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Amelia Matthew Mysteries #1
A Deadly Fortune
A historical mystery in the vein of The Alienist, in which a young woman in Gilded Age New York must use a special talent to unravel a deadly conspiracy.Amelia Matthew has done the all-but-impossible, especially for an orphan in Gilded Age New York City. Along with her foster brother Jonas, she has parleyed her modest psychic talent into a safe and comfortable life. But safety and comfort vanish when a head injury leaves Amelia with a dramatically-expanded gift. After she publicly channels an angry spirit, she finds herself imprisoned in the notorious insane asylum on Blackwell’s Island. As Jonas searches for a way to free her, Amelia struggles to control her disturbing new abilities and survive a place where cruelty and despair threaten her sanity. Andrew Cavanaugh is familiar with despair. In the wake of a devastating loss, he abandons a promising medical career—and his place in Philadelphia society—to devote himself to the study and treatment of mental disease. Miss Amelia Matthew is just another patient—until she channels a spirit in front of him and proves her gift is real. When a distraught mother comes to Andrew searching for her missing daughter—a daughter she believes is being hidden at the asylum—he turns to Amelia. Together, they uncover evidence of a deadly conspiracy, and then it’s no longer just Amelia’s sanity and freedom at stake. Amelia must master her gift and use it to catch a killer—or risk becoming the next victim.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 5, 2021
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March 22, 2021I mean, I wrote it, so yeah, I like it. Most of the time
February 5, 2021
A debut novel? Are you kidding me? Stacie Murphy just graced us readers with one hell of a novel and I loved every minute of it! Once I started the book I did not and could not put it down. I mean....chores not done, kids begging for food, husband crying in the corner...and me blissfully entranced into the world of A DEADLY FORTUNE!
Amelia and her brother Jonas work in a fancy club together after being discovered on the streets by the club owner. Amelia reads Tarot cards and tells fortunes. She does have some psychic ability, but it's not reliable nor strong. That is until she is accidentally injured while coming to her brother's aid when he is in a fight. Once recovered her powers come full force. She can feel and see things when she touches someone and feels danger coming.
After she collapses one day on the street she is mistaken for someone else and taken to a local mental asylum, the same one that reporter Nellie Bly would expose later. No one believes that she isn't who they think she is and her brother has no idea where she has gone to, but he will do everything he can to find her.
It's so crazy to me that at that time a woman could be held and imprisoned in asylums at the whim of their husband or parents, despite that there is nothing wrong with her. It's absolutely terrifying!
I don't want to give too much away because the story is amazing! So many twists and it also had some creepy parts, which I loved!
A Deadly Fortune was deliciously addictive! I absolutely loved it and will be counting the days until her next release. I would seriously offer her my house cleaning services just so she has more writing time :) Ha!
Read this book! You can thank me later :)
Amelia and her brother Jonas work in a fancy club together after being discovered on the streets by the club owner. Amelia reads Tarot cards and tells fortunes. She does have some psychic ability, but it's not reliable nor strong. That is until she is accidentally injured while coming to her brother's aid when he is in a fight. Once recovered her powers come full force. She can feel and see things when she touches someone and feels danger coming.
After she collapses one day on the street she is mistaken for someone else and taken to a local mental asylum, the same one that reporter Nellie Bly would expose later. No one believes that she isn't who they think she is and her brother has no idea where she has gone to, but he will do everything he can to find her.
It's so crazy to me that at that time a woman could be held and imprisoned in asylums at the whim of their husband or parents, despite that there is nothing wrong with her. It's absolutely terrifying!
I don't want to give too much away because the story is amazing! So many twists and it also had some creepy parts, which I loved!
A Deadly Fortune was deliciously addictive! I absolutely loved it and will be counting the days until her next release. I would seriously offer her my house cleaning services just so she has more writing time :) Ha!
Read this book! You can thank me later :)
March 18, 2021
Even though not blood related Amelia and Jonas have lived like brother and sister since they found each other in the Foundling Home as children.
They existed by their wits on the streets of NYC and in 1893 they are eking out an existence working at a somewhat shady club – Amelia is using her sketchy psychic talents to ‘read’ customers and Jonas is entertaining gentlemen.
After an accident where Amelia hits her head against a brick wall she finds that her psychic abilities are intensified.
One evening on a lone walk she is assaulted by something strange, something ethereal, that brings her to her knees. When she awakes she finds herself in the Blackwell Island Asylum.
It does not take long to find that something horrible and corrupt is going on in the Asylum.
With the help of the recently employed young doctor Andrew Cavanaugh who is already dealing with his own sadness and guilt they band together with Jonas to bring to light the horror that is happening to many of the women who are brought to this place.
This is a race to the finish mystery with so much atmosphere and suspense and truly marvelous characters I dare you to put it down!
For a debut novel this is top of the line writing.
They existed by their wits on the streets of NYC and in 1893 they are eking out an existence working at a somewhat shady club – Amelia is using her sketchy psychic talents to ‘read’ customers and Jonas is entertaining gentlemen.
After an accident where Amelia hits her head against a brick wall she finds that her psychic abilities are intensified.
One evening on a lone walk she is assaulted by something strange, something ethereal, that brings her to her knees. When she awakes she finds herself in the Blackwell Island Asylum.
It does not take long to find that something horrible and corrupt is going on in the Asylum.
With the help of the recently employed young doctor Andrew Cavanaugh who is already dealing with his own sadness and guilt they band together with Jonas to bring to light the horror that is happening to many of the women who are brought to this place.
This is a race to the finish mystery with so much atmosphere and suspense and truly marvelous characters I dare you to put it down!
For a debut novel this is top of the line writing.
December 24, 2020
I devoured this book. Loved the feminist undertones and the characters, and I was instantly drawn into the world the author created and couldn't wait to find out what happened next.
July 3, 2021
4 Stars
July 28, 2022
After finishing this mystery debut, I felt the author tried to cover quite a few subjects. The actual plot reminded me of Victoria Thompson's earlier stories in her Gaslight mystery series with their darker subject line. Or Megan Chance's The Spiritualist. Except in this story, it was husbands who no longer wanted their wives.
