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A Penny Green Victorian Mystery #9
The Gang of St Bride's
London 1885. A gang of lady thieves is targeting Piccadilly’s wealthy shoppers and no one seems able to stop them. As frustrations build, the body of a young woman is pulled from the River Thames. Reporter Penny Green has a lot to write about, and she faces a new challenge when a stranger approaches her with a riddle. Could it lead to a killer?
Time is running out for Penny - her impending marriage to Inspector Blakely signals the end of her Fleet Street career. The riddle could be the last case she works on and it's not without its dangers. Someone seems keen to ensure that Penny doesn't make it to her wedding day at all.
Time is running out for Penny - her impending marriage to Inspector Blakely signals the end of her Fleet Street career. The riddle could be the last case she works on and it's not without its dangers. Someone seems keen to ensure that Penny doesn't make it to her wedding day at all.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2020
522 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
About the author
Emily Organ
72 books656 followersEmily Organ is the author of over thirty historical cozy mysteries set in Victorian and 1920s England. Her bestselling series include the Penny Green Victorian Mysteries, the Augusta Peel Mysteries, and her newest Emma Langley Victorian Mysteries, in which a plucky widow teams up with former reporter Penny Green. She also writes the Churchill & Pemberley cozy mysteries, featuring two spirited senior sleuths. Emily’s books combine warmth, wit, and a love of history, inspired by her fascination with London’s past.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 29, 2022
Love this series
I'm back again with Penny Green, through the writing of Emily Organ, and a familiar cast of characters. This time, there's some resolution relating to Penny's father and in her romantic life. This is a fun read. Perfection for a change of pace from the craziness of the world. Just what I needed right now.
I'm back again with Penny Green, through the writing of Emily Organ, and a familiar cast of characters. This time, there's some resolution relating to Penny's father and in her romantic life. This is a fun read. Perfection for a change of pace from the craziness of the world. Just what I needed right now.
October 6, 2020
THAT was a really good series. Sad it ended
April 1, 2020
As much as I love this series, this was not one of the best efforts as far as mysteries go.... The 'difficult' clue wasn't all that difficult - and should have been even less difficult in the time period in which this story takes place. On more than one occasion some characters were just a bit too naive to be believable. The denouement left too many questions regarding 'why' (and in some cases, 'who') unanswered, with just speculation on the part of Penny and James to fill in some of the blanks. I don't need everything tied up in a pretty bow, but can we at least get a bit of sturdy twine tied around the package?
That said, I still enjoyed the book for the ongoing story arcs involving the continuing characters and for its historical details. (I always look forward to the historical notes Ms. Organ provides at the end of each story!) The mystery was reasonably entertaining, even if the resolution was rather unsatisfying. Solid 4 star story telling, with a 2-2.5 star mystery.... 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 because I have bonded with the ongoing characters and eagerly look forward to further adventures with them!
Note: Although this book can be read as a stand alone, the reader will miss a fair amount of the backstory for the ongoing characters, some of which will help inform their actions and behaviors.
That said, I still enjoyed the book for the ongoing story arcs involving the continuing characters and for its historical details. (I always look forward to the historical notes Ms. Organ provides at the end of each story!) The mystery was reasonably entertaining, even if the resolution was rather unsatisfying. Solid 4 star story telling, with a 2-2.5 star mystery.... 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 because I have bonded with the ongoing characters and eagerly look forward to further adventures with them!
Note: Although this book can be read as a stand alone, the reader will miss a fair amount of the backstory for the ongoing characters, some of which will help inform their actions and behaviors.
May 9, 2020
I am a fan of this series.
It took me a while to get into it though - I remember giving 3 stars for the first book I read. Of course I have to leave a disclaimer saying I didn't read them in order...
Anyway, I'm here at book 9 and waiting to hear what happens next! There was a great cliffhanger at the end (I hate having to wait for the next book!)
Yet again, I absolutely LOVE the historical background the author brings to this series. Research goes a long way in my opinion...
