31 Bond Street

by Ellen Horan

Based on a true story, mystery and intrigue in pre-Civil War New York The sensational murder of Dr. Harvey Burdell in his lower Manhattan home made front-page news across the United States in 1857. "Who killed Dr. Burdell?" was a question that gripped the nation. 31 Bond Street, a debut novel by Ellen Horan, interweaves fiction with actual events in a clever historical narrative that blends romance, politics, greed and sexual intrigue in a suspenseful drama. The story opens when an errand boy discovers Burdell's body in the bedroom of his posh Bond Street home. The novel's central characters are Dr. Harvey Burdell, a dentist and unscrupulous businessman; his lover, the ambitious, Brooklyn-born Emma Cunningham; the District Attorney, Abraham Oakey Hall (later to become mayor of New York); and Henry Clinton, a prominent defense lawyer. The enigmatic relationship between Emma and Dr. Burdell makes her the prime suspect, and her trial is nothing less than sensational.

During the trial, the two lawyers fight for truth, justice and their careers. This novel is set against the background of bustling, corrupt New York City, just four years before the Civil War. The author intertwines two main narratives: the trial through the perspective of the defense attorney Henry Clinton, and the story of the lovely young widow Emma Cunningham whose search for a husband brings her into the arms and home of Dr. Burdell.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Historical, Crime, Historical Mystery, 19th Century

352 pages, Hardcover

First published March 30, 2010

About the author

REVIEWS--Here's what they are saying!
It’s not easy to breathe life into real-life characters, especially when quoting their words extensively from reported sources, but Cunningham and Clinton live on the page as freshly as if they had stepped, newly minted, from Horan’s vivid imagination.” —Washington Post

“This is a gripping, elegantly written, and brilliantly researched legal thriller, but it is more than that: 31 Bond Street illuminates a critical period of our history with sharp insights into sex, class, and politics. Don’t miss it.” —Joe Conason, New York Times bestselling author of
The Hunting of the President and Big Lies

“31 Bond Street works as both historical fiction and courtroom drama. Add in the actuality of the event, and you have a trifecta
of a historical crime story in the hands of a skilled writer.” —San Francisco Book Review

BIO
Ellen Horan was raised in Philadelphia and New York. After her undergraduate degree, where she studied painting and history, she lived in France for a year while working as an au pair and studying studio art. She remained abroad for a second year after obtaining a grant to live and paint in the South of France.

She returned to New York City and worked for photographers and photo agencies. She maintained an art studio while continuing to work freelance as a photo editor for magazines and books. She has worked on staff and in a freelance capacity for many publications, including Vanity Fair, Vogue, House & Garden, Forbes, and ARTnews, as well as for book publishers.

After marrying and becoming the mother of an adopted daughter, she turned her attention to writing, She continues to live in downtown Manhattan, the setting of her first novel, 31 Bond Street.

Reviews

[Arah-Lynda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a novel wove around one of the most sensationalized crimes of the 19th century. One morning in 1857, the body of Dr. Harvey Burdell, a dentist, living in high style at 31 Bond Street, New York City is found brutally murdered in his office by an errand boy. Emma Cunningham, a widow with two daughters also lives in the upper floors of Dr. Burdell’s home. She is the housekeeper/ lover/ fiancée of the victim and immediately becomes the primary suspect of the coroner who sets up an inquest into the murder, detaining Mrs Cunningham and her daughters until such time as his inquiry is complete.

This was a particularly gruesome murder, with exceedingly few clues left behind to steer investigators toward the culprit. In the absence of any other real information about the crime, the media embraces the coroner’s initial conclusions and assists him in painting Mrs. Cunningham as the killer.

Defence attorney Henry Clinton believes Emma to be innocent of this crime and putting his own career in jeopardy agrees to represent her.

Those are the bare bones of the crime around which Ellen Horan builds her novel and I can certainly understand why any writer would choose this small slice of history to recreate, reimagine. It offers an absolute plethora of material to work with: sex, greed, political corruption, media fed public opinion and gender/ racial/ economic inequalities abound.

Fascinating, and although it is clear that Horan has done her research well here she failed to bring these characters or this city to life for me. I was waiting to be drenched in the historic atmosphere of mid 19th century New York City, held captive by the life and death situation these characters found themselves embroiled in. I cannot explain how it is some writers are able with their words arranged as they are, to transport the reader to another time and place, to invest them in the characters of the story, infuse them with the heartbeat of the city. I can only say that it did not work here.

One thing that really bothers me is when the protagonist all of a sudden begins to act out of character, with no lead in or reasonable explanation provided. It just does not ring true and upsets the whole bloody apple cart.

My apples can be found badly bruised, in a heap, at the bottom of the hill.

[Tara Chevrestt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am writing this even tho I have 50 pages left in order to be sure I don't reveal anything I shouldn't. This is by far one of the best books of 2010 and I can honestly state that just a mere two months into the year. I have not been able to put the book down. It's like an episode of Law and Order in 1857.

The book goes back and forth between the trial in 1857 following the lawyer, Mr. Clinton and the the summer and fall of 1856 following the suspect, Emma and her dealings with the murder victim, Dr. Burdell. Was she mistress or wife? Was she a gold digger? Who was really supposed to die? Who killed Dr. Burdell? Enter the early days of Manhatten and shady business deals and the risky world of real estate and scam artists to find out...

Fabulous look at the way the law was played out back then. Wow. Thank goodness there have been changes to our constitution since then. It didn't look as tho Emma was going to get a fair trial there for a while as the coroner took over the case and placed her under house arrest and did not permit her to see a lawyer, nor her daughters.

I encourage readers to read the author's excerpt regarding how she came across the idea for this book. That page is just as intriguing as the story itself. Highly recommended for mystery and historical fiction lovers alike.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a great mid 19th century New York as the backdrop of the story the reader truly feels as if they're there experiencing the daily life of each character. Horan's writing style let's the reader dive into the scenery of the time and helps you feel the feelings of the characters. There are a few times within the book that the writing lags a bit yet it picks up quickly if it did. The surprise ending keeps you guessing. Beautifully written and a thirller to boot makes this book a good read.

