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Deadwood Mystery #1
The Streel
Women Writing the West WILLA Award Finalist
From “the reigning royalty of Minnesota murder mysteries” (The Rake) comes a striking new heroine: a young Irish immigrant caught up in a deadly plot in nineteenth-century Deadwood
When I was fifteen and my brother Seamus sixteen, we attended our own wake. Our family was in mourning, forced to send us off to America.
The year is 1880, and of all the places Brigid Reardon and her brother might have dreamed of when escaping Ireland’s potato famine by moving to America, Deadwood, South Dakota, was not one of them. But Deadwood, in the grip of gold fever, is where Seamus lands and where Brigid joins him after eluding the unwanted attentions of the son of her rich employer in St. Paul—or so she hopes. But the morning after her arrival, a grisly tragedy occurs; Seamus, suspected of the crime, flees, and Brigid is left to clear his name and to manage his mining claim, which suddenly looks more valuable and complicated than he and his partners supposed.
Mary Logue, author of the popular Claire Watkins mysteries, brings her signature brio and nerve to this story of a young Irish woman turned reluctant sleuth as she tries to make her way in a strange and often dangerous new world. From the famine-stricken city of Galway to the bustling New York harbor, to the mansions of Summit Avenue in St. Paul, and finally to the raucous hustle of boomtown Deadwood, Logue’s new thriller conjures the romance and the perils, and the tricky everyday realities, of a young immigrant surviving by her wits and grace in nineteenth-century America.
From “the reigning royalty of Minnesota murder mysteries” (The Rake) comes a striking new heroine: a young Irish immigrant caught up in a deadly plot in nineteenth-century Deadwood
When I was fifteen and my brother Seamus sixteen, we attended our own wake. Our family was in mourning, forced to send us off to America.
The year is 1880, and of all the places Brigid Reardon and her brother might have dreamed of when escaping Ireland’s potato famine by moving to America, Deadwood, South Dakota, was not one of them. But Deadwood, in the grip of gold fever, is where Seamus lands and where Brigid joins him after eluding the unwanted attentions of the son of her rich employer in St. Paul—or so she hopes. But the morning after her arrival, a grisly tragedy occurs; Seamus, suspected of the crime, flees, and Brigid is left to clear his name and to manage his mining claim, which suddenly looks more valuable and complicated than he and his partners supposed.
Mary Logue, author of the popular Claire Watkins mysteries, brings her signature brio and nerve to this story of a young Irish woman turned reluctant sleuth as she tries to make her way in a strange and often dangerous new world. From the famine-stricken city of Galway to the bustling New York harbor, to the mansions of Summit Avenue in St. Paul, and finally to the raucous hustle of boomtown Deadwood, Logue’s new thriller conjures the romance and the perils, and the tricky everyday realities, of a young immigrant surviving by her wits and grace in nineteenth-century America.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
August 22, 2023
This started out as a very interesting tale but it soon lost momentum. An Irish brother and sister head to America and encounter many of the pitfalls that befell people of the late 19th century. A compelling mystery that was overshadowed by a strange romance plot. However, I did find the author's note to be incredibly interesting.
Goodreads review published 19/08/23
I originally had requested this title on NetGalley from the University of Minnesota Press but it was archived before I was able to read it. So I am reviewing a finished copy today.
Publication Date 12/05/20
#TheStreel #NetGalley.
Goodreads review published 19/08/23
I originally had requested this title on NetGalley from the University of Minnesota Press but it was archived before I was able to read it. So I am reviewing a finished copy today.
Publication Date 12/05/20
#TheStreel #NetGalley.
November 15, 2020
Ireland's potato famine of the 1880's takes a devastating toll and the Reardon family sends their two oldest children, Brigid fifteen and Seamus sixteen off to America to what will hopefully be a better life and ease the burden on the rest of the family left back in Ireland. Brigid, after spending some time working in New York ends up in St. Paul Minnesota working as a maid for a wealthy family. Then a letter arrives from Ireland with bad news about Brigid's family and she feels she needs to tell her brother Seamus the news in person. So after eluding the unwanted attentions of the son of her rich employer Brigid flees St. Paul for Deadwood South Dakota where Seamus along with two friends are working a gold claim with Deadwood in the grip of gold fever. Soon after Brigid's arrival a grisly tragedy occurs and Seamus suspected of the crime must flee with Brigid left behind to clear her brothers name and manage the mining claim. Which now looks more valuable than Seamus and his friends supposed. This book is an interesting look at life in the 1800's. The more I read of the book the more I liked Brigid Reardon. For a young woman of eighteen she is strong though one could argue maybe still a bit naive. Would like to see Brigid make an appearance in another book. Four stars for The Streel.
