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Gaslight Mystery #3
Murder on Gramercy Park
Detective Frank Malloy has vowed never to involve midwife Sarah Brandt in another murder investigation. His determination lasts only until he is called to the scene of a suicide and finds the dead man’s wife is in labor. By the time Sarah delivers the baby, Frank has discovered that Dr. Blackwell’s death was actually a murder.
Once more the two of them are working together to find a killer. Because Dr. Blackwell practiced an unusual type of “healing” and was less than honest with his friends, many people may have wanted him dead. The suspects include his wealthy father-in-law, his assistant, a slew of jealous husbands whose wives Dr. Blackwell has treated, and a mysterious man from Mrs. Blackwell’s past. Then the Blackwell’s new baby falls ill, and Sarah uncovers a shocking family secret that leads Malloy’s investigation down a gilded path paved with greed, deception and desire.
Once more the two of them are working together to find a killer. Because Dr. Blackwell practiced an unusual type of “healing” and was less than honest with his friends, many people may have wanted him dead. The suspects include his wealthy father-in-law, his assistant, a slew of jealous husbands whose wives Dr. Blackwell has treated, and a mysterious man from Mrs. Blackwell’s past. Then the Blackwell’s new baby falls ill, and Sarah uncovers a shocking family secret that leads Malloy’s investigation down a gilded path paved with greed, deception and desire.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2001
321 people are currently reading
1977 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Thompson
83 books2,446 followersVictoria Thompson was a beloved authoress of 'standard mystery' novels.
This middle of the road tone is not violent like a 'thriller' but unsanitized (NOT light like a 'cozy mystery'), is unflinchingly adult, serious, and dark.
Humour, romance, family, and compassion balance out the crime part of dear Victoria's unforgettable mysteries.
This middle of the road tone is not violent like a 'thriller' but unsanitized (NOT light like a 'cozy mystery'), is unflinchingly adult, serious, and dark.
Humour, romance, family, and compassion balance out the crime part of dear Victoria's unforgettable mysteries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 556 reviews
March 7, 2018
This is turning into one of those series where each book is such a pleasure to read that I can't wait to get to the next one. The descriptions of life in New York at that time, the developing relationship between Sarah and Frank plus a new murder mystery in each book makes it an easy series to return to.
In Murder on Gramercy Park three murders follow in rapid succession and it is largely thanks to Sarah's work as a midwife, which makes it possible for her to keep returning to the scene of the first crime, that the whole situation is solved. Frank is still reluctant to let her help him out in his work but he seems to be falling increasingly under her spell and she manages to do mostly what she wants.
I am enjoying the personal touches too, like little Brian's progress and the way this is changing Frank's whole outlook on life. And again the author introduces information about life at that time with medicine only just beginning to deal with many issues. Imagine operating on Brian's club foot without the aid of even an x ray.
Altogether an excellent read and I am very much looking forward to book 4:)
In Murder on Gramercy Park three murders follow in rapid succession and it is largely thanks to Sarah's work as a midwife, which makes it possible for her to keep returning to the scene of the first crime, that the whole situation is solved. Frank is still reluctant to let her help him out in his work but he seems to be falling increasingly under her spell and she manages to do mostly what she wants.
I am enjoying the personal touches too, like little Brian's progress and the way this is changing Frank's whole outlook on life. And again the author introduces information about life at that time with medicine only just beginning to deal with many issues. Imagine operating on Brian's club foot without the aid of even an x ray.
Altogether an excellent read and I am very much looking forward to book 4:)
March 5, 2018
Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy is called to the scene of an apparent suicide and sends for Sarah Brandt to help with the victim’s distressed pregnant wife. Soon after Sarah arrives, Frank realizes that he’s looking at a murder that someone tried to disguise. Of course, he’s not going to be able to detach Sarah from inserting herself into the case.
This was a real poser as there were quite a few potential suspects and interesting revelations throughout the story. I enjoy the investigative rhythm Frank and Sarah have as they pursue clues independently and come back together, typically over dinner, to compare notes. Their relationship is developing at a nice, slow burn that’s so appropriate for the two of them, building trust and admiration. It’s also great to see Frank’s transformation from a cynical cop to a man who sees a higher value for himself.
The outcome had some surprises though I’d guessed some of the resolution. It didn’t really matter much as the journey getting there was oh, so satisfying. I’m enjoying this series immensely.
