“Complex characters, a vivid look at old New York in the late 1800s, and a mystery with a twist.”—Kirkus Reviews Set amidst the opulent mansions and cobblestone streets of Old New York, this enthralling historical mystery by Rosemary Simpson brings the Gilded Age to life—in a tantalizing tale of old money, new love, and grave suspicion… Blizzard of 1888 cripples New York City, heiress Prudence MacKenzie sits anxiously within her palatial Fifth Avenue home waiting for her fiancé’s safe return. But the fearsome storm rages through the night. With daylight, more than two hundred people are found to have perished in the icy winds and treacherous snowdrifts. Among them is Prudence’s fiancé—his body frozen, his head crushed by a heavy branch, his fingers clutching a single playing card, the ace of spades…
Close on the heels of her father’s untimely demise, Prudence is convinced Charles’s death was no accident. The ace of spades was a code he shared with his school friend, Geoffrey Hunter, a former Pinkerton agent and attorney from the South. Wary of sinister forces closing in on her, Prudence turns to Geoffrey as her only hope in solving a murder not all believe in—and to help protect her inheritance from a stepmother who seems more interested in the family fortune than Prudence’s wellbeing…
“Simpson vividly recreates the world of nineteenth-century New York City in this exciting debut mystery.”—Victoria Thompson, bestselling author of Murder on Pleasant Avenue
“An appealing detective duo in a colorful and well-researched depiction of period settings and personalities.”—Publishers Weekly
“A story to savor…a stubborn, quick-witted American
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I am absolutely in love with this series. The writing style is interesting – it’s a very deftly handled version of head-hopping that somehow feels natural, though it can be jarring for the first few chapters. That said, I wish there were a dozen installments.
This first book, “What the Dead Leave Behind,” is one of the best books I’ve read this year – and I’ve read a lot of books this year. The characters aren’t perfect; some are quite unapologetically flawed. That only serves to make you care for them more.
It’s a smart book, not a fluffy read. It is compelling. The chemistry between Geoffrey and Prudence is sizzling, but in a muted and respectful way that builds anticipation.
This one is going on my “own the physical copy” shelf.
Excellent first book in a promising historical series set in New York City during the Gilded Age.
I decided to go back and read the first two books in this series when I unknowingly read the third one first. I’m glad I did. This first one was really good and helped set the groundwork for what comes later. This one gives Prudence’s background and explains how she and Geoffrey met and formed Hunter & MacKenzie, Investigative Law. Some macabre moments and really nasty villains add to the ambience. Really enjoying this series! Now looking forward to the second one!
Vivid writing, excellent pacing. Explores post-Civil War NYC.
I am always in search of a new period (Victorian, Edwardian, etc) mystery series with a strong female lead. Being a huge fan of Anna Lee Huber’s Lady Darby series, Tasha Alexander’s Lady Emily series and Deanna Raybourn’s, Lady Grey series, to name a few, this one caught my interest. I have not read anything from this author before, so I thought I would try it and see if I would enjoy it.
“Everybody died. Justice was a myth. Consolation was the best that could be hoped for.” (quote from the book)
After a bit of a bumpy start for me, I was drawn in by the wealthy young woman, Prudence MacKenzie, dealing with the death of her father and her upcoming marriage to her family friend, Charles Linwood. But when the Blizzard of 1888 claims the lives of over 200 people, including Charles, Prudence realizes that more is at work here; especially, after learning that her father underestimated his second wife, Victoria Morley MacKenzie, by leaving her and her fortune under the control of her step-mother.
“She pictured Victoria lurking in her heavily scented boudoir like a black widow spider sitting invitingly at the center of her web, waiting for some careless bit of succulent life to wander into the sticky strands from which there was no escape.” (quote from the book)
During the funeral for Charles, Prudence gets to meet Geoffrey Hunter. She had heard many stories from Charles of their escapades at school and university. She also knew their secret code to each other, and she asks him to help her in her quest to solve Charles’ murder and protect her and her wealth from her step-mother. With his background as an ex-Pinkerton agent and a lawyer, Geoffrey makes a worthy partner.
For me, Prudence was emotionally fragile and vulnerable. But the love of her late mother and father and the education he instilled, gave her the will and eventually the backbone to stand up and fight. The colourful characters who assist her in this quest and the sinister undertones of her step-mother and step-uncle made for some compelling reading. There are several other interesting characters that play a large role in this story that I quite enjoyed or gave me the chills.
This is a dark story of greed, addiction, the legal and judicial system, along with fascinating historical details not only of New York City but of the times. The suspense builds as the story unfolds and it is a very good start to this series.
Kept me engrossed from start to finish. If there’s not some kind of action going on, there’s cerebral processes in the works keeping you engaged at all times. Loved this one and intend to read more of the series.
An interesting mystery of 19th Century New York. It has some absolutely wonderful evil characters , and a flawed, but stalwart main character. It was a good read..
For the first in a series, it was pretty good. It took me a bit to get really interested in it and there is not a lot of mystery. But seeing how it is resolved kept me reading. I will read future books in this series. I liked the main character.
Scary, thrilling, a little sad, and a historically accurate tale set in New York City, brooklyn, and staten Island long, long ago. Spellbinding, with a twisted murder and redemption mystery that kept me wanting to keep listening.
Well written and entertaining.
This was a fascinating story.
Author relied too much on filling paragraphs with the laudanum reference. I got it!!!
I love this book. It is very well researched and I feel as if I have been interjected into the life style of New York at the turn of the century’. Very detailed oriented and well balanced with teachings of social expectations and historical events. The plot sometimes slows down but is never boring. Very interesting and sad the plight of women at that time. It also illustrates the view and mistreatment of the immigrants and the poor. There are always some exceptions as the main character seemS to have gained some awareness about the needs of her servants. Very good novel. I will definitely read more from this author.