The main protagonist, Amelia Matthew, earned her money telling people their fortunes. A few times it worked, but most of the time it didn't. When she tried to help her foster brother, Jonas, in a fight, she was hurt. With her slow recovery, she found herself seeing spirits or hearing whispers from people who had passed on.
Before long, she woke up in an insane asylum in NYC. It was a grim time.
From then on, it was waiting for Jonas to discover where she was at, trying to convince a new doctor (who had his own problems) of her 'gift', keeping herself from going crazy and finding a way out of her desperate situation. During this miasma, she discovered the above sinister plot.
The story was atmospheric with a strong sense of place. It shed light on what it was like to be married during this era and what women gave up. And, at times, it was heartbreaking.
The main protagonist, Amelia Matthew, earned her money telling people their fortunes. A few times it worked, but most of the time it didn't. When she tried to help her foster brother, Jonas, in a fight, she was hurt. With her slow recovery, she found herself seeing spirits or hearing whispers from people who had passed on.
Before long, she woke up in an insane asylum in NYC. It was a grim time.
From then on, it was waiting for Jonas to discover where she was at, trying to convince a new doctor (who had his own problems) of her 'gift', keeping herself from going crazy and finding a way out of her desperate situation. During this miasma, she discovered the above sinister plot.
The story was atmospheric with a strong sense of place. It shed light on what it was like to be married during this era and what women gave up. And, at times, it was heartbreaking.
January 10, 2021
This was a book I was really looking forward to. I loved The Alienist and this book was recommended for fans of that book so I was eager to check this one out. The Alienist was probably one of the more dark and twisted historical mysteries that I have ever read so putting that as a ‘recommended for fans of The Alienist’ was a pretty tall order.
This is also Stacie Murphy’s debut novel, so I wasn’t sure what to expect beyond something with occultist undertones that was a darker mystery. I was still coming off the Christmas/holiday reads hangover so something with a little more meat to the story was definitely in order.
The cover of this book is elegant and the premise sounded so promising. I was looking forward to seeing how this one unfolded and I was pleasantly surprised that it was a well written and engaging debut novel! If you love historical mysteries with a little more grit and some supernatural elements then this is an excellent option and one that you will want on your radar!
I can see why this book is recommended for The Alienist fans. It has a lot of the same grit and atmosphere that make that book such a classic. Not to mention all the mental illness factors and being set in the same time period and location as The Alienist. Though I think The Alienist is still in a class all its own when it comes to the darkness of it, but this book definitely captures some of that same atmosphere and morally ambiguous characters.
I wasn’t sure that I was going to love the ghost element of this story. The main character has ghosts posses her and she can see flashes of people’s future and their past. It sounded a little too fantastical and I wasn’t sure that it would really work in a story like this but I actually ended up loving it! The occult or supernatural elements in this story added to the atmosphere and were eerie enough to keep the reader on edge but not so much so that they were hokey or unbelievable.
I don’t know that I loved Amelia as the main character but I did love the feminist ideologies that she brought forward in this one. During that time, women were entirely under their husband’s thumb (of male relative) when it came to things like their own sanity or their fortunes etc. And I thought the author did an outstanding job highlighting those issues and how women were treated and then provided the readers with a heroine who challenged those issues. Amelia was believable in her role as champion of women, but not so over the top that she felt too modern if that makes sense. Her beliefs and struggles fit perfectly in that time period. But there was something about her that I just didn’t love and I can’t quite put my finger on what it was but I didn’t love her. I respected her character and felt that she was well drawn and developed but I just didn’t feel a connection to her in the way that I had hoped.
The other characters, Andrew and Jonas, who were the other main characters in this book, were also well developed but morally questionable at times. I liked both of them and thought they added depth to the story. Especially Andrew. He was progressive when it came to mental illness and women, but at the same time he didn’t seem overly radical so as to appear out of the time period. The author did such a great job with the characterization of each hero/heroine that I absolutely felt like I was in that time period.
Overall I enjoyed this novel and I think fans of grittier mysteries will enjoy this one for sure! I loved the mental illness and asylum parts so much and was roped in by all the history. You definitely want this one on your radar!
See my full review here
This is also Stacie Murphy’s debut novel, so I wasn’t sure what to expect beyond something with occultist undertones that was a darker mystery. I was still coming off the Christmas/holiday reads hangover so something with a little more meat to the story was definitely in order.
The cover of this book is elegant and the premise sounded so promising. I was looking forward to seeing how this one unfolded and I was pleasantly surprised that it was a well written and engaging debut novel! If you love historical mysteries with a little more grit and some supernatural elements then this is an excellent option and one that you will want on your radar!
I can see why this book is recommended for The Alienist fans. It has a lot of the same grit and atmosphere that make that book such a classic. Not to mention all the mental illness factors and being set in the same time period and location as The Alienist. Though I think The Alienist is still in a class all its own when it comes to the darkness of it, but this book definitely captures some of that same atmosphere and morally ambiguous characters.
I wasn’t sure that I was going to love the ghost element of this story. The main character has ghosts posses her and she can see flashes of people’s future and their past. It sounded a little too fantastical and I wasn’t sure that it would really work in a story like this but I actually ended up loving it! The occult or supernatural elements in this story added to the atmosphere and were eerie enough to keep the reader on edge but not so much so that they were hokey or unbelievable.
I don’t know that I loved Amelia as the main character but I did love the feminist ideologies that she brought forward in this one. During that time, women were entirely under their husband’s thumb (of male relative) when it came to things like their own sanity or their fortunes etc. And I thought the author did an outstanding job highlighting those issues and how women were treated and then provided the readers with a heroine who challenged those issues. Amelia was believable in her role as champion of women, but not so over the top that she felt too modern if that makes sense. Her beliefs and struggles fit perfectly in that time period. But there was something about her that I just didn’t love and I can’t quite put my finger on what it was but I didn’t love her. I respected her character and felt that she was well drawn and developed but I just didn’t feel a connection to her in the way that I had hoped.
The other characters, Andrew and Jonas, who were the other main characters in this book, were also well developed but morally questionable at times. I liked both of them and thought they added depth to the story. Especially Andrew. He was progressive when it came to mental illness and women, but at the same time he didn’t seem overly radical so as to appear out of the time period. The author did such a great job with the characterization of each hero/heroine that I absolutely felt like I was in that time period.
