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Gaslight Mystery #6
Murder on Marble Row
When an explosion kills wealthy industrialist Gregory Van Dyke, Police Commissioner Teddy Roosevelt presumes that anarchists are responsible and personally asks Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy to track them down. Malloy is up to the challenge - but he faces a different kind of challenge when he encounters Sarah Brandt paying a condolence call on the Van Dykes. Faced with the impossibility of ever expressing his true feelings for Sarah, Frank had vowed never to see or work with her again." For her part, Sarah is glad to be working with Malloy once again in his hunt for a dangerous killer - though they clash over his conviction that the murder was politically motivated.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2004
281 people are currently reading
1658 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Thompson
83 books2,452 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 469 reviews
June 10, 2018
Number 6 in the series and Frank has just made his first tentative step towards Sarah and a relationship. At least I think he did. This author has developed keeping the main characters on the verge into an art form.
There were tears, in my eyes at least, when little Brian signed “father” for the first time. There were amazing developments between Frank and Sarah’s parents. And as I mentioned before there were a few tiny steps forward between Sarah and Frank themselves.
Of course there was also a mystery, a few rather nasty deaths, lots of possible suspects and the usual twist at the end of the tale. This is an excellent series and I can’t wait to read what happens next.
There were tears, in my eyes at least, when little Brian signed “father” for the first time. There were amazing developments between Frank and Sarah’s parents. And as I mentioned before there were a few tiny steps forward between Sarah and Frank themselves.
Of course there was also a mystery, a few rather nasty deaths, lots of possible suspects and the usual twist at the end of the tale. This is an excellent series and I can’t wait to read what happens next.
July 1, 2017
The best of the series yet! 4.5 stars, rounded up because I couldn't put it down and read it in 24 hours.
This series lies somewhere between historical thriller and cozy mystery - it has a place of its own and I just dig what Victoria Thompson has done here with these stories.
I say it every time, but I love this series, the period, the character development and the mystery. It just keeps getting better with each installment, and I can't wait to read the seventh book (which I've already ordered and is on its way to me, thanks ThriftBooks!).
This series lies somewhere between historical thriller and cozy mystery - it has a place of its own and I just dig what Victoria Thompson has done here with these stories.
I say it every time, but I love this series, the period, the character development and the mystery. It just keeps getting better with each installment, and I can't wait to read the seventh book (which I've already ordered and is on its way to me, thanks ThriftBooks!).
June 3, 2018
Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy receives a headache of an assignment directly from Police Commissioner Teddy Roosevelt, the bombing murder of wealthy industrialist Gregory Van Dyke. Of course, complicating the case even more is the presence of midwife Sarah Brandt whose family are friends of the victim and are standing vigil with the family.
Normally the mysteries in this series are fairly easy to deduce but this time it was a bit more complicated and with a few clever twists. Also, as much as Frank wants to keep Sarah away from these investigations, this time even he had to acknowledge her assistance was not only invaluable but needed. I loved how they work together and her mother’s increased presence revealed where Sarah gets her skills. There was a bit of levity to go along with the seriousness of the crime. And, the developing relationship between these two was nuanced and subtle this time but unmistakably there.
Quite an enjoyable story and this continues to be a favorite series. I look forward to starting each month with the next adventures of Sarah and Frank.
Normally the mysteries in this series are fairly easy to deduce but this time it was a bit more complicated and with a few clever twists. Also, as much as Frank wants to keep Sarah away from these investigations, this time even he had to acknowledge her assistance was not only invaluable but needed. I loved how they work together and her mother’s increased presence revealed where Sarah gets her skills. There was a bit of levity to go along with the seriousness of the crime. And, the developing relationship between these two was nuanced and subtle this time but unmistakably there.
Quite an enjoyable story and this continues to be a favorite series. I look forward to starting each month with the next adventures of Sarah and Frank.
January 27, 2019
This was an interesting murder-mystery. Frank is summoned to investigate the murder of a wealthy man. And this too at the instigation of Felix Decker, Sarah's father. Needn't it to say that naturally Sarah would be involved.
