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Liked It “As a fan of Victoria Thompson's Gaslight Mysteries, a friend recommended this series to me. I must say, I was not disappointed! Full of the charm and hardships from the 1870s, Still Life with Murder gives readers a little bit of romance, murder and mystery. |
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“This was an okay historical mystery that takes place after the Civil War. An orphaned Irish street girl gets a position as a nursemaid to a wealthy Boston family. She is asked by the mother to investigate a murder her son is accused of committing. Nell has a natural curiosity, but jumps to conclusions that make her seem like an annoying know-it-all. All in all it was a light read, but I didn't connect with the main character and frankly didn't care what happened to the accused. The ending was unexpected and is what saved the story from a two star rating from me.”
jguidry wrote this review 2 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“As a fan of Victoria Thompson's Gaslight Mysteries, a friend recommended this series to me. I must say, I was not disappointed! Full of the charm and hardships from the 1870s, Still Life with Murder gives readers a little bit of romance, murder and mystery.
foxtrtr wrote this review Thursday, April 4, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
When Nell Sweeney and the doctor she apprentices for are called to the lavish summer estate of the Hewitt's, Nell has no idea how her life is about to change. Offered the prestigious position of governess for the Hewitt's, Nell readily accepts this chance of a life time for a girl from her station.
The well-respected family is delivered shocking news one morning - a man has been killed and one of their own is accused. Mrs. Hewitt, trusting that Nell is the only one that can help, enlists her to find out the truth.”
“This is the first in a historical fiction mystery series set in Boston after The Civil War. I really enjoyed this and hope to read the whole series.
PeggyZ wrote this review Thursday, March 7, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Nell Sweeney is a young Irish lady who becomes a governess for a wealthy Boston family. She becomes involved in a murder investigation somewhat against her will. I don't want to give the plot away as there would then be too many spoilers. Nell has a mysterious past that is only partly told in this book and I assume that more of her past will be revealed in the rest of the series; something to look forward to :)
One of the reasons that I enjoyed this book is because many of the past stories of the main characters are told only a little at a time. IMO this makes the characters much more "real"; much as in our own lives we usually learn the life stories of our friends in bits and pieces not in what would be considered "nice, neat order".”
“Still Life with Murder is book 1 of the Gilded Age series by P.B. Ryan, set in post-Civil-War Boston. Cornelia “Nell” Sweeney came from an impoverished childhood, but she learned nursing skills through years of assisting Dr. Greaves with his patients. She was in exactly the right place at the right time to be offered the position of governess by the aristocratic Hewitt family. And she has the right personality and courage for the next challenge: to try and rescue the Hewitt’s eldest son William from the gallows, while keeping her efforts a secret from his father.
Susan Z wrote this review Friday, March 1, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Nell has good common sense and critical judgment. She’s not easily shocked or offended. She is able to weigh evidence, interview witnesses and deduce motives more astutely than the detective assigned to the murder case or the defense attorney. She follows the clues persistently to the surprising end. Along the way, we learn a bit about her past.
Historical detail in this first book includes the horrors of Andersonville Civil War prison camp, blow-by-blow description of an opium den, and the medicinal potions that were sold at the time.
I am delighted the author (or publisher?) offered this e-book free to introduce the series. I enjoyed it very much; highly recommend it to historical mystery lovers. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.”
“Good fast read”
Carolyn Smyth wrote this review Tuesday, November 20, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This book is the beginning of a wonderful series, with interesting and engaging characters and a fascinating plot...”
Alina Andreushkina wrote this review Thursday, September 6, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Got this as a freebie on my Kindle and found it to be a very enjoyable mystery. I will get her others and continue with Nell's stories.
Scarlett wrote this review Monday, August 20, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Nell becomes a governess for a wealthy family in Victorian Boston. One of the sons is accused of murder and all the evidence is damning, but Nell has doubts and is trying to find the real murderer.”
“A historical mystery set in 19th century Boston, this book was a quick read. I liked the characters! Nell Sweeney, a young but tough woman with a past is working as a governess for a wealthy family. When her employer begs her to help clear her son, Will Hewett, of murdering a man in a opium haze, Nell reluctantly agrees. I love a good historical mystery and this one did not disappoint. ”
Susan F wrote this review Thursday, August 9, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“The plot didn't move with enough purpose. The mystery took second stage to the overdone details about opium addiction and life of the desperate in the seedy parts of Boston. The ending exposed everything nicely, but I didn't feel much anticipation leading up to it (other than wondering when the opium saga was going to end).
Allison wrote this review Sunday, July 1, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
The finish did actually give me hope that the next book will be better, because this first book really seems like it was only setting the stage. I will persevere and hope it's worth it.”
“Loved this book! Set in Boston, MA in the 1800's...a mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. Would recommend to anyone that likes mysteries. It's a series so I'm looking forward to more of Nell Sweeney, the heroine of the book.”
Sandee63 wrote this review Wednesday, May 2, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No