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Gaslamp Gothic #5
Dead Ringer
A poisonous secret.
A terrifying curse.
And a client she’d just as soon see dead in a ditch….
Summer 1889. Harrison Fearing Pell hoped for adventure when she signed on with the Society for Psychical Research as an occult investigator. Slogging through New York’s sewers in pursuit of a “mud man” wasn’t exactly what she had in mind. But the reeking monster terrorizing the dance halls of the Tenderloin leads her to an even more peculiar mystery — and the last man on earth Harry wishes to become entangled with.
James Moran is a prodigy in music, mathematics . . . and crime. Harry’s older sister, the famed detective Myrtle Fearing Pell, has vowed to put him behind bars. But Harry owes Moran a personal debt, so when he demands her aid she can hardly refuse. It turns out that the brilliant black sheep of New York Society is part of a secret club at Columbia College whose members have started dying in bizarre ways that may not be accidents.
Thus begins one of the strangest cases of Harry’s career, a tale of murder, cold-blooded revenge and fairytale bogeymen to make the Brothers Grimm shudder. As the bodies pile up, each preceded by sightings of the victim’s doppelgänger, Harry and her stalwart friend John Weston must race against time to save a man who arguably deserves his macabre fate.
A terrifying curse.
And a client she’d just as soon see dead in a ditch….
Summer 1889. Harrison Fearing Pell hoped for adventure when she signed on with the Society for Psychical Research as an occult investigator. Slogging through New York’s sewers in pursuit of a “mud man” wasn’t exactly what she had in mind. But the reeking monster terrorizing the dance halls of the Tenderloin leads her to an even more peculiar mystery — and the last man on earth Harry wishes to become entangled with.
James Moran is a prodigy in music, mathematics . . . and crime. Harry’s older sister, the famed detective Myrtle Fearing Pell, has vowed to put him behind bars. But Harry owes Moran a personal debt, so when he demands her aid she can hardly refuse. It turns out that the brilliant black sheep of New York Society is part of a secret club at Columbia College whose members have started dying in bizarre ways that may not be accidents.
Thus begins one of the strangest cases of Harry’s career, a tale of murder, cold-blooded revenge and fairytale bogeymen to make the Brothers Grimm shudder. As the bodies pile up, each preceded by sightings of the victim’s doppelgänger, Harry and her stalwart friend John Weston must race against time to save a man who arguably deserves his macabre fate.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2019
86 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
Kat Ross
61 books807 followersKat Ross is an award-winning and bestselling fantasy author whose series range from the Persian-inspired Fourth Element to the cozy Ravencroft Hall books. She lives in Connecticut with her son and a gang (clowder?) of anarchist cats. When she’s not writing, you can find Kat wandering in the woods or poring over maps in the cartography turret. For more info, check out her website: www.katrossbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 1, 2020
This is the third book I’ve read in the Gaslamp Gothic series and I must admit, it’s easily becoming one of my favourites. I adored A Bad Breed and The Necromancer’s Bride and my feelings toward Dead Ringer are no different.
James Moran has been one of my favourite characters of the series by far. Despite being the number one crime lord of the city, he was just so damn adorable. The way he would flirt with Harry (who was having absolutely none of his boyish charm) had me grinning like an idiot every time. I also loved how vulnerable he was with her (and John when he was there). There was none of this macho crap. He realized the gravity of the situation surrounding his friends’ death and took it seriously.
I also loved Harry. She was a strong badass lady who was just a little bit sarcastic and took no crap from anyone. She takes her job very seriously and is 100% committed to her cases. If my life was in her hands, I’d have confidence I’d live to see another day. Her and John were great to read about as well. I loved their working relationship. They complimented each other so well. The way they figured out things together proved how great of a team they were.
The story and mystery itself was so good. I was absolutely flying through the novel wanting to know how the secret society came to be targeted and by who. With seven men in the society and James Moran being an untouchable crime lord, that leads to a lot of options of people that could want to kill them. Add in the paranormal and this story was just *chef’s kiss*
Seriously though. You guys need to pick up this series. I’m obsessed with it and I can’t wait to see what Kat Ross brings to the world next because everything I’ve read from her so far has been beyond amazing.
James Moran has been one of my favourite characters of the series by far. Despite being the number one crime lord of the city, he was just so damn adorable. The way he would flirt with Harry (who was having absolutely none of his boyish charm) had me grinning like an idiot every time. I also loved how vulnerable he was with her (and John when he was there). There was none of this macho crap. He realized the gravity of the situation surrounding his friends’ death and took it seriously.
I also loved Harry. She was a strong badass lady who was just a little bit sarcastic and took no crap from anyone. She takes her job very seriously and is 100% committed to her cases. If my life was in her hands, I’d have confidence I’d live to see another day. Her and John were great to read about as well. I loved their working relationship. They complimented each other so well. The way they figured out things together proved how great of a team they were.
The story and mystery itself was so good. I was absolutely flying through the novel wanting to know how the secret society came to be targeted and by who. With seven men in the society and James Moran being an untouchable crime lord, that leads to a lot of options of people that could want to kill them. Add in the paranormal and this story was just *chef’s kiss*
Seriously though. You guys need to pick up this series. I’m obsessed with it and I can’t wait to see what Kat Ross brings to the world next because everything I’ve read from her so far has been beyond amazing.
