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Louise Faulk #1
Murder in Greenwich Village
For fans of HBO’s The Gilded Age, explore the dark side of the alluring world of America’s 19th century elite in this gripping series of riveting mysteries…
A year before World War I breaks out, the sidewalks of Manhattan are crowded with restless newcomers chasing the fabled American Dream, including a sharp-witted young woman who discovers a talent for investigating murder . . .
New York City, 1913. Twenty-year-old Louise Faulk has fled Altoona, Pennsylvania, to start a life under dizzying lights. In a city of endless possibilities, it's not long before the young ingenue befriends a witty aspiring model and makes a splash at the liveliest parties on the Upper East Side. But glitter fades to grit when Louise's Greenwich Village apartment becomes the scene of a violent murder and a former suitor hustling for Tin Pan Alley fame hits front-page headlines as the prime suspect . . .
Driven to investigate the crime, Louise finds herself stepping into the seediest corners of the burgeoning metropolis--where she soon discovers that failed dreams can turn dark and deadly . . .
A year before World War I breaks out, the sidewalks of Manhattan are crowded with restless newcomers chasing the fabled American Dream, including a sharp-witted young woman who discovers a talent for investigating murder . . .
New York City, 1913. Twenty-year-old Louise Faulk has fled Altoona, Pennsylvania, to start a life under dizzying lights. In a city of endless possibilities, it's not long before the young ingenue befriends a witty aspiring model and makes a splash at the liveliest parties on the Upper East Side. But glitter fades to grit when Louise's Greenwich Village apartment becomes the scene of a violent murder and a former suitor hustling for Tin Pan Alley fame hits front-page headlines as the prime suspect . . .
Driven to investigate the crime, Louise finds herself stepping into the seediest corners of the burgeoning metropolis--where she soon discovers that failed dreams can turn dark and deadly . . .
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
March 10, 2021
In the summer of 1913, Louise Faulk is enjoying her new life in New York City until one evening when she and her roommate, Callie, return to their apartment to find Callie’s cousin, Ethel, dead. Ethel had been staying with them for several weeks, but was from out of town and hardly knew anyone. The police focus on someone that Louise knows would never commit murder, so she starts to investigate. But who could have motive to kill Ethel?
The book starts off quickly, but I did feel the pacing was a bit uneven as the story unfolded. There was one thing that I wasn’t satisfied with at the end of the book as well, but only because I disagreed with Louise’s conclusion. Overall, the plot is interesting and held my interest all the way until we reached the logical climax. Louise is a wonderful main character, and I’m very interested to see where the series takes her next. The suspects are strong, and the rest of the cast is interesting. The book was a little darker than I was expecting, more a traditional than the cozies I normally read. As long as you know that going in, you’ll be fine. I will definitely be visiting Louise again. I’m anxious to find out what happens to her next.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
The book starts off quickly, but I did feel the pacing was a bit uneven as the story unfolded. There was one thing that I wasn’t satisfied with at the end of the book as well, but only because I disagreed with Louise’s conclusion. Overall, the plot is interesting and held my interest all the way until we reached the logical climax. Louise is a wonderful main character, and I’m very interested to see where the series takes her next. The suspects are strong, and the rest of the cast is interesting. The book was a little darker than I was expecting, more a traditional than the cozies I normally read. As long as you know that going in, you’ll be fine. I will definitely be visiting Louise again. I’m anxious to find out what happens to her next.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
July 2, 2019
I really enjoyed this historical/cozy mystery set in 1913 Manhattan. Our lead character is a very forthright and independent woman who has fled her provinicial small town life for the big city. But, unlike many cozies, this character has depth. She has a past, but we are given it in doses and not in one big explanation.
Her roommate's cousin is found dead in their apartment and from then on the book really picks up. We have plenty of suspects and red herrings. The setting (both time and place) is very clear and really colors the novel. Can't wait to pick up book #2.
Her roommate's cousin is found dead in their apartment and from then on the book really picks up. We have plenty of suspects and red herrings. The setting (both time and place) is very clear and really colors the novel. Can't wait to pick up book #2.
May 12, 2018
3.5 stars
"Here I was at the top of the most brightly lit beacon in the most populous city in America, and my struggle might as well have been invisible."
Dun dun dun dun.
This really is an engaging little murder mystery set in New York, 1913. The cousin of the heroine's roommate is murdered is a very bloody way, and our intrepid team are on their way to solving it, police detectives on the case or no = getting themselves into a pickle or two along the way to solving it. I didn't guess who it was until towards the end and a big clue was discovered, but until then I hadn't a clue, so that's a plus - nothing worse than a mystery that one can pick out the bad guy in a few chapters.
That said, while this was a good read, it did have a few things that brought down my rating. The setting is 1913 because we're told so, but I never got a good feel for the period, like another reviewer it could have been set in any post 1900 period and I'd not have noticed. I felt the cast was a bit too busy, a cast of characters would have helped a lot for those times when I didn't pick it up for a day or two. Also, for readers who are looking for a romantic element with their historical books, I didn't come across anything building between the heroine and the male supporting characters. If this is a series in the works, perhaps that will play out later on, but I didn't find it happening here.
Review copy obtain via Amazon Vine.
"Here I was at the top of the most brightly lit beacon in the most populous city in America, and my struggle might as well have been invisible."
Dun dun dun dun.
This really is an engaging little murder mystery set in New York, 1913. The cousin of the heroine's roommate is murdered is a very bloody way, and our intrepid team are on their way to solving it, police detectives on the case or no = getting themselves into a pickle or two along the way to solving it. I didn't guess who it was until towards the end and a big clue was discovered, but until then I hadn't a clue, so that's a plus - nothing worse than a mystery that one can pick out the bad guy in a few chapters.
That said, while this was a good read, it did have a few things that brought down my rating. The setting is 1913 because we're told so, but I never got a good feel for the period, like another reviewer it could have been set in any post 1900 period and I'd not have noticed. I felt the cast was a bit too busy, a cast of characters would have helped a lot for those times when I didn't pick it up for a day or two. Also, for readers who are looking for a romantic element with their historical books, I didn't come across anything building between the heroine and the male supporting characters. If this is a series in the works, perhaps that will play out later on, but I didn't find it happening here.