This story is written well, and holds the interest of the reader. The plot is simple but the final answer to the murder-mystery is not what I expected; so it was a pleasant surprise.
Apart from the story, it is always interesting to read of the growing intimacy of Sarah and Frank, and here for the first time Frank is met by Sarah's parents. The future of them beginning to look promising.
The more I read this series, the more I like these two characters. I have read few murder-mystery series and have come across perhaps better stories than in this series; but I doubt whether I've come across the characters that I liked as much as I like Sarah and Frank. They feel so real to me and I honestly think that is one of the reasons that I like this series.
This story is written well, and holds the interest of the reader. The plot is simple but the final answer to the murder-mystery is not what I expected; so it was a pleasant surprise.
Apart from the story, it is always interesting to read of the growing intimacy of Sarah and Frank, and here for the first time Frank is met by Sarah's parents. The future of them beginning to look promising.
The more I read this series, the more I like these two characters. I have read few murder-mystery series and have come across perhaps better stories than in this series; but I doubt whether I've come across the characters that I liked as much as I like Sarah and Frank. They feel so real to me and I honestly think that is one of the reasons that I like this series.
August 23, 2022
I liked this book from the start! I have been reading the series in order and the characters are well developed. Mrs. Decker (Sarah's mother) was more fleshed out and added quite a bit to this story. The twist and turns in the mystery kept me interested until the end. The series descriptions of the era give me an idea how it was living in that period of time. How the police force was run, the rich were so totally detached from common people and what happened when these were mixed. 4.5*
January 7, 2021
Ohhh, this one is so Agatha Cristy-ish! :)
You'll never guess who-did-it until the end! LOL
You'll never guess who-did-it until the end! LOL
July 19, 2020
I outright laughed several times during this case involving a dysfunctional knickerbocker family (is there any other kind?) and the brutal murder of the patriarch. Roosevelt assigns Malloy the case, thanks to his growing numbers of successfully resolved cases.
And no matter how desperately he both wants and doesn’t want to see Sarah again, she becomes involved. And not just her. Her mother, initially shocked by a number of aspects of the investigation, actually proves herself remarkably adept at reading situations and her husband.
I really enjoyed this complicated and messy case. I also loved how much enjoyment little Brian is taking in walking, and how his world is opening up for him. And I so felt for Sarah and her dilemma about Aggie. Overall, this instalment was enough fun that I stayed up late to finish it.
And no matter how desperately he both wants and doesn’t want to see Sarah again, she becomes involved. And not just her. Her mother, initially shocked by a number of aspects of the investigation, actually proves herself remarkably adept at reading situations and her husband.
I really enjoyed this complicated and messy case. I also loved how much enjoyment little Brian is taking in walking, and how his world is opening up for him. And I so felt for Sarah and her dilemma about Aggie. Overall, this instalment was enough fun that I stayed up late to finish it.
July 5, 2018
Murder on Marble Row
4 Stars
Detective Frank Malloy is called in when a wealthy industrialist is killed in an explosion. Frank's problems are compounded when he discovers that Sarah Brandt is closely acquainted with the victim's family and insists on aiding in the investigation.
As with the previous books in the series, the twists and turns of the mystery are rather obvious and as such the eventual explanation is not at all surprising. That said, it is entertaining to follow along as Frank and Sarah uncover the clues while attempting to deny their feelings for one another.
More details are forthcoming with regard to the murder of Sarah's husband, and it would seem that there was more to the good doctor than meets the eye.
Looking forward to reading more about Frank and Sarah's forays into murder and mayhem.
4 Stars
Detective Frank Malloy is called in when a wealthy industrialist is killed in an explosion. Frank's problems are compounded when he discovers that Sarah Brandt is closely acquainted with the victim's family and insists on aiding in the investigation.
As with the previous books in the series, the twists and turns of the mystery are rather obvious and as such the eventual explanation is not at all surprising. That said, it is entertaining to follow along as Frank and Sarah uncover the clues while attempting to deny their feelings for one another.
More details are forthcoming with regard to the murder of Sarah's husband, and it would seem that there was more to the good doctor than meets the eye.