Overall I enjoyed this novel and I think fans of grittier mysteries will enjoy this one for sure! I loved the mental illness and asylum parts so much and was roped in by all the history. You definitely want this one on your radar!
See my full review here
July 1, 2023
Blandly entertaining at times, but mostly meh. It does improve after a rocky opener, so it’s not entirely awful, but it still felt cheesy + anachronistic rather than gothic + mysterious, thanks to flat MCs, a mustache-twirling villain, & ultra convenient plotting. Also, I liked Jonas & his beau Sidney much more than preachy Amelia & uber-beta Andrew. (Good grief, dude…grow a pair. It’s obvious who will wear the pants in that eventual relationship. 🙄)
Anyway.
I doubt I’ll read any others in this series, as it’s too much a cozy mystery for my taste—I found it on par with Hallmark Channel Halloween rather than The Alienist—but the underlying subject might be a bit dark for some cozy fans. Just FYI. *shrug*
Anyway.
I doubt I’ll read any others in this series, as it’s too much a cozy mystery for my taste—I found it on par with Hallmark Channel Halloween rather than The Alienist—but the underlying subject might be a bit dark for some cozy fans. Just FYI. *shrug*
May 19, 2021
I was very excited when I read the synopsis for this book- it sounded right up my street. And it was an entertaining story but it didn’t have that certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ which would have turned this up to 4 or 5 stars. It felt really quite predictable, and I had the vague feeling of having read similar before (possibly on more than one occasion!)
January 22, 2021
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“A Deadly Fortune” is a gripping thriller that had me at the edge of my seat for its entirety, and I loved it!
I finished this story in one sitting because I could not put it down! The author has a beautiful style of story-telling. She had me hooked to the storyline from the time Amelia finds herself in the asylum. From then on, the story is a roller-coaster ride as we see the patients and workers’ twisted lives. I cannot believe this is the author’s debut novel, because it is so good! The pacing is perfect, the dialogues are polished, and the storyline is fantastic.
Moreover, all the three main characters were fantastic! Frankly, I loved Amelia and Jonas because I felt Andrew was a bit weak compared to them. Although, Andrew did have his moments. For instance, I loved the scenes where Susannah appears to him through Amelia. Amelia is terrific in the role as she investigates the mistreatments using her powers. Let’s not forget Jonas! He was my favorite character in the whole story! I loved him and the lengths he went through to protect Amelia. On a side note, I also appreciate the author for putting an LGBTQ angle to his storyline.
Furthermore, the author also kept the mystery wrapped up very nicely with quite a few red herrings. I was honestly surprised when we found out what is happening, not what I expected. Even after finishing this book, I still get goosebumps remembering the moments when Amelia is in Harcourt’s room or when they help Elizabeth.
Overall, “A Deadly Fortune” is one of the best historical thrillers I have read in a while, and I found it thoroughly entertaining! I highly recommend you read it if you like the genre.
January 5, 2021
After a head injury Amelia Matthew's minimal psychic ability manifests into being able to see the dead as well as see a person's possible future death upon contact with them. Before Amelia can figure out what is happening, she has an incident in public and is taken to the asylum on Blackwell Island. Dr. Andrew Cavanaugh has had a falling out with society and has taken an upon position on Blackwell Island. He wants to know more about mental illness and women after a personal tragedy. When Amelia and Dr. Cavanaugh meet, a touch channels a spirit through Amelia that forces Dr. Cavanaugh to reexamine what he knows. Meanwhile, Amelia's friend Jonas is desperately trying to locate her and Dr. Cavanaugh's friend believes his sister has been taken against her will to Blackwell Island.
A Deadly Fortune is a riveting historical mystery set in New York's Gilded Age. With magic, suspense and historical detail, I was pulled onto Blackwell Island. The book jumps right into the action and at first, I had trouble placing when and where the story took place; however, once Amelia was taken to the infamous Blackwell Island, the setting fell into place. The treatment of Blackwell's patients was researched well and there was a lot of time given to life inside of the asylum and the condition of the women who were there. The mystery picked up halfway through the story as the characters realize even darker proceedings on the island. In addition, the characters were all very well developed. From Amelia, Jonas and Dr. Cavanaugh to the ladies on the island, each character was thought out. At first, I thought I was missing something with Amelia and Jonas' backstory, but it was revealed later in the story. I was also glad that Amelia and Dr. Cavanaugh's relationship did not take the forefront of the story, but there is definitely more to develop there. Overall, an engrossing historical mystery.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
A Deadly Fortune is a riveting historical mystery set in New York's Gilded Age. With magic, suspense and historical detail, I was pulled onto Blackwell Island. The book jumps right into the action and at first, I had trouble placing when and where the story took place; however, once Amelia was taken to the infamous Blackwell Island, the setting fell into place. The treatment of Blackwell's patients was researched well and there was a lot of time given to life inside of the asylum and the condition of the women who were there. The mystery picked up halfway through the story as the characters realize even darker proceedings on the island. In addition, the characters were all very well developed. From Amelia, Jonas and Dr. Cavanaugh to the ladies on the island, each character was thought out. At first, I thought I was missing something with Amelia and Jonas' backstory, but it was revealed later in the story. I was also glad that Amelia and Dr. Cavanaugh's relationship did not take the forefront of the story, but there is definitely more to develop there. Overall, an engrossing historical mystery.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
October 22, 2021
3.5 stars
This was different. While a psychic mystery has been done, setting it as a historical was a clever spin on the usual trope.
It started off strong but then got wordy/long-winded & i skim read until it started to get good again towards the middle as "the plot thickened".
I'm sure the writer did her research and I give her credit for the fact that this reader reacted so emotionally to it. But the stuff at the asylum was tough to read especially w/my contemporary mindset.
the logical part of my brain, understood that it was the time/place of that era. During the late 1800's medicine & science were still evolving. Psychiatry was a new field and they worked w/the relevant & up to date methods at the time. But yeah..a lot of it was very cruel. And i know many despicable men got rid of their wives by having them committed to asylums. Still it was hard to read. (hence the skimming)
I did however connect to the characters & I liked Jonas, Amelia & Andrew. Several of the supporting characters were likable as well.
