“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 loved the story and the characters. A tendency toward the “romantic novel” style i didn’t like, but overall it was very good and entertaining.
I enjoyed the historical setting of this mystery and the strong female character. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Enjoyed the old Boston setting with surprising twists and turns. The characters were original and enticing. Looking forward to the next in thsi series. Great read
Ended abruptly as if the writer got tired of writing it!
enjoyed this twister of a tale. Wasn’t sure who “did it” until the end
STILL LIFE WITH MURDER by Patricia Ryan/ PB Ryan
Have read other works by this author and have enjoyed the books.
1860’s on the Cape and life at the summer cottage, more like a mansion.
Hewett’s are about to have another in the family. The new nursery maid, Nell tries to adjust to living in the city and on the Cape during the summer months. She …
Really enjoyed this book, it was a great read. Read it pretty much in one day. Couldn’t stop reading.
I really liked this book a lot. The main character Nell is quite endearing. Really engaging characters.
THOROUGHLY ENJOYED STORY LINE AND CHARACTERS. ENDED UP BY READING ALL BOOKS IN THIS SERIES. NEVER DISAPPOINTED.
Top flight historical mystery. Intelligent plot, thoughtful character development. I look forward to reading the next in the series.
Boring and stupid. Couldn’t even finish it. A waste of print.
Fun and interesting.
Well-written. Good characters. Interesting heroine.
The first book in my all time favorite historical mystery series!
Good story teller
I got hooked, BookBub did it again. I picked up the first in the Nell Sweeney series and away I went. I have now read all six. I highly recommend them. Make sure you read them in order. You will learn alot about the history of Boston and the Irish! It’s a wonderful cast of complicated characters, with mystery and crime thrown in. Great read.
Fun author….plan to read more of her…very easy reading.
Making my way thru the series and can’t wait for Nell and her Doctor to break down those walls! Intelligent and enjoyable all in one. Love these books and the characters.
I would not recommend. Slow moving. Weak characters. Never caught my interest.
Great characters. Wonderful series.