beverlie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Murder on St. Mark's Place
4 Stars
Attending to a routine delivery, midwife Sarah Brandt learns that the pregnant woman’s younger sister has been murdered. The victim, Gerda Reinhard, had been supplementing her seamstress salary by “working” as a “charity girl” - a young woman who exchanges her “company” for trinkets and an evening’s entertainment. With little police interest in the case, Sarah enlists the aid of Detective Frank Malloy and the two uncover a trail of death that leads from Coney Island to the drawing rooms of Fifth Avenue.
As with the first book in the series, the mystery is straightforward and predictable, but the historical setting and character development shine through.
Frank and Sarah's slow burn romance is the highlight of the story as the two begin opening up to one another albeit reluctantly. Readers also learn more about Frank’s son, Brian and his physical impairments, and about Sarah’s strained relationship with her father.
The details on the social conditions of women at the turn of the 20th century are absorbing. Whether it be the young girls using their feminine wiles to stretch the social and financial boundaries that constrain them, or the married women forced to cope with multiple pregnancies and often times abusive husbands, the lives of the women of the time were harsh and cruel.
The mystery is well-developed despite its simplicity and there are some gripping moments in which Sarah must struggle for her very life. That said, the ultimate culprit and explanation are quite obvious mainly due to the fact that there are few worthy suspects.
All in all, a well-written and entertaining historical mystery and I will be reading the next book sooner rather than later.
4 Stars
Attending to a routine delivery, midwife Sarah Brandt learns that the pregnant woman’s younger sister has been murdered. The victim, Gerda Reinhard, had been supplementing her seamstress salary by “working” as a “charity girl” - a young woman who exchanges her “company” for trinkets and an evening’s entertainment. With little police interest in the case, Sarah enlists the aid of Detective Frank Malloy and the two uncover a trail of death that leads from Coney Island to the drawing rooms of Fifth Avenue.
As with the first book in the series, the mystery is straightforward and predictable, but the historical setting and character development shine through.
Frank and Sarah's slow burn romance is the highlight of the story as the two begin opening up to one another albeit reluctantly. Readers also learn more about Frank’s son, Brian and his physical impairments, and about Sarah’s strained relationship with her father.
The details on the social conditions of women at the turn of the 20th century are absorbing. Whether it be the young girls using their feminine wiles to stretch the social and financial boundaries that constrain them, or the married women forced to cope with multiple pregnancies and often times abusive husbands, the lives of the women of the time were harsh and cruel.
The mystery is well-developed despite its simplicity and there are some gripping moments in which Sarah must struggle for her very life. That said, the ultimate culprit and explanation are quite obvious mainly due to the fact that there are few worthy suspects.
All in all, a well-written and entertaining historical mystery and I will be reading the next book sooner rather than later.
deborahjillz's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
author_d_r_oestreicher's review against another edition
4.0
Murder on St. Mark’s Place by Victoria Thompson is set in New York City in 1896. Someone is beating shop girls to death. Sarah Brandt, who has abandoned her life as the daughter of an important family to be a midwife, tracks down the man who preys on these unfortunate girls, many of whom are still teens. With the help of Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy and her nosy neighbor Mrs. Elsworth, she finds justice.
A well-researched historical mystery, full of fascinating details.
For my expanded notes: https://1book42day.blogspot.com/2021/02/murder-on-st-marks-place-by-victoria.html
“As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”
Check out https://amazon.com/shop/influencer-20171115075 for book recommendations.
A well-researched historical mystery, full of fascinating details.
For my expanded notes: https://1book42day.blogspot.com/2021/02/murder-on-st-marks-place-by-victoria.html
“As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”
Check out https://amazon.com/shop/influencer-20171115075 for book recommendations.
crystenaq's review against another edition
4.0
This was a good continuation of the series. I enjoyed getting to know our two main characters better. Sarah and Sergeant Malloy are beginning to grow on each other. Their relationship is well done, entertaining and one of the reasons I am continuing with this series.
As with the first book, I liked the historical facts sprinkled in with the mystery. I learned quite a few things. I always appreciate when the author lives up to the "historical" aspect of a historical mystery. The mystery was a bit predictable, but an element of it had a good twist.
Will definitely be continuing with this series.
Recommend!
As with the first book, I liked the historical facts sprinkled in with the mystery. I learned quite a few things. I always appreciate when the author lives up to the "historical" aspect of a historical mystery. The mystery was a bit predictable, but an element of it had a good twist.
Will definitely be continuing with this series.
Recommend!
nordseestrand's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
nursenell's review against another edition
5.0
Reread this since my book club read it this month. It reminded me why I like this series so well and I need to get back to it and finish the rest of the series.
rlse's review against another edition
2.0
Ok, first book may be a fluke, but two in a row suggests a pattern.
Will I keep reading? Probably.
Will I keep reading?
samanthakelley's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.5