Review copy obtain via Amazon Vine.
February 16, 2019
I decided to read this book as I enjoy the second book of the series so much. The Louise Faulk series is set in the early 1900's before America entered the first world war and shortly after the Titanic had collapse in the Ocean. Louise had come to New York City to rebuild her life. With aid of another Aunt she has found work at a book publisher as a secretary. She is rooming with a friend, Callie she meet at girl's club. Returning one night they find her roommate's friend dead in their apartment wearing Callie's clothes. Louise is unhappy with the police actions and sets about solving the murder.
The description of the time will place you in the City. It is accurate of a life of single girl living alone at that time. I have childhood memories the 5 &10¢ stories of the 1900's and the attitudes of about single girls who had the same misfortune that Louise experience. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SERIES. I decided to read this book after I finished an ARC second book of the MURDER IN MIDTOWN BY Liz Freeland date of release is March 26, 2019
The description of the time will place you in the City. It is accurate of a life of single girl living alone at that time. I have childhood memories the 5 &10¢ stories of the 1900's and the attitudes of about single girls who had the same misfortune that Louise experience. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SERIES. I decided to read this book after I finished an ARC second book of the MURDER IN MIDTOWN BY Liz Freeland date of release is March 26, 2019
March 20, 2019
This mystery takes place in New York City and the time is 1913. Just one year before the beginning of WWI, but no politics at all plays into the plotline. It's just a straightforward murder to be solved and could have happened at any time and in any place. This is not to say that it's not entertaining, because it is. I enjoyed the characters, who were well drawn and had interesting back stories, and there were enough secondary characters and red herrings that I wasn't able to figure out who the murderer was until a chapter or two before our intrepid heroine did. I liked this well enough to want to read more in the series as they are released. There's even a very, very faint hint at a possible future romance for heroine Louise,but we shall see about that.
Just to have a small idea about the story, all you need to know is that 20-year-old small-town Louise Faulk has recently moved to NYC from Altoona, Pennsylvania. Her well-to-do author aunt has found her a job with a publishing company and Louise rents a Greenwich Village apartment with new friend and aspiring actress/dancer Callie. Callie's cousin Ethel comes to visit and overstays for mysterious reasons which become even more mysterious when Callie and Louise come home one night to discover her dead, victim of a stabbing attack.
The police, of course, become involved, but Louise and Callie aren't as forthcoming to them as they should be, since each has some little personal issues that don't want generally known. Louise, as a matter of fact, takes it upon herself to try to solve this mystery independent of the police force, much to their annoyance. So the reader just sits back to enjoy how the story plays out. There are plenty of quirky, somewhat mysterious or guilty-looking characters to keep you guessing during the read.
And Louise's back story adds an element of human interest not found in some of these female sleuth series. One other in particular that I've been following is Jennifer Kincheloe's Anna Blanc series about a female sleuth in 1900s Los Angeles (The Secret Life of Anna Blanc) which has certain similarities, but Kincheloe's protagonist is much flightier and superficial and annoying than Freeland's protagonist Louise. However, in both we do have that early 20th-century female who wants to make it in the man's world of crime solving. I'm hoping Louise will have the success she deserves within the time frame the author has placed her in.
Just to have a small idea about the story, all you need to know is that 20-year-old small-town Louise Faulk has recently moved to NYC from Altoona, Pennsylvania. Her well-to-do author aunt has found her a job with a publishing company and Louise rents a Greenwich Village apartment with new friend and aspiring actress/dancer Callie. Callie's cousin Ethel comes to visit and overstays for mysterious reasons which become even more mysterious when Callie and Louise come home one night to discover her dead, victim of a stabbing attack.
The police, of course, become involved, but Louise and Callie aren't as forthcoming to them as they should be, since each has some little personal issues that don't want generally known. Louise, as a matter of fact, takes it upon herself to try to solve this mystery independent of the police force, much to their annoyance. So the reader just sits back to enjoy how the story plays out. There are plenty of quirky, somewhat mysterious or guilty-looking characters to keep you guessing during the read.
And Louise's back story adds an element of human interest not found in some of these female sleuth series. One other in particular that I've been following is Jennifer Kincheloe's Anna Blanc series about a female sleuth in 1900s Los Angeles (The Secret Life of Anna Blanc) which has certain similarities, but Kincheloe's protagonist is much flightier and superficial and annoying than Freeland's protagonist Louise. However, in both we do have that early 20th-century female who wants to make it in the man's world of crime solving. I'm hoping Louise will have the success she deserves within the time frame the author has placed her in.
March 19, 2019
Twenty-year-old Louise Faulk is enjoying her independence and freedom from life in her uncle's Altoona, Pennsylvania butcher shop. She and her roommate, Callie, a dancer and aspiring starlet, are invited to help out at Louise's eccentric Aunt Irene's weekly gatherings. Aunt Irene fled Altoona and is now a wealthy and successful author hosting a variety of "interesting" people at her home. Louise is quite taken with Ford Fitzsimmons, a writer the publishing company she works for rejected. Louise believes he had potential and is determined to take him under her wing. All thoughts of manuscripts flee her mind when Louise and Callie return home to discover Callie's awful cousin Ethel, a permanent guest in their apartment, has been stabbed in the back with Louise's butcher knife. Thanks to the testimony of the landlady's nosy son, Louise discovers her old friend Otto from Altoona is in New York and the police's chief suspect. Louise knows Otto is just a puppy and would never harm anyone. She is determined to clear his name and find the real killer. The question remains whether the killer meant to kill Ethel or thought Ethel, wearing Callie's nightgown was Callie? What exactly was Ethel up to with her moral platitudes? She hated New York so why didn't she go home when her sister came to see her? Louise thinks the killer is behind one of these mysteries.