December 16, 2019
Oh boy! This book! THIS BOOK!
PEAKY BLINDERS MEETS FINAL DESTINATION! Nope, I can't elaborate on that--spoiler, spoiler! What I can tall you is that this might well be my favorite in the series (at least so far).
I was charmed by the enigmatic Mr. Moran since it was first introduced in The Daemoniac (you can read my review here and I couldn't wait to see him again and in Dead Ringer, finally---FINALLY WE GET MORE OF A GLIMPSE OF THE CHARMING CRIME LORD.
Of course I was also glad to see Harry & John again, those two have such a wonderful working chemistry--more than once Harry wouldn't have found the solution without John's help and/or insights.
I loved every bit of interaction between James & Harry, they were real fun. I was grinning like a madwoman, especially when he playfully flirts with her and she's having none of it... all the opposite (He also seems to have a knack for finding her in the direst outfits LOL).
The last time I had such fun reading and exchange was with Serpent & Dove but before that...I can't even remember what year it was.
Between golems at large, murders, odd turns of luck, murky pasts and the likes ---I really can't decide what I liked more, probably how they all fit together--it reminded me of the best crime novels/tv series out there.
Dead Ringer is such a masterpiece! The last chapter was so entertaining and sweet … I'm still starry eyed! (no Myrtle, I still don't like you). I look forward to the next time I see Harry & John again---and of course JAMES MORAN (He deserves a spin-off on its own, if you ask me...)
PEAKY BLINDERS MEETS FINAL DESTINATION! Nope, I can't elaborate on that--spoiler, spoiler! What I can tall you is that this might well be my favorite in the series (at least so far).
I was charmed by the enigmatic Mr. Moran since it was first introduced in The Daemoniac (you can read my review here and I couldn't wait to see him again and in Dead Ringer, finally---FINALLY WE GET MORE OF A GLIMPSE OF THE CHARMING CRIME LORD.
Of course I was also glad to see Harry & John again, those two have such a wonderful working chemistry--more than once Harry wouldn't have found the solution without John's help and/or insights.
I loved every bit of interaction between James & Harry, they were real fun. I was grinning like a madwoman, especially when he playfully flirts with her and she's having none of it... all the opposite (He also seems to have a knack for finding her in the direst outfits LOL).
The last time I had such fun reading and exchange was with Serpent & Dove but before that...I can't even remember what year it was.
Between golems at large, murders, odd turns of luck, murky pasts and the likes ---I really can't decide what I liked more, probably how they all fit together--it reminded me of the best crime novels/tv series out there.
Dead Ringer is such a masterpiece! The last chapter was so entertaining and sweet … I'm still starry eyed! (no Myrtle, I still don't like you). I look forward to the next time I see Harry & John again---and of course JAMES MORAN (He deserves a spin-off on its own, if you ask me...)
January 17, 2020
"Dead Ringer," the 5th book in the Gaslamp Gothic series, returns to New York and the adventures of Harrison Fearing Pell and John Weston. This time, Harry's frighteningly clever sister Myrtle has been laid up after an attack. The aftermath of this leads to Harry making a deal with James Moran, New York's criminal mastermind and Myrtle's archnemesis.
The series switches back and forth between Europe and New York, with a revolving cast of viewpoint characters. This time all the action takes place in New York, narrated by Harry. Fans of Anne or Vivienne may be disappointed, but plucky, non-magical Harry is a delightful character, so it's nice to see her storyline continue to develop. There's plenty of magic here to please fantasy fans, and plenty of mystery for mystery fans. If you haven't read anything from the series before, I recommend reading books 1 & 2 before starting with this one (books 3 & 4 follow a different storyline). You can also jump in here if you wish, though, so don't the fact that it's number 5 dissuade you. Recommended for readers who enjoy fantasy mysteries and thrillers, steampunk/gaslamp, and historical urban fantasy and historical mysteries.
The series switches back and forth between Europe and New York, with a revolving cast of viewpoint characters. This time all the action takes place in New York, narrated by Harry. Fans of Anne or Vivienne may be disappointed, but plucky, non-magical Harry is a delightful character, so it's nice to see her storyline continue to develop. There's plenty of magic here to please fantasy fans, and plenty of mystery for mystery fans. If you haven't read anything from the series before, I recommend reading books 1 & 2 before starting with this one (books 3 & 4 follow a different storyline). You can also jump in here if you wish, though, so don't the fact that it's number 5 dissuade you. Recommended for readers who enjoy fantasy mysteries and thrillers, steampunk/gaslamp, and historical urban fantasy and historical mysteries.
January 22, 2025
I was really quite pleased to see us make our way back to Harry and John in this installation of the series. After a couple books away from them I was starting to feel a little lonesome. To say I was even more excited to see more of James Moran would be an understatement. There’s something about a Moriarty that just gets my heart a flutter.