Living in the 21st century it is frustrating in a way to read about all the restrictions women had to undergo those days. Just imagine being forced to leave your place of work just because you got married! Apparently, respectable ladies do not work when they become a wife... that's only for the lower classes...
How much times have changed!
It took me a while to get into it though - I remember giving 3 stars for the first book I read. Of course I have to leave a disclaimer saying I didn't read them in order...
Anyway, I'm here at book 9 and waiting to hear what happens next! There was a great cliffhanger at the end (I hate having to wait for the next book!)
Yet again, I absolutely LOVE the historical background the author brings to this series. Research goes a long way in my opinion...
Living in the 21st century it is frustrating in a way to read about all the restrictions women had to undergo those days. Just imagine being forced to leave your place of work just because you got married! Apparently, respectable ladies do not work when they become a wife... that's only for the lower classes...
How much times have changed!
March 10, 2021
Penny is asked by a gang member to decipher a riddle that will lead to the head of the gang. There are several gangs of women in London that pickpocket, and steal from shop owners and shoppers. After two gang members are found in the Thames with their throats slit both Penny and the police are looking for the head of the ring. Francis Edwards returns from the Amazon with news but without their father. Penny and James wedding approaches and Eliza is still trying to get a divorce.
I absolutely love the historical notes at the end of the Penny Green books. They make the story so much more real and I can forget silly things like how her mother lived for 10 years without her husband, what income did she have?
I absolutely love the historical notes at the end of the Penny Green books. They make the story so much more real and I can forget silly things like how her mother lived for 10 years without her husband, what income did she have?
April 8, 2020
it was a great mystery.
i am always quite impressed with the detailed history found in this series. the author, Emily Organ, does a fantastic job of researching the details added to the books. i always enjoy the details of her research shared at the end of the book. will Penny perhaps become a private detective?
i am always quite impressed with the detailed history found in this series. the author, Emily Organ, does a fantastic job of researching the details added to the books. i always enjoy the details of her research shared at the end of the book. will Penny perhaps become a private detective?
April 2, 2021
Another exciting mystery tale
Finally! 9 novels in and I finally guessed who the villain was right at the start. Obviously it wasn't straightforward and there were plenty of twisty turny bits. Definitely the best, and most emotional, ending so far. You won't be disappointed.
Finally! 9 novels in and I finally guessed who the villain was right at the start. Obviously it wasn't straightforward and there were plenty of twisty turny bits. Definitely the best, and most emotional, ending so far. You won't be disappointed.
July 23, 2022
Organ is a powerhouse researcher, recreating Victorian London in full detail. Nobody does cozy mysteries like the Brits.
August 16, 2020
As much fun as Amelia Peabody
I am hooked on the series and so glad I've found Penny Green to keep company during our stay at home orders. Excelent pacing, very accurate to its time and informative while being extremely entertaining.
I am hooked on the series and so glad I've found Penny Green to keep company during our stay at home orders. Excelent pacing, very accurate to its time and informative while being extremely entertaining.
June 12, 2025
Penny Green faces her toughest puzzle yet.
A gang of lady thieves is targeting Piccadilly’s wealthy shoppers and no one’s able to stop them. As frustrations build, the body of a young woman is pulled from the River Thames. Reporter Penny Green has a lot to write about, and she faces a new challenge when a stranger approaches her with a riddle. Could it lead to a killer?
Time is running out for Penny - her impending marriage to Inspector Blakely signals the end of her Fleet Street career. The riddle could be the last case she works on and it's not without its dangers. And to make matters worse, someone’s keen to ensure Penny doesn't make it to her wedding day at all…
A gang of lady thieves is targeting Piccadilly’s wealthy shoppers and no one’s able to stop them. As frustrations build, the body of a young woman is pulled from the River Thames. Reporter Penny Green has a lot to write about, and she faces a new challenge when a stranger approaches her with a riddle. Could it lead to a killer?