I really didn't care for this book much. Even though the murder happens quite early on in the novel, I didn't feel like the story really grabbed me. I didn't connect to any of the characters or care who killed Ethel. I also found this book WAY too dark and gritty for me. I figured out who the murderer was just before Louise. I sort of guessed in the beginning but thought it was too obvious. The police never would have figured it out on their own without guessing.
I wanted to like Louise as an independent spinster trying to make it in the big city. I can relate to that. I felt horrible for her when she reveals the reason for her flight from Altoona. It's a huge secret and a burden she and many other women like her have to bear for the rest of their lives. Thankfully attitudes have changed a bit, especially now and women like Louise do not have to suffer alone. Her story is a little too close to real life to appeal to me. I do not like how tenacious Louise is about finding the killer. Her attitude is antagonistic towards the detective. She wants to show him a woman CAN be a detective yet she doesn't have the training or skills to become one and shows at the end just how foolhardy she is. I also don't like how she tries to adopt Ford as her project. "A diamond in the rough" she thinks, or perhaps a bad boy reformed? Those types never reform. He makes me uneasy with his excessive drinking and later revelations. His friends leave a lot to be desired. As wordly as Louise thinks she is, she's still a bit naive at times. Her prudishness surprises her friend Callie but Louise claims it stems from concern. I would react the same way to Callie's nighttime audition but I agree with Callie about the dentist.
Callie is not a likable character. She's charming but she flits around and flirts with all the men, leaving a trail of broken hearts as she goes. She has ambition to star on Broadway and will stop at almost nothing to achieve that goal. A little canoodling goes a long way, apparently, but she won't defile herself to get a part. Callie is also involved with a married man when the story opens and believes she would marry him if he left his wife. She wants security -something she never had growing up on the farm. Callie becomes more human as more secrets about her cousin are revealed and I ended up liking her better than Louise.
Ethel was Callie's cousin from Little Falls in Upstate New York. She showed up for a visit unexpectedly and outstayed her welcome by being lazy, cheap and denouncing everything Callie and Louise love about New York. They made fun of her and hoped Ethel would go home soon. There seems to have been more to Ethel than meets the eyes of Callie and Louise. I guessed at some of it but by the end of the novel Ethel is still a bit of a mystery. Her sister Dora is not at all a likable woman. Dora is cold, hard and even more upright than her sister. Her husband, Abel, seems like a kind man. Why he's married to Dora I don't know. The sisters' estrangement is very sad.
Callie's suitor, Sawyer Attinger, a lawyer, is creepy. He wants everything but isn't willing to risk anything to get what he wants. His obsession with Callie is not healthy and then his later attitude makes him even more unappealing. In contrast, Louise's friend Otto is a sweetheart. He's an overgrown puppy of a young man fresh from the country. He is naive, wide eyed and will be eaten alive in New York. I found his innocence refreshing and sweet even if his devotion to Louise and sudden change of heart is annoying. Otto is my favorite character in the novel. The other murder suspect is Max, a painter who lives in the apartment upstairs from Louise and Callie with his partner Lucia and their children. Lucia is a stereotypical passionate, dramatic Italian, always wailing about her misfortunes. I feel bad for her because of the position she's put in. Max is a bit mysterious. At first he seems kind, helpful and minds his own business but later I don't like some of the things he does or has done and that makes me not like him.
Also in the apartment building we have Mrs. (Ma) Grimes and her son Wally and the Bleecker Blowers. Wally is a creepy staircase voyeur. He's a grown man who acts like a teenage boy. He's either leering at women, looking up their skirts or telling tales. He also repeats whatever negative comments his mother says, believing them to be the truth. "Ma says" gets rather annoying after a time. Ma Grimes is a narrow-minded bigot who just wants more money for less work. The Bleecker Blowers are musicians who like to party. I find them amusing but wouldn't want to live in the same building.
Rounding out the cast of characters are the detectives Robinson and Muldoon. Muldoon is the lead detective on the case. He's tough, hardened from years on the force. He knows it's dangerous for Louise to investigate yet she thinks he's being misogynistic. I feel sorry for him having to sift through lies, omissions and dealing with feisty Louise. He may be a man of his times but he seems like a decent human.
I do not recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers or hybrid cozy mystery lovers (amateur sleuth + period details).
Content includes conspicuous consumption of alcohol, murder not shown but A LOT of blood is mentioned often), violence, unmarried couple, sexual harassment
I really didn't care for this book much. Even though the murder happens quite early on in the novel, I didn't feel like the story really grabbed me. I didn't connect to any of the characters or care who killed Ethel. I also found this book WAY too dark and gritty for me. I figured out who the murderer was just before Louise. I sort of guessed in the beginning but thought it was too obvious. The police never would have figured it out on their own without guessing.
I wanted to like Louise as an independent spinster trying to make it in the big city. I can relate to that. I felt horrible for her when she reveals the reason for her flight from Altoona. It's a huge secret and a burden she and many other women like her have to bear for the rest of their lives. Thankfully attitudes have changed a bit, especially now and women like Louise do not have to suffer alone. Her story is a little too close to real life to appeal to me. I do not like how tenacious Louise is about finding the killer. Her attitude is antagonistic towards the detective. She wants to show him a woman CAN be a detective yet she doesn't have the training or skills to become one and shows at the end just how foolhardy she is. I also don't like how she tries to adopt Ford as her project. "A diamond in the rough" she thinks, or perhaps a bad boy reformed? Those types never reform. He makes me uneasy with his excessive drinking and later revelations. His friends leave a lot to be desired. As wordly as Louise thinks she is, she's still a bit naive at times. Her prudishness surprises her friend Callie but Louise claims it stems from concern. I would react the same way to Callie's nighttime audition but I agree with Callie about the dentist.
Callie is not a likable character. She's charming but she flits around and flirts with all the men, leaving a trail of broken hearts as she goes. She has ambition to star on Broadway and will stop at almost nothing to achieve that goal. A little canoodling goes a long way, apparently, but she won't defile herself to get a part. Callie is also involved with a married man when the story opens and believes she would marry him if he left his wife. She wants security -something she never had growing up on the farm. Callie becomes more human as more secrets about her cousin are revealed and I ended up liking her better than Louise.
Ethel was Callie's cousin from Little Falls in Upstate New York. She showed up for a visit unexpectedly and outstayed her welcome by being lazy, cheap and denouncing everything Callie and Louise love about New York. They made fun of her and hoped Ethel would go home soon. There seems to have been more to Ethel than meets the eyes of Callie and Louise. I guessed at some of it but by the end of the novel Ethel is still a bit of a mystery. Her sister Dora is not at all a likable woman. Dora is cold, hard and even more upright than her sister. Her husband, Abel, seems like a kind man. Why he's married to Dora I don't know. The sisters' estrangement is very sad.
Callie's suitor, Sawyer Attinger, a lawyer, is creepy. He wants everything but isn't willing to risk anything to get what he wants. His obsession with Callie is not healthy and then his later attitude makes him even more unappealing. In contrast, Louise's friend Otto is a sweetheart. He's an overgrown puppy of a young man fresh from the country. He is naive, wide eyed and will be eaten alive in New York. I found his innocence refreshing and sweet even if his devotion to Louise and sudden change of heart is annoying. Otto is my favorite character in the novel. The other murder suspect is Max, a painter who lives in the apartment upstairs from Louise and Callie with his partner Lucia and their children. Lucia is a stereotypical passionate, dramatic Italian, always wailing about her misfortunes. I feel bad for her because of the position she's put in. Max is a bit mysterious. At first he seems kind, helpful and minds his own business but later I don't like some of the things he does or has done and that makes me not like him.
Also in the apartment building we have Mrs. (Ma) Grimes and her son Wally and the Bleecker Blowers. Wally is a creepy staircase voyeur. He's a grown man who acts like a teenage boy. He's either leering at women, looking up their skirts or telling tales. He also repeats whatever negative comments his mother says, believing them to be the truth. "Ma says" gets rather annoying after a time. Ma Grimes is a narrow-minded bigot who just wants more money for less work. The Bleecker Blowers are musicians who like to party. I find them amusing but wouldn't want to live in the same building.
Rounding out the cast of characters are the detectives Robinson and Muldoon. Muldoon is the lead detective on the case. He's tough, hardened from years on the force. He knows it's dangerous for Louise to investigate yet she thinks he's being misogynistic. I feel sorry for him having to sift through lies, omissions and dealing with feisty Louise. He may be a man of his times but he seems like a decent human.
I do not recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers or hybrid cozy mystery lovers (amateur sleuth + period details).
Content includes conspicuous consumption of alcohol, murder not shown but A LOT of blood is mentioned often), violence, unmarried couple, sexual harassment
May 28, 2018
I won a free copy of this book from Goodreads First Reads.
Louise is a young woman from the sticks who has been living in New York City for a few months. Her aunt is a famous novelist which has provided her with both a mentor and connections. She lives in an apartment with another young lady - unsupervised. The roommates cousin showed up and never left much to the friends dismay. But one night they come home and find her dead and dressed up in fancy clothes belonging to her cousin. Both girls try to protect secrets and suspicions much to the dismay of the police, but Louise is determined to clear her friends by investigating on her own. A good set of interesting characters and false leads. Very interesting and will read again in this series.
Louise is a young woman from the sticks who has been living in New York City for a few months. Her aunt is a famous novelist which has provided her with both a mentor and connections. She lives in an apartment with another young lady - unsupervised. The roommates cousin showed up and never left much to the friends dismay. But one night they come home and find her dead and dressed up in fancy clothes belonging to her cousin. Both girls try to protect secrets and suspicions much to the dismay of the police, but Louise is determined to clear her friends by investigating on her own. A good set of interesting characters and false leads. Very interesting and will read again in this series.
July 11, 2018
What a fantastic mystery! Great writing with a touch of humour, and I loved the setting of 1913 New York. The author weaves a clever plot that keeps you guessing, and she creates a cast of characters who are real and distinctive. The main character -- 20-year-old Louise Faulk -- is smart, determined, and brave while still feeling completely of her time. Murder In Greenwich Village is the first of a new series. Looking forward to the next one!
April 4, 2019
I'm a sucker for historical mysteries especially if they are set in NYC. Set in the early 1920's Louise has moved to NYC to escape a potential scandal back home and to forge her way. She's sharing an apartment with a friend of her and that friends cousin who appeared one day and shows no signs of leaving. However, when the cousin is brutally murdered in their apartment it opens many cans of worms. I liked that Louise's back story wasn't what you typically find. While some of her actions were quite questionable, I am intrigued enough by how the book ended to see where this series goes.
June 2, 2022
The perfect mixture of murder, mystery, and history! Such a great storyline. Yes, it was predictable, but it was enjoyable. I really liked the characters and the plot development. I look forward to reading more.
August 8, 2024
I enjoy reading books written in the setting of Greenwich Village, New York City. The community has always been rich in artistic creativity. Putting the characters in a post-Gilded Age, and pre-19th Amendment period, makes for an interesting mystery story by this author, with lots of twists and soul-searching revelations.
July 18, 2018
Murder in Greenwich Village by Liz Freeland is the first book in A Louise Faulk Mystery series. We venture back to 1913 in New York City. Louise Faulk arrived in New York six months prior and, with the help of her Aunt Irene, she has a job at Van Hooten & McChesney. Her aunt, Irene Livingston Green is an author who hosts interesting gatherings every Thursday evening. Louise meets author, Ford Fitzsimmons whose manuscript she recently read and recommended to her boss. She would like to read more of Ford’s work as well as get to know him better and provides him with her home address. After the party, Louise and her roommate, Callie head home and encounter Callie’s married boyfriend, Sawyer Attinger along the way. Callie is a beautiful woman who works as a mannequin at Solomon’s and is an aspiring Broadway actress. Callie enters her bedroom where her cousin, Ethel has been staying for the last month and lets out a scream. Ethel is facedown on the bed in Callie’s negligee with a butcher’s knife in her back. Detective Muldoon and Detective Robinson are on the case. The next morning, Louise is surprised when an old friend from back home arrives and is promptly arrested as the killer. Louise knows Otto would not harm a soul and, after some encouragement from Aunt Irene, she delves into the case. Louise finds herself discovering new parts of the city as she checks out her suspects and discovers that everyone has secrets including herself.
