This is another series I’m reading with a Goodreads group and we absolutely love it. It’s set in late 19th century New York City and we learn something of historical significance with each book.
Sarah Brandt receives a strange request from her mother, Elizabeth Brandt. She wants Sarah to accompany her to a seance led by a spiritualist who was being vouched for by a friend. Flabbergasted, Sarah agrees but is alarmed at some of the things that happened during the session and makes her mother promise not to attend anymore. Well, that didn’t work and the next session ends when one of the attendees ends up murdered.
I couldn’t imagine why Elizabeth Decker would want to attend a seance given her normally levelheaded nature. But, once her motivations were revealed, I understood completely and settled into this strange and curious story. It was challenging trying to figure out if Madam Serafina was the real deal and had special gifts while attempting to unearth the identity of the killer. If you pay close attention, the clues are all there to solve both.
I enjoyed this story, which was a bit of a departure from the rest but still containing some interesting factoids (i.e., origin of the flashlight and how it got its name). Everyone has a role, including Maeve and Mrs. Ellsworth. Mrs. Decker was a bonus! She and Frank Malloy got to spend some serious quality time together and it won’t be long before he becomes more acceptable to the family as a potential son-in-law.
Book Info
- Release Date: June 2, 2009
- Series: Gaslight Mystery #11
- Page Numbers: 316
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Blue Mood Café 
I just read the first book in this series. It was ok, but I do intend to go forward with book 2. Hopefully, I will get to this one that you reviewed as well.
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I’m glad you tried it, Marialyce! Also, we’ve got a group discussion going on for the series. Here’s the link to this book’s discussion, which makes the reading more interesting.
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_folder/354139
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Hey Marialyce, you are reading the Counterfeit Lady series, which just has the two books so far, and this series Jonetta reviewed here is the Gaslight series from the same author. ♥️ It has a TON of books in it.
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This sounds like a fun one to read with a group – great review Jonetta 🙂
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Thanks, Christina! It really is a lot of fun. Hope all is well on your end.
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Oh you know, just curbing my anxiety by reading great reviews like this one 😉 but that’s not gonna help my ever growing TBR lol!
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Great review Jonetta!
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Thank you, Darinda!
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Thanks for your review! I love the cover on this book too!
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Thanks, Diane! They all have a vintage feel, though the first books weren’t as artistic.
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I’ve heard so many great things about this author. I need to try her out! So glad you are enjoying this series!!!
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Thanks, Lindsay! I think the hype is all true.
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This sounds like a terrific series and one that I would enjoy very much! I’ll check it out right now.
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I hope you do, Mackey!
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I can’t wait to dig into this series someday soon. I ordered the first one, Jonetta! Wonderful review and so happy to hear how consistent this series is.
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Thanks, Jennifer! It’s definitely holding up.
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This sounds like such a fun series!!! Love your review, Jonetta!!! 💕
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Thank you, Mackenzie! I’ve learned a lot about this historical period.
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Wonderful review! Looking into the series now. I had never heard of it, but you’ve made it sound just like something I’d enjoy.
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Thank you, Christopher! I hope it is something that suits your taste.
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