Reviews

Murder on Wall Street by Victoria Thompson

author_d_r_oestreicher's review against another edition

4.0

When your protagonist is a midwife, as in Murder on Wall Street by Victoria Thompson, everyone is pregnant. Jocelyn Robinson was raped by Hayden Norcross. When Hayden is murdered, Jocelyn’s reformed, ex-gangster, husband Jack fears he will be accused of the crime. He hires midwife-detective Sarah Malloy to find the real culprit. Hayden also raped and abused his wife, Violet Andriessen, so she is also a suspect. The investigation goes to Chinatown where Irish Cora Lee is married to a successful Chinese man and is also pregnant. This turn-of-the-19th-century mystery explores prejudice, women’s rights, and opium use.

By the end, Hayden is found to be so evil, you feel sorry for the murderer.

For my expanded notes: https://1book42day.blogspot.com/2022/01/murder-on-wall-street-by-victoria.html

saviem01's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted mysterious

• Loveable characters? Yes

4.25

johnw613's review against another edition

emotional informative mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

An investment banker is murdered in his office after hours. A plot rich in intrigue involving family jealousies, an illegitimate child, past wrongdoing, drug use, and inflicted emotional distress keep Frank and Sarah Malloy, Gino Donatelli, and Maeve Smith on their toes and they move toward the solution. The final confrontation is one of the most suspenseful author Thompson has written to date. And as always, there is a wealth of well researched period detail that makes the narrative rich and, to a 21st century perspective, exotic. 

veereadstoomuch's review against another edition

4.0

Another return of Jack. Jack has hired Malloy to find out who killed a banker. This banker is terrible. There are just too many people who didn't like him. Actually...does anybody like him? Some recurring characters show up and you meet some new ones. Again, the Malloys, Deckers, et al. "crash" a funeral to learn more. I do like the books when the Deckers are involved because the mother is so enthusiastic and the father loves it, but will not admit it.
It was entertaining as they all have been to me.

xkay_readsx's review against another edition

4.0

This is a historical New York City mystery with mid-wife/amateur sleuth Sarah as the protagonist. Her husband, Frank is a PI along with friends and family they occasionally chime in to solve mysteries.

In Murder on Wall Street, an investment banker was shot in his office. But who would want him dead? Apparently quite a few. Jack Robinson, a recurring character is most nervous that he would become a suspect since this banker had raped his wife. From the investigation, we learn that the deceased used opium which leads to other historical facts of the time period relating to immigrants mainly the Chinese, Irish and Italian.

The author's note provides more facts on various topics mentioned in the story and is not to be missed.

I continue to enjoy the Gaslight Mystery series but have been reading them out of order. To know the cast of characters, this is best to read in order, or a few from the beginning. The mystery contains no cliffhanger. It's not a fast pacing story but it does pick up speed towards the last quarter. What drew me to this series is its time period and characters. How people dress, talk, and think is fascinating. Cobblestone roads, carriages, and motorcars. Wish time travel is real.

nnniro411's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

I've been waiting all year for this book! Back with one of my favorite series. Everyone is still fun and lovable. I missed everyone. After 24 books I'm still enjoying the story and going back into the lives of Sarah, Frank and the rest of the gang was a delights. I also loved that they brought back Jack, I really loved his character so it was fun to see him back. I can read 50 more books about this world so keep them coming!!

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Murder

Minor: Drug abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, and Domestic abuse

bookitwithbecca's review against another edition

4.0

I was so excited for another “Gaslight Mystery,” and Murder on Wall Street does not disappoint! I think the murderer’s identity was pretty clear early on, but it was still fun to watch our protagonists figure it out – and, as always, to spend time with them while they investigated! And now I am officially in the “waiting a year for the next book” club. Which is sad, but also means… I have time for re-reads?!

argentrabe's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

jonetta's review against another edition

4.0

Eight months ago, former gangster Jack Robinson married Jocelyn Vane as part of his efforts to gain respectability in society as he transitions his businesses to legal activities. She was pregnant as the result of a rape at the time, banished by her family to Sarah Malloy’s clinic. The marriage also rescued her from scandal. Now she’s nearing the birth of her baby and their relationship has transitioned from one of friendship to much deeper feelings. When Hayden Norcross is found shot to death in his office, Jack hires private investigator Frank Malloy to find out who killed him. Hayden was the man who raped Jocelyn and Jack fears he may be accused of doing him in.

It was not only great to see what was going on in Sarah and Frank’s expanded world but to see Jack Robinson resurface. I was curious about how his marriage to Jocelyn would fare so it was satisfying that the story had them at the center. The case took unsavory turns as Jocelyn wasn’t Hayden’s only victim and he had some serious vices. Of course, there were roles for everyone in helping Frank figure out the culprit, including Sarah’s parents and their nanny/amateur investigator Maeve, who is becoming increasingly restless, wanting to be more involved in Frank’s new business.

There were also historical elements that made this an even more enjoyable reading experience. The investigation had lots of twists and angles, leading back to Chinatown and the investment banking business. Even though I guessed the killer before it was revealed, the how and why took a path I hadn’t foreseen. I love this series and was happy to be back here. This story had all of the components that keeps me coming back and now I’m interested in what the future holds for Maeve and Gino, whose relationship inched forward a bit.

rigabriellee's review against another edition

3.0

my favorite thing about the gaslight mystery is its historical accuracy. reading this always feel like a trip to history.

there are several parts that are a bit predictable. sometimes, i do not like how there is a lot of people involved in the investigation (even if their help is sort of necessary).

anyways, i love gino and maeve with all my heart.