Time is running out for Penny - her impending marriage to Inspector Blakely signals the end of her Fleet Street career. The riddle could be the last case she works on and it's not without its dangers. And to make matters worse, someone’s keen to ensure Penny doesn't make it to her wedding day at all…
June 6, 2022
This was lame and unsatisfactory... though it may have answered and resolved the major on~going issues... the main plot taxes the reader's credulity to the max. The introduction of the riddle was so unnecessary because it only made the reader question its purpose since the target was a bunch of illiterates (book learning was a given to solve the riddle as well as creative thinking, and the Bolsover Gang were common thugs) and thus could not solve the puzzle anyway. FAIL.
July 26, 2020
The Gang of St.Bride's..book9
This book was so boring that I had to speed read it to get through it! There was I meat in the story, and it just went around in circles...normally. Her books are wonderful! ..this one is a waste of time!
This book was so boring that I had to speed read it to get through it! There was I meat in the story, and it just went around in circles...normally. Her books are wonderful! ..this one is a waste of time!
February 24, 2022
The riddle was annoying, wearying and seemed silly. I liked the story telling and the historical perspective, but thought the mystery was lackluster. My least favorite book of the series.
April 15, 2020
Disappointed once again. Anachronisms, pointless repetition in dialogue, and stupid behavior on the part of the main character.
April 8, 2020
Worth the wait. The riddle element to the mystery was a nice touch. It was even better because I've been to several of the areas discussed.
A lot of the b-story and personal elements surrounding the core mystery made me think this might be the end of the series. The author has split her time with a new series, so there's only one Penny Green each year. There's more to explore with Eliza's divorce and budding romance, which could mirror some of what James went through with Charlotte and Penny. If she continues to be a reporter, Penny will have to work under a pseudonym as a freelancer, which still leaves the door open to more mysteries. With that, comes the added drama it would cause for James as Victorian values would be quite harsh on him, seeing him as a weak and ineffectual provider or something.
One of the main criticisms of feminism is that it's never adequately reconciled the biological imperatives of motherhood with being a career-oriented, independent woman. I think it's something like 90% of a woman's eggs are gone by the time she turns 30. At 35, if Penny and James do have a kid, it will probably be just the one, and I imagine it would feel like a miracle baby to both of them. I've had female friends in a similar situation, where they were confident that they'd go back to work, but once the baby arrives, it changes everything. I could see Penny apply the same passion and tenacity she has for her mysteries to her child. While her relationship with her sister has been a bit rocky, I think it would spark the idea that her first child should have a sibling. All of these things bring new drama, and higher stakes as kidnapping or the death of a child would enter the mix as the family expands.
Because this story ends with a wedding, I'm curious to see how the Green sisters continue to navigate these two competing forces of independence and family. We got a glimpse of this as Penny had to deal with Mr. Conway in this story, but I hope we're in for a more in-depth exploration - especially if Mrs. Conway tries her hand at being a columnist.
If Penny is unable to become a mum, I think it might be interesting to see her try her hand at becoming a private detective. She's already got experience going undercover and dealing with dangerous people.
The missing father storyline has been bubbling throughout the series, and it was so wonderful to see it finally come to the forefront a bit. Hopefully, the zinger dropped at the end of this story means there is another installment as there's so much left to explore.
All in all, this was a great installment to a wonderful series and I really do hope it continues.
A lot of the b-story and personal elements surrounding the core mystery made me think this might be the end of the series. The author has split her time with a new series, so there's only one Penny Green each year. There's more to explore with Eliza's divorce and budding romance, which could mirror some of what James went through with Charlotte and Penny. If she continues to be a reporter, Penny will have to work under a pseudonym as a freelancer, which still leaves the door open to more mysteries. With that, comes the added drama it would cause for James as Victorian values would be quite harsh on him, seeing him as a weak and ineffectual provider or something.
