I really enjoy this series. Fully rounded characters and bits of California history thrown in by two great mystery writers
February 3, 2017
Another cute period mystery with Carpenter and Quincannon. I wonder who writes which part?
March 20, 2017
Enjoyed this historical mystery set in California. These are fun reads!
May 25, 2017
Highly entertaining, filled with amazing historical detail, this latest entry in the series is a great read.
July 4, 2017
I love this series. The historical detail is great and the characters are engaging.
July 13, 2017
Great mystery taking place in San Francisco.
October 14, 2017
I don't know if Bill Pronzini published the first part of this mystery as a short story, but as I read it I knew it. However he expanded on the story by allowing the murderer to thwart him. I have not read this book before because Sabina's story was new to me. This was a serviceable novel with wonderful details about the steam boats that travelled from San Francisco to Stockton and Sacramento. I enjoyed it but wasn't captivated by either scenario. Because each adventure is only about 100 pages it seems more like two novellas than a full fledged mystery novel. I would like this series better if the two detectives worked more in concert, each bringing a particular set of strengths to solve one case. The interaction between the two of them is fleeting and not very satisfying. I don't care if they become a couple, remain close friends or are merely associates with separate lives. I want them to be a team even if their story continues to be told from both points of view.
December 17, 2017
I had mixed feelings about this story. The Japanese maid and the backwards religious fanatic felt somewhat stereotypical. Quincannon was too impulsive trying to nab someone who outwitted him. He then gets single-minded and impulsive trying to find them. If I was Sabina, I think I would've been more annoyed with him rather than further seeing him as a potential beaux. On the other hand, Sabina's case gave a fascinating look into the suffragist cause. Imagine being fined $100 to vote like Susan B. Anthony was! I also liked journeying around the Delta with Quincannon. Finally, the book's chilling title is apt. There were women, like Sabina, showing the best women are capable of and other women showing the worst. One of them seemed to me like an evil version of Irene Adler: cunning, attractive, and skilled in a theatrical way. On balance, another enjoyable book in the series.
October 26, 2017
This book is a light-hearted, a fast-paced, and an entertaining historical cozy mystery that takes place in San Francisco in 1896 with a side story of suffragists and their campaigns of having a state amendment passed to the state constitution giving women right to vote in California. I like the fact that each character in the book has a distinct and unique personality, the political and cultural atmosphere of the times and the physical surroundings are well-described, and two stories told are complex. No graphic violence, sex, or bad language. Very enjoyable read. Four and a half stars.
July 4, 2020
This has Sabrina and John investigating separate causes, both involving a female who kills.
Sabrina is enjoying participating in a bicycle group and is asked to help when one of the ladies receives threatening messages.
John is assisting a local banker who is being blackmailed and chases the suspects through the Stockton islands with very dangerous results.
There is a great deal of historic detail to be enjoyed. The writing as always is professional and the plot sufficiently twisty.
I borrowed a copy from the public library.
Sabrina is enjoying participating in a bicycle group and is asked to help when one of the ladies receives threatening messages.
John is assisting a local banker who is being blackmailed and chases the suspects through the Stockton islands with very dangerous results.
There is a great deal of historic detail to be enjoyed. The writing as always is professional and the plot sufficiently twisty.
I borrowed a copy from the public library.
November 25, 2020
Probably closer to 3 1/2. I am a big fan of Marcia Muller’s Sharon McCone series and I also enjoy Bill Pronzini’s Nameless Detective series. Both authors have won the MWA Grand Master award. This is a collaboration of the couple on an historical mystery series set in 1896 San Francisco which I was not familiar with. I am not usually a fan of historical mysteries, but I liked the male and female detective characters and the historical setting. A quick, enjoyable read.
July 16, 2017
Detectives Quincannon and Carpenter-- a pair of male and female detectives in San Francisco in a time of women's suffrage and the Barbary Coast have to solve mysteries and deal with budding attraction between the two of them. Interestingly done at a historically interesting time in our country's early development!
January 3, 2018
This is the first one in the series that I've read but it won't be the last. Marcia Muller and Bill Pronzini are both Grandmasters and their mastery is quite evident here. Tightly plotted, engaging characters, good storylines. And a bonus locked room puzzle. The pre-earthquake San Francisco setting and the suffragette issues add to the feeling of authenticity. Very worth reading.
August 15, 2020
This is a good series with Sabina Carpenter and John Quincannon as
Detectives. I like the way they interact. There were two mysteries to solve
And the chapters were told by each detective. The period is set during the
Beginning of women wanting to vote and spoke of the history in that era.
The city is San Francisco in the 1890’s. I recommend this book.
Detectives. I like the way they interact. There were two mysteries to solve
And the chapters were told by each detective. The period is set during the
Beginning of women wanting to vote and spoke of the history in that era.
The city is San Francisco in the 1890’s. I recommend this book.
March 6, 2017
still enjoy the characters and their interactions. this particular one I found to be disjointed and somewhat harder to follow with the jumping back and forth between the various cases by the 2 detectives.
March 31, 2018
A good story. Not my favourite Marcia Muller series, as I love her Sharon McCone series.
If you like historical novels, then you will love this series.
I like that I learn new words in each novel.
If you like historical novels, then you will love this series.
I like that I learn new words in each novel.
April 23, 2019
I have read everything by these two authors separately and enjoyed this collaboration!! San Francisco in the late 1800’s, two quirky little stories. A nice change of pace from the political kick I have been on!
December 19, 2021
Excellent sense of historic San Francisco before the 1906 earthquake. Surprisingly, having two authors and two separate characters work on different cases works well. The unifying factor is that they run their agency together. I have always enjoyed this series.
July 10, 2023
The Carpenter and Quincannon series is not my favorite series by this author but this book was not bad because it takes place in San Francisco which is a city that I love and it involved the women's suffragette movement which, as a feminist, I found very interesting
May 14, 2025
Sabina Carpenter is investigating threatening notes written to Amity Wellman, an active leader and participant in the Suffrage /votes for women movement, and there was also an attempt on her life. John Quincannon is investigating a blackmail case that takes him to Stockton and beyond.
February 5, 2017
In general it was ok. The book was centered on Women's Suffrage and the increasing romantic feels the characters have for each other. Not one for romance in a mystery book. Meh.
May 26, 2017
Quick and easy read with little depth. It was amusing but nothing to get excited about.
November 20, 2017
This book has a a setting that teaches the reader about a time and place that they
might only visit through the eyes of the characters.
might only visit through the eyes of the characters.
January 5, 2018
easy to read with lots of good info about SF in the 1890's
January 15, 2018
Interesting. And a good read. I take issue only with the way it was read, seeing as I listened to it on audio. Nice rapport between the two main characters, and a sweet & simple intrigue.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews