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A Murder on Jane Street
A brutal murder.
A heinous secret.
A deadly conspiracy.
The brutal murder of the little old lady next door puts FitzHugh Donovan on the case. A retired New York City Police Chief, he knows a cover-up when he sees one and his Irish Cop conscience can't let that happen.
Now, Fitz, his family and his quirky band of Bleecker Street Irregulars are ensnared in the bizarre secret the woman died to protect.
Is this a cold case turned hot again, or an unspeakable conspiracy that could alter the course of history?
Fitz doesn't yet know how high the stakes are, that failure isn't an option, and that the little old lady was so much more than she appeared. But he's trying to keep everyone alive long enough to find out.
Characters you’ll care about, dark shocking secrets, and disturbing similarities to today’s political scene, will keep you turning pages to an ending you won’t see coming.
Praise for Cathy Cash Spellman’s books:
About Bless the Child
“Suspense that rivals that of Stephen King…”
West Coast Review of Books
About Lark’s Labyrinth
“The author constructs a blistering story that will keep readers turning pages of this spectacular thrill ride.”
Publisher’s Weekly
About So Many Partings
“Almost impossible to put down.”
Publisher’s Weekly
A heinous secret.
A deadly conspiracy.
The brutal murder of the little old lady next door puts FitzHugh Donovan on the case. A retired New York City Police Chief, he knows a cover-up when he sees one and his Irish Cop conscience can't let that happen.
Now, Fitz, his family and his quirky band of Bleecker Street Irregulars are ensnared in the bizarre secret the woman died to protect.
Is this a cold case turned hot again, or an unspeakable conspiracy that could alter the course of history?
Fitz doesn't yet know how high the stakes are, that failure isn't an option, and that the little old lady was so much more than she appeared. But he's trying to keep everyone alive long enough to find out.
Characters you’ll care about, dark shocking secrets, and disturbing similarities to today’s political scene, will keep you turning pages to an ending you won’t see coming.
Praise for Cathy Cash Spellman’s books:
About Bless the Child
“Suspense that rivals that of Stephen King…”
West Coast Review of Books
About Lark’s Labyrinth
“The author constructs a blistering story that will keep readers turning pages of this spectacular thrill ride.”
Publisher’s Weekly
About So Many Partings
“Almost impossible to put down.”
Publisher’s Weekly
410 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2019
13 people are currently reading
1369 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Cash Spellman
18 books286 followersCathy Cash Spellman is a best-selling author of multiple books that have been on The New York Times Bestseller List and International Bestseller lists, in both hardcover and paperback. Bless the Child became a Paramount movie starring Kim Basinger and Jimmy Smits, and has developed a cult following since it's Paramount release in 2000. Cathy's books have been sold in 22 countries.
Cathy was born to two parents who loved to read and filled their home with books and poetry. The small town in which she grew up had a library that was a small castle, brought over stone by stone from Europe, and gifted to the town by a benefactor, replete with suits of armor, stained glass windows and a round tower that held the classics. It was to this fairytale place that Cathy biked every afternoon after school to immerse herself in stories and to dream of one day seeing her own books on the shelves of such a magical place.
Born with a caul, the Irish harbinger of Second Sight, Cathy has always been an ardent student and practitioner of multiple esoteric disciplines: astrology, metaphysics, and a wide variety of healing modalities including Qi Gung, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cranio Sacral Therapy, Homeopathy, and spiritual healing. She holds Black Belt rank in Goju-Ryu Karate has had the joy and privilege of studying with shamans, healers, Native American medicine men and women, a Jain saint and a Tibetan High Lama.
If you'd like to learn more about her adventurous life, Cathy invites you to visit her website at www.cathycashspellman.com
Cathy was born to two parents who loved to read and filled their home with books and poetry. The small town in which she grew up had a library that was a small castle, brought over stone by stone from Europe, and gifted to the town by a benefactor, replete with suits of armor, stained glass windows and a round tower that held the classics. It was to this fairytale place that Cathy biked every afternoon after school to immerse herself in stories and to dream of one day seeing her own books on the shelves of such a magical place.
Born with a caul, the Irish harbinger of Second Sight, Cathy has always been an ardent student and practitioner of multiple esoteric disciplines: astrology, metaphysics, and a wide variety of healing modalities including Qi Gung, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cranio Sacral Therapy, Homeopathy, and spiritual healing. She holds Black Belt rank in Goju-Ryu Karate has had the joy and privilege of studying with shamans, healers, Native American medicine men and women, a Jain saint and a Tibetan High Lama.
If you'd like to learn more about her adventurous life, Cathy invites you to visit her website at www.cathycashspellman.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
July 7, 2021
A Murder on Jane Street by Cathy Cash Spellman is a 2019 The Wild Harp & Co. Publication.
An unusual thriller-
Fitzhugh Donovan, a retired NYPD chief, is now a bookstore owner, primarily catering to crime fiction readers. Through this avenue he becomes acquainted with his elderly neighbor. But when the old woman asked Donovan to come to her home, saying she thinks she is in danger, he arrives too late- the woman had already been savagely murdered.
Now he and his family apply all the resources at their disposal, including some unorthodox ones pertaining to psychic intuitions, to find out why anyone would want to kill their neighbor. What they uncover is a shocking discovery that could affect the future power structure of the country and will put the entire Donovan family in extreme danger.
This is a book that has been hanging out on my TBR list for a couple of years. I had forgotten about it until I started culling through my TBR list this year.
Although the synopsis is intriguing, based on the cover and title, I was expecting a standard mystery, with no expectations beyond that. Although I knew the book would remain my list, I felt compelled to read this one sooner, rather than later.
As it turns out, my instincts paid off- but I was still taken by surprise when the plot turned towards a very dark period of history, and reveals a shocking conspiracy that leads right up to the present day.
The plot was strong, dark and highly suspenseful, but the author occasionally added elements that stole some of that intensity. In this case, the paranormal aspects didn't really fit with the story line, and I thought the book would have been better without them.
There were a few times when suspension of believe is called upon, but, other than that, I got a little more from this mystery than I had bargained for. I would love to see this team of sleuths work together again someday!
*Note- I noticed that some folks were categorizing this book as a cozy mystery. I would urge caution if you are a regular reader of that genre, as the only thing constituting such a label is the amateur sleuths.
Other than that one technicality, the plot is darker than most cozies, and there is some references to torture and violence some cozy fans might not be accustomed to.
That said, this is a very good mystery most crime fiction readers will enjoy!
An unusual thriller-
Fitzhugh Donovan, a retired NYPD chief, is now a bookstore owner, primarily catering to crime fiction readers. Through this avenue he becomes acquainted with his elderly neighbor. But when the old woman asked Donovan to come to her home, saying she thinks she is in danger, he arrives too late- the woman had already been savagely murdered.
Now he and his family apply all the resources at their disposal, including some unorthodox ones pertaining to psychic intuitions, to find out why anyone would want to kill their neighbor. What they uncover is a shocking discovery that could affect the future power structure of the country and will put the entire Donovan family in extreme danger.
This is a book that has been hanging out on my TBR list for a couple of years. I had forgotten about it until I started culling through my TBR list this year.
Although the synopsis is intriguing, based on the cover and title, I was expecting a standard mystery, with no expectations beyond that. Although I knew the book would remain my list, I felt compelled to read this one sooner, rather than later.
As it turns out, my instincts paid off- but I was still taken by surprise when the plot turned towards a very dark period of history, and reveals a shocking conspiracy that leads right up to the present day.
The plot was strong, dark and highly suspenseful, but the author occasionally added elements that stole some of that intensity. In this case, the paranormal aspects didn't really fit with the story line, and I thought the book would have been better without them.
There were a few times when suspension of believe is called upon, but, other than that, I got a little more from this mystery than I had bargained for. I would love to see this team of sleuths work together again someday!
*Note- I noticed that some folks were categorizing this book as a cozy mystery. I would urge caution if you are a regular reader of that genre, as the only thing constituting such a label is the amateur sleuths.
Other than that one technicality, the plot is darker than most cozies, and there is some references to torture and violence some cozy fans might not be accustomed to.
That said, this is a very good mystery most crime fiction readers will enjoy!
July 4, 2019
The cover of this book doesn’t do the story inside justice. The cover makes it look like this is a cozy mystery, which it’s not.
Retired police chief Fitz Donovan knows his elderly neighbor on a superficial level because she loves books, and when he retired, he opened a bookstore focusing on mysteries, old and new. But when she tells him she’s in danger and she’d like him to come over later so she can show him what she’s talking about, he heeds the call, only to discover that she’s been murdered—after being brutally tortured. Fitz enlists the help of his daughters, his granddaughter, and their friends (some of whom are conveniently hackers with a deep understanding of the hard sciences, another happens to have ties to the ridiculous wealth that this team discovers is all part of uncovering the whodunit).
What they all piece together about this mysterious neighbor and what she knows is fascinating and much darker than the cover suggests.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book, which RELEASES JULY 16, 2019.
For more reviews, please visit http://www.theresaalan.net/blog
Retired police chief Fitz Donovan knows his elderly neighbor on a superficial level because she loves books, and when he retired, he opened a bookstore focusing on mysteries, old and new. But when she tells him she’s in danger and she’d like him to come over later so she can show him what she’s talking about, he heeds the call, only to discover that she’s been murdered—after being brutally tortured. Fitz enlists the help of his daughters, his granddaughter, and their friends (some of whom are conveniently hackers with a deep understanding of the hard sciences, another happens to have ties to the ridiculous wealth that this team discovers is all part of uncovering the whodunit).
What they all piece together about this mysterious neighbor and what she knows is fascinating and much darker than the cover suggests.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book, which RELEASES JULY 16, 2019.
For more reviews, please visit http://www.theresaalan.net/blog
June 17, 2019
A MURDER ON JANE STREET by Cathy Cash Spellman features patriarch Fitz Donahue, retired New York City Police Commisioner and his Bleeker Street Irregulars. These include daughters Maeve and Rory, granddaughter, Finn, Maeve’s long time friend, Dec, and a host of others including Maeve’s business partner, Finn’s childhood friend, scientists, physicists and otherwise brilliant, computer savvy hackers who are intent on saving the world, or at least their corner of it.
The book itself is a combination of murder mystery and conspiracy theory, with conspiracy theory being the larger portion of the storyline. Fitz’s neighbor is brutally murdered one afternoon just after having asked him for his help and before he can meet with her for the details. Being a man of principles, Fitz feels obligated to look into the murder and this feeling is underscored by the cavalier dismissal of him by the current police detective who views Fitz as an over the hill cop who has nothing of value to bring to a modern investigation.
The story harkens back to conspiracy theories surrounding Hitler’s faked death and the possibility it was an elaborate plot to see the rise of the fourth reich to fulfill Hitler’s long term plan of world domination. Fitz and his dedicated band pursue the enemy using their unique talents and knowledge that includes Maeve’s second site which comes in flashes and visions as well as through astrology and a host of other mystic accoutrements, Finn’s talents of photography, Rory’s talent at research, and the scientist/hackers lead by Annie who use their computer and scientific talents to grasp the scientific discoveries that were made and then passed on by the Nazi’s and are now being prepared to aide in world domination.
Although there are a wide number of people who make up Fitz’s band of irregulars it is easy to tell them apart because they each are richly written with unique traits that help the reader see them as individuals. The science involved in the conspiracy theory is much less easily understood and, indeed, may not be possible. It is impossible for me to tell as I don’t have a tremendous scientific background, however these portions are well written enough that the reader can easily suspend disbelief enough to buy in to the concept if they are so inclined.
Interspersed in with these chapters are chapters that feature the writings of Fitz’s murdered neighbor, Mrs. W, from a diary she hid for Fitz in the event her murderers found her before she had an opportunity to meet with him in person. As in the chapter shifts between the band of irregulars, these pages aid in providing a more well-rounded picture of who Mrs. W was, her personality as well as her efforts during World War II.
Tension within the book builds steadily, leading to a well paced novel that pulls the reader through the book at a comfortable, yet increasingly urgent rate. I deliberately slowed my reading of this book because I wanted to spend more time with the people and the environment that has been crafted by Cash.
My thanks to Trident Media Group/The Wild Harp & Company Publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
The book itself is a combination of murder mystery and conspiracy theory, with conspiracy theory being the larger portion of the storyline. Fitz’s neighbor is brutally murdered one afternoon just after having asked him for his help and before he can meet with her for the details. Being a man of principles, Fitz feels obligated to look into the murder and this feeling is underscored by the cavalier dismissal of him by the current police detective who views Fitz as an over the hill cop who has nothing of value to bring to a modern investigation.
The story harkens back to conspiracy theories surrounding Hitler’s faked death and the possibility it was an elaborate plot to see the rise of the fourth reich to fulfill Hitler’s long term plan of world domination. Fitz and his dedicated band pursue the enemy using their unique talents and knowledge that includes Maeve’s second site which comes in flashes and visions as well as through astrology and a host of other mystic accoutrements, Finn’s talents of photography, Rory’s talent at research, and the scientist/hackers lead by Annie who use their computer and scientific talents to grasp the scientific discoveries that were made and then passed on by the Nazi’s and are now being prepared to aide in world domination.
Although there are a wide number of people who make up Fitz’s band of irregulars it is easy to tell them apart because they each are richly written with unique traits that help the reader see them as individuals. The science involved in the conspiracy theory is much less easily understood and, indeed, may not be possible. It is impossible for me to tell as I don’t have a tremendous scientific background, however these portions are well written enough that the reader can easily suspend disbelief enough to buy in to the concept if they are so inclined.
Interspersed in with these chapters are chapters that feature the writings of Fitz’s murdered neighbor, Mrs. W, from a diary she hid for Fitz in the event her murderers found her before she had an opportunity to meet with him in person. As in the chapter shifts between the band of irregulars, these pages aid in providing a more well-rounded picture of who Mrs. W was, her personality as well as her efforts during World War II.
Tension within the book builds steadily, leading to a well paced novel that pulls the reader through the book at a comfortable, yet increasingly urgent rate. I deliberately slowed my reading of this book because I wanted to spend more time with the people and the environment that has been crafted by Cash.
My thanks to Trident Media Group/The Wild Harp & Company Publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
August 3, 2019
A Murder on Jane Street by Cathy Cash Spellman is a psychological thriller....but looks like it may also be the first of a mystery series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher The Wild Harp & Company Inc., and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Meet the Donovan's. Fitz is the head of the family, a retired Chief of Police, now owner of "The Mysterious", a bookstore centered around mystery books. His beloved wife died 10 years ago. His eldest daughter Rory, gave up her career as a lawyer to buy, refurbish and re-sell grand old homes. His youngest daughter Maeve is an author, and co-owner of "The Philospher's Teacup". She is divorced from her husband after discovering his many infidelities. She and her daughter Finn, live on two floors of the brownstone that her father owns. Finn is a photographer. The Donovan women all have some type of psychic gift. The family is very close. The girls, having been brought up to be curious, have been puzzle solvers and minor detectives since childhood.
When Fitz drops by to see his elderly neighbour at her request, he discovers her dead body. She had been tortured. He also finds the journals that she wanted him to have. Since the local law doesn't seem too interested, he and his daughters begin to investigate her death. It soon becomes apparent that they need help, and ask for assistance from friends....a scientist, a physicist, a math prodegy, a Holocaust expert, computer hackers, and others. They form the BSI (Bleecker Street Irregulars), and start to discover that this elderly woman had a very secret past, one that could have repercussions for the world even now. Unfortunately, their quest has been noticed, and they are now all in danger.
My Opinions:
Well, this was so unexpected, and so good! This was not my type of book....until it was. I don't read romance, historical , spy, political or war novels. This book encompassed them all....and I absolutely loved it. Sometimes you just have to step out of your comfort zone.
The characters are wonderful, intelligent, quirky, witty, charming, honest, and loving. They become a giant family, trying to take care of each other, and trying to solve the death of an elderly woman that no one really knew. I loved how the dead woman's journals became such a big part of the story.
The writing is clear, and flows so smoothly. The dialog was great. A lot of humour and teasing was added, without which it could have been a very dark book.
The plot, even if you disbelieve some of the conspiracy theories around Hitler's death, the Fourth Reich, and the scientific discoveries, was mesmerizing. I simply didn't want it to end. That being said, the ending could have been fleshed out a little more, but no matter....
One other thing....at the end it promised more, so it looks like this could be a series. I'm looking forward to that!
For a more complete review of this book and others, please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
May 20, 2019
4 stars
Wow! What an exciting story.
Fitz Donovan, a retired police chief, his family and close – if a little odd – friends are out to discover who killed the elderly lady who lived next door. The ninety-something woman is the keeper of a potentially devastating secret, should it get out.
This book is a historical “what-if” thriller. It has action, excitement and illustrates the value of true friendship. I liked Fitz, his family and the weird team he has put together to help him solve this mystery. Fitz is stubborn, tenacious and has a sense of justice that goes beyond what most people have. I liked the references to Irish lore and poetry. It was not overdone. I also appreciated the flashes of extra-sensory perception and the part they played in the story. Again, not overdone. The book is well written, plotted and moves along quickly. Weirdly enough, this is my first Cathy Cash Spellman novel and I immediately went to Amazon to look for others of her works.
I want to thank NetGalley and The Wild Harp & Company, Inc. for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read, enjoy and review.
Wow! What an exciting story.
Fitz Donovan, a retired police chief, his family and close – if a little odd – friends are out to discover who killed the elderly lady who lived next door. The ninety-something woman is the keeper of a potentially devastating secret, should it get out.
This book is a historical “what-if” thriller. It has action, excitement and illustrates the value of true friendship. I liked Fitz, his family and the weird team he has put together to help him solve this mystery. Fitz is stubborn, tenacious and has a sense of justice that goes beyond what most people have. I liked the references to Irish lore and poetry. It was not overdone. I also appreciated the flashes of extra-sensory perception and the part they played in the story. Again, not overdone. The book is well written, plotted and moves along quickly. Weirdly enough, this is my first Cathy Cash Spellman novel and I immediately went to Amazon to look for others of her works.
I want to thank NetGalley and The Wild Harp & Company, Inc. for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read, enjoy and review.
July 16, 2019
Spellman’s story is a blending of genres, part cozy, part conspiracy theory, part murder-mystery with lots of suspense, political plots and more. Told in multiple POVs, she introduces us to retired New York City Police Chief FitzHugh Donovan. Fitz owns a bookstore and lives in a brownstone with his daughter and granddaughter.
When Mrs. W, Fitz’s 90-something neighbor tells him she needs him to come collect something that she thinks they’ve found her. He arrives to find her dead, and the home tossed. The poor woman has been tortured but apparently she didn’t give up her secrets because Fitz discovers diaries and more hidden in his front bush… and so our begins our mystery.
Fitz enlists the help of his daughter Maeve, who has the Irish gift of sight and a group of friends who form the Bleecker Street Irregulars. They meet at the bookstore and discuss the journals as they uncover the secrets Mrs. W kept. Secrets involving WWII and Hitler himself. Secrets others will kill to keep hidden.
Clever twists, scientific implications, far-reaching conspiracies that touch all aspects of the government, power and more. It was an engaging tale with plenty of danger as those in the know sought to keep these secrets from coming to light.
I loved the motley crew of the Bleecker Street Irregulars. (BSIs) Each brought their own talent and resources to the table. We also have a romance that was served on the side and felt genuine. While I felt the multiple POVs kept me from knowing any one individual, the author did a good job of forming a bond between them. I am looking forward to getting to know them more. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
When Mrs. W, Fitz’s 90-something neighbor tells him she needs him to come collect something that she thinks they’ve found her. He arrives to find her dead, and the home tossed. The poor woman has been tortured but apparently she didn’t give up her secrets because Fitz discovers diaries and more hidden in his front bush… and so our begins our mystery.
Fitz enlists the help of his daughter Maeve, who has the Irish gift of sight and a group of friends who form the Bleecker Street Irregulars. They meet at the bookstore and discuss the journals as they uncover the secrets Mrs. W kept. Secrets involving WWII and Hitler himself. Secrets others will kill to keep hidden.
Clever twists, scientific implications, far-reaching conspiracies that touch all aspects of the government, power and more. It was an engaging tale with plenty of danger as those in the know sought to keep these secrets from coming to light.
I loved the motley crew of the Bleecker Street Irregulars. (BSIs) Each brought their own talent and resources to the table. We also have a romance that was served on the side and felt genuine. While I felt the multiple POVs kept me from knowing any one individual, the author did a good job of forming a bond between them. I am looking forward to getting to know them more. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
August 31, 2019
Oh my, this was such an unexpectedly good read!
The writing by Cathy Cash Spellman was solid and flowed so smoothly. The characterisation was wonderful - the characters were intelligent, witty, charming and honest. The dialogue was superb with plenty of much needed humour as, with its omission, this would have been a very dark novel. The plot was mesmerising and I simply didn't want it to end. If you enjoy good, old-fashioned, but gritty thriller-mysteries with a comedic aspect, A Murder on Jane Street is the book for you!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from The Wild Harp & Company Inc. via NetGalley at my own request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
The writing by Cathy Cash Spellman was solid and flowed so smoothly. The characterisation was wonderful - the characters were intelligent, witty, charming and honest. The dialogue was superb with plenty of much needed humour as, with its omission, this would have been a very dark novel. The plot was mesmerising and I simply didn't want it to end. If you enjoy good, old-fashioned, but gritty thriller-mysteries with a comedic aspect, A Murder on Jane Street is the book for you!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from The Wild Harp & Company Inc. via NetGalley at my own request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
June 21, 2019
A Murder On Jane Street
By
Cathy Cash Spellman
What it's all about...
So...an elderly neighbor dies...is murdered actually. But she leaves her next door neighbor some volumes, journals, papers about something she has been guarding and keeping secret her entire life. It has to do with wars, Hitler and secret plots. That’s really all that I should tell you because this book is such a huge mystery. It’s also a mystery that you won’t get until you actually become absorbed in this book...as I did.
My thoughts after reading this book...
Finn and his daughters and his granddaughter and her friends and their friends all become a part of this massive mystery that involves research and technical involvement and translations and so much danger that there were times I had to totally pull myself out of this book because I worried about everyone so much.
What I loved best...
As much as I loved the entire story I loved these odd and quirky characters who worked together to come to an ending that their elderly neighbor deserved.
What potential readers might want to know...
This book is big and juicy. It had...incredibly...both short and long chapters...hundreds of them! I read it on my Oasis but it must be a big thick book in real book form. I loved every bit of this book!
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. It was my choice to read and review it.
By
Cathy Cash Spellman
What it's all about...
So...an elderly neighbor dies...is murdered actually. But she leaves her next door neighbor some volumes, journals, papers about something she has been guarding and keeping secret her entire life. It has to do with wars, Hitler and secret plots. That’s really all that I should tell you because this book is such a huge mystery. It’s also a mystery that you won’t get until you actually become absorbed in this book...as I did.
My thoughts after reading this book...
Finn and his daughters and his granddaughter and her friends and their friends all become a part of this massive mystery that involves research and technical involvement and translations and so much danger that there were times I had to totally pull myself out of this book because I worried about everyone so much.
What I loved best...
As much as I loved the entire story I loved these odd and quirky characters who worked together to come to an ending that their elderly neighbor deserved.
What potential readers might want to know...
This book is big and juicy. It had...incredibly...both short and long chapters...hundreds of them! I read it on my Oasis but it must be a big thick book in real book form. I loved every bit of this book!
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. It was my choice to read and review it.
June 15, 2019
This is one of the best novels I have read in years. The run-of-the-mill title does not convey the depths and breadth of this exceptionally well written book. Fitzhugh Donavan, retired police chief, is shocked by the brutal murder of his elderly neighbor Mrs. Wallenberg. She has hinted to him that she fears for her life and has a great secret to share with him. Mrs. W has left a journal and some documents which shed light on a secret dating back to the Nazis and World War II. Fitz is helped by his daughters, granddaughter and computer whizzes who together constitute the Bleecher St Irregulars. The documents are scribblings and symbols which, when interpreted, reveal great advances in science that the Nazis were on the verge of launching but defeat thwarted them. But the greatest secret of all is one buried in Mrs. W's journal which describes a plot to transition from a Third Reich to a Fourth Reich. As the irregulars survey the evidence they realize that the carriers of the Hitler's Nazi torch already have great power and are on the verge of seizing much more. They wrestle with what to do with the dangerous knowledge they have acquired. The author cho0ses one ending; I would have chosen the alternative.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and highly recommend it. Many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for providing me with an ARC.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and highly recommend it. Many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for providing me with an ARC.