One of the main criticisms of feminism is that it's never adequately reconciled the biological imperatives of motherhood with being a career-oriented, independent woman. I think it's something like 90% of a woman's eggs are gone by the time she turns 30. At 35, if Penny and James do have a kid, it will probably be just the one, and I imagine it would feel like a miracle baby to both of them. I've had female friends in a similar situation, where they were confident that they'd go back to work, but once the baby arrives, it changes everything. I could see Penny apply the same passion and tenacity she has for her mysteries to her child. While her relationship with her sister has been a bit rocky, I think it would spark the idea that her first child should have a sibling. All of these things bring new drama, and higher stakes as kidnapping or the death of a child would enter the mix as the family expands.
Because this story ends with a wedding, I'm curious to see how the Green sisters continue to navigate these two competing forces of independence and family. We got a glimpse of this as Penny had to deal with Mr. Conway in this story, but I hope we're in for a more in-depth exploration - especially if Mrs. Conway tries her hand at being a columnist.
If Penny is unable to become a mum, I think it might be interesting to see her try her hand at becoming a private detective. She's already got experience going undercover and dealing with dangerous people.
The missing father storyline has been bubbling throughout the series, and it was so wonderful to see it finally come to the forefront a bit. Hopefully, the zinger dropped at the end of this story means there is another installment as there's so much left to explore.
All in all, this was a great installment to a wonderful series and I really do hope it continues.
April 13, 2020
I absolutely love this series. I'm constantly in awe at how much detail Emily Organ puts into her books and yet keeps them so short. The entire series is quick and easy to read. There are usually several suspects involved and also gives a look into some of the issues women dealt with in the 1800s. The Gang of St Bride's is no different. I love that it dealt with a female criminal organization. I thought it was interesting and different. I don't know if I was completely surprised by who ended up being the culprit, but I feel like there's always enough suspects that I'm never completely sure.
Penny faces a lot of personal issues in this book like whether to marry or give up her career. During dealing with the crimes, her job, and pending wedding she gets some hard answers about what happened to her father. Of course, there's a cliff hanger on the last couple of pages. I can't wait to read more.
For my full review check out: https://linzthebookworm.blogspot.com/...
Penny faces a lot of personal issues in this book like whether to marry or give up her career. During dealing with the crimes, her job, and pending wedding she gets some hard answers about what happened to her father. Of course, there's a cliff hanger on the last couple of pages. I can't wait to read more.
For my full review check out: https://linzthebookworm.blogspot.com/...
April 28, 2020
Another one of my favorite series, though I admit to some exasperation at times with the 'plucky heroine'. Often the scrapes she gets in are because she's done something foolish. Still it's light, escapist reading.
In this case, she's on the trail of a gang of women thieves. They dress as respectable middle class ladies, but there have been a rash of purse snatchings over the last few weeks. She's approached by a young girl who claims to have information -- in the form a of a riddle that will point to the location of the 'hideout' of the gang. Frankly, that part felt kind of gimmicky but ended up being integral.
Separately, Francis is back from his 6 month trek to find Penny's father and he has news, both good and bad. Eliza is still working and volunteering with orgainzations aimed at women's rights as well as assistance for the poor. And her wedding to James is upcoming -- though the newspaper has decided it can't employ a respectably married woman, so she is to be let go.
All in all, a generally enjoyable story
In this case, she's on the trail of a gang of women thieves. They dress as respectable middle class ladies, but there have been a rash of purse snatchings over the last few weeks. She's approached by a young girl who claims to have information -- in the form a of a riddle that will point to the location of the 'hideout' of the gang. Frankly, that part felt kind of gimmicky but ended up being integral.
Separately, Francis is back from his 6 month trek to find Penny's father and he has news, both good and bad. Eliza is still working and volunteering with orgainzations aimed at women's rights as well as assistance for the poor. And her wedding to James is upcoming -- though the newspaper has decided it can't employ a respectably married woman, so she is to be let go.
