“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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This is a wonderful story which I would call a period piece because of the time it was written in. The characters are so real and what a surprising end. She is a very entertaining writer.
Well written. Different from the run of the mill. Unpredictable and informative about Boston and the immigrants
Well developed plot and cast of characters. Difficult to stop reading. Looking forward to another!
Great plot. Engaging characters. Fun read.
Enjoyed this book to the extent that I want to purchase the entire series.
I have read this book before. For that matter, I’ve read the entire series! I enjoy the characters and the interplay between them. The female lead is a strong woman who’s not afraid to show and use her intelligence in a time when it was frowned on.
Just ok
I’ve read this book and the rest of the series it begins countless times – I love it! Well-written and engaging, it could turn a romance reader into a history buff and vice versa. The post-Civil War setting is an excellent framework for the story and the characters. I wish the author would continue the series.
Nell was an very different woman for the time period, as was Viola. Different stations in life, but very strong in their beliefs and actions. Most women in that time period were more victims of the overbearing laws. The men in this work are strong in many ways, but some are encouraging for women like Nell and Viola. Really different story and …
Main character very appealing and likeable. Worth the time.
Interesting story
Great historical mystery. Learned new info on civil war era and absorbed into characters and mystery
Nell is a strong likable young woman whose past remains somewhat of a mystery. The description of Will’s opium addiction went on for far too long.
A really unique read!! I never did figure out the murderer until the author told me.
Good writing!!
enjoyed the setting since I have been there. Well written
I loved this book so much I bought the rest of the series
Nell Sweeny mystery series was so appealing to me because a female is solving mysteries in the late 1800’s.
It was different, a little surprising but overal an ok read.
Great characters, believable dialogue, mystery and interesting American History.
I really liked the complexity of the characters.