Murder in Greenwich Village is different from other cozy mysteries as it is set in 1913. Louise Faulk is a perky main character who is hiding a secret. I did not like her secret and wish it had not been included in the book. She is passionate about clearing the wrong people accused of the crime, but she lacks subtly. Louise’s questions come across as accusations offending people. While the author was trying to make the mystery complicated, it ended up being convoluted with too many people involved. There are several red herrings, but they do not detract from identifying the guilty party (it was a cinch). Louise running around the city reminds me of busy work in school (the substitute teacher would give students). It would have been nice if the author had worked to develop the characters (fleshed them out) and eliminate some of the wacky ones (did we need the smarmy son of the landlord and the noisy musicians). There is repetition of information, endless speculation and the book has a slow pace. Murder in Greenwich Village has potential. I am curious to see if Louise will join the police force, and I like the potential romance between Louise and Detective Muldoon. My rating for Murder in Greenwich Village 3 out of 5 stars. For readers who prefer light, historical cozy mysteries, pick up Murder in Greenwich Village to see how Louise fares in solving Ethel’s murder.
Murder in Greenwich Village is different from other cozy mysteries as it is set in 1913. Louise Faulk is a perky main character who is hiding a secret. I did not like her secret and wish it had not been included in the book. She is passionate about clearing the wrong people accused of the crime, but she lacks subtly. Louise’s questions come across as accusations offending people. While the author was trying to make the mystery complicated, it ended up being convoluted with too many people involved. There are several red herrings, but they do not detract from identifying the guilty party (it was a cinch). Louise running around the city reminds me of busy work in school (the substitute teacher would give students). It would have been nice if the author had worked to develop the characters (fleshed them out) and eliminate some of the wacky ones (did we need the smarmy son of the landlord and the noisy musicians). There is repetition of information, endless speculation and the book has a slow pace. Murder in Greenwich Village has potential. I am curious to see if Louise will join the police force, and I like the potential romance between Louise and Detective Muldoon. My rating for Murder in Greenwich Village 3 out of 5 stars. For readers who prefer light, historical cozy mysteries, pick up Murder in Greenwich Village to see how Louise fares in solving Ethel’s murder.
May 7, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
MURDER IN GREENWICH VILLAGE is a new cozy, historical mystery by Liz Freeland. The novel will be published on May 29, 2018 by Kensington Publishing Corporation. The amateur sleuth of the novel is Louise Faulk. She has recently fled the small town of Altoona, Pennsylvania, and moved to New York City where she has found a job as a secretary at a publisher. After an event spent at one of her aunt’s soirees, Louise and her friend, Callie, return to their apartment to find their roommate murdered. Ethel is Callie’s cousin who has been staying with them for the past month. While Louise and Callie might not have liked Ethel all that much, they are saddened and horrified by her violent death. They are also worried that the killer mistook Ethel for Callie since the victim was dressed up in her cousin’s more stylish clothing at the time of death. When the police arrest an old friend of Louise’s for the murder, Louise and Callie take it upon themselves to find the real killer and bring that person to justice.
I was immediately captivated by MURDER IN GREENWICH VILLAGE. Louise Faulk is such a captivating character. She is a very charismatic and modern woman with an intriguing past and a bright future. The same goes for Louise’s roommate and friend, Callie. These two women are a dynamic duo! The minor characters are also engaging and help fill the pages with likeable, believable people. The murder itself is also very interesting – especially since it takes place right in the main character’s apartment. Imagine coming home to that! There are a number of suspects and varying motives to keep the reader guessing. The victim – while never seen alive – provides twists and turns that keep Louise and Callie, the police, and the reader on their toes. I also loved the way Freeland brought early 1910’s New York City to life. I’m looking forward to another novel featuring these characters.
MURDER IN GREENWICH VILLAGE is a new cozy, historical mystery by Liz Freeland. The novel will be published on May 29, 2018 by Kensington Publishing Corporation. The amateur sleuth of the novel is Louise Faulk. She has recently fled the small town of Altoona, Pennsylvania, and moved to New York City where she has found a job as a secretary at a publisher. After an event spent at one of her aunt’s soirees, Louise and her friend, Callie, return to their apartment to find their roommate murdered. Ethel is Callie’s cousin who has been staying with them for the past month. While Louise and Callie might not have liked Ethel all that much, they are saddened and horrified by her violent death. They are also worried that the killer mistook Ethel for Callie since the victim was dressed up in her cousin’s more stylish clothing at the time of death. When the police arrest an old friend of Louise’s for the murder, Louise and Callie take it upon themselves to find the real killer and bring that person to justice.
I was immediately captivated by MURDER IN GREENWICH VILLAGE. Louise Faulk is such a captivating character. She is a very charismatic and modern woman with an intriguing past and a bright future. The same goes for Louise’s roommate and friend, Callie. These two women are a dynamic duo! The minor characters are also engaging and help fill the pages with likeable, believable people. The murder itself is also very interesting – especially since it takes place right in the main character’s apartment. Imagine coming home to that! There are a number of suspects and varying motives to keep the reader guessing. The victim – while never seen alive – provides twists and turns that keep Louise and Callie, the police, and the reader on their toes. I also loved the way Freeland brought early 1910’s New York City to life. I’m looking forward to another novel featuring these characters.
May 27, 2018
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC.
A cozy "who done it?" story set in NYC right before the outbreak of WWI. Louise works as secretary in a small publishers office in NYC. A young girl from Altoona, she came to NYC to experience the big city and get away from the small town she grew up in. Louise shares a small apartment with her friend Callie, a model, and Callie's cousin Ethel who only came to visit but ended up staying longer than expected. One night, after attending a weekly gathering at Louise's aunt's house, the girls find Ethel murdered in their apartment. Who did it and why? Ms. Freeland definitely keeps you guessing as Louise tries to figure out who the killer is, while keeping her friends off the suspect list, and just when you think you've figured it out, another plot twist takes you down a different path.