[Sophie Narey (Bookreview- aholic) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published: 01/02/2011
Author: Ellen Horan

This was an absoulutely amazing book! It was very hard to put it down, it is definately a 'page turner' in this book we follow the investigation to find out who killed the dentist (Dr Harvey Burdell) we see it from the view of Emma Cunningham and Samuel. It is set in New York before the Civil War, we see what it was like for people living there and they way that they believed that things should be. We also see the prejudice that was against Samuel and other people (such as the plan to have them as slaves). It is a fast paced who done it which lets you see it from two points of view which lets you see what is happening at the present (in the trial) and what actually happened to the dentist. It is incredibly well written by the brilliant Ellen Horan, it is definately one of my favourite books that I have read.
This genre of books is one of my favourite genres and I thought that this was a great portrayal of the crime fiction genre. In this novel we are trying to find out who it was that killed Dr Havey Burdell, Emma is in the spot light as she hasn't being married to her for long she has the who village against her, saying it must be her, but with the help, love and support of her daughters she stays strong against everyone who is against her. The story that we read about Samuel is touching and is so descriptive that it does make you feel like you are reading a real life story about someone and reading about the things that happened in his life. This is a truly incredible novel and this shows just how amazingly talented Ellen Horan! I love her writing style.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the premise and the plot behind the book. The way the author leaned on a actual event gave the story this great feel and, I felt, increased the drama. All and all, it was a rather quick read because the plot moved very fast. And although I enjoyed the book as a whole, I felt that the ending was rather a bit too neat and some of the characters a bit too one-dimensional. I was surprised and saddened by the way that her ordeal ultimately affected the main character - but it was an interesting twist. I was disappointed that all five male characters (Burdell, Wicken, Clinton, Samuel, and Katuma) were written as either being "good" or "bad" and did not deviate from that classification at all. The latter three were upstanding, caring, moral men. The former two were evil, terrible, and heartless. What made Emma so interesting was that she was human - a combination of right and wrong. Her heart was generally in the right place but it led her astray when she tried to rationalize her life's decisions and press them too hard.

The ending itself was a bit abrupt - especially how Samuel was "caught" but then not caught. There was never any discussion about that backlash or repercussions and it seemed just a way to have the trial be over quickly. There was never a follow up on the D.A., who seemed an interesting character and was never fleshed out. What part did he have to play in the smuggling ring? Was he just demonized or was he also "all evil"? One of the daughters, Helen, seemed a bit left out at the end - which seemed a bit lop-sided since we heard about Augusta.

SPOILER (DON'T READ AHEAD IF YOU WANT TO READ THE MYSTERY)

Overall, while I liked the book and enjoyed the majority of the read, the ending was a bit of a disappointment. Katuma's involvment, while good for the storyline, was just too neat. Ultimately, the killer could have been Emma, Samuel, or "someone else". The first two were too obvious and so left the last option. I was just hoping for more of a twist - perhaps Emma's involvement - intentional or not. Or more of Samuel's but for a less noble reason. More depth would have been appreciated.

[Misfit · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story begins in 1857 as police are called to 31 Bond Street upon the horrific murder of Dr. Harvey Burdell. Poised for a run at the mayor's office, ambitious D.A. Abraham Oakey Hall sets his sights on Widow Emma Cunningham as his #1 suspect. Supposedly living in Burdell's house as a tenant and *housekeeper* of sorts, Emma produces a marriage certificate (but can she prove its real?) and further complicates the matter - did she murder the not-so-good doctor for his money and prestigious home? In steps defense attorney Henry Clinton to get to the bottom of it all. Clinton's efforts to unravel the mystery lead to many side trips, from land speculation to the underground slave trade to shady Tammany Hall politics to courtroom drama.

The book is based on real people and events and while very well written, this one just didn't come to life for me. I didn't connect well with Emma and really didn't care much what happened to her and the only character I truly cared about came to a sorry end. I found the courtroom scenes rather tedious, but then perhaps with a jury summons in my very near future that was the last thing I needed reminding of (been less than three years since the last time). Lastly, despite all the hype I don't feel the author really brought the city and it's players to life for me, I've seen better in Celeste de Blasis' Wild Swan trilogy as well as Kathleen Winsor's Wanderers Eastward, Wanderers West and the Castles in the Air series by Patricia Gallagher. Don't get me wrong, this is a good book it's just not a great one.

[Lynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love historical fiction based on real events. This was interesting but could have been better.

[LJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Sentence: For a boy who watched boats, his room was the perfect perch.

The brutal murder of well-to-do dentist, Dr. Burdell, immediately places his housekeeper, Emma Cunningham as the prime suspect. Attorney Henry Clinton parts ways with his respected law partner and, with the support of his wife and the help of others, sets out to prove Emma’s innocence.

From a very good opening which establishes the sense of time place the impact of the weather and the demeanor of the characters, this compelling story proved very difficult to put down, even for meals and life’s necessities. Horan provides a fascinating look at the justice system and New York City during this period leading up to the Civil War when free blacks in the North were being kidnapped and sold into slavery in the South. It is always interesting to gain a picture of society live, and the concerns of women; the workings of the house and meals of the period. But it is as equally interesting look at investigative methods, techniques and forensics of the time.

The story is told in duality; something which can be awkward as one thread is often stronger/more interesting than the other. That is not the case here. One thread begins with the crimes and moves through the trial, while the other provides the background of the characters leading up to the crime. Ms. Horan does a remarkable job of keeping both stories equally fascinating and distinct. At no point does one wish to get through the current segment into order to return to the other thread. That is very rare indeed and not only does each thread holds its own, but the suspense contained within each builds at an equal pace. That exhibits remarkable skill by the writer.

While many legal thrillers today spend more time being thrillers, this really does focus on the legal process of the time, yet it is driven by the characters who are fully developed and alive. There was not a superfluous character in the story; each added weight and merit. In some ways, one could say the story has two villains and two victims, both being the same characters at different times. The heroes, if you will, are quite unexpected and unusual.

