Thursday, November 30, 2023

The Gaslight Mysteries

I started a new series this summer that I am really liking. The Gaslight Mysteries by Victoria Thompson.  

I have read/listened to the first three books in this 26 book series. 

The first book in the series is Murder on Astor Place.


About: 
"From bestselling author Victoria Thompson, the first novel in the Edgar® and Agatha Award-nominated Gaslight Mystery series introduces Sarah Brandt, a midwife in the turn-of-the-century tenements of Manhattan who refuses to turn a blind eye to the injustices of the crime-ridden city…

After a routine delivery, Sarah visits her patient in a rooming house—and discovers that another boarder, a young girl, has been killed. At the request of Sergeant Frank Malloy, she searches the girl’s room. She discovers that the victim is from one of the most prominent families in New York—and the sister of an old friend. The powerful family, fearful of scandal, refuses to permit an investigation. But with Malloy’s help, Sarah begins a dangerous quest to bring the killer to justice—before death claims another victim…"

Book two: Murder on St. Mark's Place


About: 

"Thinking she has been summoned by German immigrant Agnes Otto to usher a new life into the world, Sarah Brandt is greeted by the news of an untimely death instead. It seems that Agnes’s beautiful younger sister, Gerda, had fallen into the life of a “Charity Girl.” Caught up in the false glamour of the city’s nightlife, she would trade her company—and her favors—not for money, but for lavish gifts and an evenings’ entertainment. And now she was dead; victim, no doubt, of one of her “gentlemen friends.”

"No one cares much about the fate of girls like Gerda, but Sarah does. And she vows to find her killer. To do so, she turns to Sergeant Frank Malloy. As the two pursue an investigation that leads from the bright lights of Coney Island to the stately homes of Fifth Avenue, they find that their shared passion for justice may cost them dearly…"

Book Three: Murder on Gramercy Park


About: "At a summons from Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy, Sarah arrives at the elegant home of famed magnetic healer Edmund Blackwell to find his wife in labor—and the good doctor dead from an apparent suicide. Only Malloy sees what no one else wants to: that Blackwell was murdered in his own home…

After a successful delivery, the Blackwell baby falls mysteriously ill. Relying on her nurse’s training and woman’s intuition, Sarah discovers the source of the baby’s sickness—and discovers a scandal that leads Malloy’s investigation down a gilded path paved with greed, deception, and desire… 

The name of the books are the streets that Sarah's "case" takes place. In the first three books, she goes to the residence to deliver a baby, or help with a pregnancy and stumbles into something more. Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy is called in because there is a police matter. He really doesn't want Sarah there and there is a lot of annoyance between the two. But Sarah is very independent, smart and determined to help her patient's and families. There is a spark between the two but at the time of these books, they are ignoring this.

Sarah is the widow of a doctor. We learn that midwives are looked upon as almost women of the night. Apparently doctors weren't a very respected profession either. She left her wealthy, high society family to marry a doctor. After his death, they assumed she would return home "where she belonged". But she continues to live by herself and support herself.

Frank is a widower with a young son and lives with his mother. The police don't have a good reputation either but Frank tries to do what is right not what other law enforcement thing should be done.

This series reminds of the PBS series Scarlet and the Duke. If you like that series, you will like this series. Quick reads, likeable characters, plots that get you right away.

I highly recommend this series!

Victoria Thompson also writes The Counterfeit Lady Novels. Those sound equally as good. 

Check out all of her books here: https://victoriathompson.com/books/







Friday, November 24, 2023

Happy Holidays and The Maid by Nita Prose

 Happy Holiday Season All! 


If you are in the US, I hope you had a great Thanksgiving Holiday. We did. 
And as I predicted, when I went to the grocery store today, just to pick up a couple of basics, the Christmas candy was out and ready to do it's worst. Where did the Halloween candy go by the way. Used to go on sale the day after Halloween but not this year. 

I am feeling the urge to come back to my blog. I will see how it goes. I stopped out of frustration with posts being blocked for no good reason. I would say the year has been busy for me with last winters ice storm, followed by MONTHS of above 100 degree weather. Kind of knocks the energy and motivation from me. Had a sister reunion in October. First one since 2019. That was a blast. Followed by company for Thanksgiving. Lots of cleaning, eating, talking and laughing, followed by more cleaning, eating, talking and laughing.

The Mystery Book Club is going strong! We have a few new members and steady attendance of several people who have been with it for years. So nice. I haven't read as much this year but am determined to get back to it. Does anyone else just not feel right if they don't read everyday?

So to start back, I will tell you about the book we read for November: The Maid by Nita Prose (Molly the Maid #1). This book was the winner of the Goodreads 2022 Mystery/Thriller genre.


About: "Molly Gray is not like everyone else. She struggles with social skills and misreads the intentions of others. Her gran used to interpret the world for her, codifying it into simple rules that Molly could live by.

Since Gran died a few months ago, twenty-five-year-old Molly has been navigating life's complexities all by herself. No matter—she throws herself with gusto into her work as a hotel maid. Her unique character, along with her obsessive love of cleaning and proper etiquette, make her an ideal fit for the job. She delights in donning her crisp uniform each morning, stocking her cart with miniature soaps and bottles, and returning guest rooms at the Regency Grand Hotel to a state of perfection.

But Molly's orderly life is upended the day she enters the suite of the infamous and wealthy Charles Black, only to find it in a state of disarray and Mr. Black himself dead in his bed. Before she knows what's happening, Molly's unusual demeanor has the police targeting her as their lead suspect. She quickly finds herself caught in a web of deception, one she has no idea how to untangle. Fortunately for Molly, friends she never knew she had unite with her in a search for clues to what really happened to Mr. Black—but will they be able to find the real killer before it's too late?

Clue-like, locked-room mystery and a heartwarming journey of the spirit, The Maid explores what it means to be the same as everyone else and yet entirely different—and reveals that all mysteries can be solved through connection to the human heart."

I really enjoyed this book as did most of the book club. The story grabbed me right away and it is quite intriguing. I really felt for Molly. She is now living all alone since her grandmother who raised her, passed away. Molly is very set in her routine. She does the same thing every day, at the same time, just as when her grandmother was alive. Molly works as a maid in an upscale hotel. She does her work very well and always is at work and always on time. She meets all sorts of people. 

One long term "resident" is Mr. Black and his young wife, Giselle. Mr. Black apparently has lots of money but isn't a very nice man. There is some issues with his first wife, children and money. Molly befriends Giselle as Giselle confides in her often. Mr. Black is very jealous and controlling of Giselle. Molly, who has a problem with social cues and reading people, has been taken advantage of and made some bad choices. Is it because of her sheltered life, being raised by her old fashioned grandmother or is she perhaps somewhat autistic? 

As Molly makes her rounds cleaning rooms one day, she finds Mr. Black is dead. When she calls for help, the front desk doesn't pay much attention to her. But then it is confirmed. Mr. Black is dead. 

The story goes from there with the investigation and Molly's part in the investigation, her friendship with Giselle and other hotel employees. Her lack of abilities play a big part in the story. But there are some surprises that made us wonder about Molly and want to know more.

All in all we liked the book a lot and recommend it. 

Book #2 is coming out November 28: The Mystery Guest.