readbooks_eatapples's review against another edition
4.0
The mystery in this one was actually pretty good! Red herrings everywhere, in an enjoyable way. The misogyny is annoying, though not inappropriate/inaccurate for the time. Frank needs to be less of an asshole, and I think he's getting there. I'm far more forgiving of such things when written over a decade ago, granted, and we'll see how things progress over the series. I enjoy Sarah and the dynamic between her and other characters. I want to see more of Mrs Ellingsworth!
exuberant_crow's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
henrismum's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Audiobook (All of my entries on The Story Graph are audiobooks.)
#6 in series (I have been reading this series since for almost a year now.)
Comparison to others in series:Not as good About the same Better I actually figured this one out in the middle. I don't always have luck at that. Thompson's books are always filled with flawed people.
The narrator was Callie Beaulieu. I must have said this before, but Beaulieu is probably the best narrator that Tantor has.
#6 in series (I have been reading this series since for almost a year now.)
Comparison to others in series:
The narrator was Callie Beaulieu. I must have said this before, but Beaulieu is probably the best narrator that Tantor has.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Classism, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Sexism, Miscarriage, Sexual assault, and Grief
cheryl6of8's review against another edition
3.0
An enjoyable mystery and an interesting look at the time period of Teddy Roosevelt's New York City, with discussions of wealth and privilege and police corruption and the anarchist movement. I had read one other book in this series many years ago and enjoyed it, so I was intrigued when this one landed in my lap. I will keep my eyes open for others in this series, because they are well-written, the characters are interesting, and the mystery element kept me guessing all along the way (turned out my first guess was right, though, so go me!).
orangesloth1's review against another edition
4.0
The melodrama of this family reminds me of the first family we encounter in the first book of the series. I felt the mystery of who killed the victim was better in this book versus the last few.
veereadstoomuch's review against another edition
4.0
Second book I read from the series. I wish my libraries had books #2-5, but I had to skip around.
You are rejoining Mrs. Sarah Brandt. An old friend of the family has been murdered. Commissioner Roosevelt asks Mr. Malloy to find out who did the murder. Malloy annoyingly works with Mrs. Brandt and the Deckers.
As with the first book, there's a good description of the time and place of the story. You get the different views from Malloy and Sarah. The murder is interesting and it's really from the work that both do that it gets figured out.
I already borrowed book #14.
If you like interesting mysteries in a historical setting. You will enjoy this book.
You are rejoining Mrs. Sarah Brandt. An old friend of the family has been murdered. Commissioner Roosevelt asks Mr. Malloy to find out who did the murder. Malloy annoyingly works with Mrs. Brandt and the Deckers.
As with the first book, there's a good description of the time and place of the story. You get the different views from Malloy and Sarah. The murder is interesting and it's really from the work that both do that it gets figured out.
I already borrowed book #14.
If you like interesting mysteries in a historical setting. You will enjoy this book.
melissasbookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
Another great Victoria Thompson mystery! I especially liked this one because it wasn't clear until the very end.
johnw613's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This sixth title in the Gaslight Mysteries series continues the deep look at the complex social conventions in 1890s New York, with a couple murders thrown in. This time the first victim is a wealthy industrialist whose family is harboring some deep and troubling secrets. Long standing jealousies, a prodigal son taking up with anarchists, police commissioner Theodore Roosevelt taking a personal interest in the case, and the further development of a relationship between Detective Frank Malloy and midwife Sarah Brandt (whose father had requested that Roosevelt assign Malloy to the case) make for a rich story. The subplot involving Frank’s deaf son and his getting tantalizingly close to discovering who murdered Sarah’s husband provide an additional human element. This series gets better and better with each book.
dmchurch's review against another edition
When a bomb kills a wealthy businessman in his office, Police Commissioner Theodore Roosevelt personally assigns Malloy to the case. And, of course, the murdered man is an old friend of the Decker family, so Malloy finds himself thrown in with Sarah once again. As the two seek answers, the secrets of the whole Van Dyke family are exposed are a those of his partner Snowberger leaving Malloy with too many suspects.