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.
Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy is still reeling from recent life changing events, wondering when (not if) his new circumstances will affect his career as a policeman when he’s assigned the case to find Grace Livingston, the missing daughter of an affluent businessman. She’d left on errands and never returned. Frank soon determines that she’d answered a “lonely hearts” ad and fears Grace may have met up with an impostor.
I so enjoyed this story as not only is the case highly engaging but Frank and Sarah are now coming to terms with all the considerations of merging their families. Their grappling with these issues was equally as interesting as the missing persons case. I’d heard of mail order brides during this era but was unaware of lonely hearts scams dating back this far. In this story, plain and unmarriageable women were specifically targeted, making this even more insidious and heartbreaking.
The case took a really sharp turn with the discovery of the “lair” of the man who placed the ad. The whole situation highlighted the powerlessness of women in a world where they had virtually no control over their futures. As usual, the author presents another historical factoid that was enlightening. The outcome of the case was extraordinary, probably more fictional than true to life but I needed that. I also delighted in Frank and Sarah’s new relationship, providing some balance to a story that needed that sunshine. I loved it.
Book Info
- Release Date: May 6, 2014
- Series: Gaslight Mystery #16
- Page Numbers: 306
- Publisher: Berkley
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Blue Mood Café 
Lovely review, Jonetta! You are moving right through these! I had no idea there was a new one out this month, too! I still need to read the first and can’t wait! ♥️
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Thanks, Jennifer! We are so loving this series. This book delivered a lot of what we’ve waited for the last several books.
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Another wonderful series that I need to explore. Your review makes this book sound so intriguing, Jonetta.
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Thank you, Marialyce! This one was long awaited.
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This one sounds so good!
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Oh, that it was!
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Fantastic review! I am sure I will love these when I can get to them.
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Thanks, Anne! I surely hope you do💜
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I love a good historical fiction, so this one has a few things going for it. Another series to check out, for sure.
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I was pleasantly surprised when I started this series. I never expected to love it💜
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This looks so good! You tempt me every day!💕💕
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Right back at you, Berit💜
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Great review, Jonetta! I am glad to see you loved it!
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Thank you, Brenda!
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Awesome review, Jonetta!! So glad you are enjoying this series!!
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Thank you, Julie!
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This sounds interesting! I love that there’s a midwife in the book. I need to give these a look. Wonderful review, Jonetta!
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Thanks, Stephanie! The midwife is one of the two main characters. You’d love this series.
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You’re welcome. I think that is wonderful. I think so too!
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Fantastic review!! I finally finished my FIRST one in this series and I loved it. I can’t wait for the second one to arrive. Eventually I’ll get caught up with you…. maybe. 😉
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Thanks, Mackey! I’m thrilled you’ve started💜
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This series sounds really good! Brilliant review 🙂
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Thank you, Meggy💜 It is definitely living up to my expectations.
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I’m such a sucker for books set in New York and for books set during this time period, so this sounds like my kind of book. Great review!
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I am, too, Suzanne💜
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Another great review Jonetta, you might get me to read this series yet.
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Thank you, Carla! I can hope💜
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Nice review. I need add more variety in my reads.
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Thank you!
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