Looking forward to reading more about Frank and Sarah's forays into murder and mayhem.
June 17, 2018
When Sarah Brandt learns that family friend Gregory Van Dyke was killed when a bomb exploded in his office, she paid a condolence call to the Van Dyke family. At the house she finds Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy who has been sent by Police Commissioner Teddy Roosevelt to investigate the death. Frank has been avoiding Sarah for the last several weeks. He believes he cannot fit into her world. But he also knows that he needs Sarah's help to discover the secret lives of the people living on Marble Row.
I believe this is the best book in the series so far. This is a solid mystery with lots of suspects. I did guess part of it correctly, but got the rest wrong. Sarah's mother plays a larger part in this story when she visits the Lower East Side with Sarah. This led to some humorous scenes. Also, Frank makes some decisions about Brian that will change his life. My rating: 5 Stars.
I believe this is the best book in the series so far. This is a solid mystery with lots of suspects. I did guess part of it correctly, but got the rest wrong. Sarah's mother plays a larger part in this story when she visits the Lower East Side with Sarah. This led to some humorous scenes. Also, Frank makes some decisions about Brian that will change his life. My rating: 5 Stars.
March 8, 2020
i love this series. i don't remember which goodreads friend turned me on to it but i am forever grateful. this mystery finds frank and sarah investigating the murder of (who else, but,) another member of the hoity toity - seemingly by an anarchist's bomb. who stands to gain by the murder? frank is called into police commissioner Roosevelt's (teddy's) office to investigate...we find a list of likely suspects: an affected widow the age of her stepsons, yet another unmarried society "lady" who is mysteriously pregnant (by whom?), a rival/partner, an office manager, even the butler. sarah's parents are starting to become involved in her investigations, lending a hand with the gossip surrounding the inner circles of the society swells they hang with. frank continues to secretly drool over sarah while trying to keep her at arm's length so he won't overstep his station. sarah continues to insinuate herself into frank's investigations....so cute! what will i do when i run out of books in this series? i'm limiting myself to two a month so that i don't overdose, but also so that i have time for other books!
September 22, 2018
When a bomb goes off in the office of millionaire Gregory Van Dyke, everyone assumes it is anarchists. Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy is assigned to the case at the specific request of Felix Decker, Sarah Brandt's father. Frank fears this means he is being set up for failure. Meanwhile, Sarah worms her way into the investigation thanks to her friendship with the Van Dyke family. Are anarchists really behind it? If not, who set the bomb?
Once again, we have a wonderfully plotted mystery. I was usually only one or two pages ahead of Frank and Sarah as they pieced everything together, and I was surprised once they figured everything out. The characters are strong as always, with both the series regulars and new characters coming across as real. Sarah's mother plays a larger role in what happens here, and I really enjoyed her scenes. There was always something happening, and I had a hard time putting it down. In fact, I decided to stay up late to finish the book. I just didn't want to put the last 60 pages off until the next day.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Once again, we have a wonderfully plotted mystery. I was usually only one or two pages ahead of Frank and Sarah as they pieced everything together, and I was surprised once they figured everything out. The characters are strong as always, with both the series regulars and new characters coming across as real. Sarah's mother plays a larger role in what happens here, and I really enjoyed her scenes. There was always something happening, and I had a hard time putting it down. In fact, I decided to stay up late to finish the book. I just didn't want to put the last 60 pages off until the next day.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
May 12, 2017
Another interesting book! The Van Dykes could teach a class in being dysfunctional.
I usually figure out the solutions of these books fairly early on, but there's always some twist somewhere, so I enjoy them anyways. Plus the characters are fun. But this book took the cake.
MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD, PLEASE DON'T READ UNLESS YOU WANT THE ENTIRE PLOT SPOILED!!!
Page 30 or so:
Me: Gosh, it really seems like the victim set the bomb himself to kill his business partner. But that's too obvious, and this would be a lame murder mystery if that was the answer.
Book continues
Everyone: We suspect anarchists!
Anarchist: *acts very obviously guilty*
Suspicious Son: *acts suspicious*
No one: *notices suspicious son acting suspicious*
Everyone: *continues to suspect the anarchist*
Me: *facepalm*
Eventually...