I loved this book. The intertwining plots, as always, were the highlight. I really love the variety Kat Ross is giving us when it comes to the supernatural beings. I can tell you right now I didn’t see a Golem coming whatsoever, and I sure love being blind sided. It’s refreshing that we aren't seeing the same thing from book to book but instead completely new cases.
The whodunnit was kind of obvious in this one and I think that hindered me a little as I felt like I was sitting on the lines screaming “it was ***, obviously!”. But this book was still wonderfully cultivated. I can’t get enough of this series; I’m so glad that there’s 8 of these books so I can continue my binge.
I loved this book. The intertwining plots, as always, were the highlight. I really love the variety Kat Ross is giving us when it comes to the supernatural beings. I can tell you right now I didn’t see a Golem coming whatsoever, and I sure love being blind sided. It’s refreshing that we aren't seeing the same thing from book to book but instead completely new cases.
The whodunnit was kind of obvious in this one and I think that hindered me a little as I felt like I was sitting on the lines screaming “it was ***, obviously!”. But this book was still wonderfully cultivated. I can’t get enough of this series; I’m so glad that there’s 8 of these books so I can continue my binge.
November 7, 2025
Good spooky fun with Harrison Fearing Pell.
December 13, 2019
Couldn’t flip the pages fast enough!
So happy to see Harry and John again! I literally whipped through the pages of this book in one night. Kat Ross has done it again!
So happy to see Harry and John again! I literally whipped through the pages of this book in one night. Kat Ross has done it again!
April 21, 2023
Glorious Gothic Mysteries
This is a 4.5 🌟 read rounded ⬆️ to 5 🌟.
A supremely enjoyable Victorian mystery shrouded with paranormal possibilities.
This is a 4.5 🌟 read rounded ⬆️ to 5 🌟.
A supremely enjoyable Victorian mystery shrouded with paranormal possibilities.
January 31, 2020
In New York City, 1889 there exists a special unit, the Society for Psychical Research which handles cases of the paranormal variety. Harrison Pell and John Weston are currently investigating a case of a mud man that has attacked and scared many residents in the Tenderloin district. While chasing down a golem in New York's sewer system is not exactly what Harrison relishes, she is glad to have cracked the case for the SPR. Harrison is much more interested in the strange deaths of Columbia students that have been happening where witnesses have sworn that they have seen the deceased somewhere else at the time of death. Despite her best attempts, Harrison is denied the case. However, she is hired privately by one of New York's notorious criminals, James Moran. Moran is terrified that he will be next in the series of deaths. Harrison and James learn more of the series of events and doppelganger folklore in order to save the life of a criminal that they would rather see dead.
Dead Ringer is a paranormal murder mystery in the Gilded Age of New York City. I was immediately pulled into the story as Harry hunted down a mysterious being in the New York City sewer system. The characters are all very well developed. I loved Harry's sense of adventure, bravery and perspective throughout the story. Her partnership with John is sincere, sweet and not forced. Moran kept me guessing throughout the whole story as to where his motives lie and his true nature. All of these characters definitely have more to say and do and I hope their stories continue throughout the Gaslamp Gothic series. I very much enjoyed the paranormal parts of the book, expanding on not as well known creatures. The folklore behind the golem and doppelgangers is complex and interesting. They both made for great monsters. The setting also took me through many different parts of New York in 1889, giving me a good feel of the diversity of people, homes and entertainment at the time. The writing kept the story at a fast pace with excitement, intrigue and suspense building the whole way through; I can't wait to read more!
This book was received for free in order for a honest review.
Dead Ringer is a paranormal murder mystery in the Gilded Age of New York City. I was immediately pulled into the story as Harry hunted down a mysterious being in the New York City sewer system. The characters are all very well developed. I loved Harry's sense of adventure, bravery and perspective throughout the story. Her partnership with John is sincere, sweet and not forced. Moran kept me guessing throughout the whole story as to where his motives lie and his true nature. All of these characters definitely have more to say and do and I hope their stories continue throughout the Gaslamp Gothic series. I very much enjoyed the paranormal parts of the book, expanding on not as well known creatures. The folklore behind the golem and doppelgangers is complex and interesting. They both made for great monsters. The setting also took me through many different parts of New York in 1889, giving me a good feel of the diversity of people, homes and entertainment at the time. The writing kept the story at a fast pace with excitement, intrigue and suspense building the whole way through; I can't wait to read more!
This book was received for free in order for a honest review.
January 21, 2020
I read these out of order, but they are still delightful. Dead Ringer finds us in New York where Harry and John work for the American Society for Psychical Research and are absolutely not supposed to be looking into cases of identical spectres showing up across the city when 3 different men die. They are *supposed* to be working on a case of a golem living in the sewers that comes out and terrorizes people. However, as usual Harry is too clever for her own good and realizes how the cases meet. She takes a private case from known crime kingpin, James Moran to discover that he may be the next death by spectre. Can they manage to figure everything out and not lose their jobs in the bargain?
January 26, 2020
Dead Ringer has the feel of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde combined with Sherlock Holmes. I found the story to be well-written, and the characters were very three dimensional. Harry, in particular, was entertaining. I loved that she was such a strong woman, especially for that time period. It was my first time reading this author, but I think I may be hooked.