The plot is excellent with very effective twists, plenty of suspense and a dash of tragedy. The author paints visual pictures that take the reader through all the story’s locals both attractive and foul. There is an unexpected revelation and even unanticipated motive.

While I don’t usually care for books based on a true crime, “31 Bond Street” is an excellent book with exceptional writing.

31 BOND STREET (Hist Mys-Emma Cunningham-NYC-1857) – Ex
Horan, Ellen – 1st book
Harper Perennial, ©2011, US Trade Paperback – ISBN; 9780061773976

[Sandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellen Horan's 31 BOND STREET is a well researched work of historical fiction that takes the reader back in time to an era when a man's character and status were determined by the height of his hat. In the case of suspicious death grand juries were convened in the home of the victim and autopsies were performed on the premises while witnesses and potential suspects were sequestered in the home awaiting questioning without benefit of counsel. Additionally, the press were invited into the victims' home and allowed to report every gory detail and bit of innuendo uttered during the grand jury proceedings on the front pages of their respective newspapers. (Sort of eliminated the chances of a "fair and impartial jury of your peers").

In lower Manhattan circa 1857 the murder of Dr. Harvey Burdell provided the basis for a media circus when Emma Cunningham a young widow who, along with her two daughters, lived on the upper floors of the doctor's home was charged with his murder. More than that I will not divulge lest is compromise your pleasure in reading this book. Suffice so say that the story on which the book is based has been diligently researched via newspaper articles, trial transcripts and other items of public record and integrated with the author's vivid imagination to present the reader with a fascinating fusion of fact and fiction. Ms. Horan even includes a section in her author's note that reveals what happened to the chief characters in this drama after the resolution of the case.

Visualize, if you will, an amalgamation of the flavors of Upstairs, Downstairs, The Devil in White City, and the writings of Caleb Carr with the courtroom drama of John Grisham and you will have a small idea of the reading pleasure 31 BOND STREET holds in store.

[Doug Beatty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I do give out five stars quite freely, so let me preface this book by saying if I could give out six stars, this would be a six star book.

I read a great many mysteries, and this one had me early on, and I have to say I quickly reached a point that I was frantically turning pages because the story had me enthralled.

The setting is 1856 in New York, and Doctor Harvey Burdell, a dentist, is found dead in his room, having been murdered in a spactacularly grisly fashion. Emma Cunningham is a woman who lives on an upper floor with her two daughters and is acting as housemistress, and the coroner in the case immediately suspects her and refuses to allow her to leave the house while he investigates. Enter hotshot lawyer Hentry Clinton who realizes that Emma can't be held agaist her will without counsel and becomes determined to represent her in a rather dramatic court case. And this is only the beginning.

The author weaves a present time narrative with a series of flashbacks, so you learn the story as it has been progressing as well as following the trial and the aftermath. I don't want to reveal any intricate plot details but there are some revelations and the writer adds enough spice and suspense that you really want to know more. I will definitely be putting this one on display at the library. It will be an easy book to sell to mystery readers, even ones who don't normally read historical.

I even found the cover to be very appealing, it jumps right off the shelf into your hands! Definitely give this one a read. But be prepared. Once started, you will want to finish it soon!

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 1850's. Manhattan's elite are only just setting out to make 5th Avenue their enclave. The rest of the population is simply trying to earn a living. Displaced Native Americans, runaway or freed slaves, and unmarried women are particularly vulnerable to the twists and turns of fortune. Emma Cunningham, mother of two adolescent daughters, is desperately searching for a man to replace their now deceased father. Emma believes she has found him in prosperous dentist Harvey Burdell, who wines and dines her, invites her and her family to move into his townhouse, and convinces her to invest her daughter's dowry on land on the Jersey waterfront. Alas, one winter evening, Dr. Burdell is stabbed to death, and Emma is brought to trial for his murder.

Interspersing investigation and court scenes with flashbacks to Emma's relationship with Burdell, 31 Bond Street recounts the story of Emma's defense by Attorney Henry Clinton, who has risked his career and his livelihood to help her. This is anything but a straightforward case, although that's what the DA would like people to believe. Were Emma and her dentist married? What happened to Burdell's coachman, Samuel, the last person to see him alive? Was Burdell an upstanding citizen or a con artist who preyed upon women?

Author Horan ends her novel with summaries of the lives of the principals following the trial's dramatic conclusion. Relying upon the historical record, she seems to have deftly accomplished the difficult task of fictionalizing a real event without distorting the facts.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the author did a good job weaving fiction around the actual facts of the case--until the addendum at the end I couldn't tell who the real and the fictional characters were. The book was well researched and seemed historically accurate. But aside from all this, it was just a good read. The characters were interesting and well defined. I liked Emma and, although her machinations and manipulations may not have been entirely above board, I'm not sure she deserved the hand she was ultimately dealt. I felt compelled to read on to find out what happened to her. I thought this author's shifting back and forth pre and post crime was an effective way of holding the reader's interest. I know other readers mentioned not liking the ending, but I found it an effective frame to the story in the character of the young boy. A somber end to a sad story.

[Marie Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first chapter of this murder novel is absolutely fantastic, smacking of an old fashioned novel steeped in intrigue and nostalgia. It was pure genius and had me hooked, as I plowed through the rest of the story which was steeping with mystery, drama and multiple intrigues. This is a novel that is based on the true story of a horrific murder in 1857, amidst Dick Tracy style policemen and the thriving city of New York. Bond Street, to be exact, was the fashionable focal point of houses for the rich and well-to-do folks of New York City.

One of the these residents was Dr. Harvey Burdell, who lived at 31 Bond Street, and Ellen Horan's novel begins with the young errand boy, John, finding his employer the dentist Dr. Burdell brutally stabbed in his office. Dr. Burdell had a young lady, Emma Cunningham and her daughters, boarding upstairs in his house and of course all suspicion is directed at her. Emma pleas for help from the local criminal attorney, Mr. Henry Clinton, because she has been sequestered at 31 Bond Street without representation. The prosecutor is out for justice, and his fingers point to Emma.