November 4, 2019
Also Posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Jean Book Nerd and the Author as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
A Murder on The Jane Street is a murder – conspiracy mystery featuring a retired New York City Police Commissioner, Fitz Donahue and his team of misfits – a team that includes not only his daughters, Maeve & Rory, his granddaughter, Finn along with some extended friends, including a billionaire, scientists and a group of hacker collective, all intent on protecting the truth.
When Fitz’s neighbour calls him in a “controlled” panic asking for his help and is then later brutally tortured and murdered – he knows that something far sinister is at work than the bungled robbery theory that the police has going on.
It doesn’t take long for him and his team, Bleecker Street Irregulars (love the play on the Baker Street reference!) to understand that the murder is related to a decades long conspiracy relating to the time of Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany.
The whole of the plotline in the book is dedicated to this conspiracy theory – Fitz’s neighbour has a rich history, that he and his team piece together her role in history, a role that put her on the hit list for some very powerful people.
Yet that threat doesn’t stop any one of them to pursue justice for a woman they only know superficially, but have found was a brilliant, courageous woman with a history that could shatter the strongest human being.
The book oscillates between murder investigation and the proving of a conspiracy theory so wild that it would shake the foundations of a nation – with richly diverse characters (yes! We get multiple PoVs) and some new characters being introduced to their team, I so enjoyed the way the team solved the case and involve myself in their personal lives.
The only issue, for me as a reader, was the fact the investigating the conspiracy theory somehow went way beyond technical, to the extent that I had to scroll through those parts; for even I couldn’t understand the intricacies of those technicalities.
The author also gives us a glimpse into the next investigation that Fitz and his Bleecker Street Irregulars would involve themselves in – and it has honestly caught my attention, enough that I will be keeping my eye on it!
For more reviews visit For The Love of Fictional Worlds :)
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July 26, 2019
This book has the feel and setting of a cozy mystery but manages to bring some grittiness to the action. The description of the murder of an old lady and the flashbacks to her past during WWII is brutal, and makes you feel for her. After the police brushed off her murder as a robbery-gone-wrong, her neighbour, Fitz, a retired police Chief and his group of interesting family members and friends decide to do their own investigation.
While I was sucked into the mystery in the beginning, the short chapters and switching narratives between various characters made for a choppy read. I didn't feel connected to any of them and they felt like plot devices more than real characters. I also thought the resolution to the mystery to be unsatisfying. The threat to Fitz and his group is built up to be credible, only to be brushed aside at the end. I wanted more criminal investigation but most of the book is focused on a conspiracy theory involving the Third Reich.
I believe readers who love conspiracy theories and like reading about WWII would enjoy this book as it puts a new spin on history.
Thank you the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
book blog | twitter | instagram
While I was sucked into the mystery in the beginning, the short chapters and switching narratives between various characters made for a choppy read. I didn't feel connected to any of them and they felt like plot devices more than real characters. I also thought the resolution to the mystery to be unsatisfying. The threat to Fitz and his group is built up to be credible, only to be brushed aside at the end. I wanted more criminal investigation but most of the book is focused on a conspiracy theory involving the Third Reich.
I believe readers who love conspiracy theories and like reading about WWII would enjoy this book as it puts a new spin on history.
Thank you the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
book blog | twitter | instagram
May 30, 2019
An old woman is murdered, and the retired cop next door and his Irish family (the Bleeker Street Irregulars) find themselves embroiled first in finding her murderer, but then in plots and schemes going back to the dark days of Nazi Germany. Interwoven within the story is the fey Irish 'second sight'.
We are driven along to find out if Hitler's spawn are still hale and hearty and aiming to run the world. Ghisella's diary makes for an interesting background story, providing the clues to enable the team to take on some very bad villains.
However, I found the ending to be rather weak. Having set out this premise, the author then seemed to back up a cul-de-sac and couldn't bring matters to a conclusion without changing current world events. In addition, I thought the writing style was rather sloppy - while it is perfectly acceptable for characters to use idiom and slang in their speech, one expects a book to be narrated in a formal style. The use of 'intel', 'info' and phrases like 'What Rory'd read...' seem poor practice and detracted from the tale being told.
Overall I enjoyed the book and was interested to see how the story would develop, but felt that in the end it did not really deliver.
Thank you to NetGalley and The Wild Harp & Company, Inc for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
We are driven along to find out if Hitler's spawn are still hale and hearty and aiming to run the world. Ghisella's diary makes for an interesting background story, providing the clues to enable the team to take on some very bad villains.
However, I found the ending to be rather weak. Having set out this premise, the author then seemed to back up a cul-de-sac and couldn't bring matters to a conclusion without changing current world events. In addition, I thought the writing style was rather sloppy - while it is perfectly acceptable for characters to use idiom and slang in their speech, one expects a book to be narrated in a formal style. The use of 'intel', 'info' and phrases like 'What Rory'd read...' seem poor practice and detracted from the tale being told.
Overall I enjoyed the book and was interested to see how the story would develop, but felt that in the end it did not really deliver.
Thank you to NetGalley and The Wild Harp & Company, Inc for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2019
I love the characters in this story! Cathy fleshes them out to the point where you feel like you know them and want to spend time with them. There was never a dull moment in the whole book. Can't wait to find out more about these characters and the next murder to be solved!
June 25, 2019
Absolutely fantastic book!! Kept me intrigued until the very end!! Highly recommend!!
May 15, 2019
Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley and The Wild Harp & Company, Inc.
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
In this thriller begins when an old lady is murder in the streets. Throw in a suspicious detective who will uncover hidden secrets and a deadly conspiracy. Nothing is quite black and white as the detective will soon find out.
A gripping read that will keep you glued to the pages.
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
In this thriller begins when an old lady is murder in the streets. Throw in a suspicious detective who will uncover hidden secrets and a deadly conspiracy. Nothing is quite black and white as the detective will soon find out.
A gripping read that will keep you glued to the pages.
July 11, 2019
I like e a good crime mystery that strays from the normal who done it or why the person was killed. This story fits all those check marks. We have an elderly neighbor who calls on her neighbor to help with a situation but before he can come to the rescue her home is ransacked and she is brutally killed in the robbery. What could an old woman have been hiding that could warrant such a brutal attack? Fits Donavan is determined to find out. Mrs. W. leaves behind an old journal and some doucments which lead back to the Nazis and World War II here where the normal takes a turn. This mystery blends historical facts with a murder mystery that is sure to keep you guessing right up to the last page. You be throughly entertained and on the edge of your seat with this novel.
June 29, 2019
DNF
I read thirty percent of this book and really tried to find something mildly interesting in the plot, characters, and subplot. I was bored out of my mind and although I hate not finishing a book, especially one I committed to reviewing, I felt I could no longer waste my time reading this one.
I read thirty percent of this book and really tried to find something mildly interesting in the plot, characters, and subplot. I was bored out of my mind and although I hate not finishing a book, especially one I committed to reviewing, I felt I could no longer waste my time reading this one.
July 24, 2019
I received a free copy for an honest.
This book is...in kind of a special state. It was not a well-written thriller novel, but because I stopped reading it like a thriller novel, I got myself to enjoy it.
Yeah, I don't think that's good.
But to be clear this book was all bad - there were many things I loved and must give credit for such as the concept of this book. I thought it was brilliant how the book used such a controversial and historically significant topic as its core, and I also appreciated how it made the effort to raise awareness of the Nazi topic and the horrible things they have done, as well as what the Allies government have done. Other things I need to give credit for include the ambitious storyline (which can be greatly reflected from the staggering scale of the conflict) as well as the stupendous characteristics of the cast.
Also, now I clarified the things I liked, let's get into the things I didn't like as much.