If you like historical books that also have mystery, suspense, action and all the other ingredients for a page-turning-stay-up-all-night experience, Dead Ringer is a must-read!
*I received an ARC for an honest review*
If you like historical books that also have mystery, suspense, action and all the other ingredients for a page-turning-stay-up-all-night experience, Dead Ringer is a must-read!
*I received an ARC for an honest review*
February 1, 2020
When I first picked up this book, I was confused because the main characters and the setting seemed so familiar but “Gaslight Gothic” did not. I soon realized that I had indeed met Harry and her family and friends before; the series name had changed from “Dominion” to “Gaslight Gothic”. I’ve been delighted to spend time with these charming folks again. I also like the way the author mixes and matches various characters throughout the series so we don’t always see the same ones.
Harry is off on another strange case with a little help from her friends and, this time, her client is one she’d really prefer not to be working for but his request/demand is more than she can resist. It’s a tale of murder and doppelgangers that is well beyond anything she and John have encountered before and they’re determined to stop this string of killings. Their special abilities have never been so necessary to solving such a dark fairytale.
Along with truly appealing characters, Ms. Ross continues to enhance a unique and compelling setting in an 1889 New York City that took me right back to that period albeit with a paranormal twist. In fact, I’d say this city is in itself a character, one that’s equally important as the humans and mythical beings. As with the first two books, The Daemoniac and The Thirteenth Gate, I sank right into the story and now I need to go back and find the missing pieces, A Bad Breed and The Necromancer’s Bride. They’ll help keep me busy till the next book comes out 🙂
Harry is off on another strange case with a little help from her friends and, this time, her client is one she’d really prefer not to be working for but his request/demand is more than she can resist. It’s a tale of murder and doppelgangers that is well beyond anything she and John have encountered before and they’re determined to stop this string of killings. Their special abilities have never been so necessary to solving such a dark fairytale.
Along with truly appealing characters, Ms. Ross continues to enhance a unique and compelling setting in an 1889 New York City that took me right back to that period albeit with a paranormal twist. In fact, I’d say this city is in itself a character, one that’s equally important as the humans and mythical beings. As with the first two books, The Daemoniac and The Thirteenth Gate, I sank right into the story and now I need to go back and find the missing pieces, A Bad Breed and The Necromancer’s Bride. They’ll help keep me busy till the next book comes out 🙂
January 30, 2020
Paranormal private detectives Harry and John are forced to look for a “Mud Man” who reeks of the sewers in 1889 NYC. (If he smells like the sewers, are we sure he is made of mud? Dang, those Victorians were so polite!) While the Mud Man is just terrorizing citizens, other people are seeing Dead Ringers of the recently deceased. Were their deaths really accidents? If so, how do the dopplegangers know when to appear? Or are they caused by supernatural means?
It is nice to read a tale that so seamlessly incorporates the paranormal with a mystery plot. Everything here is so believable that I almost expected to see a Mud Man out of the corner of my eye one morning while passing manholes in the street. If you are a fan of the X-Files or Warehouse 13, you must read Dead Ringer. It is an intriguing and captivating plot. The main investigators are fully fleshed out with real human motives and failings as are the Myrtle and Moran. Overall, it is a compelling page-turner that is highly recommended. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars!
Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
It is nice to read a tale that so seamlessly incorporates the paranormal with a mystery plot. Everything here is so believable that I almost expected to see a Mud Man out of the corner of my eye one morning while passing manholes in the street. If you are a fan of the X-Files or Warehouse 13, you must read Dead Ringer. It is an intriguing and captivating plot. The main investigators are fully fleshed out with real human motives and failings as are the Myrtle and Moran. Overall, it is a compelling page-turner that is highly recommended. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars!
Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 19, 2023
For this instalment of the series, we are back in New York with Harrison 'Harry' Fearing Pell and John Weston, who bear a similarity to Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson in more ways than one, as does the general feel and style of the story, which is no bad thing in my opinion.
These are wonderfully written characters that are bursting with personality and that complement each other perfectly, with plenty of witty dialogue and humour between them.
The plot is well-paced and contains plenty of mystery, intrigue, suspense, emotion and humour as well as a fair amount of action as we follow Harry and John as they deal with the cases assigned to them by the SPR.
In my opinion, this is the best book in the series yet, which as they have all been excellent, is not an easy thing to achieve.
These are wonderfully written characters that are bursting with personality and that complement each other perfectly, with plenty of witty dialogue and humour between them.
The plot is well-paced and contains plenty of mystery, intrigue, suspense, emotion and humour as well as a fair amount of action as we follow Harry and John as they deal with the cases assigned to them by the SPR.
In my opinion, this is the best book in the series yet, which as they have all been excellent, is not an easy thing to achieve.
May 30, 2020
I am hooked on anything Kat Ross writes. Love the mysterious, atmospheric, supernatural-tending and exciting adventures of Harrison Fearing Pell and John Weston. As my grandmother was a Pell, that only enhances the appeal of these wonderful stories. Love the description of NYC during the "Gilded Age", and all the detail in the books. Just thoroughly enjoyable reading. I want more of Kat Ross!