This was a real poser as there were quite a few potential suspects and interesting revelations throughout the story. I enjoy the investigative rhythm Frank and Sarah have as they pursue clues independently and come back together, typically over dinner, to compare notes. Their relationship is developing at a nice, slow burn that’s so appropriate for the two of them, building trust and admiration. It’s also great to see Frank’s transformation from a cynical cop to a man who sees a higher value for himself.
The outcome had some surprises though I’d guessed some of the resolution. It didn’t really matter much as the journey getting there was oh, so satisfying. I’m enjoying this series immensely.
May 7, 2017
There's something I just love about this cozy mystery series. The author has researched the Victorian period in New York City thoroughly and it shows. Another solid whodunnit. A whole lot of talk talk talk but all in all a great read. I may or may not have ordered the next four books in the series during a Black Friday sale.
November 16, 2018
Well I reckon no one could have worked out who dunnit in this story! Really enjoyed the dynamic between Sarah and Frank and the rampant morphine and opium addictions of the time.
April 22, 2020
Addiction and many lies are at the heart of this mystery. The case confounds both Sarah and Malloy, with all the good reasons everyone involved with the case had for wanting the dead guy, dead.
Interesting how the opiate situation described by Victoria Thompson is not that different from the current day.
I’m really enjoying what I’ve read so far of this series. The slowly developing trust and respect between Sarah and Frank is nicely handled, and the cases are interesting. On to book four.
Interesting how the opiate situation described by Victoria Thompson is not that different from the current day.
I’m really enjoying what I’ve read so far of this series. The slowly developing trust and respect between Sarah and Frank is nicely handled, and the cases are interesting. On to book four.
February 21, 2022
Another great book in the series. The mystery was good and the crime solving was top notch. That drug addiction is not a new problem for any level in society is showcased in this book. The lengths that one will go and the enablers around the addict are also shown. Growth in the friendship between the main characters is enjoyable and I look forward to the next book.
March 11, 2018
Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy is called to investigate the apparent suicide of Edmund Blackwell. Malloy quickly realizes that it is a murder when evidence points in that direction. He sends for midwife Sarah Brandt when the victim's pregnant wife goes into labor. Once Sarah has her foot in the door and learns that there has been a murder, she decides to help Frank solve the case.
This is another enjoyable Gaslight Mystery by Victoria Thompson. This series is quickly becoming a favorite for me. I love the friendship between Frank and Sarah, and her helping him with his son. In this story we have several suspects, most of whom are not very likeable. I thought I had the villains figured out early in the book, but was surprised with the twist in the last dozen pages. My rating: 5 Stars.
This is another enjoyable Gaslight Mystery by Victoria Thompson. This series is quickly becoming a favorite for me. I love the friendship between Frank and Sarah, and her helping him with his son. In this story we have several suspects, most of whom are not very likeable. I thought I had the villains figured out early in the book, but was surprised with the twist in the last dozen pages. My rating: 5 Stars.
January 5, 2021
While in the previous book the accent was on the poor, here we have a rich family involved and thus Sarah's input is necessary since she comes from the high class family and can do thing and go places where Frank could not.
Also, compared with the previous book, we see that the rich women were not free and could suffer differently, but as much as the poor...
I like that the books underline how the women lived and how they were treated and up to now each book gave me insight on many things that I didn't know about the period: as I said, the treatment of women, the social differences, the differences between the places of origin... It's all very interesting!
On to the next!
Also, compared with the previous book, we see that the rich women were not free and could suffer differently, but as much as the poor...
I like that the books underline how the women lived and how they were treated and up to now each book gave me insight on many things that I didn't know about the period: as I said, the treatment of women, the social differences, the differences between the places of origin... It's all very interesting!
On to the next!
January 29, 2020
I'm a bit overdosed on this series (for those of you who have read the book, no pun intended). I'm going to give myself a little space before GM#4). There was a lot going on here - femme fatale, lots of adoring admirers, indifferent husband who is also a charlatan, two murder/suicides, one attempted murder, mysteriously red headed baby (oh my), cops on the take, opium den, and of course, the extremely likeable twosome brandt and malloy. What's not to love?
February 10, 2021
As the previous books, Ms. Thompson let you to easily guess what is going on.
But I certainly got a big surprise too at the end as like as our H/h.