Coroner: I found a wire!
Me: I KNEW IT!!!!
Everyone: ANARCHISTS!!!!
Suspicious Son: *acts PAINFULLY suspicious*
Me: Can we please move on to be suspicious of the obviously suspicious son so that you can then figure out this was an accident?
Everyone: ANARCHISTS!!!
Me: *facepalms harder*
Main characters: Wait! We are suddenly suspicious of the suspicious son!
Suspicious son: *acts super suspicious, practically writing I DID IT on his forehead*
Actual murder: Occurs!
Me: Finally!
Main characters: Clearly the suspicious son killed both victims!
Me: ... *sigh*
Main character: Oh wait. He only killed the second victim. The first victim blew himself up while trying to kill the second victim by accident.
Me: .................. You're so lucky I like you guys because WOW.
Take this with a grain of salt, I'm not sure what tipped me off about the real solution, but I thought it was super obvious. Really that's the reason it only got 3 stars, because the book was still really interesting and the characters were fantastic, but... Yeah, I don't know, I'm not the type of person to enjoy solving the entire mystery within the first few pages. Maybe other people enjoy this, but if I'm reading a mystery, I want it to *BE A MYSTERY*
I usually figure out the solutions of these books fairly early on, but there's always some twist somewhere, so I enjoy them anyways. Plus the characters are fun. But this book took the cake.
MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD, PLEASE DON'T READ UNLESS YOU WANT THE ENTIRE PLOT SPOILED!!!
Page 30 or so:
Me: Gosh, it really seems like the victim set the bomb himself to kill his business partner. But that's too obvious, and this would be a lame murder mystery if that was the answer.
Book continues
Everyone: We suspect anarchists!
Anarchist: *acts very obviously guilty*
Suspicious Son: *acts suspicious*
No one: *notices suspicious son acting suspicious*
Everyone: *continues to suspect the anarchist*
Me: *facepalm*
Eventually...
Coroner: I found a wire!
Me: I KNEW IT!!!!
Everyone: ANARCHISTS!!!!
Suspicious Son: *acts PAINFULLY suspicious*
Me: Can we please move on to be suspicious of the obviously suspicious son so that you can then figure out this was an accident?
Everyone: ANARCHISTS!!!
Me: *facepalms harder*
Main characters: Wait! We are suddenly suspicious of the suspicious son!
Suspicious son: *acts super suspicious, practically writing I DID IT on his forehead*
Actual murder: Occurs!
Me: Finally!
Main characters: Clearly the suspicious son killed both victims!
Me: ... *sigh*
Main character: Oh wait. He only killed the second victim. The first victim blew himself up while trying to kill the second victim by accident.
Me: .................. You're so lucky I like you guys because WOW.
Take this with a grain of salt, I'm not sure what tipped me off about the real solution, but I thought it was super obvious. Really that's the reason it only got 3 stars, because the book was still really interesting and the characters were fantastic, but... Yeah, I don't know, I'm not the type of person to enjoy solving the entire mystery within the first few pages. Maybe other people enjoy this, but if I'm reading a mystery, I want it to *BE A MYSTERY*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2019
After the 5th instalment of the series which I didn't enjoyed as much I'm happy to have read the 6th which I did enjoy a great deal!
The book was focused from the beginning with the murder investigation not like the 5th instalment which was a test to my patience!
The plot of the crime part of the novel was good and I didn't manage to figure out who did it! A very clever resolution also!
I liked Sarah's mother more in this instalment since she didn't tried to find a rich husband for her daughter!
I loved the moments between Malloy and his son Brain as much as I love Sarah with little Aggie!
Despite that they didn't spend much of their time investigating together I enjoyed Sarah and Malloy's moments since she didn't torture him like in the previous instalment!
After reading three instlament of the Gaslight mystery series I think I'll take a break but I'm very intrigued for the next stories...
The book was focused from the beginning with the murder investigation not like the 5th instalment which was a test to my patience!
The plot of the crime part of the novel was good and I didn't manage to figure out who did it! A very clever resolution also!