February 12, 2020
Shipped off by their family during the Irish famine, brother and sister Seamus and Brigid end up in America during the late 19th century goldrush.
After having worked hundreds of miles apart from each other for several years they eventually reunite in the goldminers village of Deadwood, Pennsylvania. But the family reunion doesn't last long. A horrible incident occurs and Seamus has to flee, leaving Brigid to care for his friends. She takes it upon herself to investigate and clear her brother's name.
The Streel is a faced paced, true to life work of historical fiction, showing every dirty aspect of life in the goldmines and the domestic chores the women are left with. I enjoyed the strength and independence in these women, how they stick together and stand up against male rule.
The only objective I have is the age factor; the women are still under twenty, but act way older than that. Maybe that's just the sign of the times. The surroundings are tough and so well described, I just wanted to get out. Nothing fancy about mud!
The reader has to wait until the very end for the twist that explains what really happened in Deadwood. But don't fear, this is a captivating story that will keep you entertained all the way.
Thank you Netgalley and University of Minnesota Press for the ARC.
After having worked hundreds of miles apart from each other for several years they eventually reunite in the goldminers village of Deadwood, Pennsylvania. But the family reunion doesn't last long. A horrible incident occurs and Seamus has to flee, leaving Brigid to care for his friends. She takes it upon herself to investigate and clear her brother's name.
The Streel is a faced paced, true to life work of historical fiction, showing every dirty aspect of life in the goldmines and the domestic chores the women are left with. I enjoyed the strength and independence in these women, how they stick together and stand up against male rule.
The only objective I have is the age factor; the women are still under twenty, but act way older than that. Maybe that's just the sign of the times. The surroundings are tough and so well described, I just wanted to get out. Nothing fancy about mud!
The reader has to wait until the very end for the twist that explains what really happened in Deadwood. But don't fear, this is a captivating story that will keep you entertained all the way.
Thank you Netgalley and University of Minnesota Press for the ARC.
February 19, 2020
An enjoyable read, simply written. Stories about the Goldrush are very appealing to me; not sure why. This is kind of a murder mystery/coming of age story set in the notorious Deadwood ie. not suitable for respectable women. I enjoyed this book. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.
February 27, 2021
I had to finish this book to see how it was going to end, but I was disappointed when it began to devolve into a romance.
Two Irish siblings come to America to lighten the load on their impoverished family and to earn money. The son takes off for the Black Hills' gold fields and the daughter ends up in service. When their mother passes, Brigid goes to find her brother in Deadwood.
Deadwood is a rough mining town, and the siblings and their two friends are in the midst of gold fever, thievery, corruption, and vice.
Brigid is a little too good to be believed and there are too many romantic side-lines that detract from the mystery for me.
Two Irish siblings come to America to lighten the load on their impoverished family and to earn money. The son takes off for the Black Hills' gold fields and the daughter ends up in service. When their mother passes, Brigid goes to find her brother in Deadwood.
Deadwood is a rough mining town, and the siblings and their two friends are in the midst of gold fever, thievery, corruption, and vice.
Brigid is a little too good to be believed and there are too many romantic side-lines that detract from the mystery for me.
April 3, 2020
3.5 stars
This is a well written, fast paced read. I appreciate the authors approach to how she wrote the female characters. They were all strong women doing their best with the circumstances they were dealt. Brigid was especially inspiring with her take no crap attitude and her ability to hold her own in business meetings with men who clearly did not think she belonged. This was almost a four star read for me but I just couldn't connect to the character interactions. I'm sure that great care was taken to keep the dialogue and actions of the characters true to the time that it is set in but I did find some conversations to be a little rushed and forced. There is also a major plot point that I would have liked to see expanded on. The mystery aspect of the book fell flat for me. The situation and outcome of the situation Brigid gets herself into seemed to get wrapped up too conveniently. Perhaps had this been a longer book more detail could have been added to improve it. I figured out the plot twist pretty early on but that did not take away from my enjoyment of the book. Overall I was pleased with this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys westerns or historical fictions in general.
This is a well written, fast paced read. I appreciate the authors approach to how she wrote the female characters. They were all strong women doing their best with the circumstances they were dealt. Brigid was especially inspiring with her take no crap attitude and her ability to hold her own in business meetings with men who clearly did not think she belonged. This was almost a four star read for me but I just couldn't connect to the character interactions. I'm sure that great care was taken to keep the dialogue and actions of the characters true to the time that it is set in but I did find some conversations to be a little rushed and forced. There is also a major plot point that I would have liked to see expanded on. The mystery aspect of the book fell flat for me. The situation and outcome of the situation Brigid gets herself into seemed to get wrapped up too conveniently. Perhaps had this been a longer book more detail could have been added to improve it. I figured out the plot twist pretty early on but that did not take away from my enjoyment of the book. Overall I was pleased with this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys westerns or historical fictions in general.
