“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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Very slow. Couldn’t finish
As I started to read the book it absorbed me,I couldn’t put it down.I wanted to discover the misyetery with Nell and hoping for a happy ending.I can’t wait to read more misteries with Nell.
Enjoyed the historical context of the book. Great characters. Wanted to keep reading.
I enjoyed it
Excellent series, very hard to put down! Not sexually graphic thank you! Author is a very talented story builder!
I just could not get into this book.
One of my favorite series.
I have read this series so many times – I Love It!! I really feel for the H & h, you just want them both to be happy! Great romance & mystery. I enjoy this time period also.
I didn’t care for this book. I kept trying and made it halfway through. I thought I was reading a murder mystery but there were many pages spent on descriptions of a post civil war drug addict and the lengths he went to obtain his drugs. Not what I wanted to read about.
I really enjoyed reading this book, which was full of believable and interesting characters. The twist in the end came as a complete and satisfying surprise.l
I love this book and the others that follow in the series. Good mysteries and interesting back stories
These book were a fun read for me. Enjoyed the characters.
This is the first book of PB Ryan and I enjoyed it immensely. Very interesting plot with enough hidden nuggets to keep you interested to the end. Needless to say I loved every word and plot that is developed and I’m headed to the next book in the series.
Enjoyable mystery.
Fantastic with historical facts during the 1800 period
I very much enjoyed this book and am now reading others in this series.
Enjoyable read!
This is a good series. She ended the series in a satisfying manner.
I really liked this book. It was hard to put down. Loved the characters.
The book took place in Boston, three years after the Civil War. The environment was well researched. The Author used the vocabulary of the times, described smells, sounds, furnishings, clothing. Excellent in that regard.
The plot was very good and well paced. It was like any other murder investigation in the manner of constantly asking questions …