Remember how I mentioned the book taking the effort to raise awareness for real-live conflicts? That's actually kind of where my biggest problem with the book started: the book tried a bit too hard in that aspect.
This is supposed to be a thriller NOVEL. Not a history textbook. The huge historical context is supposed to be intertwined with the fictional aspect of this book to make a good THRILLER/MYSTERY FICTIONAL story. But because the book tried so overwhelmingly much to promote (to the point of shoving it into the reader's faces) that aspect of history, the dialogues, story, and writing style all became extremely unnatural and awkward, which took so much out of the reading experience. In other words, because this book tried so hard to raise real-life awareness in a fictional novel, it felt a lot of more like the commercials you see where they have an awkward ski where there's a "scenario", but the actors are obviously promoting something because everything just seems so fake.
So when I meant that I started to enjoy it after I stopped viewing it like mystery/thriller/fictional novel, I meant I started to enjoy it because I started to view it as a history textbook instead.
And I like history. And I like learning. I learned stuff from this book.
Yeah, I guess that's good, but something tells me that's not what the author is aiming for....and at the end of the day that makes it a bad thriller/mystery/fictional novel when the reader can only enjoy it by reading like a HISTORY TEXTBOOK.
There are so many things wrong with that statement.
At the end of the day, I enjoyed this book because I learned new knowledge. But from a book reviewer standpoint and by definition, this was NOT a good mystery/thriller/fictional novel. A bit of a shame.
This book is...in kind of a special state. It was not a well-written thriller novel, but because I stopped reading it like a thriller novel, I got myself to enjoy it.
Yeah, I don't think that's good.
But to be clear this book was all bad - there were many things I loved and must give credit for such as the concept of this book. I thought it was brilliant how the book used such a controversial and historically significant topic as its core, and I also appreciated how it made the effort to raise awareness of the Nazi topic and the horrible things they have done, as well as what the Allies government have done. Other things I need to give credit for include the ambitious storyline (which can be greatly reflected from the staggering scale of the conflict) as well as the stupendous characteristics of the cast.
Also, now I clarified the things I liked, let's get into the things I didn't like as much.
Remember how I mentioned the book taking the effort to raise awareness for real-live conflicts? That's actually kind of where my biggest problem with the book started: the book tried a bit too hard in that aspect.
This is supposed to be a thriller NOVEL. Not a history textbook. The huge historical context is supposed to be intertwined with the fictional aspect of this book to make a good THRILLER/MYSTERY FICTIONAL story. But because the book tried so overwhelmingly much to promote (to the point of shoving it into the reader's faces) that aspect of history, the dialogues, story, and writing style all became extremely unnatural and awkward, which took so much out of the reading experience. In other words, because this book tried so hard to raise real-life awareness in a fictional novel, it felt a lot of more like the commercials you see where they have an awkward ski where there's a "scenario", but the actors are obviously promoting something because everything just seems so fake.
So when I meant that I started to enjoy it after I stopped viewing it like mystery/thriller/fictional novel, I meant I started to enjoy it because I started to view it as a history textbook instead.
And I like history. And I like learning. I learned stuff from this book.
Yeah, I guess that's good, but something tells me that's not what the author is aiming for....and at the end of the day that makes it a bad thriller/mystery/fictional novel when the reader can only enjoy it by reading like a HISTORY TEXTBOOK.
There are so many things wrong with that statement.
At the end of the day, I enjoyed this book because I learned new knowledge. But from a book reviewer standpoint and by definition, this was NOT a good mystery/thriller/fictional novel. A bit of a shame.
July 1, 2019
This is portion of the review on my blog https://trailsoftales620253622.wordpr...
In the case of ‘A Murder on Jane Street‘, I have to start from the end. As all the conspiracies unfolded, I was pretty sure that the book would conclude in an open ended fashion. But author Cathy Cash Spellman surprised me. And pleasantly at that.
The author introduced an end that had a satisfactory ring to it, keeping it realistic at the same time. A reminder that the evils in humanity cannot be uprooted all at once but that does not mean we cannot give it a damn good try.
The story is a medley of genres. You get mystery, history, sci-fi and a bit of the supernatural. And it is an entertaining medley indeed.
The story is perfectly complemented with its rich tapestry of character profiles. It is evident that the author has made concentrated efforts to bring forth a wholesome diversity in her characters through their cultures, ethnicity and lifestyles.
The attention given to the characters, even the minor ones is done right to the very minute of details. Each of them have been treated with tender care as if the author stood in each of their places in turn. It might seem like one too many details to some but I found it endearing.
I do also love how Cathy Cash Spellman has created the professions of the main characters. They have been depicted as doing more than one job or making huge professional switches and doing all of them well. That serves to make the characters expansive and well rounded. But it doesn’t take away the factor of relatability.
As I said, I do love conspiracy theories which made ‘A Murder on Jane Street‘ enjoyable to me.
However, the parts where the scientific validity of these theories are explored ( another proof of how much time and care the author has put into the creation of this story) might be tedious for those who do not tend to gravitate towards such story arcs.
The psychic powers of Maeve adds the exciting dose of supernatural to this intriguing mystery which I personally couldn’t get enough of.
The star of this story would be the voice of the dead woman pouring out from her secret journals which documented all the horrors and bravery that humankind is capable of. I often found it difficult to come back to the story of the present day as the journal entries would become so fiercely overwhelming.
However, if you are one of those who go googly eyed for mysteries and conspiracies then
Welcome to the circle! Live long and prosper🖖
What are you still doing here?! Go, pre-order ‘A Murder on Jane Street’. Chop Chop.
In the case of ‘A Murder on Jane Street‘, I have to start from the end. As all the conspiracies unfolded, I was pretty sure that the book would conclude in an open ended fashion. But author Cathy Cash Spellman surprised me. And pleasantly at that.
The author introduced an end that had a satisfactory ring to it, keeping it realistic at the same time. A reminder that the evils in humanity cannot be uprooted all at once but that does not mean we cannot give it a damn good try.
The story is a medley of genres. You get mystery, history, sci-fi and a bit of the supernatural. And it is an entertaining medley indeed.
The story is perfectly complemented with its rich tapestry of character profiles. It is evident that the author has made concentrated efforts to bring forth a wholesome diversity in her characters through their cultures, ethnicity and lifestyles.
The attention given to the characters, even the minor ones is done right to the very minute of details. Each of them have been treated with tender care as if the author stood in each of their places in turn. It might seem like one too many details to some but I found it endearing.
I do also love how Cathy Cash Spellman has created the professions of the main characters. They have been depicted as doing more than one job or making huge professional switches and doing all of them well. That serves to make the characters expansive and well rounded. But it doesn’t take away the factor of relatability.
As I said, I do love conspiracy theories which made ‘A Murder on Jane Street‘ enjoyable to me.
However, the parts where the scientific validity of these theories are explored ( another proof of how much time and care the author has put into the creation of this story) might be tedious for those who do not tend to gravitate towards such story arcs.
The psychic powers of Maeve adds the exciting dose of supernatural to this intriguing mystery which I personally couldn’t get enough of.
The star of this story would be the voice of the dead woman pouring out from her secret journals which documented all the horrors and bravery that humankind is capable of. I often found it difficult to come back to the story of the present day as the journal entries would become so fiercely overwhelming.
However, if you are one of those who go googly eyed for mysteries and conspiracies then
Welcome to the circle! Live long and prosper🖖
What are you still doing here?! Go, pre-order ‘A Murder on Jane Street’. Chop Chop.
July 24, 2019
First, I just have to say, WOW! What a fantastic book! It was a wild ride from start to finish!
FitzHugh Donovan, a retired Irish NYPD cop, is urgently summoned by his next door neighbor, Mrs. Wallenberg, to her home. She tells him that she fears she is about to be murdered, and she has a secret that she needs to share with him. She is so worked up, though, that she can’t seem to get her story out. She asks him to come back later that night to pick up some books that will explain her story and provide evidence to back it up. When he goes back to see Mrs. Wallenberg, he finds she has been brutally murdered and her place ransacked. He calls in the NYPD to investigate. While surveying the property, one of the CSI techs finds an envelope addressed to Fitz in some bushes between his and Mrs. Wallenberg’s properties. Inside, Fitz finds three books and a letter that said, “You will know what to do!”
