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 Sarah and Frank Malloy who often find themselves investigating murders together.
Private Investigator Frank Malloy is hired by Will Bert to find the man’s younger brother, Freddie, who was separated from him five years ago when they were part of the Orphan Train taking homeless children to potential parents out west. Frank and his assistant, Gino Donatelli, locate Freddie but before he’s reunited with his brother, ends up murdered. As Frank and Gino explore further, they find themselves immersed in a unique underworld and stumble onto another murder that is connected to Freddie’s death.
I’ve know the term “slumming” forever but didn’t know its origins until this story where it was an actual, organized activity. Who knew? I also learned about the newsboys (and sometimes girls) who were the primary distributors of the daily newspapers for the Hearst and Pulitzer publications, along with what was there infamous strike at the turn of the 19th century. I enjoy this series equally for the historical aspects as well as the escapades of Frank & Sarah. I always seem to learn something from the stories and this was no exception.
I enjoyed this one, which also included a truly unsavory element. There were lots of red herrings that temporarily distracted me but I came close to the right solution. It was also nice to see how things closer to home are developing for Frank & Sarah. This story put the series back on track for me as the case was interesting and didn’t get mired in a lot of musing about it. And, Sarah’s future plans should provide lots of opportunities for other potential storylines. This is still a favorite series.
Book Info
- Release Date: May 2, 2017
- Series: Gaslight Mystery #20
- Page Numbers: 299
- Publisher: Berkley
Blue Mood Café 
Glad you are enjoying this series, Jonetta!
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Thanks, Marialyce!
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Lovely review, Jonetta! I’m glad this one put the series back on track for you. You are getting really close to catching up on these!
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Thanks, Jennifer💜 We’ve only two left!!! I can’t believe we went through the series so quickly.
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Great review, Jonetta! I think you are quite attached to Frank and Sarah… I love learning something new from a historical book.
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Thanks, Toni! I’m VERY attached to Frank & Sarah🥰
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I’ve only read a few, but I loved them. So glad they all seem to be worth sticking too! ❤
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I definitely think so, Holly!
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Love the review, Jonetta! I haven’t heard anything about this series, but I am a sucker for anything historical. I’ll definitely be looking out for this book on my next visit to Barnes & Noble. Great post!
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Thanks, Sophie! Our group started reading from the beginning and we’ve loved it. I hope you enjoy💜 My library carries the entire series.
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Every month you tempt me with this series! Wonderful review!
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Thanks, Berit! We’re down to the last two so…
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I’m so glad that you got me started on this series. Love your post and the series itself. Thank you!
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Yay! I’m so glad you’re enjoying, Mackey💜
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I really want to try this series but right now it’s not happening. Excellent reviews! It looks like they have 19 audio books at one of my libraries by this author. so that’s a relief.
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Anne, I’ve gotten every book from the library! I didn’t listen to it, though, so I don’t know anything about the narration.
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This sounds like an interesting mystery series, Jonetta. I’m glad you’re enjoying it!
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Thanks, Kris! It’s interesting and unique.
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