I must confess, before my passion for European historical fiction on royalty overtook my reading habits, I once could be found reading only Lawrence Block, James Patterson, Lee Child, Mary Higgins Clark and Anne Rule. If you enjoy those writers, you will also be enamored with this novel by Ellen Horan. Imagine my glee with this blast from my reading past, for a well honed murder mystery that is a true story, set in the state where I grew up, and where the case remains hanging in suspense as it is unsolved to this day. Ellen Horan stumbled on this story while browsing through bins in a print shop and found a clipping regarding nearby Houston Street, NYC, one thing led her to another, and we now finally have this fascinating look into a murder mystery that took place within a row of townhouses that are no longer there, replaced by the growth of retail and warehouses and parking lots. Instead of writing the intended non-fiction work on this murder mystery, Ellen Horan adapted this into a much more dramatic fictional tale. She leaves a few of the original characters in, but embellishes greatly and adds her own twists to the story. Since I had absolutely no idea about the 'true story' I was completely and utterly enthralled with this fictional tale as Ellen Horan spins it.

I can understand though, that those who prefer to stick close to facts when dealing with a true-crime situation, may be a little annoyed at the fictional leaps that the author takes. Since I was not looking for a realistic account of the murder at this time, this novel kept me entertained for an entire Sunday, refusing to let me sleep until I finished it. I am so glad I spent my Sunday on this, and I will spend some more time googling for more interesting twists and facts that really happened between this murder mystery involving the dentist and the widow. A classic who-dunit.. of who was the real victim, and who was the villian?

I was very impressed with the writing style of this debut author, as I was both immersed in the visual time period of 1857 that Horan vividly describes, and with the characters that Ellen Horan portrays. Doubly enticing were the backstories of slave trade and the corrupt police departments. The murder victim, Dr. Harvey Burdell, is also portrayed as being a total loser who was a womanizer and knee-deep with the aforementioned corruption which includes transporting slaves. The accused murderess, Emma Cunningham, is one where you really couldn't tell what was going on in that warped head. Since the true murder mystery remains unsolved to this day, I have a feeling that not a lot of people could tell what was going on inside of Emma Cunningham's head. The epilogue was quite interesting as well, but even that leaves out some of the critical factors that occurred in the case.

My absolute favorite characters were Samuel, the negro driver to Dr. Burdell, and John, the 11 year old boy who was the errand boy. But still high on that list was the defense attorney, Henry Clinton, who was portrayed as a shrewd attorney without an unethical bone in his body. The author inserts his wife within the novel, when in reality they did not marry until after the case, and it was with similar subtle changes that Ellen Horan used to make her novel her own, creating a sensational blend of murder, passion and suspense. Emma Cunningham also only has two daughters in the story, when in reality it was reported that she had five children. The crooked district attorney, Oakley Hall, was indeed crooked in real life, though (surprise!). For those wanting a strictly-the-facts type of book, there is the non-fiction work that was written in 2007 by New York City historian Benjamin Feldman titled Butchery on Bond Street - Sexual Politics and The Burdell-Cunningham Case in Ante-bellum New York, which has now caught me eye after reading this story. He also runs the blog for where the above clipping was borrowed from.

For those wanting the intriguing drama of a historically themed suspense, this work by Ellen Horan fits that bill perfectly. It was an unforgettably nostalgic journey through 31 Bond Street in New York City that I would not hesitate to recommend to fellow mystery lovers. Visit Ellen's website regarding the book at, none other than: 31 Bond Street.
Giveaway going on until 3/27/10 at http://www.theburtonreview.com/2010/0...

[Amina Mirsakiyeva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like historical detective novels in general. This one based on true story caught my attention.

The book starts with a murder of Dr. Burdell and accusing his housekeeper/lover Emma Cunningham. Story happened in the middle of 19 century in New York. We can feel the historical background: women are depended on marriage, "coloured" people are discriminated. And world is full of adventurers who is seeking for more money.

The author is mixing events before and after the murder helping us to understand the main characters. I did enjoy almost all book, except the ending. I found it too predictable.

[Felicia Roff Tunnah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I generally don’t read murder mysteries but this was quite a page turner set in old New York. I really couldn’t put it down!

[ManOfLaBook.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

“31 Bond Street” by Ellen Horan is a his­tor­i­cal fic­tion novel tak­ing place in 1857 New York City. The book fol­lows the noto­ri­ous trial of Emma Cun­ning­ham for the mur­der of her land­lord Dr. Har­vey Bur­dell, a famous dentist.

Emma Cunningham is a widow with two daughters who is lodging in 31 Bond Street, NYC – the residence of Dr. Harvey Burdell. One fine morning the household wakes up to the horrific news that the doctor has been murdered in his room – with no signs of forced entry.

The immediate suspicion falls on Mrs. Cunningham who has to be defended against an aggressive and corrupt district attorney who has big political ambitions and his minions. Attorney Henry Clinton (YES!!! That one) takes up the case of Mrs. Cunningham, but as everything in life, it is not clear cut.

“31 Bond Street” by Ellen Horan is an enjoyable book which, for me, was hard to categorize. It is a bit historical fiction, a bit a mystery and a bit court room drama – I guess a legal mystery might fit the bill.

The story is actually based on an actual murder case from 1857 and several of the characters are people who actually lived and were involved. Yet several others are not – Ms. Horan makes it clear who’s who at the end of the book in the “Author’s Note” section (which I find as a big plus in any historical fiction book).

I quite enjoyed the historical aspects of the book, the class system n NYC and the “if it bleeds it dies” sensationalistic media. It is amazing how little has changed, even today the media can hang on a sensationalistic case, completely blowing it out of proportions and like good little lap dogs we eat it all up (the O.J. Simpson case for example).