This becomes the basis of a very intriguing murder. Fitz along with his friends and family form a cabal called the Bleecker Street Irregulars. This group delves into the books and diary to not only learn about Mrs. Wallenberg’s secrets, but also to decipher them. Mrs. Wallenberg was not who she appeared. Her secrets date all the way back to World War II and Hitler but seem to have ramifications that reach to present day.
This books is filled with many great and unique characters. Each character is uniquely drawn and fleshed out. You truly care about what happens to these people, and you care about the cause they are fighting for. For the most part, all of the players have a very serious tone, but the character Georgia provides some great LOL moments.
The plot is intricate and was like a rolling boulder that builds in intensity as it progresses. It was very easy to get wrapped up in the story, and I found it was hard to put down! I also appreciated how well written the novel was. The ending of the story is interesting, and the author does a great job of wrapping up all the storylines.
This book is much more than a mystery novel. It is also a conspiracy thriller, a work of historical fiction, a tale about ultimate sacrifices, a romance story, and a political thriller that is a treatise on not only Hitler’s time, but also today’s political entanglements. If these descriptions sound interesting to you, I think you will enjoy this book. This novel is grittier than most of the cozy mystery books that I read, but I truly enjoyed it.
Thanks to Net Galley and The Wild Harp & Company, Inc. for an ARC of this book. #NetGalley #AMurderOnJaneStreet
FitzHugh Donovan, a retired Irish NYPD cop, is urgently summoned by his next door neighbor, Mrs. Wallenberg, to her home. She tells him that she fears she is about to be murdered, and she has a secret that she needs to share with him. She is so worked up, though, that she can’t seem to get her story out. She asks him to come back later that night to pick up some books that will explain her story and provide evidence to back it up. When he goes back to see Mrs. Wallenberg, he finds she has been brutally murdered and her place ransacked. He calls in the NYPD to investigate. While surveying the property, one of the CSI techs finds an envelope addressed to Fitz in some bushes between his and Mrs. Wallenberg’s properties. Inside, Fitz finds three books and a letter that said, “You will know what to do!”
This becomes the basis of a very intriguing murder. Fitz along with his friends and family form a cabal called the Bleecker Street Irregulars. This group delves into the books and diary to not only learn about Mrs. Wallenberg’s secrets, but also to decipher them. Mrs. Wallenberg was not who she appeared. Her secrets date all the way back to World War II and Hitler but seem to have ramifications that reach to present day.
This books is filled with many great and unique characters. Each character is uniquely drawn and fleshed out. You truly care about what happens to these people, and you care about the cause they are fighting for. For the most part, all of the players have a very serious tone, but the character Georgia provides some great LOL moments.
The plot is intricate and was like a rolling boulder that builds in intensity as it progresses. It was very easy to get wrapped up in the story, and I found it was hard to put down! I also appreciated how well written the novel was. The ending of the story is interesting, and the author does a great job of wrapping up all the storylines.
This book is much more than a mystery novel. It is also a conspiracy thriller, a work of historical fiction, a tale about ultimate sacrifices, a romance story, and a political thriller that is a treatise on not only Hitler’s time, but also today’s political entanglements. If these descriptions sound interesting to you, I think you will enjoy this book. This novel is grittier than most of the cozy mystery books that I read, but I truly enjoyed it.
Thanks to Net Galley and The Wild Harp & Company, Inc. for an ARC of this book. #NetGalley #AMurderOnJaneStreet
July 2, 2019
In this her sixth work of fiction, Cathy Cash Spellman hits all the marks of an exceptional writer of fiction:
Her characters are vivid and memorable; she tells a riveting story replete with well-chosen details; and she accomplishes all that with a fine-tuned ear for dialogue and a skilled choice of words.
A woman “sweeps into the room like a galleon in full sail” and a stalwart Texas lady takes her coffee “strong enough to raise a blister on a boot.”
All the while, A Murder on Jane Street is infinitely more than a cop story, as the brutalization of an elderly lady on Jane Street in New York’s Greenwich Village sets off an inquiry that takes the reader deep into World War II history, dark secrets and frightening conspiracies.
And presto, we are swiftly wrapped in the comforting, warm Irish cocoon of the 3 generations of Donovans who spearhead the investigation into a cabal of enduring Nazis bent upon infiltrating the White House, while suppressing the media, dismantling the Justice Department and seeking to establish a dictatorship. To keep their plans secret, they murder the Polish resistance fighter who holds their secret plans at her peril. Warmth and treachery live side by side on Jane Street.
Retired cop FitzHugh Donovan, his divorced daughter Maeve, her sister Rory and daughter Finn, make up a loving, tightly knit family living together in an old Village home next to the murder victim whom they knew and who, in her last hours, revealed that she was in danger and handed FitzHugh her revelatory journals.
There are attempts on the life of three Donovans, and there is a poignant love story woven into the
harsher realities of their quest for justice amidst the treachery that seeks to thwart them.
While A Murder on Jane Street is decidedly fiction, it is also a well-researched historical tale that weaves facts and conjecture deftly into an unsettling tapestry that cannot help but remind us of America’s current political climate. One might call this excellent book “prescient fiction”, much like Orwell’s 1984. And much like that book written in the late 1940s, this one may well portend evil aspirations on the part of devious, treacherous players. But that is pure conjecture on my part, not on that of the author.
I shall miss the Donovans and Jane Street! Please more.
Vera Haldy-Regier
Author, An Irregular Girlhood in Hitler’s Shadow
Her characters are vivid and memorable; she tells a riveting story replete with well-chosen details; and she accomplishes all that with a fine-tuned ear for dialogue and a skilled choice of words.
A woman “sweeps into the room like a galleon in full sail” and a stalwart Texas lady takes her coffee “strong enough to raise a blister on a boot.”
All the while, A Murder on Jane Street is infinitely more than a cop story, as the brutalization of an elderly lady on Jane Street in New York’s Greenwich Village sets off an inquiry that takes the reader deep into World War II history, dark secrets and frightening conspiracies.
And presto, we are swiftly wrapped in the comforting, warm Irish cocoon of the 3 generations of Donovans who spearhead the investigation into a cabal of enduring Nazis bent upon infiltrating the White House, while suppressing the media, dismantling the Justice Department and seeking to establish a dictatorship. To keep their plans secret, they murder the Polish resistance fighter who holds their secret plans at her peril. Warmth and treachery live side by side on Jane Street.
Retired cop FitzHugh Donovan, his divorced daughter Maeve, her sister Rory and daughter Finn, make up a loving, tightly knit family living together in an old Village home next to the murder victim whom they knew and who, in her last hours, revealed that she was in danger and handed FitzHugh her revelatory journals.
There are attempts on the life of three Donovans, and there is a poignant love story woven into the
harsher realities of their quest for justice amidst the treachery that seeks to thwart them.
While A Murder on Jane Street is decidedly fiction, it is also a well-researched historical tale that weaves facts and conjecture deftly into an unsettling tapestry that cannot help but remind us of America’s current political climate. One might call this excellent book “prescient fiction”, much like Orwell’s 1984. And much like that book written in the late 1940s, this one may well portend evil aspirations on the part of devious, treacherous players. But that is pure conjecture on my part, not on that of the author.
I shall miss the Donovans and Jane Street! Please more.