Definitely like this series, however I check the rest of the book reviews, this H/h wouldn’t together at least for another ten books! 😣
This author only published this series once a year. I probably will continue reading this series later. I bought these three books in 2017, I didn’t realise I have it until it said, I already got it in 2017. I probably bought it after I binged and finished In Death series in 2016 and tried to find something similar.
Btw, as I said before this book reminds me of the other series that I like.
Yup, it’s Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series by Anne Perry. That series based in Victorian London.
Similar with this one, the posh heroine married down, the hero is a common guy, he is so sweet, kind and in love with his strong willed heroine. Their characters is opposite from this one 😜. No it wasn’t trying to copy this popular series, that series first book published in 70s before continuing book two twenty years later. Book one end up on telly too 😘.
The mystery there more darker and complicated. Lots of politics too.
They also met, in love and together from book #1 😍, it has 32 books in total, the common hero became a Sir by the end of the series and also it has a spin-off series about their hot shot lawyer son later on 😘. If you like this series, take a look that series too.
Now, should I just jump to book where they will together, you think 🤔 😂😘.
❤️
But I certainly got a big surprise too at the end as like as our H/h.
Definitely like this series, however I check the rest of the book reviews, this H/h wouldn’t together at least for another ten books! 😣
This author only published this series once a year. I probably will continue reading this series later. I bought these three books in 2017, I didn’t realise I have it until it said, I already got it in 2017. I probably bought it after I binged and finished In Death series in 2016 and tried to find something similar.
Btw, as I said before this book reminds me of the other series that I like.
Yup, it’s Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series by Anne Perry. That series based in Victorian London.
Similar with this one, the posh heroine married down, the hero is a common guy, he is so sweet, kind and in love with his strong willed heroine. Their characters is opposite from this one 😜. No it wasn’t trying to copy this popular series, that series first book published in 70s before continuing book two twenty years later. Book one end up on telly too 😘.
The mystery there more darker and complicated. Lots of politics too.
They also met, in love and together from book #1 😍, it has 32 books in total, the common hero became a Sir by the end of the series and also it has a spin-off series about their hot shot lawyer son later on 😘. If you like this series, take a look that series too.
Now, should I just jump to book where they will together, you think 🤔 😂😘.
❤️
August 13, 2015
Still very entertaining, Ms. Thompson pushed the envelope with her visit to an inky and somber era in US history. And I absolutely loved the slow-paced and peculiar friendship of the gruff Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy and the earthy but proper ex-blueblood Mrs. Sarah Brandt.
September 22, 2017
Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy arrives at the scene of Dr. Edmund Blackwell’s death thinking it is a suicide. However, as soon as he views it, he realizes it was murder. By that point, he’s already involved midwife Sarah Brandt as she is attending the dead man’s wife, who has gone into labor from the shock. Dr. Blackwell was a magnetic healer, bring relief to people suffering from pain. Who would want to kill a man like that?
And just like that, we are once again traveling back in time to 1890’s New York City. The book really does a great job of bringing the time and place to life. Frank and Sarah are fantastic main characters who share the sleuthing and page time as our third person point of view characters. The mystery is sharp with plenty of secrets to be uncovered. I thought I had it figured out early, but I was missing a big piece of the puzzle.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
And just like that, we are once again traveling back in time to 1890’s New York City. The book really does a great job of bringing the time and place to life. Frank and Sarah are fantastic main characters who share the sleuthing and page time as our third person point of view characters. The mystery is sharp with plenty of secrets to be uncovered. I thought I had it figured out early, but I was missing a big piece of the puzzle.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
May 19, 2017
If you are looking for a different type of murder mystery series, then check out the Gaslight Mystery series! Don't let the genre of cozy mystery define this series, because it is so much more than that. Also with all the scandalous things occurring in the novels, I don't think it fits into the cozy genre.
The series is set around the 1900s in New York City, with midwife, Sarah Brandt and Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy as the leading characters. In the 3rd novel, Mallory has been called to a suicide scene of a seemingly wealthy healer. The healer's wife was the one who found her husband's body and has gone into labour. In comes Sarah Brandt. After going over the scene, Mallory determines that it wasn't a suicide, but a murder. Who would of wanted to kill the healer and does his wife's new baby have anything to do with it?
