Thursday, May 19, 2022

Book Review: Murder on Washington Square by Victoria Thompson

Murder on Washington Square (Gaslight Mystery, #4)Murder on Washington Square (Gaslight Mystery #4). Victoria Thompson. Berkley Prime Crime (2002). 336 pages. Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction.

First Line: "Sarah opened the door to find a ragged little boy on her front stoop."

Summary:  Midwife Sarah Brandt is used to people knocking on her door, so when she opens the door to find a little boy there, she assumes someone is about to have a baby.  However, the boy has been sent with a message from Nelson Ellsworth, the son of her nosy neighbor.  He is requesting that Sarah meet him.  

It turns out Nelson wants Sarah to examine a lady friend of his who is claiming to be carrying his child.  Nelson offered to marry the woman, Anna Blake, but she refused and only wants money so she can support herself.  When Sarah arrives at the boarding house where Anna lives, she refuses to see her.  The next morning Anna is found dead in Washington Square. 

The number one suspect is Nelson Ellsworth.  Sarah does not think Nelson is capable of murder and she feels an obligation to her neighbor, Mrs. Ellsworth, to prove his innocence.  Sarah seeks the help of Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy.  Unfortunately he is not assigned to the case, but because he is a friend of Sarah's and will be forever grateful to Mrs. Ellsworth for saving Sarah's life, he agrees to look into the case. 

My thoughts:  This series takes place in New York City just before the turn of the century.  It was a time when streets and homes were lit with gas powered lights, there was rampant corruption in the police department and Teddy Roosevelt was police commissioner. Every time I read a book in this series, I feel like I have been transported to a different time. 

Sarah Brandt is a widow who supports herself by acting as a midwife.  She was raised by wealthy parents and taught the proper ways to act in society.  So, when she married Tom Brandt, a physician, and moved to the poorer side of town, her parents were not happy.  In fact, they still can't understand why she doesn't allow them to support her rather than spending her time amongst the dregs of society. Sarah and her parents have reconciled by this point in the series and she has a good relationship with them both that is healing and growing.  I admire Sarah's tenacity and her desire to help whoever needs her help regardless of class.  

Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy is an unusual breed in the police department.  He refuses to take bribes and does his best to investigate crimes to find the culprit.  Unfortunately, at this time in history, that was not the norm. Frank is also a widower.  He lives with his young son and his mother who cares for his son while he works.  The more Frank and Sarah work together, the more they like one another.  However, neither of them is willing to admit they are beginning to care for the other. The blossoming romance is definitely not in the forefront, which I appreciate.  I enjoy their relationship, how they are able to work so well together.  As a detective who is good at his job, Frank knows how to handle criminals and sees deception a mile away.  Sarah lends a woman's intuition as well as a eye for details Frank might miss.  She also lends her medical expertise.  

The mystery involves a woman who convinced more than one man that she loved him, was carrying his child and needed money.  It also involves the theatre world, which added an interesting twist. It also involves the press and how they could sensationalize a story and convince the public it was true, regardless of whether there was any truth to it or not. There is a lot to uncover before the mystery is solved, but there are plenty of clues along the way.

Fortunately, everything is wrapped up at the end.  However, a storyline that is carried through the series leaves us with a cliffhanger at the end.  I am so glad I won't have to wait for the next book to be published to find out what happens.  

Quotes:

"'But they're newspapers! Don't they have an obligation to tell the truth? Mr. Pulitzer has devoted himself to covering scandal and corruption in society,' she said, naming the publisher of the World."

"Sarah dressed carefully for the evening.  She didn't care about trying to impress Mr. Dennis, but she didn't want to embarrass her mother. Elizabeth Decker placed great importance on appearances, and for all Sarah knew, so did Richard Dennis.  The suit she'd bought this past summer at Lord and Taylor wasn't the height of fashion, but at least it was presentable."

"'A father wants his children to have confidence in his abilities to handle difficult situations.'"

"Women usually had a dress, usually one past its prime, they kept for doing housework and such."

17 comments:

  1. The role the press plays in sensationalizing stories sounds like an interesting aspect of this book.

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    1. That did lend an interesting aspect to the story. The author includes a note at the end with some more information.

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  2. Sounds like a good mystery. There's a lot going on.

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    1. I don't know why I'm it says I'm Anonymous. Kathy here from katiescottagebooks. lol.😅

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    2. Hi Kathy - I'm not sure why you are showing up as anonymous either. Blogger changed something and now that is happening more often. Thanks for letting me know who you are 🙂

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  3. Such a good review! Between the setting of that time period and the mystery to be solved, this sounds like a very good book. (lghiggins)

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    1. Thanks, Linda! Every time I read one these, I really enjoy it.

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  4. This is such a good series! I'm so glad you're enjoying it.

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    1. It really is, Cathy! Each book seems just as good or better than the last.

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  5. I like mystery novels as all is wrapped up in the end.

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  6. Very tempting series to read! I guess I'd have to start at the beginning. I always wonder about historical accuracy -- some authors are more diligent than others when it comes to research.

    Blogger has been very inconsistent about recognizing when you are signed in. Sometimes it labels the comment as anonymous, sometimes simple refuses to accept a comment because it says you aren't signed on, and sometimes (without the actual sign on status being changed) it correctly notes your name/ID. I've only experienced this on the iPad. The laptop seems ok.

    best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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    1. Hi Mae - yes I would definitely start at the beginning of the series.

      That is interesting about Blogger. It does seem that the device you are using can make a difference.

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  7. Love the sound of this and the time period as well. I've been meaning to try this author so this seems like a good place to start.

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    1. I love this time period and the setting of NYC. If you are able to start with the first book - Murder on Astor Place - that would be best. You could read this as a stand alone, but would miss some of the character development, especially with the neighbor. Each book in the series has been really good.

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  8. I've been wanting to read this series for a long time. Now there are just so many books in the series, but hopefully I will get to read them.

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    1. It is a little overwhelming considering all the books in the series. I just figure I will keep plugging away even if I never get to them all.

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