Death on Beacon Hill

Nell Sweeney Mysteries #3

by P.B. Ryan

“Death on Beacon Hill continues Ms. Ryan’s excellent Nell Sweeney series. The rich characterization and her strong evocation of place, coupled with a well-plotted tale, make for a rich story. Add a clever conclusion and Ms. Ryan delivers a fascinating read.” —Fresh Fiction

Boston, 1869: As governess to the wealthy Hewitts, Irish immigrant Nell Sweeney belongs to no particular caste—hers is halfway between her brethren and the Brahmin. But now, a double murder involves both maid and mistress—and it will take cooperation by rich and poor alike to solve it.

All of Boston is talking about the murder of Virginia Kimball. The famous actress, past her prime but still a renowned beauty, was found shot to death in her Beacon Hill townhouse, along with her young Irish-American maid, Fiona Gannon. Evidence suggests the two women traded shots after Virginia came upon Fiona trying to steal her famous diamond necklaces. Devastated by this news, Fiona’s uncle, who serves as driver to the wealthy Hewitts, begs Nell to find out what really happened.

The Hewitts’ estranged son, Will, accompanies Nell as she investigates Virginia’s scandalous romantic liaisons. It turns out there are quite a few people who might have wanted her dead, particularly her rich and powerful lovers, whose amorous exploits she recorded in a red leather-bound journal—a journal that has been missing ever since her death. Now, terrified men all over Boston, once blackmailed by the actress, will do whatever it takes to make sure her infamous “Red Book” never sees the light of day.

Originally published by Berkley Prime Crime.

“I decided to start the year off with my favorite mystery series. The mystery itself—what really happened that afternoon at Mrs. Kimball’s and who killed her and her maid—kept me guessing....Highly recommend the series.” —Babbling Book Reviews

“[Nell is] intelligent and has a strong sense of justice....She only takes action after careful consideration, never rushing to throw herself in harm’s way....They mystery consists of several layers, and is constructed quite well....It’s clear from the beginning that things are not as they seem; this serves to keep the reader interested in ferreting out the clues alongside Nell. I’m looking forward to another installment.” —The Romance Reader’s Connection

About the Author: Patricia Ryan, a.k.a. P.B. Ryan, is the USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including the #1 national bestseller Still Life with Murder. Pat's books have garnered rave reviews and been published in over twenty countries. Sign up for Pat's newsletter at pb-ryan.com.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Historical, Fiction, Romance, Mystery Thriller

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2005

About the author

Pseudonym used by Patricia Ryan.

Reviews

[Ingie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review written October 23, 2016

4.3 Stars - As always a GOOD historical 'whodunnit' listening. Dear guvernant Nell Sweeney (and her anguished dashing hero Doctor) keeps its strong hold on my interest.

Book #3

I hoped, crossed my fingers and it was a safe guess. Death on Beacon Hill was yet again another good (8 hours) audiobook (narrated by Leigh Ryan) experience in this lovely lighthearted historical mystery series.

The first part Still Life With Murder got 4.5 stars (rounded up to 5) and I was as glad after finishing the second, Mureder in Mill Town, 4.4 stars. Let this third make me as satisfied.

The third Death on Beacon Hill is set in Boston the summer of 1869.

# Cornelia Nell Sweeney a Irish immigrant is since some years the governess for the 4 years old adopted daughter of the wealthy Bostonians Viola and August Hewitt. Nell is nowadays also a kind of brave "hobby sleuth". In the #1 book a year earlier Nell first met the Hewitt family's dissapered eldest son, the "black sheep" Will.

# Will Hewitt, assumed dead after experiencing the US Civil War horrors, is still a war hero (and previously a dedicated medical doctor) struggling with life. Sadly is he having a horrifying hard time to go back to the wealthy upper class Boston life his family and friends lives. His continuing drug abuse scares,

# Nell's, in early age quite damaged, heart has maybe in this, sadly opium addicted, but so bright and charming, man Will found her supposed love of life. Or? — Exiting matters ...the love and mystery continues.