I love the historical aspects of this series. You can tell that the author did a lot of research. It's interesting to see how much life and society has changed in the last 100 years and how class is so largely divided.
I also love the relationship between Sarah and Mallory. They are warming up to each other in this novel and Mallory is letting Sarah get more involved with solving the murders.
Check out this series and I can't wait to read more!
The series is set around the 1900s in New York City, with midwife, Sarah Brandt and Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy as the leading characters. In the 3rd novel, Mallory has been called to a suicide scene of a seemingly wealthy healer. The healer's wife was the one who found her husband's body and has gone into labour. In comes Sarah Brandt. After going over the scene, Mallory determines that it wasn't a suicide, but a murder. Who would of wanted to kill the healer and does his wife's new baby have anything to do with it?
I love the historical aspects of this series. You can tell that the author did a lot of research. It's interesting to see how much life and society has changed in the last 100 years and how class is so largely divided.
I also love the relationship between Sarah and Mallory. They are warming up to each other in this novel and Mallory is letting Sarah get more involved with solving the murders.
Check out this series and I can't wait to read more!
March 14, 2016
Murder on Gramercy Park
4 Stars
Called in to investigate an apparent suicide, Detective Frank Malloy arrives on scene to discover the deceased’s wife in labor. After summoning midwife Sarah Brandt, Malloy realizes that the death is suspicious and the victim’s many secrets are more than sufficient motive for murder.
Although the mystery is easy to figure out and the culprit is predictable, the details surrounding Edward Blackwell’s questionable medical practice and his wife’s surprising affliction provide a compelling backdrop to the interesting investigation and satisfying resolution.
However, as with the previous books, it is the characterization and the developing relationship between Sarah and Malloy that really grab the reader and keep the pages turning. The dynamic between Sarah and Malloy is enchanting as they grow closer and begin accepting that their lives have changed for the better since becoming acquainted.
Moreover, the scenes with Malloy’s son, Brian, are truly heart-warming as he is such a sweet and charming child. It is truly wonderful seeing Malloy’s growing attachment to the boy as well as the changes in Brian who has begun to flourish now that the true nature of his health issues has emerged.
All in all, an entertaining addition to a series that is rapidly becoming a favorite.
4 Stars
Called in to investigate an apparent suicide, Detective Frank Malloy arrives on scene to discover the deceased’s wife in labor. After summoning midwife Sarah Brandt, Malloy realizes that the death is suspicious and the victim’s many secrets are more than sufficient motive for murder.
Although the mystery is easy to figure out and the culprit is predictable, the details surrounding Edward Blackwell’s questionable medical practice and his wife’s surprising affliction provide a compelling backdrop to the interesting investigation and satisfying resolution.
However, as with the previous books, it is the characterization and the developing relationship between Sarah and Malloy that really grab the reader and keep the pages turning. The dynamic between Sarah and Malloy is enchanting as they grow closer and begin accepting that their lives have changed for the better since becoming acquainted.
Moreover, the scenes with Malloy’s son, Brian, are truly heart-warming as he is such a sweet and charming child. It is truly wonderful seeing Malloy’s growing attachment to the boy as well as the changes in Brian who has begun to flourish now that the true nature of his health issues has emerged.
All in all, an entertaining addition to a series that is rapidly becoming a favorite.
October 1, 2017
As a midwife in the turn-of-the-century tenements of New York City, Sarah Brandt has seen her share of suffering and joy, birth and death. Now, she learns that crime doesn’t discriminate, when the highest echelons of society are rocked by murder…
Murder on Gramercy Park was another mystery that was pretty easy to figure out, but the real draw to this series are Sarah and Malloy themselves. I really enjoy reading about them and their interactions with each other and the other people in their lives, particularly Malloy and his son Brian. Malloy is slowly growing as a character and I'm pleased with the direction he is going. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
Murder on Gramercy Park was another mystery that was pretty easy to figure out, but the real draw to this series are Sarah and Malloy themselves. I really enjoy reading about them and their interactions with each other and the other people in their lives, particularly Malloy and his son Brian. Malloy is slowly growing as a character and I'm pleased with the direction he is going. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
February 16, 2022
I appreciate how twisted the characters in this series are. In this installment, we have a drug addict, a self-proclaimed healer, a bunch of men willing to do anything for a woman pretending to be helpless…and then Sarah and Malloy trying to sort everything out. I have to admit that I didn’t really see the ending coming on this one.