January 23, 2023
I read this book written by a local author for book club. It was a good book with drama that Irish immigrants based in the 1800s. The setting was Deadwood but St. Paul was mentioned and it was nice to read a fictional story based close to home. It was well written and the events kept me wanting to turn pages. It was an easy read.
February 4, 2020
The Streel: A Deadwood Mystery
Mary Logue
http://marylogue.com
Release date : 05/12/2020
Publisher University of Minnesota Press
Blurb :
When I was fifteen and my brother Seamus sixteen, we attended our own wake. Our family was in mourning, forced to send us off to America.
The year is 1880, and of all the places Brigid Reardon and her brother might have dreamed of when escaping Ireland’s potato famine by moving to America, Deadwood, South Dakota, was not one of them. But Deadwood, in the grip of gold fever, is where Seamus lands and where Brigid joins him after eluding the unwanted attentions of the son of her rich employer in St. Paul—or so she hopes. But the morning after her arrival, a grisly tragedy occurs; Seamus, suspected of the crime, flees, and Brigid is left to clear his name and to manage his mining claim, which suddenly looks more valuable and complicated than he and his partners supposed.
My review :
When a murder tears apart a new reunited family, what can a girl do to mend the rift threatening it ...
I found the blurb very intriguing with the promise of a sleuth tale plus the story told from the point of view of an Irish immigrant was so attracting as they are often the wronged party in historical stories but rarely given voice.
I loved the first part, seing Brigid finding her way in a far away from home place, getting stronger, coming of age.
The description of the life with its uses and customs was very detailed.
Brigid matures from a teenager to a young woman but at time I forgot how young she was. Why I confess I was upset at her to not see the true color of Charles when she had a glimpse from the beginning of who he truly was. Her young age makes her impressionable and handleable. Why she chooses to be wooed by a man’s wealth and flowery words instead by his deeds which were far from sparkling.
At seventeen, she might be clever, she is also easily misled and dépité what she says to herself, she is blinded by a bright toothy smile instead of a man’s kind gestures.
When Charles is a sycophant to the letter, with only one thing in his mind, Paddy is the quiet man, a shoulder for her sorrows, a hand to help her, a presence to cheer her.
He says little, using common wisdom to show her the way. But until she is unable to see straight, she will stay unaware of the treasure standing next to her, waiting for a chance with her.
The guilty party was easily figured out, why I was shouting at Brigid to analyze and think everything before reaching any decision.
4 stars for this wonderful journey with the gold pioneers.
I was granted an advance copy by the author through Netgalley. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Mary Logue
http://marylogue.com
Release date : 05/12/2020
Publisher University of Minnesota Press
Blurb :
When I was fifteen and my brother Seamus sixteen, we attended our own wake. Our family was in mourning, forced to send us off to America.
The year is 1880, and of all the places Brigid Reardon and her brother might have dreamed of when escaping Ireland’s potato famine by moving to America, Deadwood, South Dakota, was not one of them. But Deadwood, in the grip of gold fever, is where Seamus lands and where Brigid joins him after eluding the unwanted attentions of the son of her rich employer in St. Paul—or so she hopes. But the morning after her arrival, a grisly tragedy occurs; Seamus, suspected of the crime, flees, and Brigid is left to clear his name and to manage his mining claim, which suddenly looks more valuable and complicated than he and his partners supposed.
My review :
When a murder tears apart a new reunited family, what can a girl do to mend the rift threatening it ...
I found the blurb very intriguing with the promise of a sleuth tale plus the story told from the point of view of an Irish immigrant was so attracting as they are often the wronged party in historical stories but rarely given voice.
I loved the first part, seing Brigid finding her way in a far away from home place, getting stronger, coming of age.
The description of the life with its uses and customs was very detailed.
Brigid matures from a teenager to a young woman but at time I forgot how young she was. Why I confess I was upset at her to not see the true color of Charles when she had a glimpse from the beginning of who he truly was. Her young age makes her impressionable and handleable. Why she chooses to be wooed by a man’s wealth and flowery words instead by his deeds which were far from sparkling.
At seventeen, she might be clever, she is also easily misled and dépité what she says to herself, she is blinded by a bright toothy smile instead of a man’s kind gestures.
When Charles is a sycophant to the letter, with only one thing in his mind, Paddy is the quiet man, a shoulder for her sorrows, a hand to help her, a presence to cheer her.
He says little, using common wisdom to show her the way. But until she is unable to see straight, she will stay unaware of the treasure standing next to her, waiting for a chance with her.
The guilty party was easily figured out, why I was shouting at Brigid to analyze and think everything before reaching any decision.
4 stars for this wonderful journey with the gold pioneers.