This is the kind of book that you want to curl up on the couch with a mug of tea and a blanket and get lost in. Ms. Freeland had me hooked from the very beginning. Her characters are well developed and the plot is fast paced. I can't wait to read more about Louise Faulk!
A cozy "who done it?" story set in NYC right before the outbreak of WWI. Louise works as secretary in a small publishers office in NYC. A young girl from Altoona, she came to NYC to experience the big city and get away from the small town she grew up in. Louise shares a small apartment with her friend Callie, a model, and Callie's cousin Ethel who only came to visit but ended up staying longer than expected. One night, after attending a weekly gathering at Louise's aunt's house, the girls find Ethel murdered in their apartment. Who did it and why? Ms. Freeland definitely keeps you guessing as Louise tries to figure out who the killer is, while keeping her friends off the suspect list, and just when you think you've figured it out, another plot twist takes you down a different path.
This is the kind of book that you want to curl up on the couch with a mug of tea and a blanket and get lost in. Ms. Freeland had me hooked from the very beginning. Her characters are well developed and the plot is fast paced. I can't wait to read more about Louise Faulk!
June 13, 2018
This book took me a very long time to finish. It's a early last century crime novel written from a lady POV. The protagonist is a young publishing house secretary from the sticks making her way in NYC. The characters include beautiful Callie, her roommate, successful writer Aunt Irene and various men acquaintances from her home or work life and the police. I really liked the characters and the setting however I thought the author could have done more with the characters. The characters are busy but aren't really fleshed out enough for me.
The biggest downfall for me is that it's really slow as crime fiction. The story doesn't really advance well, there are just too many people involved and it isn't exciting. There is too much writing of the protagonist Louise running around doing this, it's just busy work. I think the author needs to pick up a good crime novel, deconstruct it and apply it to her own work. At a certain point readers can figure whodunit because there aren't too many suspects and it became a real chore for me to finish the book after that. I give it 3 stars for the setting and people but really one star for the crime.
I got this as a free ARC.
The biggest downfall for me is that it's really slow as crime fiction. The story doesn't really advance well, there are just too many people involved and it isn't exciting. There is too much writing of the protagonist Louise running around doing this, it's just busy work. I think the author needs to pick up a good crime novel, deconstruct it and apply it to her own work. At a certain point readers can figure whodunit because there aren't too many suspects and it became a real chore for me to finish the book after that. I give it 3 stars for the setting and people but really one star for the crime.
I got this as a free ARC.
January 5, 2019
I expected to really like this, but it just didn't connect for me and I ultimately did not finish it.
The era somehow felt flat, which surprised me, as normally I'm all over any book set in New York. I think partially the time was such that people were repressed, and women hadn't started to take their rights, so the characters in this story felt flat to me.
I also felt that the way the story started was a bit abrupt. We've barely met the main character before the murder happens, and Louise just doesn't come across to me as someone capable of playing investigator. I also didn't really warm up to her, which could just be my issue, but it made it hard to really dive into this book and enjoy it.
Ultimately, the story wasn't for me. Not a bad book, just not a good fit for my interests.
The era somehow felt flat, which surprised me, as normally I'm all over any book set in New York. I think partially the time was such that people were repressed, and women hadn't started to take their rights, so the characters in this story felt flat to me.
I also felt that the way the story started was a bit abrupt. We've barely met the main character before the murder happens, and Louise just doesn't come across to me as someone capable of playing investigator. I also didn't really warm up to her, which could just be my issue, but it made it hard to really dive into this book and enjoy it.
Ultimately, the story wasn't for me. Not a bad book, just not a good fit for my interests.
August 25, 2018
I thought it was really good.
Here is a more formal review, not by me but it should do for this purpsose
Yes I would read another book by this author but aparently that won't happen for awhile.
"Murder in Greenwich Village is the first book in a new mystery series featuring Louise Faulk as the first woman to eventually become one of New York City’s female detectives.
In the bohemian days of Greenwich Village, before the outbreak of WWI, twenty-year-old Louise Falk has left her home in Altoona, Pennsylvania, for the bright city lights of New York. She visits her eccentric aunt, who hosts weekly literary soirées, but Louise chooses to move into a boardinghouse, sharing a room with Callie, an aspiring model. After they become roommates, Callie’s cousin suddenly appears, stays for a week, and gets murdered in their room.
The tension escalates when the two girls discover that the murdered cousin was wearing a borrowed nightgown of Callie’s, and from a quick look, could have passed as Callie. Did the murderer kill the wrong girl? The plot then develops twists and turns as Callie admits to an affair with a prominent gentleman, and a friend from Altoona, with romantic interests of his own, comes to visit Louise. The girls decide to strike out on their own to solve the cousin’s murder when it appears that the New York Police Department are dragging their heels with the investigation. That decision uncovers family secrets and puts both girls’ lives at risk.
This well-told murder mystery is enjoyable to read. I do hope that subsequent books in the series will flesh out Greenwich Village in more detail."
Please see: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
Here is a more formal review, not by me but it should do for this purpsose
Yes I would read another book by this author but aparently that won't happen for awhile.
"Murder in Greenwich Village is the first book in a new mystery series featuring Louise Faulk as the first woman to eventually become one of New York City’s female detectives.
In the bohemian days of Greenwich Village, before the outbreak of WWI, twenty-year-old Louise Falk has left her home in Altoona, Pennsylvania, for the bright city lights of New York. She visits her eccentric aunt, who hosts weekly literary soirées, but Louise chooses to move into a boardinghouse, sharing a room with Callie, an aspiring model. After they become roommates, Callie’s cousin suddenly appears, stays for a week, and gets murdered in their room.