January 29, 2020
Liked it but didn't love it
I've been reading the Gaslamp series by this author and I've loved every one except this one. I liked it, though. It's interesting but I didn't find it as riveting as the others. Not that it's bad! I did enjoy it, but didn't feel it was the same caliber as the others.
I've been reading the Gaslamp series by this author and I've loved every one except this one. I liked it, though. It's interesting but I didn't find it as riveting as the others. Not that it's bad! I did enjoy it, but didn't feel it was the same caliber as the others.
September 23, 2020
1889 New York. Harrison Fearing Pell and James Weston, investigators for the Society of Psychical Research are seeking a Kidman in the sewers. But she is asked by James Moran for help as old friends of his have been dying in strange circumstances.
An entertaining Victorian paranormal mystery.
An entertaining Victorian paranormal mystery.
August 4, 2022
Gothic victorian paranormal mystery
A decidedly exciting book. It keeps you constantly guessing who the "threat" is. The characters are definitely colorful. I really enjoyed this book.
A decidedly exciting book. It keeps you constantly guessing who the "threat" is. The characters are definitely colorful. I really enjoyed this book.
January 30, 2020
Review coming soon!
September 23, 2020
I had missed Harry and John so much! James Moran us also always welcome.
November 13, 2020
Love...love...love
With a touch of Sherlock Holmes and a bit of supernatural, makes this book a must read. Kate Ross is an exceptional writer. I hope this series never ends.
With a touch of Sherlock Holmes and a bit of supernatural, makes this book a must read. Kate Ross is an exceptional writer. I hope this series never ends.
September 19, 2025
That was NOT a good place to end, Kat!!! I wanted more....
February 16, 2020
Dead Ringer is #5 in the Gaslight Gothic series, proving once again that Kat Ross has the writing chops to go the distance. I hopped on the review tour initially for A Bad Breed and then The Necromancer's Bride and here I am with Dead Ringer. While A Bad Breed and The Necromancer's Bride are a slight detour in the series, following different characters and readable as a stand-alone, Dead Ringer is back with Harry.
Read more at Cats Luv Coffee
Read more at Cats Luv Coffee
January 30, 2020
What does Jewish lore have to do with the Germanic folk legend of doppelgangers? Find out in Dead Ringer, fifth in Kat Ross' Gaslamp Gothic series.
Dead Ringer rejoins Harrison Fearing Pell and Jonathan Weston of the American branch of the SPR. The pair are tasked with solving a case involving a 'mud man' attacking people and retreating into the sewers. So far, the attacks have only resulted in scares, but no serious harm. Harry's beginning to think the mud man is escalating his aggressive tendencies. At first, they aren't even sure if the mud man is actually something under the SPR's purview, or simply a deranged, filthy human. An underground encounter assures them that the creature is, indeed, preternatural. When Harry gets hired as a private consultant by one of the city's criminal masterminds, on a case the SPR's other pair of agents is working, it becomes obvious that the two cases have a link. Question is, can Harry keep her client alive, and keep her sister from finding out she's working for him, while placating her superiors at the SPR?
As much as I love the European SPR team (especially since there are daevas), I absolutely adored Harry and Weston! They just work so well together for one. Harry's sister is like a female American Sherlock, which I also loved, and didn't expect. You don't get tons of interaction with Myrtle, but what's there is priceless. I also really liked Moran, the criminal mastermind Harry is trying to keep alive. He's one of those grey characters. Yeah, he's a criminal, and dangerous, but there's so much more going on beneath the surface. He's Myrtle's Moriarty, and every bit as intelligent and complex. As the story progresses, you learn a lot of backstory, and it explains so much. In the end, Moran not only saves someone he'd much rather kill, but he ends up paying for her care in an institution after she suffers an aneurysm. Really hope to see him again in the future.
The lore included in this story delved into the more unusual. I always appreciate this. Things that have become staple tend to be boring. Ross does an awesome job of researching lore for her stories. This take weaves Jewish legend with Germanic, making good use of both. I loved the probability aspect to the doppel's existence, though it'd be kinda sucky to be on the receiving end of the bad luck! Greatly looking forward to the next in the series, and hoping it is av Harry and Weston one. Recommended it you enjoy Victorian era stories, the preternatural, and/or Sherlock Holmes.
***Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.This book was reviewed for XPresso Blog Tours
Dead Ringer rejoins Harrison Fearing Pell and Jonathan Weston of the American branch of the SPR. The pair are tasked with solving a case involving a 'mud man' attacking people and retreating into the sewers. So far, the attacks have only resulted in scares, but no serious harm. Harry's beginning to think the mud man is escalating his aggressive tendencies. At first, they aren't even sure if the mud man is actually something under the SPR's purview, or simply a deranged, filthy human. An underground encounter assures them that the creature is, indeed, preternatural. When Harry gets hired as a private consultant by one of the city's criminal masterminds, on a case the SPR's other pair of agents is working, it becomes obvious that the two cases have a link. Question is, can Harry keep her client alive, and keep her sister from finding out she's working for him, while placating her superiors at the SPR?
As much as I love the European SPR team (especially since there are daevas), I absolutely adored Harry and Weston! They just work so well together for one. Harry's sister is like a female American Sherlock, which I also loved, and didn't expect. You don't get tons of interaction with Myrtle, but what's there is priceless. I also really liked Moran, the criminal mastermind Harry is trying to keep alive. He's one of those grey characters. Yeah, he's a criminal, and dangerous, but there's so much more going on beneath the surface. He's Myrtle's Moriarty, and every bit as intelligent and complex. As the story progresses, you learn a lot of backstory, and it explains so much. In the end, Moran not only saves someone he'd much rather kill, but he ends up paying for her care in an institution after she suffers an aneurysm. Really hope to see him again in the future.
The lore included in this story delved into the more unusual. I always appreciate this. Things that have become staple tend to be boring. Ross does an awesome job of researching lore for her stories. This take weaves Jewish legend with Germanic, making good use of both. I loved the probability aspect to the doppel's existence, though it'd be kinda sucky to be on the receiving end of the bad luck! Greatly looking forward to the next in the series, and hoping it is av Harry and Weston one. Recommended it you enjoy Victorian era stories, the preternatural, and/or Sherlock Holmes.
***Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.This book was reviewed for XPresso Blog Tours
February 1, 2020
Come visit me at
If you have not read the series yet, still feel free to pick this title up to begin with. That is the nice thing about most of the books in the series, the mystery aspect is able to be read alone, without any backstory. If you want character development, start from the beginning and read all the books, but if you just want a good paranormal mystery, feel free to red them as you see fit.
I loved that this had so much going on in it, be it personal drama to multiple paranormal aspects that I had not previously seen in the same book before but somehow Kat made it blend perfectly together. I have been entertained by all the books in the series, but this is hands down my favorite! The tension in the story built and built, until I was on the edge of my seat, full of jumpy nerves and about to burst with my need to know what would happen next.
This is the story I have been waiting for ever since I first met Harry back in the day during the first Gaslamp Gothic book! I am trying to avoid spoilers here, but I hoped with all my heart that there would be a love connection between her and a certain wonderful male character and the ending of this book hinted at such and now it has become my favorite of the series! Sure there was a lot of really great things happening in the book plot and character wise, but that romantic hope stole the show.
I really hope that we get to one day have a story told from Harry's sister, Mrytle's point of view and maybe she can have a certain complicated, tormented bad boy as a love interest... just saying. But until that hypothetical story comes about, I will keep on reading the creepy paranormal mysteries set in this world!
If you have not read the series yet, still feel free to pick this title up to begin with. That is the nice thing about most of the books in the series, the mystery aspect is able to be read alone, without any backstory. If you want character development, start from the beginning and read all the books, but if you just want a good paranormal mystery, feel free to red them as you see fit.
I loved that this had so much going on in it, be it personal drama to multiple paranormal aspects that I had not previously seen in the same book before but somehow Kat made it blend perfectly together. I have been entertained by all the books in the series, but this is hands down my favorite! The tension in the story built and built, until I was on the edge of my seat, full of jumpy nerves and about to burst with my need to know what would happen next.
I fetched Washing Away of Wrongs and related the story about the bloody sickle and the blowflies. It seemed to perk her up a bit, so I read the chapter on suicides by edged weapons and how to tell when a death by manual choking – i.e., murder — is disguised as a death by hanging.
“That’s a delightfully grim little volume,” Myrtle observed. “Weston gave it to you for your birthday?”
I nodded.
“He’s a keeper, Harrison. Pray continue.”
This is the story I have been waiting for ever since I first met Harry back in the day during the first Gaslamp Gothic book! I am trying to avoid spoilers here, but I hoped with all my heart that there would be a love connection between her and a certain wonderful male character and the ending of this book hinted at such and now it has become my favorite of the series! Sure there was a lot of really great things happening in the book plot and character wise, but that romantic hope stole the show.
I really hope that we get to one day have a story told from Harry's sister, Mrytle's point of view and maybe she can have a certain complicated, tormented bad boy as a love interest... just saying. But until that hypothetical story comes about, I will keep on reading the creepy paranormal mysteries set in this world!
January 29, 2020
- I received this book free though Xpresso Book Tours.
If the X-Files were set in turn of the century New York Dead Ringer would make a great episode.
I'm not much of a fan of mysteries, but Dead Ringer is a tension-building fast paced story that has enough of the fantasy elements, plus good characters that kept me interested.
The whole Gaslamp Gothic series is very moody. The dark streets of the seedier parts of New York can practically be felt (I was just glad I couldn't actually smell the sewers.) I could perfectly picture the stately manor of the Moran family and the Central Park gardens on a sunny afternoon. And I wanted to close my eyes with Harry when she is creeping up the steps and has to navigate the one squeaky spot. Mood in this book is 💯.
I enjoyed coming back to Harry and John after spending two books of the series centered on Gabriel and Anne. And although you could start with the The Daemoniac, the first book in the series, you don't need to. Like a good Sherlock Holmes novel Dead Ringer carries its own weight, and although reading the other books will give you more of a backstory with the characters and world-building it isn't necessary to enjoying this entry.
