bibarbie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
4.5
chri5ti's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
joperman'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? Yes
4.5
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Murder on Astor Place
4 Stars
As a midwife, Sarah Brandt is no stranger to the struggles of life and death. However, after attending a routine birth at a boarding house, Sarah is shocked to learn not only that one of the other guests has been murdered, but that the young woman is someone she knows. When the girl’s prominent family refuses to permit an investigation and the police appear to be just as disinclined, Sarah takes it upon herself to discover the truth.
A good mystery, but it is the dynamic between Sarah Brandt and Frank Malloy that truly make this book shine.
Sarah is a strong willed and independent heroine, and it is impossible not to admire her courage for turning her back on the capricious and prejudiced social strictures of her upbringing. It is more difficult to appreciate Detective Frank Malloy character as his moral compass appears to have gone awry. However, as the circumstances of his life are slowly revealed, it becomes clear that there is more to him than meets the eye and that underneath his gruff facade and bullying manner lies a decent man trying to survive in a harsh world.
The murder investigation is compelling as the victim evokes a strong sense of empathy and sympathy, which makes it all the easier to identify with Sarah's need to get justice for her. There are a variety of suspects and motives, but it is possible to figure it all out by following the clues.
All in all, a well-written mystery with a strong sense of setting and engaging characters. Looking forward to continuing with the series.
4 Stars
As a midwife, Sarah Brandt is no stranger to the struggles of life and death. However, after attending a routine birth at a boarding house, Sarah is shocked to learn not only that one of the other guests has been murdered, but that the young woman is someone she knows. When the girl’s prominent family refuses to permit an investigation and the police appear to be just as disinclined, Sarah takes it upon herself to discover the truth.
A good mystery, but it is the dynamic between Sarah Brandt and Frank Malloy that truly make this book shine.
Sarah is a strong willed and independent heroine, and it is impossible not to admire her courage for turning her back on the capricious and prejudiced social strictures of her upbringing. It is more difficult to appreciate Detective Frank Malloy character as his moral compass appears to have gone awry. However, as the circumstances of his life are slowly revealed, it becomes clear that there is more to him than meets the eye and that underneath his gruff facade and bullying manner lies a decent man trying to survive in a harsh world.
The murder investigation is compelling as the victim evokes a strong sense of empathy and sympathy, which makes it all the easier to identify with Sarah's need to get justice for her. There are a variety of suspects and motives, but it is possible to figure it all out by following the clues.
All in all, a well-written mystery with a strong sense of setting and engaging characters. Looking forward to continuing with the series.
booksnacks's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
julieabe89's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
4.0
This book was a really good mystery. I called a couple of the twists but not who the murderer was. I really enjoyed it!
shellystilger's review against another edition
3.0
More like 2-1/2 but I rounded up. A little predictable, and inconsistent characters, but I’m going to read more in the series and withhold a final judgment.
deborahjillz's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
crystenaq's review against another edition
4.0
This book has been sitting on my shelf for years. I am so glad I finally picked it up!
A Murder on Astor Place is the beginning of the Gaslight Mystery series, a historical mystery series that runs 26 books deep with more being published every year.
This was very good! Our two main characters were likable even though they didn't get along with each other. Which is just fine, as it made for good and entertaining banter.
The mystery was good and kept me guessing. There was some commentary on class distinction and I liked all interesting facts about midwives and police history in New York during the turn of the century.
Recommend!
A Murder on Astor Place is the beginning of the Gaslight Mystery series, a historical mystery series that runs 26 books deep with more being published every year.
This was very good! Our two main characters were likable even though they didn't get along with each other. Which is just fine, as it made for good and entertaining banter.
The mystery was good and kept me guessing. There was some commentary on class distinction and I liked all interesting facts about midwives and police history in New York during the turn of the century.
Recommend!
school_librarian60's review against another edition
4.0
If you think this will be Downton Abbey meets Agatha Christie, you will be mistaken, but a very good mystery nonetheless. Liked the banter between the main characters, Sarah and Malloy, as well as the history behind the mystery. Overall, a great start to the series.