In 1914, Hell’s Kitchen is an apt name for New York City’s grittiest neighborhood, as one of the city’s first policewomen, Louise Faulk, is about to discover when the death of a young prostitute leads her on a grim journey through the district’s darkest corners . . . Filthy, dangerous, and deadly—Hell’s Kitchen is no place for a lady, but Louise Faulk is no ordinary woman. The amateur … ordinary woman. The amateur investigator turned rookie policewoman is investigating the death of young prostitute, Ruthie, who leaves behind a baby boy. Although detectives are quick to declare it a suicide, Louise is less certain after she discovers clues implying murder while attempting to find a caretaker for Ruthie’s orphaned son.
Uncovering the truth won’t be easy, especially since Louise is struggling to make a name for herself amid the boys’ club of the New York City Police Department. But Ruthie’s case keeps tugging at Louise, luring her beyond the slums’ drawn curtains and tenement doors, into an undercover investigation that often seems to conceal more than it reveals. Louise is convinced Ruthie’s secrets got her killed, but can she prove it before they catch up to her too?
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An intriguing story! Being a police officer is a tough and honorable job, but in 1914 New York City, being a female police officer had its challenges. You will feel the determination and struggles of the young policewoman in the story, “An Orphan of Hell’s Kitchen.” She wants to be respected by her male counterparts; you feel her strength as she strives to do her best. You will be impressed by her brave actions, but on the other hand, the dangers she puts herself into, will make you shudder.
Louise Faulk, a rookie policewoman, will do anything to solve the mystery that surrounds the death of a prostitute, sadly orphaning her infant son. Clues present themselves to Louise, and she takes matters into her own hands.
Liz Freeland is a good writer. She did her research well to write this historical fiction mystery. It was interesting how the author interlaced real events of the times (the start of World War I) into the story. Even though this is book #3 of the “Louise Faulk mystery” series, it reads well as a stand-alone. But, maybe starting on the first book would give you a better introduction to the characters. I recommend this book for those that enjoy an absorbing police detective story.
~This book was given to me through a giveaway by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.~
Louise Faulk may be a NYPD policewoman in 1914 and ranked second on the civil service exam but, in the eyes of her fellow officers she is still just a police matron and they have bestowed a not meant to be complimentary nickname on her. They call her Two. This Thanksgiving night, instead of sharing the holiday with her family, Louise is down in the damp and dank basement – which fits her mood – overseeing the women in lockup. Oh joy, not at all what she thinks as her role on the police force as she is a darned sight smarter than most of the men on the force and has a lot more drive. rescue, such as it is, arrives when the landlord of a tenement arrives at the station to report a possible woman in distress. Because it is not only a woman but she is known to have twin infant sons, Louise is told to get her coat and join the officers as they go to investigate the woman’s lodgings. After all, somebody has to take care of the infants. When they arrive they make a chilling discovery – the young mother, Ruthie, is dead in the tin bath tub and one of the infants is lying on the bed. Soon enough the second infant is found and the police are faced with what they instantly declare to be a murder-suicide. case closed, take the bodies away. Not if Louise has any say in the matter, especially when she discovers three passports hidden the the dead woman’s coat. This case may be closed officially, nothing will stop her from doing her own investigating. Just because Ruthie was a prostitute that’s no reason to toss her aside as worthless garbage.
I enjoy historical mysteries and this is one of the best of the genre. Louise is a strong character, one who won’t allow society to put her in her place and expect her to remain there, silent and obedient. She’s willing to put up a fight, not only for herself but for others, too. Even if it means endangering her own life. The setting of New York city in 1914, as the country edges towards The Great War, tensions are running high and anything German is suspect. It’s a harsh world and life can be cheap.With a smart caring woman like Louise on the case it can be better. I’m already looking forward to book #4.
An Orphan of Hell’s Kitchen by Liz Freeland is the third book in a series focussing on an early 20s female police officer, Louise Faulk, in NYC 1914. I have not read the first two books in this series, however I had no problems diving right in and enjoying the complex murder-mystery investigation.
I enjoyed Louise. She is brilliant, engaging, feisty, and independent. She has scars and a past, but those circumstances leave her changed and impress upon her a new depth which truly adds to her character. She is flanked by a well-rounded cast of secondary characters that I also enjoyed. I enjoyed the setting and time frame as well. Not enough books are set in the 1910s.
Finally, I really was impressed with the murder/mystery plot. It was creative, complex, had many twists and turns that kept me guessing and interested throughout. I made quick work of the novel, as it drew me in from the beginning, and was able to finish in 2 days. It was excellent and everything that a historical fiction mystery should be. I will make sure to read the first two books in this series so that I can catch up before continuing on with future installments.
5/5 stars