No time for writing long-winded about the contents of this third part. — Well told and terrific narrated as always .... and thankfully also a tiny bit of romantic heat.

...but why just only four stars once again?
Maybe not marvelous fabulous 5 stars reads but in all ways the kind I like days like these when packing boxes.

• I so very much like to listening to this narrator.
• I sincerely care about these characters.
• I'm interested in the main story itself.
• I follow a heartbreaking sweet slowly developed romance.
• Typical "good enough still addictive" kind of series.
• Flawless good who dunnit crime solving as well.

Looking forward to part #4 later this fall.
Recommended for audiobooks fans of historical light crime.

I LIKE - to continue my listening to a favorite series

[Marla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one seemed slightly different than the first two in how they went about solving the mystery. There wasn't a lot of 'detecting' on Nell and Will's parts, they just went around talking to the people involved until the truth came out. Not that that's not a valid way to solve a mystery. =) And there were still plenty of suspects to speculate about how/why they might have done it. Some interesting new background characters were introduced in such a way as I'm expecting them to show up again in the next books.

The mystery and the relationship between Nell and Will seemed to have equal time in this book, while previous books seemed to focus more on the mystery, not that I'm complaining. I liked Will's idea of pretending to court Nell, so them spending time together was more socially acceptable, and that Will seems to take it more seriously than Nell. Although, while Nell's always (perhaps rightly) worried about possibly losing her job as Gracie's governess because of some impropriety, I can't see why Nell couldn't divorce her husband, marry Will and then they could raise Gracie, who is Will daughter after all. But I guess that would be too easy, especially given the time period and Nell's thoughts on divorce. But still. =P

[Stacy Dempsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this series last week when book 1 was a free book on Kindle. I adore the characters and cannot wait to read on.

This was my favorite of the first three books. I enjoy the constantly evolving relationship between Nell & Will, and the writing truly follows the politeness and often overlooked complexity of life during the period. The author manages to fill in some background on the characters throughout the text so that you can understand the character interactions without having read the previous books, but she manages to pull it off without boring those of us who have read them with repetitive information.

P.B. Ryan is quickly climbing my list of favorite authors and I cannot wait to dive into book 4.

[Tony Hisgett · Rating 2 out of 5]

An OK mystery but it was all fairly boring. Part of the problem is because of Nell’s background and position she has no power or influence, but unlike a typical maid she hasn’t the advantage of being ‘invisible’. In the previous book her relationship with Viola Hewitt had given her some leverage, but here she is just a governess.
Unfortunately, the way the author has decided to solve this problem is with a romantic attachment with Will Hewitt. I really don’t want to read another historical romance.

Also this type of historical mystery often has a corrupt or incompetent policeman, but it’s a bit depressing when every police officer is dishonest and incompetent.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death on Beacon Hill
4 Stars

Governess Nell Sweeney and her employer's estranged son, William Hewitt, investigate the murders of a former actress and her young maid. Much of the investigation revolves around Nell and Will interviewing one suspect after another during various social situations, and it requires a healthy suspension of disbelief to accept that Nell would be admitted into the upper echelons of Boston Brahmin society.

The actual revelation of the killer is unsurprising and the climax and resolution are not as intense or exciting as in previous installments.

The real highlight of the story is the growing attachment between Nell and Will. It has been a while since I read the previous book, and I remember just how appealing these two are.

All in all, a quick and mildly entertaining read, but not the best historical mystery out there.

[Lynn Put · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the third book in this series and I’m in love with these characters. There was much more development between the two main characters Nell and Will and it was wonderful. If the rest of the books in this series are just as good I can easily see these books going on to my favorites shelf.

[sidewalk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh what can I say? I adore Nell, Will and P.B. Ryan!

Another great book! Although I found a bunch of spelling mistakes in the nook eddition of this one and even one little writing mistake!
At one point Dr. Foster gets up of the park bench where he sat next to Emily and Nell sits down in the space he vacated. Then not three sentences later he sits down and puts his arm around Emily. Well either he sat in Nell's lap, or he sat down on the other side of Emily and it was not spelled out..Things like that irritate me. Not that I proof read everything...ok, so I proofread NOTHING I write... you got me there....never mind, I forgot the point I was trying to make LOL

The rest of the book was again as expected by now, well researched, well written, engaging and very entertaining!