I liked Sarah's mother more in this instalment since she didn't tried to find a rich husband for her daughter!
I loved the moments between Malloy and his son Brain as much as I love Sarah with little Aggie!
Despite that they didn't spend much of their time investigating together I enjoyed Sarah and Malloy's moments since she didn't torture him like in the previous instalment!
After reading three instlament of the Gaslight mystery series I think I'll take a break but I'm very intrigued for the next stories...
October 1, 2017
Police Commissioner Teddy Roosevelt calls Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy into his office for an especially difficult assignment. A wealthy factory owner has been killed by a bomb in his office, and anarchists are high on the list of suspects. Malloy isn't so sure that the easy answer is the right one but Roosevelt wants justice done, whoever the culprits are.
What I liked most about Murder on Marble Row is that it kept me guessing, something that the other books in this series haven't been able to do. I also really like that this series includes some real people from New York history. Teddy Roosevelt has been mentioned in previous books and here as Police Commissioner, he actually assigns Malloy to a case himself. I also liked that Sarah's mother helped with this case.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
What I liked most about Murder on Marble Row is that it kept me guessing, something that the other books in this series haven't been able to do. I also really like that this series includes some real people from New York history. Teddy Roosevelt has been mentioned in previous books and here as Police Commissioner, he actually assigns Malloy to a case himself. I also liked that Sarah's mother helped with this case.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
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July 23, 2014Very annoyed with myself...this is review #3 because I closed them without saving.
First of story...too long, same old regurgitated info so stopped at about page 100 and went to back, found what happend. The End.
If you happen to come across this, no worries, read it first and you won't miss a beat.
Number six of the series, perhaps I'm just getting tired of the series, I'm not sure. I was not disappointed though not finishing the reading of the book.
The end did have a twist which is pretty remarkable because usually it's the same old, same old. I'm going to have to be pretty bored to pick up the next one.
I liked it, yeah, but didn't read all of it. So..a two stars will do?
First of story...too long, same old regurgitated info so stopped at about page 100 and went to back, found what happend. The End.
If you happen to come across this, no worries, read it first and you won't miss a beat.
Number six of the series, perhaps I'm just getting tired of the series, I'm not sure. I was not disappointed though not finishing the reading of the book.
The end did have a twist which is pretty remarkable because usually it's the same old, same old. I'm going to have to be pretty bored to pick up the next one.
I liked it, yeah, but didn't read all of it. So..a two stars will do?
April 18, 2022
Spring time is the season of the Cozy Mystery. I can get an audio version of a cozy mystery and listen to it as I work in the yard or in my "garden." I use parentheses because what I end up with is rarely a garden, but more like a series of half dead plants each suffering from some unique blight or malady. But I try every year.
This is the 6th book in the Gaslight Mysteries, set in the early 20th century. I still adore Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy and Sarah Brandt. I'm surprised that their will they/won't they romance has not turned me off, but it has not and my admiration and interest in them as a couple and as individuals has not waned.
There are 19 books in the series and I plan on reading them all, although it might not be this year.
This is the 6th book in the Gaslight Mysteries, set in the early 20th century. I still adore Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy and Sarah Brandt. I'm surprised that their will they/won't they romance has not turned me off, but it has not and my admiration and interest in them as a couple and as individuals has not waned.
There are 19 books in the series and I plan on reading them all, although it might not be this year.
June 29, 2025
i neeed to see brian and aggie together on a play date 🥹💗
rtc asap! 🫶🏼
rtc asap! 🫶🏼
April 1, 2020
Another installment of the Gaslight Mystery series. This mystery had me waiting until the end for the final conclusion to the mystery of the case.
Little Aggie stole my heart and a comic relief with Sarah's mom involved in a couple conversations.
Bring on #7!
Little Aggie stole my heart and a comic relief with Sarah's mom involved in a couple conversations.
Bring on #7!
May 28, 2024
I love Victoria Thompson’s novels and review story quality seriously even as a fan. I have a formidable memory. I often write a batch of feedback after a few months of reading, so that each activity flows uninterrupted. It is telling that I do not precisely remember the villain, motive, or why my grade is 3 stars. This itself contributes to that assessment. I will enumerate the quibbles I recall and certainly praise what I liked about “Murder On Marble Row”, 2004.