The book juxtaposed between the investigation, court case and flashbacks to Emma’s relationship with Mr. Burdell where she was a “housemistress”, in today’s terms she’d be a live-in lover which didn’t get to much respect in the 1850s. There is some Upstairs/Downstairs (showing my age?) quality to how Emma talks and acts with Mr. Burdell’s servants and their defiance to take orders from her.

The famous lawyer Mr. Clinton (No, not that one) was, for me, the main protagonist of the book. Mr. Clinton (Not that one either) was Mrs. Cunningham defense attorney and I had a fun time following his thought process (albeit fictional) about the trial and hist strategy.

The book is absorbing and the blend of fact and fiction is fascinating. While the fascinating characters are well drawn and the narrative is well written, the real star of the book is 1850’s New York City society. The rich doctor, poor widow, the black groom who is an abolitionist and knows he’s not safe in the north, the poor 11 year old boy who works to support his family, the way marriage are arranged even though one of the betrothed is disagreeable are all absorbing and … the status qua. Ms. Horan doesn’t try to shock us into thinking that pushing a 19 year old into an undesirable marriage is an unforgivable sin, quite the opposite – the sin is that she refuses the arrangement.

Please visit my bookish blog at http://www.ManOfLaBook.com

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

With 31 Bond Street, Ms. Horan presents the reader with historical fiction at its finest. It is a story that is quite literally "ripped from the headlines", with those headlines first printed in the 1850s. A real-life murder mystery, Ms. Horan does an excellent job of filling in the blanks, imagining the story behind the headlines and fleshing out characters that have long since been forgotten. Through her skill, the reader gets the pleasure of enjoying a well-written of literary fiction with enough fact interspersed to make the story truly compelling.

The story unfolds methodically, switching narrators to allow new evidence to come to light. As a result, the reader never gets the chance to understand the full story until late in the novel, at which point in time the reader has become fully absorbed in the story. This switching of narrators, the back and forth battle for information, and the methodical "follow the evidence" approach to solving the mystery enhances the power of perception, which in turn leaves the reader waffling back and forth in one's sympathies for the various characters. Enhancing the overall story is the addition of photographs of the real headlines from the actual murder. This drives home the fact that this is one story in which the historical aspect of the story outweighs the fiction.

Ms. Horan does an excellent job of bringing to live long-dead characters - Henry vs. Harvey, Elisabeth vs. Emma. Her descriptions are breath-taking and exact, allowing the reader to clearly understand what it was like to live in 1850s New York. The political undertone behind the murder itself remind the reader the tension that existed before the Civil War erupted. These all combine to create characters that pull a reader's sympathies in various directions, rooting for one character versus another. Emotional involvement is always the hallmark of a well-written book, and 31 Bond Street meets that mark.

One of the most appealing aspects of the story are the questions remaining at the end. Did Emma, and all of the characters, get their just rewards for their actions? Where did each character go wrong? Could this entire situation have been avoided under similar circumstances? Ms. Horan could easily have addressed some of these questions in her novel but rather leaves them for the reader to ponder. As with the emotional involvement, this is an added benefit that enhances the entire novel.

Murder, mystery, intrigue, politics, a lush backdrop and rich setting combine to create an amazingly vivid, compelling novel. However, 31 Bond Street is not just for historical fiction lovers. Its study of criminal investigations and pre-Civil War detective work makes it a novel for fans of detective and suspense stories. Its mass appeal will make 31 Bond Street a story for the summer and beyond.

[Alayne Bushey · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1857 a man named Harvey Burdell, a seemingly upstanding New York dentist, was brutally murdered in the middle of the night. His throat was sliced, nearly severing his head, and he was fiercely stabbed several times through his back and chest. The crime scene was bloody, but no evidence of the murder weapon or culprit was ever found. Living on the upper floors of Burdell’s wealthy 31 Bond Street townhouse are the widow Emma Cunningham and her children. As the only household member with motive present at the time of Burdell’s death, Emma became the prime suspect and the victim of a witch-hunt-like prosecution.

Over 150 years later Ellen Horan, wandering through scrap bins in a print shop, comes across an old newspaper article with an etching of the avenue of Bond Street, showing a crowd of people milling around number 31. Intrigued, Horan researches the story regarding the murder, and skillfully puts down on paper a tale of intrigue, suspense, betrayal, and murder. All set in the bustling town of New York amid slave-trade scandals and the high-class expectations of the wealthy.

Well crafted, with experienced execution, 31 Bond Street is a delicious debut novel that exhibits the author’s talent with an intriguing narrative. Told in a non-linear fashion, we begin on February 1, 1857, the day after the murder, and then go back in time seven months to follow Emma Cunningham, her two daughters, and the path they took to wind up on Bond Street under the roof of Harvey Burdell. Horan switches back and forth, tantalizingly leading us up to the actual murder, but leaving us frothing with questions as she nimbly skips forward to the trial at hand.

The way Horan chose to portray the characters is realistic and believable. Harvey Burdell is painted as a charming bachelor at first, but a seedy background and double-handed schemes soon darken his portrait. Henry Clinton, Emma’s lawyer, is compassionate and dedicated, seceding from his prestigious law firm to defend Emma. Additional characters such as Samuel, the near-slave coachman, and John, the poor scrap of a house boy, add to the legitimacy of the time period and elicit our emotional connection with the novel. Emma herself is a mystery, at times I sympathized for her plight, at others I questioned her bad decisions and naiveté.

In all, I was swept away in a believable interpretation of what could actually have happened back in 1857. Horan displays a fine skill at weaving historical fiction, as well as a murder mystery with believable scenarios. I am definitely interested to see what genre she should choose to write next.

4 stars

(I received this book from the author for review)

[Erin (Historical Fiction Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Find the enhanced version of this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....

The murder of Dr. Harvey Burdell and the subsequent trial of Emma Cunningham captured the public imagination when it first appeared in the papers. New Yorkers eagerly anticipated each and every tidbit of information regarding the deceased dentist, the assumed mistress claiming to be his wife and the court room drama surrounding the question of her guilt. Ellen Horan's 31 Bond Street brilliantly recaptures that fascination, revitalizing it for an audience far removed from the pre civil war America in which it occurred.

