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badseedgirl's review against another edition
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: Kidnapping, Sexual violence, and Sexual assault
mg_in_md_'s review against another edition
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.
ihavenouseforit's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
steven_v's review against another edition
4.0
This is another solid installment in the wonderful Gaslight Mystery series -- which is now my all-time favorite series of mystery books. The only thing bad I have to say about this series is that I wish they didn't take a year to come out....
In this newest novel, Frank Malloy, NYPD Detective, is trying to hide the fact that, at the end of book 15, he was bequeathed 5 million bucks. He knows as soon as it becomes public, he will be let go from the force -- they can't have a rich "swell" working as a cop. This might seem like a no-brainer to most people; he's rich, so why would he need or want to keep working? But working as a cop and bringing crooks to justice has been who Frank is for so long, he doesn't know what to do with himself otherwise. Although Thompson does not commit herself to the final fate of Malloy, we get some hints that he may end up either as a private eye or a consultant for the NYPD.
As Frank and Sarah ponder their future life together (in book 15, they agreed to marry), Frank is called in on his last case -- to find a missing girl. The case takes some early twists and turns, as we discover some very sick things are going on in what seems like a decent neighborhood of New York. There are two murders to solve, and several suspects. And of course, Sarah and Maeve get involved, as well as Mrs. Ellsworth.
Although I enjoyed this book, I was somewhat disappointed that there weren't more twists and turns. The people who seem to be victims all turn out to be. The villains are who we think they are. What happened is what most people say happened on their first interrogation. The lies are all minor. I kept expecting there to be a sudden twist -- one of the victims turns out only to be pretending, and is really the mastermind behind everything. The guy who was the "assistant" is really the boss. That kind of thing. However, there really weren't any surprises, which I felt cut down the tension later in the story. The most tense part of the book was early on, when Frank and Sarah used Maeve as bait, and I worried that something bad would happen to her. That part got my pulse racing (I like Maeve!), but once she was safe, everything sort of played out in the most obvious way.
That said, the characters introduced in this story are interesting. Although we don't really find out what happens to them beyond the ending of the case, I found myself hoping that the three victims would become friends with each other. Having shared the ordeal they all went through, I could see them bonding... especially the two who were discovered together. I also liked them enough that I wouldn't mind having them put in some "guest appearances" at Sara and Frank's house in future installments. Or maybe they could work at the Mission.
All in all, this was a fun and enjoyable novel with lots of great character development for the major characters, especially Frank and Sarah. There were some fun scenes as well. I especially enjoyed the scene in which Frank and Sarah tell Mrs. Malloy what is going on. Priceless!
If you enjoy the Gaslight Mysteries, this is definitely a book to put on your "must read" list.
In this newest novel, Frank Malloy, NYPD Detective, is trying to hide the fact that, at the end of book 15, he was bequeathed 5 million bucks. He knows as soon as it becomes public, he will be let go from the force -- they can't have a rich "swell" working as a cop. This might seem like a no-brainer to most people; he's rich, so why would he need or want to keep working? But working as a cop and bringing crooks to justice has been who Frank is for so long, he doesn't know what to do with himself otherwise. Although Thompson does not commit herself to the final fate of Malloy, we get some hints that he may end up either as a private eye or a consultant for the NYPD.
As Frank and Sarah ponder their future life together (in book 15, they agreed to marry), Frank is called in on his last case -- to find a missing girl. The case takes some early twists and turns, as we discover some very sick things are going on in what seems like a decent neighborhood of New York. There are two murders to solve, and several suspects. And of course, Sarah and Maeve get involved, as well as Mrs. Ellsworth.
Although I enjoyed this book, I was somewhat disappointed that there weren't more twists and turns. The people who seem to be victims all turn out to be. The villains are who we think they are. What happened is what most people say happened on their first interrogation. The lies are all minor. I kept expecting there to be a sudden twist -- one of the victims turns out only to be pretending, and is really the mastermind behind everything. The guy who was the "assistant" is really the boss. That kind of thing. However, there really weren't any surprises, which I felt cut down the tension later in the story. The most tense part of the book was early on, when Frank and Sarah used Maeve as bait, and I worried that something bad would happen to her. That part got my pulse racing (I like Maeve!), but once she was safe, everything sort of played out in the most obvious way.
That said, the characters introduced in this story are interesting. Although we don't really find out what happens to them beyond the ending of the case, I found myself hoping that the three victims would become friends with each other. Having shared the ordeal they all went through, I could see them bonding... especially the two who were discovered together. I also liked them enough that I wouldn't mind having them put in some "guest appearances" at Sara and Frank's house in future installments. Or maybe they could work at the Mission.
All in all, this was a fun and enjoyable novel with lots of great character development for the major characters, especially Frank and Sarah. There were some fun scenes as well. I especially enjoyed the scene in which Frank and Sarah tell Mrs. Malloy what is going on. Priceless!
If you enjoy the Gaslight Mysteries, this is definitely a book to put on your "must read" list.
veronica87's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
Don't let the period setting fool you, this series does not shy away from depicting some truly horrific crimes. And so it is that Sarah Brandt and Frank Malloy, now finally betrothed, find themselves once again facing man's darker nature. The mystery, setting, and characters are all top notch once again, cementing this series as my second favorite historical mystery series (the Sebastian St Cyr books by [a:C.S. Harris|22067|C.S. Harris|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1283051864p2/22067.jpg] take first place). I am deducting half a star only because, after the momentous life-changing event that happened in the last book I was expecting to see Sarah and Frank spend a little more time alone in this book. But I expect that there will be plenty of time for that in books to come as the author has promised that married life will not deter Sarah and Frank from solving crimes together. Because as genuine as the setting feels and as wonderfully plotted as the mysteries are, it is the characters and how they relate to each other through the highs and lows of life that really keeps me coming back for more. So while I look forward to seeing Sarah and Frank continue to solve murders, I am chomping at the bit to see this blended family come together into one, stronger whole.
Don't let the period setting fool you, this series does not shy away from depicting some truly horrific crimes. And so it is that Sarah Brandt and Frank Malloy, now finally betrothed, find themselves once again facing man's darker nature. The mystery, setting, and characters are all top notch once again, cementing this series as my second favorite historical mystery series (the Sebastian St Cyr books by [a:C.S. Harris|22067|C.S. Harris|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1283051864p2/22067.jpg] take first place). I am deducting half a star only because, after the momentous life-changing event that happened in the last book I was expecting to see Sarah and Frank spend a little more time alone in this book. But I expect that there will be plenty of time for that in books to come as the author has promised that married life will not deter Sarah and Frank from solving crimes together. Because as genuine as the setting feels and as wonderfully plotted as the mysteries are, it is the characters and how they relate to each other through the highs and lows of life that really keeps me coming back for more. So while I look forward to seeing Sarah and Frank continue to solve murders, I am chomping at the bit to see this blended family come together into one, stronger whole.
pickpoppies's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The darkest crime yet, some trigger warnings for violence against women, sexual assault and rape.
Was I the only one that reacted to how many times "female/s" were used instead of woman/women? Sounded a little odd to me, maybe an historical thing?
Was I the only one that reacted to how many times "female/s" were used instead of woman/women? Sounded a little odd to me, maybe an historical thing?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
Moderate: Rape