I was granted an advance copy by the author through Netgalley. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
January 24, 2020
This was an interesting novel about the Irish immigration to America in the early 19th century and the gold rush in the Dakota territory. Brigid Readon, her brother Seamus, and two friends Billy and Paddy immigrate to New York City. Brigid find work as a housemaid while the boys work on the railway. After earning enough money the men go to Deadwood to find their fortune. When Brigid finds out her mother has died she leaves her employment to find her brother. The day after she arrives streel ((prostitute) Lily is killed after a party at the boys house and Seamus is the suspect so he has to leave. Brigid sets out to find Lily’s killer to clear her brother. Unfortunately the antagonist is identified early in the story so it was pretty formulaic. Brigid identifies the killer and the usual love story comes to the inevitable conclusion. There were no twists and turns to this mystery. Thanks to University of Minnesota Press and Netgalley for an early review of this novel.
May 3, 2020
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thanks NetGalley and Univ. of Minnesota Press!
I had to look up what a streel was before I read this books, but it is also mentioned in the book. A streel is the Irish way of saying a slattern or a harlot.
I had expected this book to be a little more of a murder mystery, but it was entertaining nonetheless. Started kind of slow but picked up one Brigid arrived in Deadwood. I enjoyed Brigid's character - she's a smart and clever independent young lady. This is especially important as it takes place in a time when women were not supposed to be independent or speak their minds.
Overall, a nice read, but not exactly what I had been expecting.
I had to look up what a streel was before I read this books, but it is also mentioned in the book. A streel is the Irish way of saying a slattern or a harlot.
I had expected this book to be a little more of a murder mystery, but it was entertaining nonetheless. Started kind of slow but picked up one Brigid arrived in Deadwood. I enjoyed Brigid's character - she's a smart and clever independent young lady. This is especially important as it takes place in a time when women were not supposed to be independent or speak their minds.
Overall, a nice read, but not exactly what I had been expecting.
December 22, 2019
I was expecting a great deal more mystery. The story is more about Brigid and her friend's trying to sell their claim then her trying to clear her brother's name for murder.
March 22, 2020
Streel: From the Irish straoill, which means a slattern, a slovenly woman, a harlot
Brigid, her brother Seamus, and two friends Billy and Paddy board a ship bound from Ireland to America during the Gold Rush. Brigid finds work as a housemaid for the rich Hunt family in Minnesota while Billy, Paddy, and Seamus find mining work in Deadwood. After an unfortunate family event, Brigid leaves the Hunt family and travels to Deadwood to be with her brother again. Not long after she arrives, her brother is blamed for the death of his fiancee Lily. Seamus flees the town but Brigid, believing her brother’s innocence, stays to uncover the mystery of what really happened to Lily.
I was expecting this to be a really heavy Western routed novel and I’m so glad it wasn’t. Set in the late 19th century, it certainly had a dated atmosphere feel but it really added to the story. Brigid is a great character; independent, smart, and such a strong female character for the time. She is bold and her determination shows throughout the book. I’m sad we don’t really get to know much of her brother but I do enjoy her interaction with Billy and Paddy. One downfall for me was I didn’t realize how young Brigid was through most of the book, she acted very much like an adult. At one point late in the book she celebrates her 17th birthday and she’s already had to experience men throwing themselves at her and an assault scene. I’m sure these experiences were common for women during this time but I wish the author would’ve made an adjustment to that fact. I also really hoped there was more to the mystery than the book played into. I didn’t realize Mary Logue had so many published works and I would love to check out some of her other books in the future.
Thank you to University of Minnesota for providing a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Brigid, her brother Seamus, and two friends Billy and Paddy board a ship bound from Ireland to America during the Gold Rush. Brigid finds work as a housemaid for the rich Hunt family in Minnesota while Billy, Paddy, and Seamus find mining work in Deadwood. After an unfortunate family event, Brigid leaves the Hunt family and travels to Deadwood to be with her brother again. Not long after she arrives, her brother is blamed for the death of his fiancee Lily. Seamus flees the town but Brigid, believing her brother’s innocence, stays to uncover the mystery of what really happened to Lily.
I was expecting this to be a really heavy Western routed novel and I’m so glad it wasn’t. Set in the late 19th century, it certainly had a dated atmosphere feel but it really added to the story. Brigid is a great character; independent, smart, and such a strong female character for the time. She is bold and her determination shows throughout the book. I’m sad we don’t really get to know much of her brother but I do enjoy her interaction with Billy and Paddy. One downfall for me was I didn’t realize how young Brigid was through most of the book, she acted very much like an adult. At one point late in the book she celebrates her 17th birthday and she’s already had to experience men throwing themselves at her and an assault scene. I’m sure these experiences were common for women during this time but I wish the author would’ve made an adjustment to that fact. I also really hoped there was more to the mystery than the book played into. I didn’t realize Mary Logue had so many published works and I would love to check out some of her other books in the future.