All in all, a generally enjoyable story
June 24, 2022
This is another good addition to the Penny Green series which follows Penny as she is wrapping up her career as a writer while finding herself in the midst of a mystery that takes her all across London and dealing with some surprising revelations about her father, who was thought lost in the jungles of South America. On top of this, she's having to adjust to what her life might be as a married woman including giving up her independence and autonomy and having to leave her position on Fleet Street. I did find this aspect even less endearing than normal and some of James' behaviour was more than a little exasperating as he starts to turn into a domineering husband type, and Penny lets him to a certain extent. I do hope this aspect doesn't result in Penny losing her fire and clout which I have found so enjoyable over the series.
April 19, 2020
This really rounds out the series-so-far by bringing together some story/character arcs that have been building for a while. As always I like the cast and would happily read about their exploits around town and such, even if they weren't in the kind of serious danger that Penny does eventually find herself in. LOL. In addition to some character development and closure (which I won't spoil) there is also a new love interest on the sidelines in kind of an unexpected direction... Some bitter-sweet stuff as well. And I sure hope this is still in the middle of Penny's adventures... Her life is just going to enter a new phase, that's all. (Oh, btw, you should definitely read the previous volumes in the series before this one.)
November 15, 2021
Another amazingly satisfying read
Emily Organs Penny Green books are my security blanket, my return to a warm home after being out in the elements. I ADORE this series. Have never been disappointed in a one. My only disappointment will be when there are no more to follow after I've read the last one. The mysteries keep me guessing the characters keep me laughing. There's no jarring profanity, gratuitous violence or sex. Just great writing. And I learn so much history. I spent 30 minutes reading about the history of pubs this time. Every book inspires me to learn more. Emily Organ, thanks for many hours of unadulterated enjoyment as I lose myself in the adventures of Penny Green and her associates!
Emily Organs Penny Green books are my security blanket, my return to a warm home after being out in the elements. I ADORE this series. Have never been disappointed in a one. My only disappointment will be when there are no more to follow after I've read the last one. The mysteries keep me guessing the characters keep me laughing. There's no jarring profanity, gratuitous violence or sex. Just great writing. And I learn so much history. I spent 30 minutes reading about the history of pubs this time. Every book inspires me to learn more. Emily Organ, thanks for many hours of unadulterated enjoyment as I lose myself in the adventures of Penny Green and her associates!
September 4, 2025
Entertaining and suspenseful as ever. Here, Penny's imminent marriage to James is scheduled. Francis Edwards returns from Brazil, having found her father who does not return with him. Penny and Eliza are dismayed by the different kind of life their father is living. Two girls are found dead by the river, gangs of young women are robbing people and running away at speed, and of course, Penny involves herself in trying to solve these puzzles and puts herself in danger. She is shocked to discover that once she is married she cannot continue as a reporter for the newspaper. A good all-round novel of mystery, social and family disturbances set cleverly in the late nineteenth century milieu.
May 30, 2025
This was a nice mystery, but I didn't care for the narrator. I bought two or three books in the series because they were on sale and I wanted to try them out. I always hate it when the romance drags out over a great many books before the protagonists finally marry. This 9th book finally gets them together - and had I started from the beginning and read through the series from there, I would have stopped long before I got 9 books in. That is just a personal thing for me. I will read the remainder of the books I've purchased because the stories are okay, but it won't be something I binge read.
June 5, 2020
Happily ever after
This series is a most enjoyable read. Penny Green is woman reporter in late 19th century London. Each book contains a mystery which she and an intrepid Scotland Yard detective solve. Penny is a quit modern young woman. Her sister is very involved in the women's suffrage movement, she rides a bicycle and refuses to wear a corset. This particular book wrapped up the mystery, as well as informing the reader about the whereabouts of their long lost father. I would say read the books in order since each is reliant on previous books for context.
This series is a most enjoyable read. Penny Green is woman reporter in late 19th century London. Each book contains a mystery which she and an intrepid Scotland Yard detective solve. Penny is a quit modern young woman. Her sister is very involved in the women's suffrage movement, she rides a bicycle and refuses to wear a corset. This particular book wrapped up the mystery, as well as informing the reader about the whereabouts of their long lost father. I would say read the books in order since each is reliant on previous books for context.