Victoria brims with great ideas and societal struggles to spotlight: immigrant anarchists being blamed for an explosion. A Son of the victim left their affluent household to marry one such lady. I admired the endnote, that Victoria was inspired by a newspaper article about a historical explosion and anarchist woman in New York.
A fine storywriter, Victoria furnished a lot motives. The man’s elder Daughter was in love with his company secretary, an unlikely station for marrying her in 1896, the year of the real event. Gregory Van Dyke’s youngest Son coveted his obvious trophy wife. How about his partner’s ancient grudge? Frank Malloy considered them all. Sarah Brandt’s parents knew Gregory, a seamless entryway for her.
My criticisms are cardboard dialogue and repeated clichés. “Anarchists use explosives. It must be them!”, said everyone. “Sarah, stay away from the case!”, said Frank, even though she is indispensible and there would be no novels without her. Frank’s bossiness and roughness were as inappropriate, as his cowardice to court her is implausible. She clearly chose a middleclass life. I also find an orphan’s clinginess annoyingly heavy-handed. If Sarah is meant to adopt her, stop hinting and do it. Finally, it was nonsense for enemies to share a company for decades.
Baby Brian always brings joy to all of the stories.
Victoria brims with great ideas and societal struggles to spotlight: immigrant anarchists being blamed for an explosion. A Son of the victim left their affluent household to marry one such lady. I admired the endnote, that Victoria was inspired by a newspaper article about a historical explosion and anarchist woman in New York.
A fine storywriter, Victoria furnished a lot motives. The man’s elder Daughter was in love with his company secretary, an unlikely station for marrying her in 1896, the year of the real event. Gregory Van Dyke’s youngest Son coveted his obvious trophy wife. How about his partner’s ancient grudge? Frank Malloy considered them all. Sarah Brandt’s parents knew Gregory, a seamless entryway for her.
My criticisms are cardboard dialogue and repeated clichés. “Anarchists use explosives. It must be them!”, said everyone. “Sarah, stay away from the case!”, said Frank, even though she is indispensible and there would be no novels without her. Frank’s bossiness and roughness were as inappropriate, as his cowardice to court her is implausible. She clearly chose a middleclass life. I also find an orphan’s clinginess annoyingly heavy-handed. If Sarah is meant to adopt her, stop hinting and do it. Finally, it was nonsense for enemies to share a company for decades.
Baby Brian always brings joy to all of the stories.
February 16, 2012
I really do love this series as well as this genre. As to why I enjoy these so much, there are probably several reasons. The first would be the two central characters in each of these stories. The author has created two people who are worlds apart from one another in terms of their upbringing, but who are attracted to one another and are on equal ground in terms of intelligence, wit, and their views of justice.
The author also has the ability to weave an interesting mystery in each novel she produces. In this case, it wasn't until I reached the last few pages in this one, before I finally could see how the mystery death was going to be solved. During the course of this reading I had no end of suspects to ponder as the story unfolded. Nice job Ms. Thompson!
My long standing interest in history, particularly American history, makes the setting of New York City in the days of Teddy Roosevelt's rise to the "highest office" in the land very attractive to me. In fact, in this one TR requests Detective Sergent Malloy's assistance in solving the violent death of a family friend.
The "family friend" comes from the upper crust of New York society and as a result Malloy finds himself having to consult Sarah Brandt about the people and the life style that Sarah grew up with. Sarah and Frank make an excellent crime solving duo.
One of my other favorite characters in these stories is Sarah's mother. She is a spunky lady and uses her feminine wiles to influence her daughter and her powerful husband in ways they seemingly don't recognize because she is so wisely subtle in exercising that influence.
Started this on Sunday and finished it on Wednesday. Fun read!
The author also has the ability to weave an interesting mystery in each novel she produces. In this case, it wasn't until I reached the last few pages in this one, before I finally could see how the mystery death was going to be solved. During the course of this reading I had no end of suspects to ponder as the story unfolded. Nice job Ms. Thompson!