Vera Haldy-Regier
Author, An Irregular Girlhood in Hitler’s Shadow
August 31, 2019
This is not the cozy mystery that it seems to be just by looking at the cover. Rather, it is a story of spying, politics and a possible Fourth Reich with the goal of world domination. When Fitz Donavan befriends his elderly neighbor, Mrs. W, all he expected to find was another bibliophile. Instead, she tells him that her life is in danger and asks him to return later so that she can reveal her secrets. Before she can do so, however, she is brutally tortured and murdered. Thus, Fitz, a retired NYC police chief, is pulled into discovering her secrets and why an old lady would be tortured and killed. Fitz calls on his daughters, granddaughters and their friends to help him discover Mrs. W’s past, the secrets that got her killed. The plot is unbelievable but very well-written so that I was quickly drawn into the story, feeling an urgency to discover the secrets that Mrs. W held so close. The book had the usual mystical and psychic elements of the author since Maeve, Fitz’s daughter, has a “second sight” and other abilities that lead to clues to solve the mystery. Fitz is helped by some really quirky and likable characters, many of whom have surreal abilities with science and computers, but all of which are necessary in order to solve the mystery of the elderly neighbor’s death. This book combines mystery with a conspiracy theory and is actually a very dark novel that leads us to a conclusion that is satisfactory but somewhat abrupt. I think that readers of novels with a lot of weblike elements that unravel slowly will enjoy this book. There were some slow parts in the book, but for the most part it was fast-paced and amusing, with a quality of “what the heck just happened?”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
June 3, 2020
Author Cathy Cash Spellman (https://www.cathycashspellman.com) published the novel “A Murder on Jane Street” in 2019. Ms. Spellman has published nine books.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as “R” because it contains scenes of Violence and Mature Language. The story is set in contemporary New York, USA.
Mrs. Wallenberg, an elderly woman is tortured and murdered. Fitzhugh Donovan is a retired New York City Police Chief. He is also the elderly woman's neighbor. It is he who finds the body. He had visited with the woman hours beforehand. He feels responsible for her death especially after she had shown him a threatening letter.
Donovan discovers that Mrs. Wallenberg had a very interesting past. Soon he has family and some close friends involved in the investigation. The woman's first husband had been a business leader in Nazi Germany. She had run away from him and found a new life.
The Nazis though were still hunting her. The remnants of WWII Nazi leadership had escaped in 1945 and are now behind a Fourth Reich. An unseen cabal that is rising to world power.
Donovan is driven to solve the murder, but he is also compelled to find a way to protect his family. The Nazis are not happy at his involvement and make that clear to all involved.
I enjoyed the 10+ hours I spent reading this 410-page mystery novel. This plot ventures into several genres - mystery, WWII, conspiracy theories, and the occult. I liked the Donovan family and friends' characters. This appears to be the first in a series and I look forward to reading the next installment. The selected cover art is OK, but a little plain. I give this novel a 4 out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as “R” because it contains scenes of Violence and Mature Language. The story is set in contemporary New York, USA.
Mrs. Wallenberg, an elderly woman is tortured and murdered. Fitzhugh Donovan is a retired New York City Police Chief. He is also the elderly woman's neighbor. It is he who finds the body. He had visited with the woman hours beforehand. He feels responsible for her death especially after she had shown him a threatening letter.
Donovan discovers that Mrs. Wallenberg had a very interesting past. Soon he has family and some close friends involved in the investigation. The woman's first husband had been a business leader in Nazi Germany. She had run away from him and found a new life.
The Nazis though were still hunting her. The remnants of WWII Nazi leadership had escaped in 1945 and are now behind a Fourth Reich. An unseen cabal that is rising to world power.
Donovan is driven to solve the murder, but he is also compelled to find a way to protect his family. The Nazis are not happy at his involvement and make that clear to all involved.
I enjoyed the 10+ hours I spent reading this 410-page mystery novel. This plot ventures into several genres - mystery, WWII, conspiracy theories, and the occult. I liked the Donovan family and friends' characters. This appears to be the first in a series and I look forward to reading the next installment. The selected cover art is OK, but a little plain. I give this novel a 4 out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
July 7, 2019
I absolutely loved this book! Here's who should read it: mystery readers, people who love historical fiction, puzzle people, those interested in today's political climate, conspiracy theorists. Basically everyone should read A Murder on Jane Street. It is a great story well-told.
The story revolves around a three generational Irish family in NY. The patriarch of the family is Fitz Donovan. Fitz is a retired NY police chief who is called upon by his elderly next door neighbor because she has received a threatening letter and tells Fitz she is going to be murdered. She tells him she has some evidence to put together for him, and he promises to return in a few hours. By the time he does so, he discovers that she has been tortured and killed. When the police detectives lets him know that his help is unneeded and unwanted, Fitz puts together his own motley crew to solve the mystery of who the neighbor was and why she was murdered. He is aided by his two daughters, Maeve and Rory, as well as his granddaughter Finn. He also assembles a brilliant team of hackers, physicists, a Holocaust survivor, and a few very wealthy friends.
All of the characters in this novel are exceedingly appealing and exceedingly well developed by author Cathy Cash Spellman. I personally was in love with the Donovans and would love to be adopted by them. They are loving and smart and indominable. As I said, the story has a little of everything. It is a great mystery with an historical element and even a little bit of romance. Truly something for everybody. I even enjoyed the literary quotes that start each segment of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and The Wild Harp & Company for providing me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story revolves around a three generational Irish family in NY. The patriarch of the family is Fitz Donovan. Fitz is a retired NY police chief who is called upon by his elderly next door neighbor because she has received a threatening letter and tells Fitz she is going to be murdered. She tells him she has some evidence to put together for him, and he promises to return in a few hours. By the time he does so, he discovers that she has been tortured and killed. When the police detectives lets him know that his help is unneeded and unwanted, Fitz puts together his own motley crew to solve the mystery of who the neighbor was and why she was murdered. He is aided by his two daughters, Maeve and Rory, as well as his granddaughter Finn. He also assembles a brilliant team of hackers, physicists, a Holocaust survivor, and a few very wealthy friends.
All of the characters in this novel are exceedingly appealing and exceedingly well developed by author Cathy Cash Spellman. I personally was in love with the Donovans and would love to be adopted by them. They are loving and smart and indominable. As I said, the story has a little of everything. It is a great mystery with an historical element and even a little bit of romance. Truly something for everybody. I even enjoyed the literary quotes that start each segment of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and The Wild Harp & Company for providing me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2019
Review of advance reader eBook
The brutal torture-murder of his next-door neighbor pulls retired New York City Police Chief FitzHugh Donovan into an investigation that hides a decades-old secret at its core. With the lives of his family and those he loves put in jeopardy, he and his band of stalwarts realize that they must find a way to thwart a deeply-rooted conspiracy born of hatred and greed.
The well-drawn characters are a perfect fit to the conspiratorial plot with its historical ties. Careful research makes the narrative’s overarching mystery compelling; the display of love and friendship between the various characters adds to its importance. The unfolding story imparts a timeliness to the narrative as it pulls the readers into the telling of the tale; it builds suspense while both the believability of the plot and the revealing of new details keep ratcheting up the tension. The story is a true page-turner, difficult to set aside before reaching the final page.
While it may be a small point, when the dialogue has a character speaking in abbreviations it tends to pull the reader out of the story. Ideally, dialogue should reflect the way the characters would actually speak; thus, “since World War Two” [or, possibly, “since the Second World War,” which tends to flow a bit more easily] instead of “since WWII” [page 406]. In addition, the overuse of an offensive, unnecessary-to-the-plot expletive becomes a serious detriment to the otherwise almost spot-on narrative.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from The Wild Harp & Company, Incorporated and NetGalley
#AmurderOnJaneStreet
The brutal torture-murder of his next-door neighbor pulls retired New York City Police Chief FitzHugh Donovan into an investigation that hides a decades-old secret at its core. With the lives of his family and those he loves put in jeopardy, he and his band of stalwarts realize that they must find a way to thwart a deeply-rooted conspiracy born of hatred and greed.
The well-drawn characters are a perfect fit to the conspiratorial plot with its historical ties. Careful research makes the narrative’s overarching mystery compelling; the display of love and friendship between the various characters adds to its importance. The unfolding story imparts a timeliness to the narrative as it pulls the readers into the telling of the tale; it builds suspense while both the believability of the plot and the revealing of new details keep ratcheting up the tension. The story is a true page-turner, difficult to set aside before reaching the final page.