One of my favorite aspects of the book is not the characters or even the events of which they are a part, but the backdrop on which the story takes place. New York City in the mid-1800s was a veritable cesspool for the greedy and corrupt. The titillating homicide of a prominent citizen with a shady reputation provides a perfect platform to showcase the ugly underbelly of the city's history. Not only did Horan recognize this, she took and ran with it, exploring every angle from the unscrupulous political machine that tainted every branch of the city's government to the unethical practices that characterized her business interests.

This attention to detail caught me hook, line and sinker from the very beginning. The subject matter alone is captivating but the obvious research and time Horan put into making it come alive in print is evident on nearly every page, her genuine interest in the story unmistakable. I truly admire such commitment not only to her readers, but also to the history the author chose to showcase.

Obviously Horan can indentify a story and re-imagining the past doesn't phase her in the least. I only wish I could say I enjoyed the cast as much. Don't get me wrong, these aren't poor characterizations, but as a group, they didn't quite hit it out of the park. Harvey, Emma and Ambrose piqued my imagination, but Katuma and Quietta both came short of the mark. Perhaps it is because these two have prominent roles, but no historic counterparts? I'm not entirely sure and I hesitate to assume as I was so impressed by Henry and Elizabeth, two characters who while based on real people are largely imagined by the author.

All in all 31 Bond Street is a wonderful read. Ellen Horan vividly recaptures the spectacle and intrigue of the 1857 case that shocked nation. Not one to be missed.

[Desire · Rating 4 out of 5]

The humble origins of iconographic places often get lost beneath the layers of time and change. In the late 1800s, the streets of New York City still used cobblestone paving. The Jersey shore still had lots for sale. Shanty towns peppered the city and wooded areas still bordered the city. However the life changing opportunities and unforgiving competition for position and power which personify New York were well on their way to being fully formed. New York society teamed with economic and cultural growth as well as political power. Ellen Horan captures the burgeoning persona of New York in her novel, 31 Bond Street and offers up an enticing drama filled with murder, intrigue, greed and betrayal.

Horan’s novel retells the murder trial of Dr. Harvey Burdell, a dentist, a respected citizen of New York and a man who dabbled in local real estate. She brings the city of the era clearly and engagingly to life with her vivid descriptions, characterizations and believable imagining of the events preceding and following the murder trial.

The novel opens in the winter of 1857. Burdell has been viciously murdered in his home. Emma Cunningham, the widow who resides there with her two daughters and manages his home is the primary suspect. She finds herself being tried in the court of public opinion as the Coroner Edward Connery conducts a highly questionable inquest in the Burdell home; she may receive a guilty verdict before her case makes it to trial.

Recognizing her precarious position Cunningham sends a note to Henry Clinton a popular New York attorney known for taking on worthy and challenging cases. When he accepts her request, he learns that his professional rival, New York County district attorney, Abraham Oakley Hall seems to intend to use the trial to raise his public profile and further his bid for the mayoral seat of New York.

Using these dynamic historical figures and equally intriguing fictional additions, Horan weaves a solid story of murder, personal betrayal and political ambition. 31 Bond Street is not an edge of your seat page turner to be bolted down in a few sittings. It’s a meal to savor much like the one described in a scene during which Clinton and his junior partner discuss trial strategy. The meal is served in sumptuous and fully articulated courses meant to be weighed and appreciated to the last bite. This novel deserves the same.

[Gaby · Rating 5 out of 5]

31 Bond Street succeeds as a mystery and as unique glimpse into Old New York. Ellen Horan has carefully researched the period, the trial, and the characters that make up this book and this comes across from the very start. She weaves in details about daily life in the 1850s and makes it come alive.

Henry Clinton who defends Emma Cunningham is a talented defense lawyer who goes on to become the highest paid attorney of his time -- and it is this case that changed his career. Clinton goes up against Abraham Oakey Hall is another historical figure who is later elected mayor of New York in 1868. Clinton is aided by his wife, Elizabeth Clinton, who is a paragon of a wife and would have made a formidable attorney, had women been allowed to practice law during that time. Horan created the character of Elizabeth Clinton and this woman is a foil to the accused, Emma Cunningham. Cunningham's story shows us how difficult it was to be a woman then.

The book stood out for me because of the attention that Horan placed on capturing the historical details of the period. I enjoyed being able to imagine New York of that time -- what the different neighborhoods and peoples were like. I loved learning just how trials were run at that time. Would you have expected that newspapermen attended trial and wrote the trial transcripts for free? In exchange, the newspaper was given the exclusive right to print the trial transcripts. Horan reveals what it would have been like to be in court then.

The book itself captures the period because of its slower pace, vivid descriptions, and the dialogue. It is easy to imagine New York after the Civil War, the sort of life available to a young widow with dwindling resources and the trouble that Emma Cunningham found herself in. Just as the book is about Emma Cunningham, it is equally the story of the Clintons, their legal skill, and the trial that changed their lives. If you enjoy historical fiction, stories of New York, or mysteries and legal thrillers, 31 Bond Street will prove a riveting read.

ISBN-10: 0061773964 - Hardcover $25.99
Publisher: Harper; 1st edition (March 30, 2010), 352 pages.
Review copy provided by the publisher and TLC Book Tours.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Dr. Harvey Burdell, a New York dentist, is found brutally murdered in his own home, behind locked doors, suspicion immediately falls on those in the household, particularly Emma Cunningham whose sudden production of a secret marriage certificate between her and the doctor two weeks before the murder raises eyebrows and puts her innocence in doubt. Emma is a woman who is desperate to hang onto the last vestige of her social status, both for her daughters' sake as well as her own. She is near broke and facing eviction when she first meets Dr. Burdell. Dr. Burdell seems like a gentleman through and through. Only, he isn't nearly as perfect as he seems. As the investigation into his murder unfolds, it becomes clear that Dr. Burdell had many secrets and just as many enemies.