The mystery element wasn't so much a mystery as you figure out what's going on but not necessarily who was doing it and therein lay the actual puzzle.
Overall, an interesting debut by the writer and I probably would read another of her books.
This was different. While a psychic mystery has been done, setting it as a historical was a clever spin on the usual trope.
It started off strong but then got wordy/long-winded & i skim read until it started to get good again towards the middle as "the plot thickened".
I'm sure the writer did her research and I give her credit for the fact that this reader reacted so emotionally to it. But the stuff at the asylum was tough to read especially w/my contemporary mindset.
the logical part of my brain, understood that it was the time/place of that era. During the late 1800's medicine & science were still evolving. Psychiatry was a new field and they worked w/the relevant & up to date methods at the time. But yeah..a lot of it was very cruel. And i know many despicable men got rid of their wives by having them committed to asylums. Still it was hard to read. (hence the skimming)
I did however connect to the characters & I liked Jonas, Amelia & Andrew. Several of the supporting characters were likable as well.
The mystery element wasn't so much a mystery as you figure out what's going on but not necessarily who was doing it and therein lay the actual puzzle.
Overall, an interesting debut by the writer and I probably would read another of her books.
January 24, 2021
This was a fantastic mystery/thriller set in the gilded age of New York that kept me guessing to the end. The characters are rich and their experiences are vividly portrayed to us. One of the things Murphy does exceptionally well is the pacing of the story. Chapters are sometimes long and unassuming as she paints the world for us, and as the action heats up, her chapters become mercilessly short and you find yourself yelling out, "don't cut away from this scene! I have to know." But Murphy is a skilled storyteller, and she's not going to give you anything until she's made you boil and then sit you on a slow simmer until she's good and ready. Great book, story, characters, and the city of New York in the late 19th Century is also a bit of a character - she obviously did great research and resists the urge to hit us over the head with it...she gives you just enough.
December 11, 2024
A compelling plot and intriguing characters highlight this outstanding mystery from author Stacie Murphy. I look forward to reading the second volume in this series.
January 27, 2021
A Deadly Fortune is a marvellous debut novel, Stacie Murphy has stormed into historical fiction world with a real bang, she has brought a fresh and new feel to this genre and I can’t wait to see what this talented lady will grace us all with next.
Set during the wonderful dark and gothic edge 1893, the story follows Amelia Matthews, a fortune-teller who makes a bit of a name for herself in the Gilded Age New York Club. But Amelia isn’t the stereotypical hoax fortune-tellers who like to swindle money from unsuspecting people by reading a few tea leaves, no she has a rare gift, she can actually see spirits.
When she is involved in an accident she awakes to find herself trapped inside the notorious insane asylum on Blackwell Island, a deadly place where demons are in human form and they aren’t the poor souls who reside there either. The doctor in charge; Andrew Cavanaugh, soon believes Amelia has been wrongly sectioned on the Island after he witnesses her ability with his own eyes and he knows he must get her off the Island, but before that he comes across a dastardly plot within the walls of the asylum, one which he will need Amelia’s help for.
Even though there is a lovely relationship bubbling between Amelia and Andrew, it’s a nice refreshing change to have their story come second to the mystery.
This is a complex and riveting historical fiction, I love the darker-gilded edge to it. The paranormal elements take it from an undoubtedly great book to an exceptional one, there is a real raw and brutally honest portrayal of what the women whom unfortunately found themselves on Blackwell Island had to endure in the horrific asylum, it’s harrowing yet the author tackles the subject of mental health illness during the era with compassion and sensitively, Murphy has obviously done an immense amount of research which gives the entirety of the novel a rich and compelling attractiveness which will have you hooked and fully immersed.
Deadly Fortune is an exceptionally Gothic and wonderfully dark and evocative historical. Eloquently written, it has raw passion, honest and powerful historical detailing and an attractively riveting and original plot which will have you hanging onto every single word which Murphy so beautifully dangles before your eyes.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Deadly Fortune, it’s a fast-paced thrilling mystery with added magic, whilst reading I thought there was a touch of The Sixth Sense and Shutter Island about it – maybe that was just me, but there you go my mind works in weird ways.
Set during the wonderful dark and gothic edge 1893, the story follows Amelia Matthews, a fortune-teller who makes a bit of a name for herself in the Gilded Age New York Club. But Amelia isn’t the stereotypical hoax fortune-tellers who like to swindle money from unsuspecting people by reading a few tea leaves, no she has a rare gift, she can actually see spirits.
When she is involved in an accident she awakes to find herself trapped inside the notorious insane asylum on Blackwell Island, a deadly place where demons are in human form and they aren’t the poor souls who reside there either. The doctor in charge; Andrew Cavanaugh, soon believes Amelia has been wrongly sectioned on the Island after he witnesses her ability with his own eyes and he knows he must get her off the Island, but before that he comes across a dastardly plot within the walls of the asylum, one which he will need Amelia’s help for.
Even though there is a lovely relationship bubbling between Amelia and Andrew, it’s a nice refreshing change to have their story come second to the mystery.
This is a complex and riveting historical fiction, I love the darker-gilded edge to it. The paranormal elements take it from an undoubtedly great book to an exceptional one, there is a real raw and brutally honest portrayal of what the women whom unfortunately found themselves on Blackwell Island had to endure in the horrific asylum, it’s harrowing yet the author tackles the subject of mental health illness during the era with compassion and sensitively, Murphy has obviously done an immense amount of research which gives the entirety of the novel a rich and compelling attractiveness which will have you hooked and fully immersed.
Deadly Fortune is an exceptionally Gothic and wonderfully dark and evocative historical. Eloquently written, it has raw passion, honest and powerful historical detailing and an attractively riveting and original plot which will have you hanging onto every single word which Murphy so beautifully dangles before your eyes.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Deadly Fortune, it’s a fast-paced thrilling mystery with added magic, whilst reading I thought there was a touch of The Sixth Sense and Shutter Island about it – maybe that was just me, but there you go my mind works in weird ways.
August 26, 2022
4.5 stars! Good read and an accurate representation of what women went through in asylums and in marriage before we got our rights. Very impressed with this book and I will be looking for more from Stacie Murphy. My only complaint about this book was the ending felt a little rushed but it didn't leave anything important left unfinished.