Thank you to University of Minnesota for providing a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2023
What a fun little mystery I stumbled across! I originally received another Mary Logue book as an eGalley and, about ten pages in, I knew I had missed something. That’s when I discovered The Streel, which is where the story of Brigid Reardon begins.
Brigid and her brother Seamus are Irish immigrants headed west amid the potato famine. They’re separated - he mining for gold in Deadwood and she in service in St. Paul - but when Brigid can’t bear their separation no longer, she makes for Deadwood. Upon her arrival, a woman is found murdered and Brigid’s brother is the main suspect. In order to clear her brother’s name, Brigid must discover the truth about the murdered woman. But Deadwood isn’t safe for a woman asking too many questions, and even a gentleman can’t be trusted.
This is a quick-paced read with a strong female lead. I’m personally obsessed with the history of Deadwood, and I had been craving a Western, so this really hit the spot. Brigid is a compelling and developed character, and the town is as full of charm as it is of danger. Despite the frontier being full of white men, The Streel manages to round out the cast with some diversity and provides a snapshot of the struggles and dreams of everyone in Deadwood. If you enjoy historical fiction and a bit of the romanticized Wild West, you’ll breeze right through this one and be begging for more Brigid like I did.
Brigid and her brother Seamus are Irish immigrants headed west amid the potato famine. They’re separated - he mining for gold in Deadwood and she in service in St. Paul - but when Brigid can’t bear their separation no longer, she makes for Deadwood. Upon her arrival, a woman is found murdered and Brigid’s brother is the main suspect. In order to clear her brother’s name, Brigid must discover the truth about the murdered woman. But Deadwood isn’t safe for a woman asking too many questions, and even a gentleman can’t be trusted.
This is a quick-paced read with a strong female lead. I’m personally obsessed with the history of Deadwood, and I had been craving a Western, so this really hit the spot. Brigid is a compelling and developed character, and the town is as full of charm as it is of danger. Despite the frontier being full of white men, The Streel manages to round out the cast with some diversity and provides a snapshot of the struggles and dreams of everyone in Deadwood. If you enjoy historical fiction and a bit of the romanticized Wild West, you’ll breeze right through this one and be begging for more Brigid like I did.
April 21, 2020
Brigid Reardon, 15, and her brother Seamus, 16, are sent from their Irish home to live in the unknown land of America. Seamus ended up in Deadwood, SD, mining for gold. Brigid was in St. Paul, MN in service to a wealthy American family. When Brigid’s employers’ son makes unwanted advances, she leaves their employ and joins Seamus in Deadwood. Deadwood is no place for a naïve Irish lass such as Brigid. Soon after her arrival, Seamus flees Deadwood when he’s accused of a crime. Brigid does what she can to clear his name. Never would she have thought the events that followed would have occurred or her.
This is a well-written book and the author’s extensive research into 1880s Deadwood clearly shines through as she takes us into a mining boom town. Regardless of when you read this book, you’ll be tempted to grab a blanket as Logue describes the winter wind whistling down the mean streets of Deadwood. Brigid is a finely drawn character who you find yourself rooting for from page one.
If you historical novels, you’re sure to enjoy this one. An added bonus is there’s a bit of mystery and romance added to this story that’s sure to please most readers.
My thanks to the University of Minnesota Press and Edelweiss for an e-ARC.
This is a well-written book and the author’s extensive research into 1880s Deadwood clearly shines through as she takes us into a mining boom town. Regardless of when you read this book, you’ll be tempted to grab a blanket as Logue describes the winter wind whistling down the mean streets of Deadwood. Brigid is a finely drawn character who you find yourself rooting for from page one.
If you historical novels, you’re sure to enjoy this one. An added bonus is there’s a bit of mystery and romance added to this story that’s sure to please most readers.
My thanks to the University of Minnesota Press and Edelweiss for an e-ARC.
April 12, 2021
I enjoyed this book a lot. The characters are well written and Brigid is quite the Irish Belle. The other characters are also well developed and the mystery is well plotted.
