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writings_of_a_reader's review
4.0
When facing injustice, the residents of nineteenth-century New York City’s tenements turn to midwife Sarah Brandt and Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy to protect their rights. Now the two must track down a cruel criminal preying on the hopes and dreams of innocent women…
Murder on Murray hill is definitely the darkest book of the Gaslight series so far, while somehow still being a light pleasant read. I'm not sure how that is, but it's true. It's impossible not to be a bit dark considering the subject matter. This book reminded me more of an Anne Perry novel because of the nature of the crime. Amongst the crime solving and the dark mystery, I enjoyed seeing Frank trying to adjust to his new life, and also hide his good fortune and his relationship with Sarah for the time being. He truly is like a fish out of water.
This series is on the cusp of some overdue changes and I cannot wait for them to take place. I hope the changes end up satisfying.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
Murder on Murray hill is definitely the darkest book of the Gaslight series so far, while somehow still being a light pleasant read. I'm not sure how that is, but it's true. It's impossible not to be a bit dark considering the subject matter. This book reminded me more of an Anne Perry novel because of the nature of the crime. Amongst the crime solving and the dark mystery, I enjoyed seeing Frank trying to adjust to his new life, and also hide his good fortune and his relationship with Sarah for the time being. He truly is like a fish out of water.
This series is on the cusp of some overdue changes and I cannot wait for them to take place. I hope the changes end up satisfying.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
221bees's review
2.0
This is #16 in a series of now-18 mystery books set in Victorian New York; it's the second book I've read in the series and will be the last. I saw that this was a newer book and thought I'd give the author a second chance. Sure enough, the writing seemed to have improved slightly. Unfortunately, as a whole it wasn't much of an improvement.
I'll start off with the good:
Sarah Brandt and Frank Malloy are likable.
The mystery has an interesting premise; unsuspecting, unprepossessing women who've answered a man's "lonely hearts" ads (think Craigslist) end up being kidnapped and abused (and worse) by him.
The bad:
The book as it is could be set in any city. Only if you squint can you tell that it's set in New York.
The voices didn't seem very Victorian to me. Sometimes, the way some of the characters spoke almost seemed robotic.
Presentation of historical facts were jarring. For example, I think the author mentions the "Tombs" (prisons) and literally tells the reader "Tombs, what prisons were called in New York." This detracted from the story; footnotes should have been employed.
I think these books need more character. But it's a very quick read, and it's not a terrible way to pass your time.
I'll start off with the good:
Sarah Brandt and Frank Malloy are likable.
The mystery has an interesting premise; unsuspecting, unprepossessing women who've answered a man's "lonely hearts" ads (think Craigslist) end up being kidnapped and abused (and worse) by him.
The bad:
The book as it is could be set in any city. Only if you squint can you tell that it's set in New York.
The voices didn't seem very Victorian to me. Sometimes, the way some of the characters spoke almost seemed robotic.
Presentation of historical facts were jarring. For example, I think the author mentions the "Tombs" (prisons) and literally tells the reader "Tombs, what prisons were called in New York." This detracted from the story; footnotes should have been employed.
I think these books need more character. But it's a very quick read, and it's not a terrible way to pass your time.
dollydaggerreads's review against another edition
5.0
Angsty and Darker than previous novels
the Gaslight Mysteries keep getting better. Murder in Murray Hill has a truly evil criminal at the center of the story. This book feels much more sinster than previous books. I really enjoyed it
the Gaslight Mysteries keep getting better. Murder in Murray Hill has a truly evil criminal at the center of the story. This book feels much more sinster than previous books. I really enjoyed it
desertlover's review
4.0
This was one of of most disturbing mysteries of the series, but I still enjoyed it.
Spoiler
I admit to tearing up with Mrs. Malloy/Sarah's interactions and Catherine/Malloy. It was so sweet to finally see everyone happy and together. Fingers crossed Malloy can find more detective work.manishap's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
badseedgirl's review
4.0
As I have said in other reviews for this series, I choose to read these books when my reading fair starts to get too dark and I need a little relief. Cozy Mysteries are my "safe zone" go-to. That being said, this book in the series was almost too dark for me after reading the triggering Sundial. In this book Sarah and Frank look for a missing woman and stumble onto a human trafficking ring. No one is sorry to see the murders committed in this book, and finding the women and making sure they are OK, is more of the focus of this book.
henrismum's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Take away: Finally, a story that talks about ugly girls.
Narration: Suzanne Toren - At one time I was critical of Ms. Toren, but now I don't remember why.
Normal Speed- Accelerated Speed
New - Second - Third - Committed
Series- Non Series - Non-Fiction - Author
Listening to this book was a chore.
I'm glad I listened to this book. (with exception)
I didn't want this book to end.
I could not wait to be done with this book.
Average, but better than anything I've written.
Narration: Suzanne Toren - At one time I was critical of Ms. Toren, but now I don't remember why.
Normal Speed
Series
I'm glad I listened to this book. (with exception)
I could not wait to be done with this book.
Average, but better than anything I've written.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Kidnapping
mg_in_md_'s review
4.0
to be reviewed
A "new-to-me" series, I picked up the latest installment in the Gaslight mysteries after seeing it was nominated for the 2014 Agatha for Best Historical Novel. I'd heard the author speak at a mystery conference I attended a couple of years ago and have been interested to check out this series ever since. Although I haven't read earlier installments in the series and did feel like it would've helped me appreciate the story more, I still enjoyed this book quite a bit and felt like the author did an excellent job of drawing in enough details from prior books to understand the backstories and characters. While I'd say this is a cozy mystery, it was equally unsettling, dark, and twisty since the plot centered around a serial stalker (and murderer) who preyed on lonely, insecure women. The details of his crimes were chilling and the reader couldn't help but hope that his victims would be able to see that justice was done for the horrible things he did to them. Even though the book is set in New York in the late 1800s, the story still resonated and was, sadly, relevant to today's society. As I read the book, I was reminded of the fairly recent news story about the women who were held captive in Ohio. And after reading the author's note at the end, I learned that news story was inspiration for the plot in this one. If this offering was indicative of the earlier books in the series, this series will definitely be on my "to read" list. The two main characters, Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy and midwife Sarah Brandt, are characters I'd like to get to know more and hope to get a chance to do so soon.
A "new-to-me" series, I picked up the latest installment in the Gaslight mysteries after seeing it was nominated for the 2014 Agatha for Best Historical Novel. I'd heard the author speak at a mystery conference I attended a couple of years ago and have been interested to check out this series ever since. Although I haven't read earlier installments in the series and did feel like it would've helped me appreciate the story more, I still enjoyed this book quite a bit and felt like the author did an excellent job of drawing in enough details from prior books to understand the backstories and characters. While I'd say this is a cozy mystery, it was equally unsettling, dark, and twisty since the plot centered around a serial stalker (and murderer) who preyed on lonely, insecure women. The details of his crimes were chilling and the reader couldn't help but hope that his victims would be able to see that justice was done for the horrible things he did to them. Even though the book is set in New York in the late 1800s, the story still resonated and was, sadly, relevant to today's society. As I read the book, I was reminded of the fairly recent news story about the women who were held captive in Ohio. And after reading the author's note at the end, I learned that news story was inspiration for the plot in this one. If this offering was indicative of the earlier books in the series, this series will definitely be on my "to read" list. The two main characters, Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy and midwife Sarah Brandt, are characters I'd like to get to know more and hope to get a chance to do so soon.