June 15, 2021
"A Deadly Fortune" is an engaging asylum mystery novel with paranormal elements set in Gilded Age New York. This time period isn't usually the type of historical fiction I read, so I am no expert, but even so I could tell this book is extremely well researched. I felt like I learned so much about life and society during this time period, especially the lack of rights and protection and independence allowed women of all ages. The main protagonist Amelia Matthews remains a strong female character who is able to navigate the oppressive constraints thrust upon her.
I was hooked within the first couple of chapters. The pacing of the narrative is extremely well done. The tension builds quite impressively throughout the story, and I did not foresee the vast majority of twists and turns and revelations that occurred. This book is quite thrilling! I read most of it over the course of 3 days, which is a lot for me since I read slowly.
The characters are well rounded, unique, and interesting. I cared about their backgrounds and wanted to know what happened to them. They learned new information, reacted to new situations, and grew in believable manners and by believable degrees. I liked that the story alternated perspectives between Amelia, her foster brother Jonas, and their ally within the asylum, Dr. Andrew Cavanaugh. Dr. Cavanaugh--sorry, "Andrew, now, is it?"--'s point of view offered a great outlet for investigating aspects of the asylum records and culture that Amelia is not automatically privy to. Not to mention that he seems like a smart snack! XP
Because I am someone who is adopted, even though I have never been in the foster system, it meant a lot to me to see such a good non-traditional family relationship represented in this book. Amelia and Jonas are really great together, and I never questioned that they cared for each other even while they disagreed and fought, which is not an easy feat to achieve. I'm also really glad I finished this during Pride Month, because Jonas and his romantic plotline are really well done; I hope to see more of him and his beau in future books.
I will be recommending this book to many, and I hope to see Amelia, Jonas, and Andrew in future installments! I especially recommend this to those who are interested in strong female characters, Gilded Age New York, historical fiction, feminism, asylum stories, paranormal abilities, investigative stories, mysteries, adoption/foster family representation, LGBTQ+ representation, and thrillers.
I was hooked within the first couple of chapters. The pacing of the narrative is extremely well done. The tension builds quite impressively throughout the story, and I did not foresee the vast majority of twists and turns and revelations that occurred. This book is quite thrilling! I read most of it over the course of 3 days, which is a lot for me since I read slowly.
The characters are well rounded, unique, and interesting. I cared about their backgrounds and wanted to know what happened to them. They learned new information, reacted to new situations, and grew in believable manners and by believable degrees. I liked that the story alternated perspectives between Amelia, her foster brother Jonas, and their ally within the asylum, Dr. Andrew Cavanaugh. Dr. Cavanaugh--sorry, "Andrew, now, is it?"--'s point of view offered a great outlet for investigating aspects of the asylum records and culture that Amelia is not automatically privy to. Not to mention that he seems like a smart snack! XP
Because I am someone who is adopted, even though I have never been in the foster system, it meant a lot to me to see such a good non-traditional family relationship represented in this book. Amelia and Jonas are really great together, and I never questioned that they cared for each other even while they disagreed and fought, which is not an easy feat to achieve. I'm also really glad I finished this during Pride Month, because Jonas and his romantic plotline are really well done; I hope to see more of him and his beau in future books.
I will be recommending this book to many, and I hope to see Amelia, Jonas, and Andrew in future installments! I especially recommend this to those who are interested in strong female characters, Gilded Age New York, historical fiction, feminism, asylum stories, paranormal abilities, investigative stories, mysteries, adoption/foster family representation, LGBTQ+ representation, and thrillers.
February 24, 2021
I have to admit, while I was looking forward to reading this book, I was a bit nervous because generally I like my Gilded Age reading to involve a twirl around Mrs. Astor's ballroom with Mr. McAllister's 400 and a trip out to Newport to watch an ambitious mama barter away her daughter and a chunk of her husband's fortune for a son-in-law with a noble title and a decrepit country estate. I was pretty sure that was not the side of Gilded Age New York I was going to encounter in Stacie Murphy's A Deadly Fortune.
I was right about that, but I shouldn't have been nervous. This walk on the wild side was compelling reading and a lot of fun. I'm not sure whether "Paranormal Historical Mystery/Thriller" is an established genre or if Ms. Murphy invented it, but it turned out to be one I never knew I needed. The author has mastered the slow burn, doling out clues both to the mystery at the heart of the story and the characters' back stories and inner lives at a sometimes maddeningly leisurely pace that makes the reader constantly wanting to know more, but the payoff is sweeter for the delay.
The historic detail is rock solid, clearly based on a level of meticulous research that takes the reader into a world that feels very real (except for the supernatural stuff!). The description of the notorious women's insane asylum on Blackwell's Island is all the more horrifying for being rooted firmly in fact. Ms. Murphy also does a great job of showing how the societal norms and legal structures of the day kept women at the mercy of the men in their lives, the poor in misery, and LGBTQ people in the shadows. To her great credit, though, she does this without being preachy, or portraying her female or Gay characters as mere victims, or all straight White men as evil, etc. She simply builds a very true to life depiction of 1890s New York and allows her complex, nuanced characters to move about in it. As they do, it becomes clear that something is very, very wrong, and they face dangers both of their world and from beyond it.
Bottom line: A fast, fun read with compelling characters, a mystery that will keep you guessing, and great period detail. Also ghosts. I hope this will become a series so I can see Amelia and her friends solve some more mysteries!
I was right about that, but I shouldn't have been nervous. This walk on the wild side was compelling reading and a lot of fun. I'm not sure whether "Paranormal Historical Mystery/Thriller" is an established genre or if Ms. Murphy invented it, but it turned out to be one I never knew I needed. The author has mastered the slow burn, doling out clues both to the mystery at the heart of the story and the characters' back stories and inner lives at a sometimes maddeningly leisurely pace that makes the reader constantly wanting to know more, but the payoff is sweeter for the delay.