It is the story of Brigid Rearden who leaves Ireland for the new world. She works as a servant in the Hunt home for almost a year when the son of the owner arrives for a Christmas visit. He sets his eye on Brigid but she rejects his advance and decides to leave the Hunt's to visit her brother Seamus who has a mining claim in Deadwood South Dakota. She arrives on Christmas Eve and finds her brother and his two partners enjoying the good life. Their claim is doing well and they have a sale lined up, and so are celebrating. Seamus has his girlfriend Lily with him. The next morning, Brigid finds Lily's body in the yard, stabbed through the heart. Seamus leaves town quickly because the sheriff will blame him even though he and Lily had just promised to marry each other. Brigid stays to clear his name and to finalize the sale of his claim. The book has a lively picture of life in the mining heyday. Deadwood was mining central for the time and the author does a good job of placing the reader there. Well done
It is the story of Brigid Rearden who leaves Ireland for the new world. She works as a servant in the Hunt home for almost a year when the son of the owner arrives for a Christmas visit. He sets his eye on Brigid but she rejects his advance and decides to leave the Hunt's to visit her brother Seamus who has a mining claim in Deadwood South Dakota. She arrives on Christmas Eve and finds her brother and his two partners enjoying the good life. Their claim is doing well and they have a sale lined up, and so are celebrating. Seamus has his girlfriend Lily with him. The next morning, Brigid finds Lily's body in the yard, stabbed through the heart. Seamus leaves town quickly because the sheriff will blame him even though he and Lily had just promised to marry each other. Brigid stays to clear his name and to finalize the sale of his claim. The book has a lively picture of life in the mining heyday. Deadwood was mining central for the time and the author does a good job of placing the reader there. Well done
August 8, 2021
As a teenager, you've left your home and family in Ireland, worked as a servant, been attacked, and now join your brother in Deadwood, where he has a mining claim....just in time for his fiancee to be killed. Life is not easy for Brigid, who then tries to find the real killer and clear her brother's name.
It was especially interesting to me that the author's family had immigrated from Ireland around this time too, and that she did serious research on women in Deadwood. (I, too, have ancestors who were in Deadwood at this time, so I found the setting particularly interesting.) At times, I thought Logue repeated the MC's concerns a bit too much, but that was probably consistent with the Deadwood diaries and journals she had read.
I also had to remind myself that Brigid was just 17/18 years old, and I couldn't expect her to make smart decisions all the time...still, I think my mixed emotions are because of her occasional immature attitudes and her lack of caution in this reckless town after having been attacked.
3.5 stars, but I would probably read another if this becomes a series, mainly because I'm interested in the historic West.
It was especially interesting to me that the author's family had immigrated from Ireland around this time too, and that she did serious research on women in Deadwood. (I, too, have ancestors who were in Deadwood at this time, so I found the setting particularly interesting.) At times, I thought Logue repeated the MC's concerns a bit too much, but that was probably consistent with the Deadwood diaries and journals she had read.
I also had to remind myself that Brigid was just 17/18 years old, and I couldn't expect her to make smart decisions all the time...still, I think my mixed emotions are because of her occasional immature attitudes and her lack of caution in this reckless town after having been attacked.
3.5 stars, but I would probably read another if this becomes a series, mainly because I'm interested in the historic West.
May 12, 2020
A historical mystery about a young girl and her brother who were shipped to America amidst the gold rush, to alleviate the struggles of their family in Ireland. Brigid, 15 and her brother Seamus, separate and work hard to find their own ways in this new land, but eventually end up back together in Deadwood, South Dakota. What she hopes to be a happy reunion with her brother, turns into a murder mystery, with blame being put on the wrong person. Brigid takes it upon herself to try to fix this injustice, all the while putting herself in harms way.
This was a quick, easy read with a strong woman as the main character, which I enjoyed. The story picked up quickly and kept moving, was easy to follow and entertaining. The twists and turns will keep you guessing until the end!
I was given a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a quick, easy read with a strong woman as the main character, which I enjoyed. The story picked up quickly and kept moving, was easy to follow and entertaining. The twists and turns will keep you guessing until the end!
I was given a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 30, 2023
The Streel takes the reader back in time to a period where a brother and sister traveled from Ireland to their new life in America. With friends on the ship from Ireland, they began the pathways that took them in different directions from New York to St. Paul Minnesota and then brought them together again during the gold rush times in Deadwood South Dakota. The story weaves members of a family in a mansion in St. Paul with those in the muddy cold streets of Deadwood. This book reflects the issues of the time: a place where law enforcement is unregulated and blame is dependent on those in power as well as those they control. Protagonist Brigid Reardon faces many obstacles as she seeks to prove the truth; she is strong and determined in her efforts. I loved the mystery of this book; it kept me reading, and I could feel the wild times of Deadwood through Mary Logue's words. I look forward to Mary Logue's next Deadwood mystery!
March 27, 2020
This was a quick easy read. The story starts out in a most unique way and certainly keeps your interest while leaving Ireland and traveling to the United States. The character development is done well by giving us the background and history of Brigid, Seamus and his 2 friends.
The research of this timeframe was excellent, you really get a feel of what life would have been like immigrating to the US, trying to find employment, the living conditions and difficulties you would possibly encounter. I can’t even imagine taking off on a trip by train and then stagecoach as a young single girl going to a place unknown. I found most of the story believable. I wouldn’t say this was a great book but it was well worth the read.
I was allowed an ARC from University of Minnesota Press and NetGalley for my honest unbiased review. This one earns 4 stars.
The research of this timeframe was excellent, you really get a feel of what life would have been like immigrating to the US, trying to find employment, the living conditions and difficulties you would possibly encounter. I can’t even imagine taking off on a trip by train and then stagecoach as a young single girl going to a place unknown. I found most of the story believable. I wouldn’t say this was a great book but it was well worth the read.
I was allowed an ARC from University of Minnesota Press and NetGalley for my honest unbiased review. This one earns 4 stars.
January 22, 2021
This was an interesting historical sort-of mystery, that just felt a little bit abbreviated.
I liked the MC, but she was the only character that really had any depth at all, and the story itself felt truncated. It could have done more with setting - but I can't put my finger on what else.
I also had an issue with the title - it says right away what the word means, but since this is the title, I thought all along that it applied to our MC, when in fact it does not - quite the opposite. I get finding a cool new word, but making it the title when it really isn't about that does not serve the book well.
I would have liked to have seen more - more depth, more character, more setting, more senses, more emotion. Our MC does not so much as bat an eye as she is buffeted by the forces of her time. Because there was a lot going on, and this only skimmed the surface.
I liked the MC, but she was the only character that really had any depth at all, and the story itself felt truncated. It could have done more with setting - but I can't put my finger on what else.
I also had an issue with the title - it says right away what the word means, but since this is the title, I thought all along that it applied to our MC, when in fact it does not - quite the opposite. I get finding a cool new word, but making it the title when it really isn't about that does not serve the book well.
I would have liked to have seen more - more depth, more character, more setting, more senses, more emotion. Our MC does not so much as bat an eye as she is buffeted by the forces of her time. Because there was a lot going on, and this only skimmed the surface.
February 22, 2023
Brigid Reardon is painfully separated from her family in Ireland. She, her brother Seamus and two friends sail to America for a better life. Brigid finds a job as a maid in Minnesota while her brother and the others travel to Deadwood in the Dakota Territory with dreams of becoming rich from mining gold. After receiving news of their mother’s death, Brigid joins Seamus in Deadwood, where she discovers the body of Lily, her brother’s fiancé and a streel, on Christmas morning. Deadwood is a rough town filled with miners and the women called streels, who entertain them. Brigid does not belong in Deadwood, but she is determined to find out who murdered Lily. The author is a very descriptive writer. Deadwood and its cold bleak winter is the perfect setting for this mystery filled with interesting and well-drawn characters.
March 28, 2020
Set in the early gold rush days of Deadwood, Dakota, this is the tale of two Irish youngsters sent overseas to make their fortunes, and to reduce the number of mouths to feed at home. Brigid and her brother Seamus have an adventurous crossing, and Brigid takes several drudgery jobs, cleaning for households, before she follows her brother to Dakota and his gold claim. However, intertwined is the son of the household where she last worked, who is to have a profound effect on their fortunes.
An enjoyable tale, painting an interesting picture of pioneer life in a gold rush town, as well as exploring a little why so many Irish fled across the sea.
Thank you to NetGalley and University of Minnesota Press for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
An enjoyable tale, painting an interesting picture of pioneer life in a gold rush town, as well as exploring a little why so many Irish fled across the sea.
Thank you to NetGalley and University of Minnesota Press for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2020
I enjoyed this historical mystery set in Deadwood in the 1870s. The protagonist, Brigid, was lively and likable and her voice was fairly authentic, although the book itself wasn’t as evocative of its time as I prefer in a historical. It was fairly well researched, but there were several anachronisms that pulled me out of the story and, overall, it had too modern a flavor. It bore more of a resemblance to a period TV mystery than a really first rate historical novel. This is not a bad thing. A good TV show can be a lot of fun, and this book was a lot of fun. As I said, I enjoyed it and would recommend it to all but the most hardcore historical purists
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC copy for my review.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC copy for my review.
June 2, 2025
The thinnest of murder mysteries with a rush-job of an ending and a wholly unnecessary and unconvincing romantic subplot. The author seemed to try to execute a subtle version of friends-to-lovers, "the right guy was under your nose the whole time" trope, but (after a reasonably solid start in developing the "right guy" side of things) in the end it all felt ham-fisted, out of character, and out of place.
When adding to that the generally underdeveloped characters and relationships across the board, and the violently dehumanizing messaging regarding women in sex work underlying some of the final bits of dialogue between the ostensible "right guy" and our protagonist, this book just felt like waste of a good setting and of my time. Just watch Deadwood again instead.
