“P.B. Ryan makes a stunning debut with Still Life with Murder, bringing Nineteenth Century Boston alive, from its teeming slums to the mansions on Boston Common, and populating it with a vivid and memorable cast of characters. The fascinating heroine, Nell Sweeney, immediately engages the reader and I couldn’t put the book down until I discovered the truth along with her. I can’t wait for the … next installment.”
—Bestselling author Victoria Thompson
Boston, 1868: The dawn of the Gilded Age, an era of burgeoning commerce and invention, of unimaginable new fortunes and lavish excess—for some. Born into dismal poverty, young Nell Sweeney scratches by on her wits and little else until fortune blesses her with a position as nursery governess to the fabulously wealthy Hewitts. But she soon learns that ugly secrets lurk beneath the surface of their gold-plated world.
The Hewitts’ eldest son, William, a former Union Army battle surgeon and the black sheep of the family, was reported to have died three years before in a notorious Confederate prison camp. But one snowy February afternoon, his parents learn that he is, in fact, still alive—and in jail for having murdered a man while intoxicated on opium. Infuriated by his son’s deception and convinced of his guilt, August Hewitt forbids his wife from coming to Will’s aid, so she begs Nell to help exonerate him. Nell finds that she must delve into the kind of dark and treacherous underworld she thought she’d left far behind if she is to unearth the truth before the hangman’s noose tightens around William Hewitt’s throat.
Originally published by Berkley Prime Crime
“What a thoroughly charming book! A beautiful combination of entertaining characters, minute historical research, and a powerful evocation of time and place. I’m very glad there will be more to come.”
—New York Times bestselling author Barbara Hambly
“P.B. Ryan captures an authentic flavor of post-Civil War Boston as she explores that city’s dark underbelly and the lingering after-effects of the war. The atmosphere is that of The Alienist, but feisty Irish nursemaid Nell Sweeney is a more likable protagonist. I look forward to seeing her in action again.”
—New York Times bestselling author Rhys Bowen
“Still Life with Murder is a skillfully written story of intrigue and murder set during Boston’s famous Gilded Age. Nell Sweeney, governess and part-time nurse, is a winning heroine gifted with common sense, grit, and an underlying poignancy. With its rich sense of place and time and a crisp, intelligent plot, readers will speed through this tale and be clamoring for more.”
—Bestselling author Earlene Fowler
“Utterly absorbing. Vividly alive characters in a setting so clearly portrayed that one could step right into it. A very clever plot in which each clue is clearly offered and yet the identity of the murderer is a complete surprise. I look forward to many more books…”
—Bestselling author Roberta Gellis
“If you like fast moving, accurately drawn, historical mysteries, you won’t go wrong by trying Still Life with Murder.”
—Reviewing the Evidence
“This debut mystery is a winner, with a feisty heroine, a colorful historical backdrop and a strong mystery rife with complexities. An ideal blend of history and mystery.”
—RT BookReviews
“Still Life with Murder is sheer perfection… gripping… powerful… unforgettable… You’ll know you’ve read one hell of a story after you turn the last page!”
—Reader to Reader Reviews
About the Author: Patricia Ryan, a.k.a. P.B. Ryan, is the USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including the #1 national bestseller Still Life with Murder. Pat’s books have garnered rave reviews and been published in over twenty countries.
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I enjoyed the glimpse into 19th Century Boston life. The author must have done a lot of research to so vividly paint the drug problems common even in that age. What I had read about the Andersonville Prison was confirmed by the author’s description. The ending was good–left me wondering if she would ever connect with a rehabilitated Will.
I loved walking through this world to solve the mystery ~ great read!
Great read. Full of intrigue and compelling characters.
This was my first murder mystery book and it got my interested in more like this!
I recommend the entire series to everyone.
BAD LANGUAGE
I enjoyed the development of the character, Nell Sweeney. A strong woman who was passionate about her friends, the family she made, and life. There was enough mystery in the book to take it out of a “love story” genre – but the love story was still there. I read all six of the Nell Sweeney books, and I wish there were more adventures for Nell!
I loved this story!
I did not care much for the subject matter because of opiod addiction. I normally would not chose this type book to read.
Looking forward to reading all of them.
This historical mystery kept me totally absorbed. The author cleverly leads the reader to believe he or she is one step ahead of the main character in the solution, only to throw in a last minute twist that will have you going back and rereading! The well researched story deals with one of the darkest chapters of the Civil War, the conditions in …
Enjoyed this book tremendously. I ended up getting the rest of the series. I was sad to see the series end. I highly recommend.
I loved this mystery it stayed with me for a long time.
Good storyline but some parts were too detailed
Good read with twists and turns.
I loved Nell so much I bought all the rest. Please write more!!!
I love historical novels especially from New England- wish there were more.
Great book; wonderful characters. Outcome is not as obvious as you would believe. Highly recommend.
Fun!
I remember enjoying the book, but not the specifics of what it is about! It read quite quickly and had a surprise ending, as murder mysteries should.