The historic detail is rock solid, clearly based on a level of meticulous research that takes the reader into a world that feels very real (except for the supernatural stuff!). The description of the notorious women's insane asylum on Blackwell's Island is all the more horrifying for being rooted firmly in fact. Ms. Murphy also does a great job of showing how the societal norms and legal structures of the day kept women at the mercy of the men in their lives, the poor in misery, and LGBTQ people in the shadows. To her great credit, though, she does this without being preachy, or portraying her female or Gay characters as mere victims, or all straight White men as evil, etc. She simply builds a very true to life depiction of 1890s New York and allows her complex, nuanced characters to move about in it. As they do, it becomes clear that something is very, very wrong, and they face dangers both of their world and from beyond it.
Bottom line: A fast, fun read with compelling characters, a mystery that will keep you guessing, and great period detail. Also ghosts. I hope this will become a series so I can see Amelia and her friends solve some more mysteries!
Read
May 17, 2021Dear lord it took me 4 months to read this book. Please don't let this be a reflection on the author or on the book, but rather on me. I have the attention span of a fruit fly.
The story is an absolutely dark and delightful one that fans of historical mysteries will definitely love.
Amelia and Jonas are characters you can really appreciate. The dynamic between these two characters is perfect. I loved that they were written as brother and sister but they are really just friends with Jonas as the protector, making sacrifice for her because she is special to him, but not in a romantic way.
I loved that they weren't wealthy characters but urchins making their way through whatever means was possible aka Amerlia's gift which landed her in the asylum where the action of the story takes place.
If you know anything about mental illness in the late 1800's and early 1900s you know that to land in such a place was not a good thing and when women end up dead...well there is a mystery to be solved.
I love how Amelia's gift played a part in solving the mystery as well as in saving her life and that of her companion, Doctor Cavanaugh. I hope as this series progresses they have a romantic relationship. These two seem very well suited. I also hope Jonas and his lover.
The story was well paced and I really did enjoy it even though my mind wouldnt let me read for the last 4 months.
The story is an absolutely dark and delightful one that fans of historical mysteries will definitely love.
Amelia and Jonas are characters you can really appreciate. The dynamic between these two characters is perfect. I loved that they were written as brother and sister but they are really just friends with Jonas as the protector, making sacrifice for her because she is special to him, but not in a romantic way.
I loved that they weren't wealthy characters but urchins making their way through whatever means was possible aka Amerlia's gift which landed her in the asylum where the action of the story takes place.
If you know anything about mental illness in the late 1800's and early 1900s you know that to land in such a place was not a good thing and when women end up dead...well there is a mystery to be solved.
I love how Amelia's gift played a part in solving the mystery as well as in saving her life and that of her companion, Doctor Cavanaugh. I hope as this series progresses they have a romantic relationship. These two seem very well suited. I also hope Jonas and his lover.
The story was well paced and I really did enjoy it even though my mind wouldnt let me read for the last 4 months.
January 15, 2021
❀ღ✿•*`Gwendalyn’s Books ¨`*•✿ღ❀
A historical mystery in the vein of The Alienist, in which a young woman in Gilded Age New York must use a special talent to unravel a deadly conspiracy.
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
An exceptional written, dark historical fiction.
In post gothic era 1893, Amelia Matthew makes her living by fortune telling for a gentlemen’s club in Gilded Age New York City. Amelia. Along with her self adopted brother Jonas, they survie by using their wits. Amelia has a talent laying dormant, a gift of foreshadowing that is awakened to its fullest by a dangerous head injury.
Unable to control her newly acquired skill she suffers the consequences when a incident happens to her involving a angry spirit in a public place. She is alone without Jonas there to help her, or speak up for her. Unable to make a coherent response, she is sent to a place that houses the mentally disabled. The notorious Blackwell’s Island insane asylum, a place that one your sent there, it’s highly unlikely that you will ever escape.
When Amelia comes to her senses, she realizes that she has been mistakenly placed on an island faraway from downtown New York. A place that houses societies incurables, those suffering from mental conditions brought on by inherited factors or caused by effects of trauma. Some were in the stages of neurosyphilis, alcoholism, and then their are the women who are sent to the hospital for no other reason than to make them disappear.
Amelia encounters a newly hired doctor, Dr. Andrew Cavanaugh, who has left his family and his life behind. Compassionate Andrew, is unnerved by the callous treatment that he sees at the asylum. When Amelia has a frightening episode that involves Dr Cavanaugh, the doctor might well question his own sanity.
A thrilling ride with fast moving storyline that intensifies as the tale progresses.
In a series of events that has the return of Amelia friend, Jonas, together along with the good doctor, things really take off.
All three will have to work together carefully to uncover clues as they seek out answers to uncover a massive conspiracy, before the killer makes Amelia the next victim. This book will keep you engaged as you follow along with the narration as it holds your attention. I was on the edge, as I read late into night. This is one exceptional written book that I throughly enjoyed.
A historical mystery in the vein of The Alienist, in which a young woman in Gilded Age New York must use a special talent to unravel a deadly conspiracy.
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
An exceptional written, dark historical fiction.
In post gothic era 1893, Amelia Matthew makes her living by fortune telling for a gentlemen’s club in Gilded Age New York City. Amelia. Along with her self adopted brother Jonas, they survie by using their wits. Amelia has a talent laying dormant, a gift of foreshadowing that is awakened to its fullest by a dangerous head injury.
Unable to control her newly acquired skill she suffers the consequences when a incident happens to her involving a angry spirit in a public place. She is alone without Jonas there to help her, or speak up for her. Unable to make a coherent response, she is sent to a place that houses the mentally disabled. The notorious Blackwell’s Island insane asylum, a place that one your sent there, it’s highly unlikely that you will ever escape.
When Amelia comes to her senses, she realizes that she has been mistakenly placed on an island faraway from downtown New York. A place that houses societies incurables, those suffering from mental conditions brought on by inherited factors or caused by effects of trauma. Some were in the stages of neurosyphilis, alcoholism, and then their are the women who are sent to the hospital for no other reason than to make them disappear.
Amelia encounters a newly hired doctor, Dr. Andrew Cavanaugh, who has left his family and his life behind. Compassionate Andrew, is unnerved by the callous treatment that he sees at the asylum. When Amelia has a frightening episode that involves Dr Cavanaugh, the doctor might well question his own sanity.
A thrilling ride with fast moving storyline that intensifies as the tale progresses.
In a series of events that has the return of Amelia friend, Jonas, together along with the good doctor, things really take off.
All three will have to work together carefully to uncover clues as they seek out answers to uncover a massive conspiracy, before the killer makes Amelia the next victim. This book will keep you engaged as you follow along with the narration as it holds your attention. I was on the edge, as I read late into night. This is one exceptional written book that I throughly enjoyed.
October 11, 2021
Not a bad story. I liked the strong female character. Her relationship with her brother is believable and I liked how she grew in that (when she found out more about him). Some of the stuff she did at the asylum wasn't very believable but it fit with the story. The book was slow in many spots but I kept on because I was reading it for a book club. I didn't really feel this book was a thriller or suspenseful like it's marked but there was a mystery that keeps you kind of interested. I was more reading to find out how she got out! Overall, I would probably read another with these characters if the author decided to write more.
March 12, 2021
I loved loved LOVED this book!! The author got to come to a book club meeting of mine and discuss her process behind the book and made it all the more fascinating!
Truly, the book had a plot twist you couldn’t see coming and the way the little details created a fluid narrative to explain the twists and turns made it addicting. The characters were all dynamic and interesting and real; the book made it feel like you were on this journey through Gilded Era New York with them.
There were some parts in the book that just made my heart stop with emotion and I absolutely loved how the author worded those emotional moments so that I could really empathize with the beloved characters. With an utterly addicting premise and character bunch (and representation!) I totally totally TOTALLY recommend reading this book; you won’t see the end coming and the plot is one hell of a ride!
Truly, the book had a plot twist you couldn’t see coming and the way the little details created a fluid narrative to explain the twists and turns made it addicting. The characters were all dynamic and interesting and real; the book made it feel like you were on this journey through Gilded Era New York with them.
There were some parts in the book that just made my heart stop with emotion and I absolutely loved how the author worded those emotional moments so that I could really empathize with the beloved characters. With an utterly addicting premise and character bunch (and representation!) I totally totally TOTALLY recommend reading this book; you won’t see the end coming and the plot is one hell of a ride!
January 5, 2021
In 1893 New York City, Amelia Matthew is an orphan using her modest psychic talent to live comfortably. A head injury expands her gift, to the point that channeling an angry spirit in public lands her in the notorious Blackwell’s Island insane asylum. Her foster brother Jonas is trying to get her out as she struggles with her ability in a place full of despair. Dr. Andrew Cavanaugh, full of despair and grief himself, turns to her for help in a missing persons case when he discovers her gift is real. Along the way, Amelia has to master her skills to catch a killer, or else she might be the next victim.
Psychiatric medicine and research at the turn of the century was very limited, and this novel shows asylum life very clearly. There are few outlets for any of the patients in the asylum, and patients are often at the mercy and opinions of the doctors and nurses caring for them. Some of the staff are more interested in holding power over others than actually helping the patients, and see the mental illnesses as their fault. Some of them are mentally disabled, drunk, dealing with neurosyphilis, etc. There are also some women there who were admitted against their will by husbands wanting to get rid of them, and trying to assert their true identity is seen as a form of insanity because the doctors trust their files more than the women.
There is a lot of tension as Amelia, Jonas, and Andrew move all around the asylum trying to figure out who is making money off of imprisoning and killing women. There are close calls as they break into offices and the apartments that doctors have on the grounds. The tension keeps ratcheting up, even as they find some clues, and Amelia channels spirits hoping for answers. As they come closer, they realize it’s a larger operation than they thought, and then the risk becomes far more personal. Until the very end, I was on the edge of my seat and had to stay up late to read to the end. It’s a melancholic and beautiful ending to the novel, though I still have lingering questions about some of the characters’ futures. I didn’t want to leave them behind and wanted to see what would happen next. Stacie wrote a compelling novel, one that other readers will enjoy as well.
Psychiatric medicine and research at the turn of the century was very limited, and this novel shows asylum life very clearly. There are few outlets for any of the patients in the asylum, and patients are often at the mercy and opinions of the doctors and nurses caring for them. Some of the staff are more interested in holding power over others than actually helping the patients, and see the mental illnesses as their fault. Some of them are mentally disabled, drunk, dealing with neurosyphilis, etc. There are also some women there who were admitted against their will by husbands wanting to get rid of them, and trying to assert their true identity is seen as a form of insanity because the doctors trust their files more than the women.
There is a lot of tension as Amelia, Jonas, and Andrew move all around the asylum trying to figure out who is making money off of imprisoning and killing women. There are close calls as they break into offices and the apartments that doctors have on the grounds. The tension keeps ratcheting up, even as they find some clues, and Amelia channels spirits hoping for answers. As they come closer, they realize it’s a larger operation than they thought, and then the risk becomes far more personal. Until the very end, I was on the edge of my seat and had to stay up late to read to the end. It’s a melancholic and beautiful ending to the novel, though I still have lingering questions about some of the characters’ futures. I didn’t want to leave them behind and wanted to see what would happen next. Stacie wrote a compelling novel, one that other readers will enjoy as well.
January 28, 2021
What was the Gilded Age like for those not fortunate enough to be members of The Four Hundred? In her debut novel, Stacie Murphy describes a view far removed from the ballrooms of excess. Amelia and Jonas only rub shoulders with New York City’s wealthy males when they patronize the private club where they work. Amelia makes a living spinning fortunes with the aid of an unusual gift and keen observation. But their lives change when Amelia comes to Jonas’ aid during a fight. The repercussions of a head injury eventually send her to the insane asylum, made infamous by Nellie Bly’s reporting six years previously. There she discovers what many people don’t realize: that some wealthy men send their wives there as an excuse to be rid of them.
A Deadly Fortune is neither an easy read, nor a pretty one. The inhabitants of the asylum are not well treated, and Murphy adds to the deplorable conditions with her murder plot. Some of the women are genuinely insane, and the language one of them utters may be shocking to some readers. Murphy’s fictional doctors have differing views on how to treat the female inmates, opinions that were both the norm and forward thinking for the time. Jonas’ personal relationship may also raise a few eyebrows but was not unheard of at the latter part of the 19th century.