April 7, 2020
Something old, Something new
Quite an adventure for our friend Penny, just weeks before her marriage, finally, to James. All the familiar characters are present. Startling news arrives with Francis who has finally returned from Central America. A flood of thefts against wealthy shoppers takes place, perpetrated by a gang of well dressed women. So much to do before those wedding vows can be exchanged.
Quite an adventure for our friend Penny, just weeks before her marriage, finally, to James. All the familiar characters are present. Startling news arrives with Francis who has finally returned from Central America. A flood of thefts against wealthy shoppers takes place, perpetrated by a gang of well dressed women. So much to do before those wedding vows can be exchanged.
April 17, 2020
Emily Organ doe it again
Once again Ms Organ has put together a great story about our beloved reporter Penny Green. Suspense is always the name of the game with Penny and Ms Organ leads up you right to the end thinking all the intrigue has come to the end along with Penny’s reporting days. But the last line of the book lets the reader know this series and Penny’s adventures are far from over. I loved every minute of it.
Once again Ms Organ has put together a great story about our beloved reporter Penny Green. Suspense is always the name of the game with Penny and Ms Organ leads up you right to the end thinking all the intrigue has come to the end along with Penny’s reporting days. But the last line of the book lets the reader know this series and Penny’s adventures are far from over. I loved every minute of it.
June 2, 2020
Another Delightful Story
I’m in love with this series. It is a delightful, entertaining escape from the news of the day. It also has a lot of historical information. After reading other historical novels about England and London in particular, I feel like I’m getting to know the layout on London. Emily Organ has done a lot to help the reader in this regard with pictures and maps on her Facebook site.
I’m in love with this series. It is a delightful, entertaining escape from the news of the day. It also has a lot of historical information. After reading other historical novels about England and London in particular, I feel like I’m getting to know the layout on London. Emily Organ has done a lot to help the reader in this regard with pictures and maps on her Facebook site.
June 12, 2020
Enjoyable book
Ms. Organ has written intriguing story of a female gang of thieves and murderers that is plaguing London and Penny. While Penny and James are trying to solve the mysteries surrounding the murders and thefts they are also planning their upcoming marriage, dealing with news about her father and the prospect of losing her job when she gets married. Will James and Penny make it to the church, you'll just have to read this great story to find out.
Ms. Organ has written intriguing story of a female gang of thieves and murderers that is plaguing London and Penny. While Penny and James are trying to solve the mysteries surrounding the murders and thefts they are also planning their upcoming marriage, dealing with news about her father and the prospect of losing her job when she gets married. Will James and Penny make it to the church, you'll just have to read this great story to find out.
September 2, 2020
This was the first of this series I found it hard to read and finish. I wasn’t remotely interested in the riddle that made up so much of the story. And the preposterous story of how their father had been found alive and what he was up to. (Sigh!) By the end of the book I really could not even work up enthusiasm for Penny’s marriage. It felt like there was way too much going on and no focus. Hoping next book settles back.
July 5, 2024
Fascinating
The amount of research that goes into this book is astounding. Emily Organ puts a tremendous among of work into each book. This is the second time I am reading the series. I hope Penney's story does not end with her tenth book. As a retired teacher, I can say there should be a little more care in editing. Just minor mistakes though. Keep up the great work for Penney as this is my favorite in your collection.
The amount of research that goes into this book is astounding. Emily Organ puts a tremendous among of work into each book. This is the second time I am reading the series. I hope Penney's story does not end with her tenth book. As a retired teacher, I can say there should be a little more care in editing. Just minor mistakes though. Keep up the great work for Penney as this is my favorite in your collection.
November 24, 2020
i guessed the culprit and i guessed the clue long before Penny or her friends, but the book was very well written and kept me entertained, and i felt smart guesting the "bad guy" and the essential "clue" before and of the characters ! i love the tour of London in every Penny Green book, along with the history lessons. thanks, Penny.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews