I’m reading this series in one of my Goodreads groups and it’s one of our favorites. It’s set in turn-of-the-century (19th) New York City featuring midwife Sarah Brandt and Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy who often find themselves investigating murders together.
The day that Sarah Brandt dreaded but knew was inevitable finally arrived. Someone had inquired about her Catherine, saying she was her nursemaid and wanted her back to return to her biological mother. But since it’s been more than a year, neither she or Detective Sergeant Malloy are willing to accept this woman’s claims at face value and give up the child they’d come to cherish. Once they began investigating, they discovered there was a lot more going on than at first blush and Catherine was at serious risk.
This story had me at the first page and never let me go. Unraveling the past and trying to figure out the reality of the present was gnarly, in an extremely good way. I kept changing the scenarios and suspects until the very end, which made the mystery so much fun and challenging. Felix and Elizabeth Decker played major roles, too, making this even more compelling. Lastly, definitely not the least, Frank and Sarah’s relationship moved to a whole new level. After two years of inertia, I certainly didn’t see that coming.
I loved this story because it tugged so strongly at my emotions as Sarah faced losing Catherine and her life was in peril. The mystery helped provide some relief as I was so immersed in figuring out the players and their true motives. The ending was just perfect and now I’m anxious to see how Frank and Sarah move forward from here. This one tops my list of the favorites in the series.
Book Info
- Release Date: May 7, 2013
- Series: Gaslight Mystery #15
- Page Numbers: 306
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Blue Mood Café 
Fab review!
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Thanks, Nicki!
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I really have to get to some of this author’s books. So happy that this was the best of the series so far, Jonetta! Your review shows your love for this book.
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Start from the beginning, Marialyce. I’ve gotten all from my library.
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Short and sweet review! This seems like a book I’ll enjoy. Thanks for the recommendation. 🙂
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Thanks, Debjani! I do love this series.
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So great when a story grips you from the first page! Nice review!!
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Thanks, Inge!
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Wonderful review. Everytime I read a review of a book in this series, I think, I need to read these sooner rather than later, but so many review committments.
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Thank you, Carla! I understand completely. I’ll be forever grateful that my group selected it for our series read. Otherwise, it would still be languishing on my shelf.
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I like the sound of this! One for the wish list.
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Just checked Amazon and the series has 22 books so far! Is it better to read them in order?
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It is essential to read them in order, especially before reading this one. The character development and foundation are progressive. There’s one continuing story arc concerning the subject of this book so it makes a big difference.
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Thanks, Jonetta. Seems I have a lot to catch up on!
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The journey’s been fun, one a month.
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There’s nothing better than reading a book from beginning to end that really captivates. And it sounds like you really love this series.
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That I do, Alexandra!
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This is a series I discovered a couple of years ago. I even found several of them in a used bookstore. Now I just need to start it lol
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You’re going to enjoy this one, Tina!
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Wonderful review! I love that you used the word gnarly in your review! This looks really good!
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Thanks, Berit! My vocabulary is definitely influenced by my international friends💜
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Wonderful review, Jonetta! It feels like I was just saying “one of these days…I’ll get started with this series,” and that’s still where I am, unfortunately, but your review inspires me to inch ever close to finally picking up that adorable-looking first book! ♥️
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Aw, thank you Jennifer 💕 I hope you do get an opportunity to start soon.
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Well I’m going to HAVE to read these because you are loving them. Have you read the Anne Perry ones and how would you compare to those, if you have?
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No, I’ve not read anything by Anne Perry. But, I think you’d enjoy these.
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My friend Melisa recommended these mysteries as well! I’ve read from her newer series The Counterfeit Lady and I enjoyed it!!!
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There’s a group of us reading the series together and are loving it!
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Group reads are the best!
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Oh, I think so, too.
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