In the four years since her husband’s death, midwife Sarah Brandt has become an angel of mercy in the tenements of turn-of-the-century New York. Now, Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy has taken up the task of solving the murder of Dr. Tom Brandt. But the shocking revelation he discovers may destroy Sarah-and Malloy’s hopes for any future with her.
In the spring of 1897, New York City Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy has been given permission by NYPD Commissioner Theodore Roosevelt to focus solely on solving Dr. Tom Brandt’s murder. However, since people are expecting Teddy Roosevelt to be called to Washington to serve in the new administration at any moment, Malloy knows he must act quickly to solve the case. He has three good suspects and a description of the murder weapon, but he is facing the fact that Tom died over four years ago. He can’t establish alibis, and the killer might have gotten rid of the weapon over the years. He’ll only have one shot at confronting the suspects as well since his best weapon is the element of surprise. Can he gather enough evidence to get the killer to confess? Will Sarah Brandt, Tom’s widow and Frank’s friend, be happy with what Frank learns along the way?
Dr. Brandt’s murder has been an ongoing storyline since the first book, so I was happy to finally see it solved. Ironically, Sarah doesn’t play an active part in solving it, but she is still an active part of the book as she reacts to what Frank is learning and her scenes are just as compelling. We get to see a different side of several characters, including Frank’s new sleuthing partner, but Sarah gets the most development, which only makes sense. We have three viewpoint characters over the course of the book, but the changes are always easy to follow. The plot is strong and kept me confused until we reached the satisfying ending. It did seem a bit repetitive early on, but that was a minor issue overall. If you are new to the series, you could jump in here without missing too much since everything you need to know is explained. As always, I felt like I was in 1897 with the little details and character’s attitudes acting like a time machine. I’m curious to see how the series will progress without this storyline an active part of things, but I am satisfied with how this storyline was wrapped up.
My favorite in the series so far as Malloy hastens his search for Dr Brandt’s killer. Time is running out. Roosevelt has given Malloy permission to work on the case while he is still police commissioner. When Sarah’s father hires the services of the Pinkerton Agency to assist Malloy, interrogations and creative methods are taken to find the murder weapon and identify the killer. We get more insight into the delusional condition referred to as old maids disease and those affected. The plot was entertaining and cleverly orchestrated and the ending a complete surprise.
Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy promised Sarah Brandt, a nurse and midwife, that he’d investigate the 4-year old murder of her husband, Tom. He’s secretly working with her father, Felix Decker, to use other resources to help him since he expects that time is running out for him to be able to devote his full time to the case. Frank’s honed in on three suspects as the probable killer and is closing in.
I loved this story as the complete focus was on Frank, Sarah and her newly formed family and friends. Frank and the Pinkerton Agency resources methodically investigated the suspects and it was interesting to compare their police procedurals with modern-day techniques. Their class limitations are still hard to believe but are accurate for the era. I enjoyed every aspect, including the mystery and the special relationships formed between Sarah, Mrs. Ellsworth, Catherine and Maeve who plays a key role. And I especially liked Frank’s relationship with all of them as they’ve already formed their own version of a family.
This is my most favorite in the series to date and I’m glad the mystery of Tom Brandt’s murder is over and solved. It was a fitting conclusion and it feels like that final chapter is closed and the new one will feature big changes for Sarah and Frank. Loving this series!
One of the best of the series.
The whole series is excellent, but I especially loved this one!
Murder on bank Street, Gaslight Mystery #11, by Victoria Thompson is one of the most intense of the series. I love this series and was completely captivated by Frank’s dogged determination to solve Sarah’s deceased husband’s murder. The characters are like people we would enjoy knowing… or love to hate. In this novel we learn more from Sarah’s father and mother. The plot is original and the interwoven history of mental illness in the 1890’s was very interesting. The ending was a shocker!
I loved it! Finally the solved murder of Dr. Brandt. I didn’t figure it out til the very end. Well done Victoria Thompson! This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!
I read 11 of Victoria Thompson’s gaslight mystery books and enjoyed everyone,
I love a good murder! And when I get to learn about a particular time frame as well it makes it even better. I have read all the books in this series and every single time I am wrong on the ‘who done it’! Never fails, this author knows her stuff. I highly recommend all of Victoria Thompson’s “Gaslight Mystery” books! Great entertainment.
A solid early entry in the series.