With the media, public opinion, and the ambitious district attorney, Abraham Oakley Hall, already poised to hang Emma, Henry Clinton steps in to defend her. He puts his own career on the line to do so.

Ellen Horan's novel, 31 Bond Street, is lush with detail. The mystery is tightly woven, at times intense, and always interesting. The story went in several unexpected directions. I had my theories, but nothing was quite as simple as it seemed. The narrative follows events as they unfold from the moment the body is discovered and is interspersed with flashbacks to the months before the murder, offering insight into the characters lives and motivations. New York was a character of its own: the bustling streets, the spreading out of a city, the back alleys and the upper class neighborhoods. I felt as if I was right there in the middle of the events as they transpired.

I hadn't realized when I first began reading 31 Bond Street that it was based on a true crime that took place in 1875 New York. In a way, I'm glad I didn't know as I might have been tempted to run and look up the story before finishing the novel. While that isn't always a bad thing, I've found, this is one book I preferred to go into blind. I look forward to reading more by Ellen Horan in the future.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always a little leery, but can never resist, an actual unsolved murder case and the story an author is willing to create around it. Sadly, a lot of authors who take an actual case out of history and try to recreate it, fail miserably. They can't seem to get a good sense of character or the time period the slaying took place in. The tale they craft, while maybe good fiction, doesn't have the ring of truth about it. The solution they created just isn't believable. Thankfully, that was not the case with 31 Bond Street.

The tale that Ellen Horan weaves around the murder of Dr. Harvey Burdell is not only believable but entertaining as well. She brought the streets of 1857 New York to life in ways that may get me to love historical fiction after all. New York is treated as an important character, one that brings the color and texture to the story in ways that allows an almost tactile experience. As the characters encounter different parts of the city and surrounding land, that setting supports everything they do.

She obviously did her research and the story was richer for it. She managed to blend both historical and fictional characters and events into a cohesive narrative that felt like the truth. It felt as if she had found Emma Cunningham's journal, Henry Clinton's private memoir, and had H. G. Wells' time machine at her disposal. The characters are so real that it almost feels like they will come off the page at any second and explain what it is they are doing and why things happened the way they did. It was a brilliantly done look into the minds of people that have been dead for years.

If you couldn't tell that I loved this book, then I didn't use enough flattering language. Maybe I should go back and put in a few more just for the fun of it. The book is certainly deserving of it. I'll be looking forward to anything else this author chooses to put out there for the public to consume. At this point I would be willing to read an informational pamphlet about the mating rituals of peacocks, if this author was the one who wrote it.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

31 Bond Street is a historical novel based on the events surrounding the murder of Dr. Harvey Burdell, a wealthy New York dentist found butchered in his New York townhouse in February 1857. After a flimsy investigation, the district attorney decided that Burdell’s attractive housekeeper and mistress, Emma Cunningham, had killed him to seize control of his sizable estate. The evidence was not compelling, but no better suspect could be found. Her murder trial was a media circus that held New Yorkers spellbound until a sensible jury found her not guilty. Mrs. Cunningham did not fade gracefully into obscurity: when her former lover’s fortune was awarded to his siblings, she claimed to be pregnant with Burdell’s child. The sceptical police kept an eye on her and caught her trying to buy an infant that she could pass off as the rightful heir to the Burdell fortune. Forced to admit defeat, Emma Cunningham slunk out of the spotlight.

In this fictional interpretation of the Burdell murder, Ellen Horan presents an alternate reality that resurrects the darker aspects of life in 1850s New York: the bloody slavery debates, obsessive social and political ambition, and the rise of an undignified and soulless ‘New Money’ class. Burdell is portrayed as an unholy schemer who meets a well-deserved end, and Emma Cunningham is, in my opinion, similar to her real-life counterpart: a desperate figure that creates her own nightmares by trying too hard to secure her financial future. The novel digresses in places, but only to build suspense and add a sinister logic to Burdell’s bloody end.

31 Bond Street will appeal to fans of historical mystery novels such as Matthew Pearl’s The Poe Shadow. Those interested in learning more about the Burdell murder case are advised to read Benjamin Feldman’s Butchery on Bond Street.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 3.5 stars!

I picked up this book at a library book sale for a dollar a few months ago. I'll admit that it was mostly a cover buy for me, but the synopsis was intriguing. A wealthy dentist is violently murdered late at night and his body is discovered by a young servant boy bringing up his breakfast the next morning. An immediate inquiry is launched by the coroner, and his prime suspect is Emma Cunningham, a young widow with two teenage daughters, who boarded at the house. In late 1850's New York City, scandal still spreads quick and most are convinced of Emma's guilt. Enter Henry Clinton, a skilled lawyer with a penchant for representing disadvantaged clients, many of which cannot afford to pay his fees (much to the chagrin of his older legal partner). He agrees to take Mrs. Cunningham's case in what is shaping up to be a very publicized, highly sensationalized murder trial. Will Clinton's defense be successful? Who really killed Dr. Harvey Burdell?

I didn't realize until I got to the Author's Note that the story was based off of real events and people. That being said, it is a very well-researched piece of historical fiction. I also enjoyed the fact that the author wasted no time in getting to the point. Less than ten pages in, our murder victim is dead, allowing us readers to immediately focus in on the mystery. The story was fast-paced and had a few surprising twists, which made for a satisfying reading experience.

I do have a couple of complaints however. I believed the characters lacked some depth, that unfortunately kept me from really connecting. Secondly, the ending, though ultimately satisfying, came across a bit flat as well.

So if you are willing to forgive a couple of small plot holes and are ready to read a fast paced historical murder mystery, this book is for you.

