Rescue Leads to Murder
I try to space out books by the same author for several reasons. I have so many authors I’m trying to read it is hard to get to them all. If I read books by the same author too close together, I start to notice the quirks of their writing too much. But I’m becoming addicted to the Gaslight Mysteries. I’m loving each trip back to New York City in the 1890’s, and Murder on Sisters’ Row is another wonderful book.
As a midwife, Sarah Brandt helps everyone who comes to her and goes anywhere in the city. So she doesn’t think twice about the elegant home she’s been summoned to this particular day. However, as she helps Amy give birth, she begins to realize that Amy is a prostitute trapped at a brothel. Amy begs for Sarah’s help getting away, even offering the name of a woman who can help, so Sarah does her part to get Amy and her new baby to safety.
Unfortunately, a murder follows Amy’s rescue from the brothel. New York Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy is assigned to the case, and once again he finds Sarah gathering information he needs to solve the case. As the investigation continues to uncover secrets, will Sarah and Frank find the killer?
Obviously, this book delves into some serious subjects, however it does so delicately. We know what Amy is, and there is talk about prostitution and why women would turn to it in the 1890’s, but we don’t get needless details. The subject matter is handled appropriately, and it gives the book a more serious tone.
I keep saying that I love these characters, and it continues to be true. Sarah and Frank are fantastic main characters, both contributing something to the solution at the end. While this is the thirteenth in the series, you really could jump into the series here. There is little about any ongoing plot threads, including the romance between the two leads. Still, the series regulars are all here and all fantastic characters to spend time visiting. There’s quite a variety of new characters here, and they all come to vivid life as the story unfolds.
The mystery itself is strong. I often feel like I am a step ahead of Frank and Sarah while reading these books. Sometimes I’m right and sometimes I’m wrong, and that’s usually in the same book. That happened again here. I figured a few things out before the characters, but it was never long before they had caught up to me. A couple of times, my deductions proved to be incorrect. It all lead to a logical and page turning climax.
One thing I like about the series is that it brings society of the time to life along with the characters. While Frank and Sarah are rarely dealing with historical events, they do encounter attitudes of the time. These moments help color the story without slowing it down or preaching to us.
As always, I turned the last page with regret. I will miss Sarah and Frank until I get a chance to visit them again. If you haven’t caught up on the series yet, you are in for a treat when you pick up Murder on Sisters’ Row.
Enjoy more historical mysteries with the rest of the Gaslight Mysteries.
I started this series earlier this year and loved it! Like you I really like the characters. The midwife aspect is so intriguing and allows Sarah to get into situations she wouldn't otherwise. I'm looking forward to continuing the series. It's good to know that as the series continues, the stories are strong. Thanks for the review!
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