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.
Frank and Sarah Malloy are ready to move forward with the adoption of Catherine, the young orphan she’s been raising for almost two years and who views both of them as parents. They run into a major legal obstacle requiring them to first get approval from actor Parnell Vaughn, the man who was married to Catherine’s mother at the time of her birth, even though he isn’t her biological father. When they approach Vaughn, his conniving fiancée asks for money, even though he’s more than willing to give them rights without conditions. Frank agrees and returns with the legal documents, only to find the man beaten to death. Unfortunately for Frank, he becomes the prime suspect for the murder.
The backdrop is the theatrical world and solving the murder is complicated by having to investigate and interview people whose livelihoods are based on how well they can convince you they’re someone else! The list of suspects are all part of this world and it’s hard to tell when they’re lying or telling the truth. I certainly couldn’t. But, the real substance of the story is more the developing sense of family created by Sarah and Frank. They’re surrounded by extended family and friends, deepening relationships through the new investigation agency and women’s clinic. There are moments of humor and tenderness that bring something different to this series.
I liked this story, though the discussions around the many theories were tiresome at times. But, the family and friendship themes, infused with lots of humor, made this story special. Frank has a few precious moments that just warmed my heart. Combined, they make this series a wonderful place to return.
Book Info
- Release Date: May 1, 2018
- Series: Gaslight Mystery #21
- Page Numbers: 332
- Publisher: Berkley
Blue Mood Café 
I’m almost positive that big red building in the middle is what would become the Union Square B&N, where I worked a couple of years while in college 🙂 This sounds like a unique mystery story, great review!
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Thank you, Ren! The author’s attention to details relating to historical facts is a staple of this series. Let me see what she knows about this cover….
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You always make this series sound so very good. I am very interested in that time period as well. Wonderfully review, Jonetta!
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Thank you, Marialyce! We are 21 books in and only one mediocre story to date. It’s set in an era where I was most unfamiliar and I’ve learned so much. The author’s commitment to focus on at least one historical factoid in each story just makes it something I look forward to reading every month. Unfortunately, we only have one book left😥
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Sounds very intriguing, indeed!
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It really was JeanneMarie!
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Once again, you are moving right through these, Jonetta! It sounds like another good installment. Lovely review!
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Thanks, Jennifer! Our whole group loves this series and has looked forward to returning to it each month. We can’t believe we’re down to the last release.
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I have been reading about your reviews about this series, Jonetta, and I must say the premise of this one seems the most interesting. Lovely review. 🙂
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Thank you, Debjani! I hope you give it a try.
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Really enjoying your reviews about Frank and Sarah! Adoptions have always been difficult, haven’t they?
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Thanks, Toni! Yes, they seem to make it harder for the well meaning.
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this sounds like a really fun series and this book in particular sounds interesting i’m going to check it out on your review alone 🙂
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I hope you do give it a shot, Amanda. We’ve loved this series, even after 21 books.
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