I do love the new Character that was introduced. Mr. Thornton! Lovely chap! I can imagine hanging out with him would be absolutely hysterical!

The way Mrs. Ryan describes the forensic research that was common during this time is just wonderful!

The story between Nell and Will also advanced a bit further. I will not say how, since that would spoil it I think, for readers to come. I do like the way it is going! Can't wait to start the next book in the series, but sadly that will have to wait until I can afford it!

I really REALLY recommend these books! If you like murder mysteries and period books, you will love this series! You will not be disappointed!

Trust me, I'm a Jedi! :)

[Ceki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed:

- the relationship between Nell and William, it is obvious that there are some growing romantic feelings between them, especially on his part.
- the ending was (for once) promising and positive.

I disliked:

- the book length, it is more of a novella than novel.
- Nell and her stubbornness.
- The mystery was okay-ish... nothing special.

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ein gelungener dritter Teil. Dies ist wirklich ein klassischer Krimi, bei dem vor allem durch Verhöre und Fragen der Fall gelöst wird, was sehr interessant war. Hier in diesem Buch wird der Beziehung zwischen Will und Nell mehr Zeit gegeben, was sehr schön zu lesen war.
Die Charaktere sind sehr liebenswert, was es sehr einfach macht, sie zu mögen und ihnen Erfolg zu wünschen. Gerade Wills und Nells Beziehung wächst langsam über mehrere Bücher, was mit der Realität doch übereinstimmen würde.
Ich freue mich schon auf Band vier.

A successful third instalment. This is truly a classic crime novel, in which the case is solved primarily through interrogations and questioning, which was very interesting. In this book, more time is devoted to the relationship between Will and Nell, which was very enjoyable to read.
The characters are very endearing, which makes it very easy to like them and wish them success. Will and Nell's relationship in particular grows slowly over several books, which is consistent with reality.
I am already looking forward to volume four.

[Literary Lusts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm giving this four stars instead of five due to the shorter length and less intricate plot compared to the other books in the series so far.

[Amy Gennaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying listening to this series of books by P.B. Ryan.

This is a series of books about mysteries that take place in post-Civil War Brahmin Boston. It details both the rich and entitled side of Boston as well as the working class, mostly Irish side along with the seedier side of Boston.

I love the characters of Nell and Will who are star-crossed lovers who cannot be together due to Nell's marriage to a violent man. Since she would be excommunicated from the Catholic church for divorcing her husband, she cannot be with Will or risk losing her position as a governess to a child that she loves.
Nell is asked by the house coachman and longtime friend and ally to investigate the murder of a famous retired actress and her maid. The maid is the niece of the coachman and is being framed as the murderess. Nell and Will get involved investigating on their own and once again, the police don't really seem to want to find the truth.

I look forward to continuing to listen to this series of books.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! Started book 4 right away.

[Kleine_Leseecke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dieses Mal wird in Boston eine hoch angesehene Schauspielerin erschossen aufgefunden. Mit ihr ihr Dienstmädchen. Zunächst sieht es so aus, dass das Mädchen ihre Herrin und dann sich selbst ermordet hat. Doch der Onkel des Mädchens, der Kutscher der Hewitts, bittet Nell um Hilfe. Er glaubt nicht an die Schuld seiner Nichte. Schon bald finden sich Nell und Will in den Verstrickungen von Macht, Bestechung, Ignoranz und Eitelkeit wieder.