The tension escalates when the two girls discover that the murdered cousin was wearing a borrowed nightgown of Callie’s, and from a quick look, could have passed as Callie. Did the murderer kill the wrong girl? The plot then develops twists and turns as Callie admits to an affair with a prominent gentleman, and a friend from Altoona, with romantic interests of his own, comes to visit Louise. The girls decide to strike out on their own to solve the cousin’s murder when it appears that the New York Police Department are dragging their heels with the investigation. That decision uncovers family secrets and puts both girls’ lives at risk.
This well-told murder mystery is enjoyable to read. I do hope that subsequent books in the series will flesh out Greenwich Village in more detail."
Please see: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
July 10, 2021
A young woman flees to New York early in 1913 with a secret and determination to start a new independent life. Louise and Callie, her roommate, have lived together for a few months in an apartment building inhabited by struggling musicians and various immigrant people overseen by the mostly deaf old lady and her lecerious son. For the past few weeks Callie has had a sour, odd female cousin visiting. Louise works for a small publishing house and her roommate is a model and aspiring actress.
Coming home from a social evening at Louise's aunts glamorous home the roommates discover the body of the cousin dead on the bed wearing Callie's sexy nightgown, stabbed in the back multiple times with one of Louise's kitchen knives. Lots of speculation by the building's inhabitants about what happened, who was seen leaving the building earlier, possible motive - since the cousin knew no one and barely left the apartment - and likely suspects soon come into focus.
Louise starts her own investigation, much to the police inspector's dismay, and she finds ways to confront or question several of those she suspects, endangering herself and several others in the process.
The author introduces and develops the various characters nicely and leaves very few clues for the reader to latch onto. I enjoyed this book, the plot and the classic setting of early, bustling Manhattan all came together nicely and left a future path for Louise.
Coming home from a social evening at Louise's aunts glamorous home the roommates discover the body of the cousin dead on the bed wearing Callie's sexy nightgown, stabbed in the back multiple times with one of Louise's kitchen knives. Lots of speculation by the building's inhabitants about what happened, who was seen leaving the building earlier, possible motive - since the cousin knew no one and barely left the apartment - and likely suspects soon come into focus.
Louise starts her own investigation, much to the police inspector's dismay, and she finds ways to confront or question several of those she suspects, endangering herself and several others in the process.
The author introduces and develops the various characters nicely and leaves very few clues for the reader to latch onto. I enjoyed this book, the plot and the classic setting of early, bustling Manhattan all came together nicely and left a future path for Louise.
June 6, 2018
I was blown away by how good this book was, out of nowhere. The cover absolutely does not do the spunky heroine justice. I loved Louise. This easily stands alongside series such as Rhys Bowen's Royal Spyness, and Mary Miley's Roaring Twenties. It's not quite 1920's fiction, it's a few years earlier, but it's set in New York, in Greenwich Village, just on the edge of the shifting social perceptions that typify the twenties - independent working girls, the artist life, etc.
Louise Faulk fled her small-town life for adventure in bustling New York - at least that's what she tells everyone. She holds a terrible secret she believes is best kept buried in the past. Along with her roommate Callie, a beautiful model, Louise enjoys her independence even if it is on a shoestring budget. But when a visit from Callie's small-town cousin, a murder, and a string of gentlemen callers turn the girls' orderly world upside down, Louise quickly learns she's not the only one with a secret to hide. Louise finds herself playing investigator, but learning it's slightly more dangerous than being a publisher's assistant...
I loved the fast pace of this story, the characters are well-developed, and I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series!
Louise Faulk fled her small-town life for adventure in bustling New York - at least that's what she tells everyone. She holds a terrible secret she believes is best kept buried in the past. Along with her roommate Callie, a beautiful model, Louise enjoys her independence even if it is on a shoestring budget. But when a visit from Callie's small-town cousin, a murder, and a string of gentlemen callers turn the girls' orderly world upside down, Louise quickly learns she's not the only one with a secret to hide. Louise finds herself playing investigator, but learning it's slightly more dangerous than being a publisher's assistant...
I loved the fast pace of this story, the characters are well-developed, and I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series!
June 25, 2023
It's a hot summer night in 1913 NYC when Louise and her roommate Callie arrive at their slightly seedy Greenwich Village apartment to find their houseguest, Ethel, horrifically murdered in Callie's bed by one of their kitchen knives. Complicating matters was that as Callie's cousin, Ethel bore a physical resemblance to her, enhanced by her secretly wearing Callie's clothes when alone. Everyone seems to be a suspect, even Louise's childhoodd friend, newly arrived to make his name and fortune in Tin Pan Alley. Naturally Louise sets out to find the true murderer to save her friends. Along the way, Louise finds a professional direction for her own life: to join the police force as a detective.
This was enjoyable, and colorful, with a great social and historical setting and a marvelous climax on the top of the (then) tallest building in the world at 58 stories - The Woolworth Building. Time I took a tour of that building.
There are at least 2 more in the series in which I fully plan to read.
This was enjoyable, and colorful, with a great social and historical setting and a marvelous climax on the top of the (then) tallest building in the world at 58 stories - The Woolworth Building. Time I took a tour of that building.
There are at least 2 more in the series in which I fully plan to read.
June 2, 2018
This was a fast-paced, fun mystery, with a great female protagonist. Louise is spunky, ambitious, loyal, and intelligent. I did guess the murderer's identity about 2/3 of the way through, but it didn't stop me from enjoying the story one bit. The only real flaws I found were a few instances where overly modern phrases were used, which were probably just overlooked in the editing process. Also, as other reviewers have mentioned, I didn't get a firm sense of it being the era it was supposed to be.
Unlike some other reviewers, though, I saw the signs of a future romance for Louise, but appreciated the fact that romance wasn't her focus at the time. She's twenty years old, living in a time when unprecedented doors are about to be opened to her, and she's smart enough to know that getting a man doesn't have to be her only life's goal. Meanwhile, it's only been two days since this book was published and I'm ready for the next book in the series!
Unlike some other reviewers, though, I saw the signs of a future romance for Louise, but appreciated the fact that romance wasn't her focus at the time. She's twenty years old, living in a time when unprecedented doors are about to be opened to her, and she's smart enough to know that getting a man doesn't have to be her only life's goal. Meanwhile, it's only been two days since this book was published and I'm ready for the next book in the series!