My long standing interest in history, particularly American history, makes the setting of New York City in the days of Teddy Roosevelt's rise to the "highest office" in the land very attractive to me. In fact, in this one TR requests Detective Sergent Malloy's assistance in solving the violent death of a family friend.
The "family friend" comes from the upper crust of New York society and as a result Malloy finds himself having to consult Sarah Brandt about the people and the life style that Sarah grew up with. Sarah and Frank make an excellent crime solving duo.
One of my other favorite characters in these stories is Sarah's mother. She is a spunky lady and uses her feminine wiles to influence her daughter and her powerful husband in ways they seemingly don't recognize because she is so wisely subtle in exercising that influence.
Started this on Sunday and finished it on Wednesday. Fun read!
April 9, 2022
This was the first book in the series where I really didn't figure out whodoneit until the very end. Every time I thought "Okay well it must be X because..." then Sarah and Frank would end up discussing the same theory, so I knew that couldn't be it.
Scenes with Brian continue to be among my very favorite. Loved the moment where he signed "father" for the first time!! I also really enjoy that Mrs. Decker was more involved in this one. Fascinated to see how everything plays out in the investigation into Tom's murder. I probably should focus on some other library books, but I'm not sure I'm going to be able to do that just yet.
Scenes with Brian continue to be among my very favorite. Loved the moment where he signed "father" for the first time!! I also really enjoy that Mrs. Decker was more involved in this one. Fascinated to see how everything plays out in the investigation into Tom's murder. I probably should focus on some other library books, but I'm not sure I'm going to be able to do that just yet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2020
Malloy is starting to make a name for himself it seems, and Roosevelt asks him to investigate a bombing that everyone believes has been committed by anarchists. Reality is somewhat different - isn’t it always! - and throws him once more into the world of the rich, with some pretty unsavoury characters. Totally enjoyable mystery and I absolutely loved seeing Sarah’s mother sharing some of her adventure. Brilliant!
March 25, 2019
Rating: 5 /5
One of the interesting things about the mystery elements of this series is that even though the reader has ample opportunity to guess whodunnit early on, they still can't be sure about whodunnit, because Ms. Thompson provides each of her characters with a different yet convincing motive. So, really, even if the identity of the murderer(s) doesn't surprise the reader, the motive behind why they ultimately did what they did and how is still a mystery. That's what makes it fun to read through these books and find out how and what happened. Besides which, there's usually a little twist at the end wherein some unexpected danger might befall our heroes--in other words, nothing is completely predictable.
Besides that though, as I keep appreciating over and over again, there are so many other elements that I just have to enjoy. For instance, the relationship between Frank and Sarah, which is developing from book to book in the most interesting ways. The most notable aspects of their developing relationship consists in two parts for this novel:
1. That Frank spends time investigating with both Sarah and her mother in this book, which gets Mrs. Decker and Frank more acquainted with one another. Granted, neither make much of a comment on the other (yet!) but it's a start towards more intimacy, at least.
2. That even though Frank is still against Sarah getting involved any which way in his cases, the reason behind this has completely changed from the beginning of the series. In the beginning, he begrudged her getting involved because he either didn't trust in her abilities, or he thought her a meddling female, or she was over-complicating things and making him work harder to find out the truth than he otherwise would have worked--"reforming" him, if you will. But, now that he's finally admitted to himself how he feels about her (much as it pains him to do so, in more ways than one), the main reason why he doesn't want her involved is because he wants her safe. Yes, no longer is there a questioning of Sarah's abilities, but instead we have Frank fighting with his basic instinct of wanting to keep Sarah safe and secure, whilst at the same time having to remind himself that he has "no right" to feel that way, etc. It was a pleasant change in attitude, to say the least.
Apart from that, some of the fluffier moments involved Aggie and Brian who--thank goodness--Ms. Thompson will be bringing together to meet, hopefully in the next novel. Guess I'd better read and find out!