When adding to that the generally underdeveloped characters and relationships across the board, and the violently dehumanizing messaging regarding women in sex work underlying some of the final bits of dialogue between the ostensible "right guy" and our protagonist, this book just felt like waste of a good setting and of my time. Just watch Deadwood again instead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2020
Sounded intriguing, but... DNF
Did you ever see a paint-by-numbers picture on someone's wall? From a distance, it might look good, but the closer you get, the more you can see that there is no technique, no brush work, not even a good sense of color or shading, and it's all a bit stiff. That's how this novel struck me - stiff, awkward, trying too hard to color between the lines.
Nice premise (immigrant Irish girl goes to Deadwood to join her brother and must sleuth to clear his name of a murder - of a Deadwood prostitute, the "streel" of the title), but it takes forever to establish backstory, characters, obvious bad guy... and with such clunky writing, I couldn't be bothered to finish.
Did you ever see a paint-by-numbers picture on someone's wall? From a distance, it might look good, but the closer you get, the more you can see that there is no technique, no brush work, not even a good sense of color or shading, and it's all a bit stiff. That's how this novel struck me - stiff, awkward, trying too hard to color between the lines.
Nice premise (immigrant Irish girl goes to Deadwood to join her brother and must sleuth to clear his name of a murder - of a Deadwood prostitute, the "streel" of the title), but it takes forever to establish backstory, characters, obvious bad guy... and with such clunky writing, I couldn't be bothered to finish.
September 27, 2021
As a Saint Paul citizen of Irish descent who's also in love with Westerns (and the TV show Deadwood in particular), I loved the idea behind The Streel. A young girl immigrates from Ireland to Saint Paul (working in a Summit Avenue mansion, no less), then joins her gold-mining brother in Deadwood where he's accused of murder. As he flees the town, Brigid stays behind with his partners to try to clear his name.
The mystery and situations are quite good and I liked Brigid a lot, but I never fell in love with the author's prose. Even though she lets me in to Brigid's thoughts, the narration is formal and clinical and fairly dispassionate. I stayed interested in the story, but was never able to immerse myself in it the way I wanted to.
The mystery and situations are quite good and I liked Brigid a lot, but I never fell in love with the author's prose. Even though she lets me in to Brigid's thoughts, the narration is formal and clinical and fairly dispassionate. I stayed interested in the story, but was never able to immerse myself in it the way I wanted to.
April 7, 2020
In 1877, when Brigid is fifteen and her brother Seamus, sixteen, they are sent from Galway to America. Eighteen months later Brigid joins Seamus in Deadwood via St. Paul, Minnesota, and the home of the Hunts as a servant. In Deadwood Seamus and his two friends, Billy and Padraic are hoping to sell their gold mine for good money. But on the day after her arrival Brigid discovers a dead female outside their home. Brigid is determined to clear Seamus of the accusation of murder.
Though an enjoyable story I was hoping for more of a murder mystery.
A NetGalley Book
Though an enjoyable story I was hoping for more of a murder mystery.
A NetGalley Book
May 12, 2020
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways and University of Minnesota Press for an ARC copy of The Streel:A Deadwood Mystery by Mary Logue.
Initially the idea of the story,a sort of literary western/mystery coming of age thing intrigued me,and I think there could of been an interesting story there,if it had been handled better.Certain things just felt flat,one dimensional,and way too predictable,although I will say the author did a good job with the atmosphere.
Would I read a sequel if this had one?Maybe.Seeing what happened with some of the characters, might be interesting.
Initially the idea of the story,a sort of literary western/mystery coming of age thing intrigued me,and I think there could of been an interesting story there,if it had been handled better.Certain things just felt flat,one dimensional,and way too predictable,although I will say the author did a good job with the atmosphere.
Would I read a sequel if this had one?Maybe.Seeing what happened with some of the characters, might be interesting.
August 23, 2021
Without a wasted word, the spare prose in this novel develops well-rounded, believable characters set in the 1880'2 of Gold Rush South Dakota. The strong female protagonist is a refreshing dramatization of a young immigrant not to fooled by pretty words or faces. Kudos to the author. The dialogue appears appropriate to the times, something that is often missing in period pieces. Great setting descriptions which also quickly move the plot forward ("The snow scraped to dirt beneath their feet.")
I look forward to future installments.
I look forward to future installments.
August 8, 2023
This book was slow going but charming. I loved how immersed I became in Brigid’s world on the frontier. Because it was so slowly paced, it took me a longer time to finish than most books I pick up. It was a good mystery though, and kept me guessing until the big reveal. I took point away for racism- the “Chings” screamed stereotype to me so I wasn’t a big fan of that even if it was a historical. I grew to love Brigid and Paddy was probably my favorite. I would recommend to any Minnesotans who want a charming mystery set during the Gold rush written by a local Irish author.
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