“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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Some what predictable what enjoyed the story twists and turns and will read next book.
Good whodunnit that gives a good historical insight into US civil war times. Good themes of class status, good vs evil, right and wrong. I’m now ready for the next installment of this series.
I couldn’t put this book down!
Loved it!
A good story…
A really nice book.
I enjoyed reading this book and will read more by this author.
Clever, well written mystery with believable characters and plot twists.
Loved this book so much I bought the entire series. Mystery, suspense and a nosy nanny that just can’t stay out of everyone’s business. Definitely worth the indulgence.
Well done though the heroine is a bit improbable. The action, such as it was, was entirely predictable.
Touched on all of my senses without being too involved. I love Ms. Sweeney and William Hewitt even with their faults.
This book I wasn’t sure what to expected but was definitely not let down. I found it hard to put down. Light reading but sucks you in, would definitely recommend this to read
If you’re a fan of historical fiction and love a good mystery, this book is perfect for you. Interesting characters, rich history and good dialogue keeps the story moving.
I love Nell Sweeney. She is a really different character. The plots are intricate and unpredictable.
The plot moved slowly and was depressing. As a medical professional the gory details didn’t bother me, but the author never moved on.
Gosh, where to begin. I have read the entire Nell Sweeny series and am just sorry there is no more. The first book hooked me and from there I had to read them all. Nothing but excellent writing, just the right amount of romance amid the chaos of life! You can’t go wrong with this series and will go wrong if you don’t read them!
great read
It was ok. I thought I had it figured out but it surprised me at the end. I liked that. I didn’t really like most of the characters. The only one I really was impressed with was Will. Most of the other characters were weak and Nell was often annoying. I don’t think I’ll read the rest of the series.
I loved the characters and the interactions between them. The book was hard for me to put down.
Very different.