Sarah and Malloy’s relationship continues to develop in small, but meaningful ways. Because of an interview I’ve heard with the author (and common sense), I know where it’s all headed, but it’s fun to watch them baby step their way there.
Sarah and Malloy’s relationship continues to develop in small, but meaningful ways. Because of an interview I’ve heard with the author (and common sense), I know where it’s all headed, but it’s fun to watch them baby step their way there.
September 21, 2017
Murder on Gramercy Park
By: Victoria Thompson
Series: Gaslight Mystery #3
Publisher/Year: Berkley Prime Crime, 2002
Setting: New York, (turn of the century)
Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Suspense
Adult themes and content
Plus(es): This book was a real page-turner given all the surprises, and I enjoyed some lighter moments that seemed to break up the seriousness of the plot.
Minus(es): Explores the darker side of human nature
Two words summarize book three in this series - secrets, and lies. Reading this book was like playing with nesting dolls. These dolls are like the secrets and fabrications almost all the characters have in this story. Every time you open one and think it is the end, another one is inside.
Mr. Blackwell is a “healer,” and he claims he can help people with medical infirmaries that no other medical professional can. It seemed his wife is living proof. So, why would anyone want this man dead? How is he able to perform these miracles? Sarah and Frank must join forces to unravel these mysteries.
Awards/Recognitions: National Bestselling Author, Edgar® and Agatha Award-nominated author
*4 & ½ stars
By: Victoria Thompson
Series: Gaslight Mystery #3
Publisher/Year: Berkley Prime Crime, 2002
Setting: New York, (turn of the century)
Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Suspense
Adult themes and content
Plus(es): This book was a real page-turner given all the surprises, and I enjoyed some lighter moments that seemed to break up the seriousness of the plot.
Minus(es): Explores the darker side of human nature
Two words summarize book three in this series - secrets, and lies. Reading this book was like playing with nesting dolls. These dolls are like the secrets and fabrications almost all the characters have in this story. Every time you open one and think it is the end, another one is inside.
Mr. Blackwell is a “healer,” and he claims he can help people with medical infirmaries that no other medical professional can. It seemed his wife is living proof. So, why would anyone want this man dead? How is he able to perform these miracles? Sarah and Frank must join forces to unravel these mysteries.
Awards/Recognitions: National Bestselling Author, Edgar® and Agatha Award-nominated author
*4 & ½ stars
April 13, 2019
Book three of the Gaslight mystery series and I'm enjoying reading it very much! And since I failed to mention it in my previous reviews I love Malloy's sarcasm!
March 30, 2025
╰┈➤ 4.25★
This series is now totally my comfort read and I haven't even gotten to them all!! But the familiarity with the setting, the characters, the flow of the stories and just the way the books are set up; like give me so much more of them!! ‹𝟹
── .✦
As I've already stated in my other reviews, the murder mystery itself is like a secondary character for me. What I'm here for is the growing relationship between Sarah Brandt and Frank Malloy. I loved to see how they are slowly becoming more than just acquaintances to actual friends (if you could say so for that time), and their little dinner talks ugh so cute!!! And ohmygoodness the chapter where Frank takes his little baby boy out for the first time. . . I swear I shed a tear at work, it was so darn adorable and Brian deserves the whole world.
── .✦
Even though I can't wait to go on to the next book, I will be taking a small break from this series. I have so many books I also need to get to before buying more heh 😅
This series is now totally my comfort read and I haven't even gotten to them all!! But the familiarity with the setting, the characters, the flow of the stories and just the way the books are set up; like give me so much more of them!! ‹𝟹
── .✦
As I've already stated in my other reviews, the murder mystery itself is like a secondary character for me. What I'm here for is the growing relationship between Sarah Brandt and Frank Malloy. I loved to see how they are slowly becoming more than just acquaintances to actual friends (if you could say so for that time), and their little dinner talks ugh so cute!!! And ohmygoodness the chapter where Frank takes his little baby boy out for the first time. . . I swear I shed a tear at work, it was so darn adorable and Brian deserves the whole world.
── .✦
Even though I can't wait to go on to the next book, I will be taking a small break from this series. I have so many books I also need to get to before buying more heh 😅
July 29, 2022
Woooow, this was bad. And there was so much yikes it made me uncomfortable at times.