Meine Meinung:

Dies ist der dritte Teil um die junge Irin Nell Sweeney, die als Gouvernante in Diensten der gut betuchten Bostoner Familie Hewitt steht. Man sollte die beiden Vorgänger auf jeden Fall gelesen haben, um der Geschichte folgen zu können. Daher gehe ich an dieser Stelle nicht weiter auf die Charaktere ein.
Wo in den vorangegangenen Bänden eher die Geschichte um die Verbrechen und der Hewitts im Vordergrund standen, finden wir hier über die weiteren Zusammenhänge leider nichts. Stattdessen schauen wir dem Verfall einer weiteren schwerreichen Bostoner Familie zu. Der Pratt-Familie. Ziemlich schnell kommt die Geschichte zum Punkt der Korruption der Bostoner Polizei. Leider hofft man aber vergeblich darauf, etwas über die Konsequenzen für die bestechlichen und nachlässigen Beamten zu erfahren. Im Gegenteil. Nell und Will lösen alles im Alleingang, und auf einmal ist der Täter wie durch Zufall entlarvt. Mir war es persönlich zu holperig und nicht so ganz logisch. Aber trotzdem möchte ich die Geschichte jedem Krimifan ans Herz legen. Eine kleine Liebesgeschichte gibt es noch oben drauf.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a quick read, and made a good "recreational fluff" book for me. I did not realize it was book three in the series when I picked it up, but the author tosses in enough summary of any important story elements that came before to make the book readable. I was happy to see that the author really did seem knowledgeable about 1869 Boston, and her understanding of ladies clothing of the era seemed more thorough than what I find in some historical fiction.

The plot consists of a combination of part mystery and part romance (albeit a mild one). The mystery was somewhat straightforward, but moved along quickly enough to keep me interested. Readers may wish to know that solving the mystery involves delving into some seedy sexual habits of the fictional suspects. Since I'm not a fan of romances, I found that part of it to be forced--and in some places, where the 1869-authenticity lapses.

Mystery fans looking for a post-Civil War-era story based in the Boston area may wish to check out The Dante Club. However, this book was a good light read for the recently frigid winter evenings.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book #2 of the Gilded Age mysteries and the first one that I read in this series. Governess Nell Sweeney is fond of the Hewitt's driver, Brady, so when he comes to her and begs her to clear his niece young Fiona's name, Nell swings into action. All of Boston is talking about the murder of the famous retired actress Virginia Kimball. Her dead servant girl Fiona is found in the same room, both fatally shot. The police is quick to blame the actress' murder on Fiona, since she's Irish, ignoring all the evidence that points to a third person in that room. This series is very good.

[Audrey Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is getting better and better. So far this installment is my favourite out of the series. I felt more invested in this intricate intrigue. The culprit was not obvious until approximately two third into the book, I had a harder time guessing this time. We get introduced to a lot of new characters. I can't wait to learn more about Max Thurston, I hope he appears in the following books. And there's a lot of progress on the romantic front as well. Nell and Will form a great sleuthing duo.

[Estara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again very detailed description of the aftermath of a murder scene and fascinating insights into forensic science of the time, and I finally have the impression the romance is taking off (considering the internal time frame it all makes sense) - still too little Gracie, though ^^.

I love the introduction of a very flamboyant minor character who will show up in the next book as well, and was led along by the red herring until the end again.

[Heidi (can’t retire soon enough) · Rating 4 out of 5]

With each new installment in this delightfully written series, I grow closer to the end of this six-book series. Each book is better than the last-- a winning combination of historical fiction, mystery and a touch of chemistry between our hero and heroine. The fact that it is set in Boston is a bonus for this American history buff.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death on Beacon Hill is a short, low-key cozy mystery. There's not any personal danger to Nell or Will, and the murder reveal is low stakes, very matter-of-fact. So it's not really a thrilling sort of mystery. I did enjoy the puzzle, and how the relationship between Nell and Will is progressing (or not). They spend plenty of time together in this one and the tension is palpable at times.

[R.P. Dahlke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Loved these books! Galloped through the first, then gobbled up the rest in the series. Wonderful historical mystery! My favorite thing in the world--I can't imagine writing it, but this author does it with style. There are 6 books, and all tug at your heartstrings. Poverty and glitz in the Golden Age of London. These books have it all! Highly recommended

[Li · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I read the first three books in quick succession, I thought each book felt refreshingly different. Loved the chemistry between Nell and Will in this one - the romance arc is almost as strong as the main mystery plot IMO.

