Reviews

Murder in Chelsea by Victoria Thompson

js_biels6306's review

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful informative 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? No

4.5

laurenjodi's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Murder in Chelsea
3 Stars

Sarah Brandt is devastated to learn that a woman is asking questions about her foster daughter, Catherine. But when the woman is found dead, Sarah and Detective Frank Malloy are determined to unravel the mystery surrounding Catherine's past even if it means losing her forever.

It may be time to take a break from this series as, despite my affection for Sarah and Frank, the plots are becoming repetitious and mundane.

While there is finally some much-needed resolution to Frank and Sarah's slow burn romance, the actual outcome is far too deus ex machina for my tastes. All of the issues of social class and financial status are solved by a very convenient
Spoilerinheretence that falls at Frank's feet
. Moreover, the chemistry that has been building between the two has fizzled somewhat in the past few installments.

In terms of the mystery, the progression of events are predictable and the identity of the villain quote obvious from the start. Nevertheless, there is an exciting climax and the ending is ultimately very satisfying.

All in all, this series has wonderful potential both in terms of the setting and the characters. Hopefully, with the developments in this installment, the next books will be more imaginative.

bak8382's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

This latest book in the Gaslight Mystery series answers several questions that fans have been waiting for, namely Catherine's history and Sarah and Frank's future.

leavingsealevel's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Fifteen books it takes for
Spoilerthe two of you to finally get engaged
. FIFTEEN BOOKS.

samanthakelley's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

I skipped from book #4 to this oneā€¦ FINALLY!

nursenell's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Another good book in this series. Someone has stepped forth to claim she is the mother of Sarah's foster daughter Catherine, and Sarah fears losing her.

fishwitch's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

l loved the way this story played out. I like the direction of the characters and ultimately the way the author tied up the loose end.

alise410's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

This book made me feel all the feels.
SpoilerTHEY'RE FINALLY TOGETHER

cj_mo_2222's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I loved this book and think it is one of the best in the series. There isn't as much of Sarah on the job as a midwife, but there is so much other things going on, it's fine without it. There has been a slow build-up to the events in this book throughout the series and the payoff is well worth it. In addition to Sarah and Malloy's changing relationship, I also love the way things have been going between Sarah and her parents in the last couple of books. It is great seeing them working with Malloy and Sarah to help find out the true story behind Catherine's biological parents. Things didn't turn out exactly as I expected in the conclusion, but longtime readers will be cheering by the end of the book. I re-read a few of the pages just to savor the moment. That is how great the ending is.

Victoria Thompson has outdone herself this time. This book is highly recommended for anyone who has been following this series. Fans of historical mysteries by Anne Perry would enjoy this series as well. Although new readers could catch up on who is who, there is a major development in the two main characters' personal lives that would be best enjoyed if prior books in the series were read first.

lindacbugg's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

About time--I don't think she could have kept them apart any longer and nicely done way in getting them together without Mr Decker having to intercede.