Okay, slight tangent but this is necessary in understanding my disappointment with this book and the series as a whole:
What got me back into reading mysteries was rereading my favorite mystery manga series In/Spectre, and if you want to know more about that, read my reviews cuz I'm not giving a Ted Talk on the series here. Most importantly, what I realized as I was rereading it was that the characters involved in the mysteries were diverse personality wise. You had the asshole criminal, the paranoid criminal with a guilty conscience, the privileged wealthy family, the guy just trying to live a peaceful life, etc. Basically, not every mystery had purely unlikable characters as either bystanders or criminals; there were bad guys, good guys, morally grey guys, and that made it enjoyable because I got to watch different characters experience justice in different ways.
Now, how does this relate to the Gaslight Murder series? Simple. Everyone who is not Sarah Brandt, Frank Malloy, and Mrs. Ellsworth is an irredeemable asshole. Even the murder victims. Everyone is just the absolute worse in an almost hilariously cartoonish way that unless all of them end up dead, there is no true justice. Is this intentional? I have no idea and frankly I don't care. All I care about is that I have no one to care about or root for because they are all just the worst. Don't misunderstand, its not just this book--the same is true for her other two books as well. And I know that justice can't always be served, but when I got to the end of this novel and realized that all of the awful people were going to continue to be awful, I felt like I wasted my time.
As for the yikes part, the descriptions of Chinese people were so racist and insensitive that it made me uncomfortable. And no, I don't care that this was written in the early 2000's and the novels take place in the 1890's, Victoria Thompson did NOT have to write the Chinese characters with those descriptions. Period, end of story, do not fight me on this, it will not change my mind.
Anyway, those are my thoughts. I have no idea if I'll continue with this series, especially if Thompson isn't going to tone down the racist writing towards minorities. Eh, whatever, moving on.
Okay, slight tangent but this is necessary in understanding my disappointment with this book and the series as a whole:
What got me back into reading mysteries was rereading my favorite mystery manga series In/Spectre, and if you want to know more about that, read my reviews cuz I'm not giving a Ted Talk on the series here. Most importantly, what I realized as I was rereading it was that the characters involved in the mysteries were diverse personality wise. You had the asshole criminal, the paranoid criminal with a guilty conscience, the privileged wealthy family, the guy just trying to live a peaceful life, etc. Basically, not every mystery had purely unlikable characters as either bystanders or criminals; there were bad guys, good guys, morally grey guys, and that made it enjoyable because I got to watch different characters experience justice in different ways.
Now, how does this relate to the Gaslight Murder series? Simple. Everyone who is not Sarah Brandt, Frank Malloy, and Mrs. Ellsworth is an irredeemable asshole. Even the murder victims. Everyone is just the absolute worse in an almost hilariously cartoonish way that unless all of them end up dead, there is no true justice. Is this intentional? I have no idea and frankly I don't care. All I care about is that I have no one to care about or root for because they are all just the worst. Don't misunderstand, its not just this book--the same is true for her other two books as well. And I know that justice can't always be served, but when I got to the end of this novel and realized that all of the awful people were going to continue to be awful, I felt like I wasted my time.
As for the yikes part, the descriptions of Chinese people were so racist and insensitive that it made me uncomfortable. And no, I don't care that this was written in the early 2000's and the novels take place in the 1890's, Victoria Thompson did NOT have to write the Chinese characters with those descriptions. Period, end of story, do not fight me on this, it will not change my mind.
Anyway, those are my thoughts. I have no idea if I'll continue with this series, especially if Thompson isn't going to tone down the racist writing towards minorities. Eh, whatever, moving on.
November 25, 2019
I'm finding this a very entertaining series. I like the developing relationship between mid-wife Sarah Brandt and Inspector Frank Malloy. Sarah is a spunky, likable personality and Malloy finds himself growing more attached to her and comfortable with her even as he tries to keep her out of his investigations. I enjoyed this mystery, the murder of a healer which at first appears to be a suicide. Many suspects; his partner, his wife and/ or her lover, or his wife's father and others. Malloy and Brandt work together to sort the crimes out, as other suspects are murdered. The interesting thing is the access that Sarah, who comes from a rich family, can gain to these households and because of that, Malloy is also able to interrogate the wealthy. The situation in New York for the police is changing, they are becoming less corrupt, due in part to the leadership of Teddy Roosevelt. At any rate, an entertaining, well-written, nicely flowing mystery. I will keep reading this series.