While it may be a small point, when the dialogue has a character speaking in abbreviations it tends to pull the reader out of the story. Ideally, dialogue should reflect the way the characters would actually speak; thus, “since World War Two” [or, possibly, “since the Second World War,” which tends to flow a bit more easily] instead of “since WWII” [page 406]. In addition, the overuse of an offensive, unnecessary-to-the-plot expletive becomes a serious detriment to the otherwise almost spot-on narrative.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from The Wild Harp & Company, Incorporated and NetGalley
#AmurderOnJaneStreet
July 10, 2019
Fitzhugh Donovan, former police chief, received an odd request from the "Old Lady" next door. It seems she had received a threatening letter and she wanted him to know why she was about to be murdered. After giving him a tattered old journal, she asked him to come back later that evening. But unfortunately, before he was able to return, she was found tortured and then murdered. This event sets Fitz on a long trail to determine who exactly Mrs. Wallenberg really was and what information she had that would have caused someone to so brutally murder an aged ninety-something year old lady. This investigation soon involves friends and family and the information they uncover is not only explosive, but also puts all of them in danger of being murdered. This was an enjoyable murder mystery, for mystery lovers, historians and conspiracy theory buffs alike, as information regarding World War II, the Third Reich and Hitler are explored and theories posited. The group of investigators mainly involve Fitz and his two daughters and granddaughter, but there are other characters that appear equally memorable and quirky, as their team, nicknamed BSI (Bleecker Street Irregulars), unravel the clues and delve deeper into Mrs. Wallenberg's life. The story is also a bit of a cautionary tale, and two of the cited quotes stand out for today's society: "A lie told once remains a lie but a lie told a thousand times becomes the truth" and "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this book received through NetGalley and all opinions are strictly my own.
July 25, 2019
A Murder on Jane Street is a delightful book that will not be easy to slot into a genre. Part traditional family-based mystery, part contemporary cyber-sleuth story, part historical speculation and conspiracy theory, part thriller, part love story -- this novel may displease some readers who resent the intrusion of some element (romance, sentiment or treacherous cabal) that spoils the purity of their favorite literary category.
But some of us will love it as it is. The Donovans are a close-knit, multi-generational Irish clan living in New York City's East Village. Their neighbor, an aged descendant of European nobility, is brutally murdered, and possessions she has left behind for them draw the Donovans into the mystery of her death and, ultimately, her life.
This book has a very large cast, with each character fully-enough drawn that I never got confused about identity or role. The relationships (among the family members and between them and their wide, diverse and colorful circle of friends) were the best part of the story.
The Donovan clan and their quirky comrades pool their talents and dub themselves the Bleecker Street Irregulars as they research a mystery stretching back to the Holocaust, using tools from genetics and hacking to old-fashioned shoe leather.
At the conclusion of A Murder on Jane Street, my Kindle offered me the first chapter of the next installment in the series, A Murder on Mott Street. I'll be seeking it out.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance readers copy.
But some of us will love it as it is. The Donovans are a close-knit, multi-generational Irish clan living in New York City's East Village. Their neighbor, an aged descendant of European nobility, is brutally murdered, and possessions she has left behind for them draw the Donovans into the mystery of her death and, ultimately, her life.
This book has a very large cast, with each character fully-enough drawn that I never got confused about identity or role. The relationships (among the family members and between them and their wide, diverse and colorful circle of friends) were the best part of the story.
The Donovan clan and their quirky comrades pool their talents and dub themselves the Bleecker Street Irregulars as they research a mystery stretching back to the Holocaust, using tools from genetics and hacking to old-fashioned shoe leather.
At the conclusion of A Murder on Jane Street, my Kindle offered me the first chapter of the next installment in the series, A Murder on Mott Street. I'll be seeking it out.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance readers copy.
July 17, 2019
A Murder on Jane Street must be the first in a series of mysteries by Cathy Cash Spellman. If she doesn’t take this delightful group of people to new books and new mysteries, it will be a waste. FitzHugh Donovan is a retired NYPD Chief of Police. He lives with his daughters Rory and Maeva and his granddaughter Finn. All are strong personalities who are devoted to each other.
When the ninety-some-year-old neighbor woman asked FitzHugh for help, he immediately commits to assist her, but then she is murdered before she has a chance to explain the threat she faces. Luckily she left some clues. Fitzhugh is able to call in the help of experts in archives, history, science and technology to assist, but when they finally understand who they are up against, it seems nothing can be done.
A Murder on Jane Street is a great introduction to an investigative team that will be fun to follow. It mixes a bit of romance with intrigue in a way that reminds me of the LoveSwept serial romance books with an investigative team who works together. I have to credit Spellman for a unique ending for her book. I can’t spoil it but will say I’ve not seen anything like it before.
A Murder on Jane Street will be released July 16th. I received an e-galley from the publisher through NetGalley.
A Murder on Jane Street at Wild Harp & Company
Cathy Cash Spellman author site
https://tonstantweaderreviews.wordpre...
When the ninety-some-year-old neighbor woman asked FitzHugh for help, he immediately commits to assist her, but then she is murdered before she has a chance to explain the threat she faces. Luckily she left some clues. Fitzhugh is able to call in the help of experts in archives, history, science and technology to assist, but when they finally understand who they are up against, it seems nothing can be done.
A Murder on Jane Street is a great introduction to an investigative team that will be fun to follow. It mixes a bit of romance with intrigue in a way that reminds me of the LoveSwept serial romance books with an investigative team who works together. I have to credit Spellman for a unique ending for her book. I can’t spoil it but will say I’ve not seen anything like it before.
A Murder on Jane Street will be released July 16th. I received an e-galley from the publisher through NetGalley.
A Murder on Jane Street at Wild Harp & Company
Cathy Cash Spellman author site
https://tonstantweaderreviews.wordpre...
June 25, 2019
Former NYPD chief, Fitz Donovan's elderly neighbor, Ghisella, calls and asks for his help. Less than two hours later, she is found tortured and brutally murdered in her home. Although he didn't really know her, she passed on some clues and information about her former life. NYPD isn't really invested in finding her killer so Fitz enlists his family and friends in an effort to discover what happened to her and why. They call themselves the Bleeker Street Irregulars. While investigating her death, war time secrets are revealed and all of BSI lives are in danger as they stumble upon an elaborate conspiracy that begins with the faked death of Hitler himself and a plot to rebuild the Fourth Reich. I really enjoyed the characters in this book and the way they all worked together to try to solve this crime. The plot is rather intricate but I could almost believe that something like this could happen. One question I had though, was why didn't Ghisella reveal any of the information to anyone before she died? A major complaint I have is the dialogue of Georgia and Hutch. I'm from Texas and no one speaks like that, it was way over the top with all the sugars and darlin's. It was difficult to read. Other than that complaint, I liked the book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 28, 2019
This is a really exciting historical fiction novel. Historical fiction novels that contain enough threads of reality that they make you question what you know of history are always the most interesting because they make you question what you think you know of history. This story certainly masters this criterion.
The Donovan family led by patriarch Fitzhugh Donovan. Fitz is a retired police chief who lives in New York, in a brownstone with his two daughters and his granddaughter. His neighbor, an elderly woman well into her 90’s makes a claim to Fitz that she has a matter of life and death to discuss with him, and that she wants him to come over later so she can discuss this with him. Only, when Fitz returns to her apartment, his elderly neighbor has been murdered, in a most brutal way.
The cops seem content to write off the old woman’s death as a botched robbery. Something about the death of the old lady doesn’t sit with Fitz, and he starts digging. He soon discovers that his old neighbor had left behind clues about who may have killed her and why. With the help of his family, and a select group of unique friends, Fitz uncovers a decades old conspiracy.
This is a fun, fast paced novel. Definitely a recommended read. I look forward to hearing more from these characters in future novels. Novel supplied by Netgalley.
The Donovan family led by patriarch Fitzhugh Donovan. Fitz is a retired police chief who lives in New York, in a brownstone with his two daughters and his granddaughter. His neighbor, an elderly woman well into her 90’s makes a claim to Fitz that she has a matter of life and death to discuss with him, and that she wants him to come over later so she can discuss this with him. Only, when Fitz returns to her apartment, his elderly neighbor has been murdered, in a most brutal way.
The cops seem content to write off the old woman’s death as a botched robbery. Something about the death of the old lady doesn’t sit with Fitz, and he starts digging. He soon discovers that his old neighbor had left behind clues about who may have killed her and why. With the help of his family, and a select group of unique friends, Fitz uncovers a decades old conspiracy.
This is a fun, fast paced novel. Definitely a recommended read. I look forward to hearing more from these characters in future novels. Novel supplied by Netgalley.
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