One of the interesting things about the mystery elements of this series is that even though the reader has ample opportunity to guess whodunnit early on, they still can't be sure about whodunnit, because Ms. Thompson provides each of her characters with a different yet convincing motive. So, really, even if the identity of the murderer(s) doesn't surprise the reader, the motive behind why they ultimately did what they did and how is still a mystery. That's what makes it fun to read through these books and find out how and what happened. Besides which, there's usually a little twist at the end wherein some unexpected danger might befall our heroes--in other words, nothing is completely predictable.
Besides that though, as I keep appreciating over and over again, there are so many other elements that I just have to enjoy. For instance, the relationship between Frank and Sarah, which is developing from book to book in the most interesting ways. The most notable aspects of their developing relationship consists in two parts for this novel:
1. That Frank spends time investigating with both Sarah and her mother in this book, which gets Mrs. Decker and Frank more acquainted with one another. Granted, neither make much of a comment on the other (yet!) but it's a start towards more intimacy, at least.
2. That even though Frank is still against Sarah getting involved any which way in his cases, the reason behind this has completely changed from the beginning of the series. In the beginning, he begrudged her getting involved because he either didn't trust in her abilities, or he thought her a meddling female, or she was over-complicating things and making him work harder to find out the truth than he otherwise would have worked--"reforming" him, if you will. But, now that he's finally admitted to himself how he feels about her (much as it pains him to do so, in more ways than one), the main reason why he doesn't want her involved is because he wants her safe. Yes, no longer is there a questioning of Sarah's abilities, but instead we have Frank fighting with his basic instinct of wanting to keep Sarah safe and secure, whilst at the same time having to remind himself that he has "no right" to feel that way, etc. It was a pleasant change in attitude, to say the least.
Apart from that, some of the fluffier moments involved Aggie and Brian who--thank goodness--Ms. Thompson will be bringing together to meet, hopefully in the next novel. Guess I'd better read and find out!
December 23, 2021
I love this series. It is starting to add a bit of romance however that’s not to at all say it’s a cozy mystery. Sarah, a midwife, from a wealthy family is again in the middle of a murder. A wealthy man has been blown up by a bomb. Is his rebel son behind it? Or his very young wife? Or his unmarried daughter who may bring disgrace on the family name? Or his youngest son who may have a shocking secret of his own? Or his business partner who he has known all of his life but can’t stand? The answer is carefully woven into all of the above for a very shocking ending. Sarah with her “friend “ detective Malloy will have an uphill battle for the resolution of this interesting mystery.
June 28, 2021
Another delightful read from “The Gaslight Mystery” series! Was tickled to see Sarah’s mother Mrs Elizabeth Decker spending time investigating the murder of their family friend and was rather amused with her strait-laced humour and innocence at the perils of the real world.
Also, even though this book was set in a era 100 years ago, some things remains similar. The prejudice towards certain groups of people whose ideas doesn’t gel with the mainstream, the stereotype of the Chinese (there’s nothing offensive to me. I guess that is how they view us a hundred years ago) and the disparity between the rich and the poor. Who knew that they are able to make pipe bombs then and can be so creative in taking revenge?
Also, even though this book was set in a era 100 years ago, some things remains similar. The prejudice towards certain groups of people whose ideas doesn’t gel with the mainstream, the stereotype of the Chinese (there’s nothing offensive to me. I guess that is how they view us a hundred years ago) and the disparity between the rich and the poor. Who knew that they are able to make pipe bombs then and can be so creative in taking revenge?
January 30, 2023
I can't believe I waited so long to read this. I wasn't too interested based on the synopsis, not gonna lie. But along the journey I got more and more invested and that ending. Did not see that coming!
June 8, 2018
This was another really good story in the series. Reading with a goodreads group.
August 13, 2019
I'm so addicted to Sarah and Malloy! Another fantastic installment.
January 18, 2020
I continue to love this series. I'm listening on Overdrive from the library. Despite his efforts, Malloy continues to become more established in Sarah's world. I love getting the updates on Brian and now Aggie. Sarah's mother getting into Sarah's world was hilarious. There is some real humor with Malloy and Sarah also.
June 4, 2017
This series just keeps getting better and better!
New York 1896
New York 1896
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