October 26, 2015
There are several reasons why I like this series so much - I love the turn-of-the-century setting, I strongly admire Sarah Brandt, and I love the way the character of Frank Malloy is developing into someone with a conscience. It's also heartening to see the relationship developing between Frank and his son Brian. And also, inevitably, a positive change in the way Frank and Sarah relate to each other. I just ordered the next in the series.
July 2, 2018
3rd book in the Gaslight Mystery series and another very good read. Love learning about how life was in the late 1800's. Each book so far tells me something else I did not know about that time and gives me an idea of the advancement of medicine and the practices of Dr's. An other great murder mystery with several murders and lots of suspects. Love the characters and how they interact, and look forward to the next book.
April 21, 2020
Another great instalment in this murder mystery series, which this time involves addictions of various kind, and furthers the development of our characters.
March 18, 2022
I really like what this series is setting up with Sarah and Frank, and with Brian. There's a reason I keep checking the next book in this series out when I have other library books due back imminently that I should be reading instead.
Mrs. Ellsworth continues to be a gem. Also, I want her to make me a pie.
Mrs. Ellsworth continues to be a gem. Also, I want her to make me a pie.
September 27, 2020
I am a fan of Victoria Thompson, invested in her series of 1900. Midwife Sarah understands both the downtrodden and high life and Frank, a police officer, lets his heart draw him to solve cases that the New York of bribery days would have disregarded. The first novel struck five stars but these next two dwindled to three because the motives and actions driving the crime choices were unconvincing to me, as most are. “Gramercy Park” seemed bent on the suspect misdirection that readers covet too much. It matters that an author’s goal is to sweep me into a strong story. I am at the beginning and Virginia certainly drums up unique background detailing.
Classes combine in Gramercy Park: a public healer who made money from conventions, the young patient who married him out of gratitude, and the affluent Dad who permitted it for the same reason. Letitia goes into labour the day Edmond Blackwell is shot in his study and Sarah finds that the newborn baby and Mother have an addiction. I like the serious subjects these novels explore, firmly in the lane of “standard mystery”: not a “cozy” or a “thriller”. It is necessary, naturally, to investigate Edmond’s past as well as Letitia’s, whence personages derive whom we like much better than any of these others characters. Liking and caring for little except the newborn, was the main reason for my ambivalence about volume #3, 2001. A lot of the novel pertained to women like Letitia deliberately charming men into asinine attention. It was a turnoff, even though this reciprocal behaviour has a foothold in reality.
The topic area that impressed me is one that no other reader clued into. Edmond’s healing genuinely worked but it was not magnetic or magic. He was at the forefront of chiropractics!
Classes combine in Gramercy Park: a public healer who made money from conventions, the young patient who married him out of gratitude, and the affluent Dad who permitted it for the same reason. Letitia goes into labour the day Edmond Blackwell is shot in his study and Sarah finds that the newborn baby and Mother have an addiction. I like the serious subjects these novels explore, firmly in the lane of “standard mystery”: not a “cozy” or a “thriller”. It is necessary, naturally, to investigate Edmond’s past as well as Letitia’s, whence personages derive whom we like much better than any of these others characters. Liking and caring for little except the newborn, was the main reason for my ambivalence about volume #3, 2001. A lot of the novel pertained to women like Letitia deliberately charming men into asinine attention. It was a turnoff, even though this reciprocal behaviour has a foothold in reality.
The topic area that impressed me is one that no other reader clued into. Edmond’s healing genuinely worked but it was not magnetic or magic. He was at the forefront of chiropractics!
May 31, 2014
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
March 5, 2016
I just love this series!! 4.5 stars. I won't give anything away because I hate reading a review that has spoilers. Suffice it to say that there were plenty of suspects and red herrings. Love the relationship that is developing between the main characters.
January 2, 2009
The third in the Gaslight Mystery series.
This was just as good as the first two and I love that there is a budding crush on Sarah that she seems completly unaware of.
This was just as good as the first two and I love that there is a budding crush on Sarah that she seems completly unaware of.
January 1, 2019
I love this series! I had to read it out of order but it still holds so much mystery and fun! I hope to read them all soon! These books have it all mystery suspense fun and romance!
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