If I had to describe A Deadly Fortune in terms of genres, I’d call it a supernatural feminist historical thriller. There are only minor elements of romance, but there is a definite something between Amelia and Andrew despite the differences in social standing. I felt the ending was an opening for the main characters to continue their lives in either a sequel or a series. Murphy’s website also hints at more to come by describing her as the “Author of the Amelia Matthew Mysteries.” I shall look forward to reading them.
Disclaimer: Although I received an electronic copy of this book from the publisher and Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours, the words and opinions above are my own
A Deadly Fortune is neither an easy read, nor a pretty one. The inhabitants of the asylum are not well treated, and Murphy adds to the deplorable conditions with her murder plot. Some of the women are genuinely insane, and the language one of them utters may be shocking to some readers. Murphy’s fictional doctors have differing views on how to treat the female inmates, opinions that were both the norm and forward thinking for the time. Jonas’ personal relationship may also raise a few eyebrows but was not unheard of at the latter part of the 19th century.
If I had to describe A Deadly Fortune in terms of genres, I’d call it a supernatural feminist historical thriller. There are only minor elements of romance, but there is a definite something between Amelia and Andrew despite the differences in social standing. I felt the ending was an opening for the main characters to continue their lives in either a sequel or a series. Murphy’s website also hints at more to come by describing her as the “Author of the Amelia Matthew Mysteries.” I shall look forward to reading them.
Disclaimer: Although I received an electronic copy of this book from the publisher and Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours, the words and opinions above are my own
October 23, 2021
This is a debut novel. Amelia and Jonas are not brother and sister but have been raised together most of their lives. They are living in a club where Jonas is a bouncer and Amelia tells fortunes. Amelia has psychic ability which doesn’t really manifest itself until she takes a walk in a park and passes out when she sees a spirit. Upon awakening she finds that she has been arrested and being sent to women’s insane asylum on Blackwell’s Island. Jonas I frantically trying to find her and upon learning where she is gets a job at the insane asylum. They both convince Dr. Andrew Cavanaugh that some women are being sent there by husbands who are dishonest and that staff are assisting in this deception. Amelia’s psychic ability does come into play but not that much to make this a psychic book. I applaud the author for tackling two topics that were covered up during the 1800s, the lack of women have the ability to control their lives and finances, and homosexuality. I also was fortunate to hear the author discuss her book. She verified facts so that it is historically accurate.
February 16, 2021
You’ll be hooked from the get-go.
This is a fun romp through New York City during the Gilded Age. Our protagonist, psychic Amelia Matthew, is committed to the asylum at Blackwell Island after a head injury. There, she discovers a nefarious plot. With the help of her brother, Jonas, and a new doctor, Andrew Cavanaugh, Amanda sets out to discover who is the guilty party.
Having grown up in New York City (although not during the Gilded Age) I felt right at home in Murphy’s New York. The rich detail, tension, excellent pacing, and verisimilitude make the story jump off the pages.
It’s a great read, and it should by rights become a series similar to “The Alienist” or “Miss Scarlet and the Duke.”
This is a fun romp through New York City during the Gilded Age. Our protagonist, psychic Amelia Matthew, is committed to the asylum at Blackwell Island after a head injury. There, she discovers a nefarious plot. With the help of her brother, Jonas, and a new doctor, Andrew Cavanaugh, Amanda sets out to discover who is the guilty party.
Having grown up in New York City (although not during the Gilded Age) I felt right at home in Murphy’s New York. The rich detail, tension, excellent pacing, and verisimilitude make the story jump off the pages.
It’s a great read, and it should by rights become a series similar to “The Alienist” or “Miss Scarlet and the Duke.”
February 26, 2022
"A Deadly Fortune" - written by Stacie Murphy and published in 2021 by Pegasus Crime, Simon & Schuster. Gilded Age New York City in the 1890s is the perfect setting for a story centering around an island prison for insane women. Amelia somehow gets herself committed there and while trying to figure out how to escape, discovers dastardly deeds going on. Her brother-from-another-mother Jonas also features greatly in the adventures. This book had a solid Alienist vibe (enjoyed the book and the series) and also reminded me of Dennis Lehane's "Shutter Island." A twist is Amelia's psychic abilities which add to the plot. "Her whole life, Amelia had sometimes known things she shouldn't have." I did have some trouble keeping track of the women portrayed in the asylum, especially when they had more than one identity, but found the book overall an engaging read. I see that Murphy has a sequel coming out in April of this year, 2022, titled "The Unquiet Dead," which coincidentally is the title of the Ausma Zehanat Khan book I just finished!
May 24, 2021
There are so many things to love about A DEADLY FORTUNE that I'm not even sure where to start. How about with its unique setting? Lots of novels are set in insane asylums, but this is the first I've encountered that takes place on Blackwell's Island. Atmospheric and Gothic-y, the locale makes a perfect backdrop for this shivery tale. The characters are also appealing. Amelia, Jonas, and Andrew are all sympathetic, kind-hearted, and courageous. Plot-wise, A DEADLY FORTUNE is a gripping story. It does start off a little slow, but there's enough going on to keep it interesting while it builds to a pulse-pounding climax. As for the supernatural aspect of this novel, I think it's done really well. There's enough of the ghostly to satisfy without overwhelming the story. I also appreciate that this is a mostly clean book that would only warrant a PG-13 rating. Overall, then, I very much enjoyed A DEADLY FORTUNE. It's intended to be the first installment in a series - I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it comes to fruition since I'm definitely interested in reading more about Amelia & Co.
January 16, 2021
Don't miss this fantastic start to what one hopes will be a long series. Mixing murder, mayhem, New York's real and most infamous insane asylum for women, and ghosts, this is a humdinger of a novel. But better than the fantastical twisty plot elements are the completely engaging characters including the psychic Amelia, the professional charmer Jonas, and the (literally) haunted doctor Andrew. No spoilers but double dog dare you to put this book down during the final third as the villains mount up and the likelihood of one or more of the trio becoming ghosts seems eminent.
February 15, 2021
The character development in this book was terrific. I only gave it four stars because it made me uncomfortable. I wanted to return it. I tried to return it to the library, but it didn’t go away off my kindle!! So I finished it. Really.good.book.
I couldn’t put it down and finished it in two days.
I couldn’t put it down and finished it in two days.
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