[Edward Beavers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boston Celebrity Murdered

Boston Celebrity Murdered

An excellent telling of a murder that brings a wealth of characters in the story and gives a hint of their reasons for possibly being the murderer.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

ive read the first 3 in this series. well written and from a great, more proper time in our culture. great stories to pass the time.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great addition to this series.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these mysteries & the developing relationship between Nell & Will.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discovered the Nell Sweeney mysteries late in the summer (okay end of July and early August are the end of summer for a teacher) and devoured the first three in little over a week. So, this review really covers Still Life with Murder, Murder in Mill Town and Death on Beacon Hill. These novels are set in post Civil War Boston, not necessarily my preferred milieu, but such great character driven novels I was instantly enthralled.

I enjoyed the first one the most probably because it did such a good job of introducing the characters, flaws and weaknesses and all. I don't want to give anything away because peeling back the layers and getting to know these people is the best part of reading Ryan's books. They are gritty and real and probably less exaggerated than some reviewers might believe. I'll just say we may have only identified PTSD in recent decades as a diagnosis, but it has certainly existed and affected people for centuries, especially those who have gone to war.

As far as the mysteries go, I did find they were somewhat predictable and somewhat unpredictable. The solutions to the crimes tended to be among the theories I developed, though I didn't necessarily have them all figured out. As my opening lines indicated, they are very engaging and fairly quick reads.

[V · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

Will couldn't be more obvious with his "we should fake date court" and "let's pretend to be in a passionate embrace when we get caught sneaking in places we shouldn't." Nell and Will's relationship keeps inching more and more towards overt romance, and I'm dying at the romantic tension that's building up with each successive book.

This book had a pretty good mystery, the apparent murder of a well-known actress by her maid. Believing the maid to be unjustly charged, Nell once again takes on the case of figuring out what really happened. And, of course, Will happily accompanies her throughout the investigation. I thought there was a good balance of mystery and developing Nell's relationship with Will, as well as the various characters that make up the upper class in Boston, both already known from previous books and newly introduced here. This series continues to be a delight.

[Doro´s Buchgalaxie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boston, 1869: Zurück zu Nell Sweeney, die als Gouvernante der wohlhabenden Familie Hewitt genau zwischen Arm und Reich steht. Als dann ein Doppelmord Boston erschüttert, muss sie mal wieder etwas nachforschen. Dabei stolpert sie über einen alten Bekannten. Die Schauspielerin und ihr Hausmädchen wurden tot aufgefunden, doch wer ist der Mörder. Nell´s Leben ging weiter und wir erfahren, was so passiert ist. Außerdem tauchen bei dem neuen Fall wieder alte Bekannte auf. Es ist wieder spannend, neben dem Krimianteil, gibt es auch Nell und ihre Vergangenheit sowie ihre Beziehung zu einem gewissen Charaktere denn wir seit Band eins kennen. Gefesselt verfolgt man beides und bekommt nicht genug. Natürlich liegt es auch etwas an Nell, die nicht gerade ein üblicher Charakter ist. Sie hat viele Ecken und Kanten und das ein oder andere Geheimnis.

[Mbsuther · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting mystery

This murder mystery was interesting. Having read the previous two novels, there were things I hoped would happen, but didn't know how. First, I wanted Will Hewitt to use his medical skills to help solve any murder. Second, I wanted Nell to use her previous "skills" be a bit more. These things did come true more or less. My only problem with this crime was that it seemed to be clear immediately who the main suspect was. I was pleased at the ending as I did not see it coming. A very good story, even if it wasn't as tight as her earlier two books and great characters. A 4.5 out of 5 rating.

[Ivy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really tried to like this book (audio version) but I kept finding myself so bored and not engaged during my train rides. The audio book reader may have been a relative of the author (maybe daughter?) and when reading the character narrative put some variety into the characters, however, the author narrative portion was extremely dry and mundane. If I actually 'read' the story in my own voice, then I may have enjoyed it more.