Kat Ross always has good characters in her books, as in deep, thoughtful well-written characters that you want to take out to tea and spend an afternoon talking to, even the criminal mastermind James Moran would be interesting company for an afternoon.
Harry and John have great chemistry and I hope their slow burn romance will have some big payout in a future book.
Bottom Line:
Dead Ringer is a moody gothic supernatural mystery that I think will appeal to readers across genre lines. It's just plain good.
If the X-Files were set in turn of the century New York Dead Ringer would make a great episode.
I'm not much of a fan of mysteries, but Dead Ringer is a tension-building fast paced story that has enough of the fantasy elements, plus good characters that kept me interested.
The whole Gaslamp Gothic series is very moody. The dark streets of the seedier parts of New York can practically be felt (I was just glad I couldn't actually smell the sewers.) I could perfectly picture the stately manor of the Moran family and the Central Park gardens on a sunny afternoon. And I wanted to close my eyes with Harry when she is creeping up the steps and has to navigate the one squeaky spot. Mood in this book is 💯.
I enjoyed coming back to Harry and John after spending two books of the series centered on Gabriel and Anne. And although you could start with the The Daemoniac, the first book in the series, you don't need to. Like a good Sherlock Holmes novel Dead Ringer carries its own weight, and although reading the other books will give you more of a backstory with the characters and world-building it isn't necessary to enjoying this entry.
Kat Ross always has good characters in her books, as in deep, thoughtful well-written characters that you want to take out to tea and spend an afternoon talking to, even the criminal mastermind James Moran would be interesting company for an afternoon.
Harry and John have great chemistry and I hope their slow burn romance will have some big payout in a future book.
Bottom Line:
Dead Ringer is a moody gothic supernatural mystery that I think will appeal to readers across genre lines. It's just plain good.
January 25, 2020
What an exciting and unusual read about metaphysical detectives in the late 1800s filled with monsters, witches, and doppelgangers.
Harrison "Harry" Fearing Pell and her partner John Weston work for the American Society for Psychical Research who assist London's Ninth Detective Division, otherwise known as the Night Squad specializing in bizarre cases. The case of the mud man who is terrorizing unsuspecting Londoners, unfortunately, lives in the sewers where we meet Harry and John. While they investigate the freakish monster, another case appears to be connected involving unusual deaths of Columbia graduates who are part of a group called the Pythagoras Society which was formed for companionship against bullies at the University.
When Harry receives a special request for a private investigator from James, Moran, one of the most notorious, handsome, and prominent men of New York Society and a member of the Pythagoras Society targeted for death, her job and her life are in jeopardy.
Though this is Book 5 in the Gaslamp Gothic series, it can be read as a standalone. It is my first book by Kat Ross and it's a fun, fast-paced who-done-it full of twists and turns into the mystical world and late-nineteenth-century detective work. If you enjoy clean detective fiction with a paranormal twist, pick this series up.
Thank you to Ms. Ross for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Harrison "Harry" Fearing Pell and her partner John Weston work for the American Society for Psychical Research who assist London's Ninth Detective Division, otherwise known as the Night Squad specializing in bizarre cases. The case of the mud man who is terrorizing unsuspecting Londoners, unfortunately, lives in the sewers where we meet Harry and John. While they investigate the freakish monster, another case appears to be connected involving unusual deaths of Columbia graduates who are part of a group called the Pythagoras Society which was formed for companionship against bullies at the University.
When Harry receives a special request for a private investigator from James, Moran, one of the most notorious, handsome, and prominent men of New York Society and a member of the Pythagoras Society targeted for death, her job and her life are in jeopardy.
Though this is Book 5 in the Gaslamp Gothic series, it can be read as a standalone. It is my first book by Kat Ross and it's a fun, fast-paced who-done-it full of twists and turns into the mystical world and late-nineteenth-century detective work. If you enjoy clean detective fiction with a paranormal twist, pick this series up.
Thank you to Ms. Ross for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
May 29, 2020
This book is amazing!! Definitely my favorite in the series.
John Moran is such an interesting character since his first appearance in the Demoniac, And in this book he shined even brighter! He's no doubt a bastard and a criminal, but he's also perfectly morally grey. He has such good chemistry with Harrison!!!! Their interactions are definitely my favorite part of this story, John Moran's character is a master work, he definitely upped the whole book a notch to my favorite of Kate Ross' work! The end of where he defeated his shadow twin is such a good metaphor of him surviving bc he suppressed his darker self!!! He choose to save his aunt who tried to kill him, which I think is the direct reason how he conquered his shadow. This is such a poetic innuendo to Moran's character growth. BUT HE'S STILL A BASTARD AND I LOVE HIM.
Harry is amazing as always. Myrtle being a cranky bc she's basically reduced to the bed ridden patient is hilarious. John is so supportive of Harry and it's blowing my heart out!!! Best husband material John is to our amazing detective Pell. I love the whole cast so much. I knew I loved Kate Ross' work involving Harrison from the Demoniac, but this book is just on a whole new other level!!!! I read everything in a day and it's been a while since I can not put a book done until it's finished.
