Bitter Tide

by Ann Stamos

New York, 1901. Immigrants lap at America's shore as relentlessly as the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Ellis Island Superintendent Joseph Hannegan stands alone trying to protect the interests of the immigrants and his country against the rampant corruption overtaking the station. Hannegan believes he may have enough evidence to rout a crooked commissioner. But when young Maggie Flynn steps off the ferry and shoots her fianâce, his mission is derailed.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Mystery, Adult

409 pages, Hardcover

First published April 15, 2009

About the author

Ann Stamos is the pen name for Takis and Judy Iakovou, authors of the Nick and Julia Lambros series. Although we collaborate on our books, Judy is the writer and Takis is "plot guy." When you correspond with us on Goodreads, you get Judy. Get in touch any time, or visit us on www.annstamos.com!

Reviews

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband and I read this book and really enjoyed it. We think they should make a movie of it! There is history involving Ellis Island, a murder and a little romance. The inside cover indicated that this is a debut novel in the new Ellis Island mystery series. It was published in 2009 and I cannot find where any more were written. Too bad!! I was looking forward to more of the same. I highly recommend it!

[Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent period writing with full character development. The authors provide insight into an often forgotten existence, namely the immigration tidal wave that could overwhelm Ellis Island. The characters begin to expose us to the real life struggles of an era more than 100 years ago.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really liked this mystery set in the walls of Ellis Island in 1901. Makes me appreciate what my ancestors experienced leaving their homelands and venturing into a completely unknown life across the waters.

[Megan]

DNS 7/15/2021

[Sue]

Upon landing on Ellis Island in 1901, Irish immigrant Maggie Flynn shoots her companion Cormac Doyle, causing an additional problem for Ellis Island Superintendent Joseph Hannegan. Already charged with protecting the immigrants and weeding out corruption from the Assistant Commissioner on down to his subordinates, Hannegan doesn’t need a murder investigation as well, especially when no one can locate the victim after he is rushed to the hospital. When Hannegan realizes the shooting is connected with his father’s involvement in the Clan na Gael, an Irish Republican organization, he concludes he must find out the reasons behind Doyle’s murder to protect Maggie, his job and his family, and Maggie isn’t talking. He’s assisted by Rachel Bonner, a Matron at the island, whose privileged background is very different from his own. His growing feelings for Rachel and his concern for his sister complicate matters. Steeped in the history of the time, the immigrant experience, the Tammany political machine, and the Clan na Gael and their issues, this first in a projected series contains well-developed main characters and fascinating historical details.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maggie O'Flynn has just arrived on a boat from Ireland when she is seen shooting the man she travelled with. He is whisked away by city police immediately and she is taken into custody. The following day, Superintendant Joseph Hannegan can't find where the victim was taken to. There is no record of him in any hospital in the area. Joseph is slowly working to ferret out the corruption taking place among the walls of the Ellis Island Station. One of the matrons, Rachel Bonner is assigned to help Joseph question Maggie to discover what really happened. But Maggie refuses to talk. Then an unknown couple of cops arrive to take her away. Joseph recognizes them and stops the plot. As the noose starts to tighten around Maggie's neck, Joseph and Rachael work together to determine what is happening. Joseph soon learns the Fenians have a role in the mystery. I enjoyed the book and learning more about Ellis Island.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, though I felt it wasn't quite as well-written and well-characterized as some I've read recently. It's a combination of historical fiction, mystery, and romance. As historical fiction, it seemed well researched and really shed light for me on the politics and experiences surrounding Ellis Island. As a mystery, I enjoyed it, but found the details a bit confusing at the beginning. As a romance, it was entertaining but I found the characters somewhat flat and the ending unsatisfactory. I guess that is because this is the beginning of a series? But it was published in 2009 and I can't find any word of a second book coming out. I think I would want to continue the series but I would like to see the setting and the characters fleshed out more.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good writing and an excellent historical mystery. I had no idea the Immigration station at Ellis Island was so riddled with vice and corruption in the early 1900s. Hundreds of employees process and admit or deport thousands of immigrants a day. Rachel Bonner works as a matron there, and Superintendent Joseph Hannegan is secretly assigned to document and rout the crooked officials. Irish rebels, who are immigrants but can't stop seeking Home Rule for their former home, are a significant part of the story.

[Ratforce]

As a fan of mysteries and Old New York, be sure to try Bitter Tide by Ann Stamos. The author does a great job of bringing New York to life, and the story is full of details about Ellis Island, the immigration process, and the rampant political corruption of the time.

For a fascinating book that not only offers a compelling mystery, but also a glimpse into the early days of Ellis Island immigration, with all of the hope, tragedy, and corruption, check out Bitter Tide.

[Meagan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not much of a mystery person, so you can't really judge this book based on my minimal enjoyment of it. What I will say is that the turn-of-the-century New York setting was unusual and well researched, the characters were interesting, and the second half of the book moved at a decent clip. Fans of historical mysteries would probably like it well enough.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Judy Iakovou is the author, writing as Ann Stamos. A mystery, set in the early 20th century, with a little bit of romance. I really liked this book and was impressed by the historical details that went into it. I hope there's another one I can read.

[Perfectprayerwarriorhotmail.Com · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Bitter Tide an Ellis Island Mystery" by Ann Stamos captivated me with her vivid characters and her insightful and thoughtful description of Ellis Island. This book inspired me to read Non-fictions about Ellis Island and the Immigration of people who were seeking a new life in America.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mystery set around Ellis Island. Maggie comes to the U.S. from Ireland with her boyfriend. When they land at Ellis Island, she shoots him. It's a good mystery, with lots of convoluted turns.

[Magda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent level of complexity. I love how they "sneak" a helpful Greek into a story of mostly Irish immigrants.

[Tim Shaughnessy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story!! I hope this author writes more books of this type.

[Margaret Boehm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent novel, well written.