[Greta Nettleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a leisurely Victorian start, this story really picked up speed and turned into a gripping courtroom drama and murder mystery; I could not stop reading until I eventually discovered "Who killed Dr. Burdell?". And boy, did he deserve his grisly fate! A great read for anyone who is an urban history hound, fans of Caleb Carr books, etc. I liked the realistic feel of the descriptions of old New York City, where marshlands still ringed the island in many place, the cobblestoned streets were lit by wavering gas flames, Greenwich Village was still a village, and Orchard Street still had apple trees on it, but even better was the author's animated recreation of pre-Civil War political and commercial intrigue by corrupt city officials who sympathized with the South, and the haunting legacy of the remnants of the Lenape indians still living on the margins of big city life. The story is filled with varied characters whose voices speak directly from the past-- Hannah the cook, mean and tough; her boss, the slime-ball Dr. Burdell whose crudely boorish behavior could fit right into a story by Edgar Allan Poe; Emma, the fading beauty desperately trying to keep her head above water in an era when women had few alternatives to marriage; Mr. Clinton, the handsome, enterprising and idealistic lawyer who takes her case; and Samuel, Mr. Burdell's coachman, who lives the terrifying uncertainty of life for fugitive slaves living in the North, who might be snatched off the streets and sold back into slavery at any moment by cruelly cynical profiteers. The story unfolds against the background of New York's money boom & bust cycles, which have never stopped--the crash of 1857 was one of the largest in the 19th century--just like 2008.

[Gail Cooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A totally absorbing blend of fact and fiction is found in Ellen Horan's stellar debut 31 BOND STREET. Basing her story on what the 19th century called the crime of the century Horan competently moves between past and present to draw deft pictures of the individuals involved in a trial that held not only New York City but the entire world in thrall.

It was February of 1857 that brought "the worst, the very worst, wintry gale ever experienced in the city..." It was also when a young hired boy found the body of Dr. Harvey Burdell. The doctor's throat had been so viciously slashed that his head was almost severed from his body.

In that day and time it was not uncommon for a bachelor such as Dr. Burdell to lease the upper part of his commodious townhouse to a widow who would see to the management of the house and servants. In this case Dr. Burdell had chosen Emma Cunningham, a comely woman of 36 with teenage daughters, Helen and Augusta. But more than leasing a portion of the home Emma evidently believed she would receive Burdell's marriage proposal.

After Dr. Burdell's killing Emma becomes the prime suspect and embarks on a struggle to save her very life with the assistance of attorney, Henry Clinton. With judicious use of historical records Horan brings the ensuing trial to compelling life. She also reminds us of the figures and elements affecting so many at that time - Tammany Hall, widespread corruption, the Fugitive Slave Acts. Horan's narrative is so skillful that it's as if curtains had been drawn and we see Manhattan in 1857, and are witnesses to the events of that time.

- Gail Cooke

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Dr. Harvey Burdell is found violently murdered in his fine New York home at 31 Bond Street in 1857, the lady of the house, Emma Cunningham, becomes the main suspect. Recently widowed, nearly broke, and desperate to secure her financial future, Emma cunningly caught Burdell's attention several months ago and accepted the best deal he was inclined to offer. For her services as housemistress (and with the potential for marriage at a later date), Emma received free room and board and a respectable address at which to present two teenage daughters to potential suitors. Now sequestered in their home during the highly-publicized Coroner's inquest, Emma delivers a plea for legal representation to Mr. Henry Clinton, champion of the underdog. Over the objections of his loving wife, Henry takes the case, relishing the chance to argue against the arrogant and politically ambitious DA, Oakey Hall. Unfortunately, Burdell's Negro coach driver, who likely has information proving Emma's innocence, has disappeared. Flashbacks to the evolution of Emma and Burdell's relationship, their questionable land investments, and the events immediately preceding his murder build and maintain suspense throughout the novel. Based loosely on newspaper accounts of a real murder, Horan tangibly re-creates the sights, sounds, and dirty dealings of pre-Civil War New York. For fans of The Alienist by Caleb Carr and those who liked the murderous plot more than the architectural achievements of The Devil in the White City by Erik Larsen.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical mysteries are always hit and miss with me. Sometimes the author assumes that the reader knows more about the period then they do or are overly descriptive of the environment and fainting couches.

31 Bond Street falls more into the middle of the road. Ellen Horan explains enough, but at the same time, leaves a bit up to your imagination as to what really did go on behind the doors of 31 Bond Street.

When Emma Cunningham’s resources start to run a bit thin she sets her sights on Dr. Burdell. He has the money, the power and most importantly, the correct address. What she sees as her ride to the top, he sees as a new house manager. She and her daughters can have the room upstairs and he can brag to his friends that he now has a new investor for a rather shady deal that is being cooked up.
Unfortunately, things don’t work out as either had planned when Burdell is found dead and Emma is quickly blamed. To her rescue comes Henry Clinton, newly branching out on his own as a criminal defense attorney, who must go toe to toe with Abraham Oakey Hall who has his eye on the Mayor’s seat and this black hearted gold digger is not going to get in his way. If Dr. Burdell has taught Emma anything, it’s not to trust anyone, so what does she do when a murder has been committed and all fingers point directly at her.

A very captivating and twisty tale set in 1857 New York, the reader is taken on a journey of the times and tone of this gritty place. A tale of murder, greed and politics – add 150 years to the date and you could have a new episode of Law and Order.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

*This review is based on a copy of the book I won through Goodreads FirstReads Giveaways.*

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

It's a fantastic historical fiction based on the real life murder of Dr. Harvey Burdell and the subsequent trial of Emma Cunningham, a widow who lived on the upper floor of his home along with her two daughters.

I must give Ms. Horan a hand. The story gripped me from the first pages and kept me engrossed until the end. I spent the entire day finishing the book; I simply could not put it down.

This book is extensively researched and it shows. The author--quite successfully, in my opinion--manages to bring to life pre-Civil War era New York, complete with rampant political corruption, gender and racial inequalities as well as the striking differences between the economic classes. The city seems to leap off the page almost as if it were another character.

The characters themselves were well written and there were quite a few I came to care about, my favorites being Henry Clinton and his wife Elisabeth (actually I would love to read another book featuring these two) as well as young John and his friends Samuel, Katuma and his daughter Quietta. As for Emma herself, I never could quite get a handle on her. Sometimes I felt so badly for her and other times I could do nothing but shake my head over her actions.