I AM SO PUMPED AFTER STAYING UP LATE FINISHING THIS THRILL OF A BOOK!!! KATE ROSS U'RE MY QUEEN!!
John Moran is such an interesting character since his first appearance in the Demoniac, And in this book he shined even brighter! He's no doubt a bastard and a criminal, but he's also perfectly morally grey. He has such good chemistry with Harrison!!!! Their interactions are definitely my favorite part of this story, John Moran's character is a master work, he definitely upped the whole book a notch to my favorite of Kate Ross' work! The end of where he defeated his shadow twin is such a good metaphor of him surviving bc he suppressed his darker self!!! He choose to save his aunt who tried to kill him, which I think is the direct reason how he conquered his shadow. This is such a poetic innuendo to Moran's character growth. BUT HE'S STILL A BASTARD AND I LOVE HIM.
Harry is amazing as always. Myrtle being a cranky bc she's basically reduced to the bed ridden patient is hilarious. John is so supportive of Harry and it's blowing my heart out!!! Best husband material John is to our amazing detective Pell. I love the whole cast so much. I knew I loved Kate Ross' work involving Harrison from the Demoniac, but this book is just on a whole new other level!!!! I read everything in a day and it's been a while since I can not put a book done until it's finished.
I AM SO PUMPED AFTER STAYING UP LATE FINISHING THIS THRILL OF A BOOK!!! KATE ROSS U'RE MY QUEEN!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2020
https://thecaffeinatedreader.com/2020...
What can I say, another home run from Kat Ross. I started off on the Tour for Bad Breed and the Necromancer’s Bride, so here I am at number five in this series with Dead Ringer. I have to say this one is so completely different from the last two, I mean the supernatural elements are there, but this one I loved for different reasons.
This book was not the passionate love story with a side of mystery, instead, it was a bit reversed. It was the focus of a mystery with a possible hint of romance, definitely there in the background and I loved it for that.
There’s a golem on the loose in the sewers, a strange string of deaths and doppelgängers being sighted while their other versions are already dead.
Creepy, but not so scary or gory that it’ll put some people off.
I love the setting of New York during this era, and Harry/Harrison is such a fun MC to follow whether it’s through the sewers or talking to her older sister’s nemesis.
Thank you so much to Giselle from Xpresso Tours for a copy of this to read and review honestly as part of the blog tour!
What can I say, another home run from Kat Ross. I started off on the Tour for Bad Breed and the Necromancer’s Bride, so here I am at number five in this series with Dead Ringer. I have to say this one is so completely different from the last two, I mean the supernatural elements are there, but this one I loved for different reasons.
This book was not the passionate love story with a side of mystery, instead, it was a bit reversed. It was the focus of a mystery with a possible hint of romance, definitely there in the background and I loved it for that.
There’s a golem on the loose in the sewers, a strange string of deaths and doppelgängers being sighted while their other versions are already dead.
Creepy, but not so scary or gory that it’ll put some people off.
I love the setting of New York during this era, and Harry/Harrison is such a fun MC to follow whether it’s through the sewers or talking to her older sister’s nemesis.
Thank you so much to Giselle from Xpresso Tours for a copy of this to read and review honestly as part of the blog tour!
February 4, 2020
Better late than never
Kat Ross' Gaslamp Gothic series just continues to excel my expectations. If you enjoy Sherlock Holmes or even the Jackaby novels by William Ritter, you will definitely LOVE Dead Ringer. The use of Jewish folklore and Germanic legends, mixing with the paranormal phenomenon is brilliant. The story and characters leave you with page-turning suspense. Ms. Ross' take on 1880's New York City really draws you in. Harrison and James are just so amazing. The world-building is any but average. Following them on this case was awesome.
This review is featured on my blog, Haddie's Haven.
DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED A COMPLIMENTARY COPY OF THIS BOOK THROUGH XPRESSOBOOKTOURS FOR MY PARTICIPATION IN THE BLOG TOUR. I AM ALSO A LITTLE LATE IN GETTING THIS REVIEW UP. SORRY!
Kat Ross' Gaslamp Gothic series just continues to excel my expectations. If you enjoy Sherlock Holmes or even the Jackaby novels by William Ritter, you will definitely LOVE Dead Ringer. The use of Jewish folklore and Germanic legends, mixing with the paranormal phenomenon is brilliant. The story and characters leave you with page-turning suspense. Ms. Ross' take on 1880's New York City really draws you in. Harrison and James are just so amazing. The world-building is any but average. Following them on this case was awesome.
This review is featured on my blog, Haddie's Haven.
DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED A COMPLIMENTARY COPY OF THIS BOOK THROUGH XPRESSOBOOKTOURS FOR MY PARTICIPATION IN THE BLOG TOUR. I AM ALSO A LITTLE LATE IN GETTING THIS REVIEW UP. SORRY!
November 22, 2025
In this book we get back to New York and get to join with Harry and John again. They are more or less forced to help the leader of the underworld solve a murder mystery, and it is fast paced and a lot of fun. The characters are very well written, and the story is captivating. Some romance and a lot of character development.
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