June 5, 2020
3.75 stars
Interesting new-to-me series set in New York City just before World War I broke out in Europe. Strong and resilient main character Louise Falk has left small town Altoona, PA to head for the big city. Her flamboyant Aunt Irene hosts cultural salons and has helped Louise get a job at a publishing house.
Louise and her roommate Callie have a small apartment in a boarding house. Callie's cousin Ethel has been a semi-tiresome third roommate for a few months, but Callie and Louise are shocked when they return home one evening and find Ethel stabbed to death.
As usual, there are several suspects related to family, old friends, boyfriends, neighbors, etc. And as usual, there is an intriguing investigating detective who is determined to keep Louise from meddling.
Louise is a well-drawn character with some poignant history and a strong sense of survival. I enjoyed this debut and will look for the next book.
Interesting new-to-me series set in New York City just before World War I broke out in Europe. Strong and resilient main character Louise Falk has left small town Altoona, PA to head for the big city. Her flamboyant Aunt Irene hosts cultural salons and has helped Louise get a job at a publishing house.
Louise and her roommate Callie have a small apartment in a boarding house. Callie's cousin Ethel has been a semi-tiresome third roommate for a few months, but Callie and Louise are shocked when they return home one evening and find Ethel stabbed to death.
As usual, there are several suspects related to family, old friends, boyfriends, neighbors, etc. And as usual, there is an intriguing investigating detective who is determined to keep Louise from meddling.
Louise is a well-drawn character with some poignant history and a strong sense of survival. I enjoyed this debut and will look for the next book.
October 4, 2018
This is a very hard book to rate for me. Maybe because I had high expectations after the media coverage it received when released. It took me at least half of the book to get comfortable with Louise. So I give the first half of the book a 2 and the second half a 4 to get to my rating. The first half seemed a little lost. All of Louise's associates are suspects so I felt like I was constantly swinging back and forth between not-liking everyone and then being buddy-buddy again. I know that real like works this way, but the pendulum seemed to swing pretty fast during some passages. Louise, her aunt and her aunt's butler stole the second half for me along with more of Louise's past being revealed and we get a closer look at her motives. Will seek out Book #2 for sure.
November 14, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this first of series featuring Louise Faulk, a young woman newly arrived in NYC looking to start a new life after a traumatic episode. It's 1913, and there are new opportunities for women. Louise has an aunt in the city who has bucked tradition as a successful, single author. She takes Louise under her wing, finds her a job of sorts at a publisher, and Louise begins to find her way. The action starts when Louise gets involved in solving the murder of her roommate's cousin, who was sharing their apartment. Louise definitely makes some blunders and is a realistic amateur. But she is a well developed character with an interesting story and plenty of potential. I look forward to more Louise Faulk stories.
May 22, 2018
Light historical mystery that's got an engaging heroine in Louise, a 20 year old who is wise beyond her years. She seems to have it all after moving to New York but then comes home from a party to find her room mate Ethel murdered in her apartment! Louise and Callie, her other room mate, of course investigate on their own because they don't believe that the police arrested the right man (or woman?). Louise develops a nice relationship with Detective Muldoon but those looking for romance won't see much of that in this first installment in what looks to be a series. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is nicely written and engaging.
August 30, 2018
Louise Faulk is a girl from Altoona who wants to escape the small town Pennsylvania drudgery to go to the big city. She starts out at her Aunt Irene’s house in Greenwich, and soon is moved into an apartment with a roommate named Callie who is also trying to make it big in the city. Soon they are joined by Callie’s cousin Ethel. When Ethel is murdered in Louise and Callie’s bedroom the mystery begins. The book has all the necessary players for a good story. Louise wants to solve the murder, Callie has secrets, as do Ethel and Louise. No one tells the whole truth. And the police are confused by everyone. I recommend this book.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
August 30, 2018
Captivating period piece mystery
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next in this series. Well developed characters that fit into the the time period depicted. I found Louise to be a likeable young lady, capable within the constraints of a woman from the turn of the last century. Also the supporting characters were quite varied and helped propel the story forward while keeping me from guessing the ending.
Even 1913 New York City itself was so vividly described it was very easy to become absorbed into the story. A wonderful read!
I won a paperback copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway and am happy to discover this author.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next in this series. Well developed characters that fit into the the time period depicted. I found Louise to be a likeable young lady, capable within the constraints of a woman from the turn of the last century. Also the supporting characters were quite varied and helped propel the story forward while keeping me from guessing the ending.
Even 1913 New York City itself was so vividly described it was very easy to become absorbed into the story. A wonderful read!
I won a paperback copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway and am happy to discover this author.
October 21, 2018
I keep wavering between a 2- and 3-star rating, because this really was just an OK mystery. The murderer wasn't much of a surprise. Louise was an OK character (I have a soft spot for spunky female detectives), but sometimes she blundered about (it's her first murder mystery, though, so I guess that's to be expected, right?). The setting was OK, but at times it felt like it was taking place in the 1920's, not 1913 (maybe it was the jazz musician neighbors or Aunt Irene's parties or some of the dialog, etc.). I also felt like Louise's big secret was a little unnecessary, but we'll see how it plays out in future books.
February 14, 2019
A well-crafted mystery with a very engaging lead in Louise Faulk - she is modern, but not jarringly so, given the time period in which the novel is set, and her relationships with Callie and Muldoon are both realistic and fresh. There are lots of related and unrelated secrets, and perhaps the cast of characters could do with some whittling down, but as a whole this is a super recommendable, accessible mystery in what should be a very fun series.
I received an ecopy from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ecopy from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2018
Delightful historical cozy mystery with a fun cast of characters. The setting-New York City- is as much a character as the people and really helped this novel along. The author has a great sense of the time and location as well as the characters and how they were have behaved for their station and occupation. I would read more with these characters and I hope she writes another so we can see the growth and development of the main characters. #netgalley #murderingreenwichvillage
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