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Liked It “sed in the upper classes of society, Sarah Brandt is now a midwife in Old New York. While attending a birth, she sees a young girl who seems familiar. Sarah is shocked when the girl is found strangled the next day and she realizes that she was the daughter of a prominent New York family....” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“sed in the upper classes of society, Sarah Brandt is now a midwife in Old New York. While attending a birth, she sees a young girl who seems familiar. Sarah is shocked when the girl is found strangled the next day and she realizes that she was the daughter of a prominent New York family. Detective Sergeant Malloy informs Sarah that the girl was six months pregnant at the time of her death, which begins an investigation by Sarah and Malloy into the seamier side of New York society with all it's closed ranks and putrefying secrets.”
Kaydee wrote this review Friday, November 27 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Well-crafted, but a little too dark for my taste.”
Sharon B wrote this review Sunday, September 20 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Really like the first book in this series and hope to read the others.”
Amanda K wrote this review Thursday, September 10 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Virginia Thompson is one of my favorite discoveries. She describes turn-of-the-century New York, as well as the social structure, in a compelling way. The characters of Sarah and Frank have great depth and tragedies in their pasts, and I'm sure there will be much more development in future books. The mystery plot is also excellent and I didn't want to put this book down. Reminds me of Anne Perry's style.”
Carole J wrote this review Monday, September 7 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“I must be a "historical mystery" fan at heart. This book was a murder mystery set in New York City at the turn of the century. Teddy Roosevelt was Police Commissioner of New York. The names of prominent families are brought up in the story to give it character. The heroine of the story - Sarah Brandt - came from a well-to-do family, but had married a doctor who was beneath her social status. Now a widow, she's a practicing midwife. The storyline kept me interested to the end. There's a little hint of romance. a lot of social history about the people and that era; and the mystery isn't truly solved until the very end. I guessed part of it - but not the whole story. This author has many more books that follow this first effort and I intend to read them all. This was a very enjoyable read. ”
Valerie D wrote this review Sunday, August 30 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Great beginning to this mystery series by Victoria Thompson. It's the American sister of Anne Perry's Pitt series though less dark and with two more interesting lead characters. It's set in turn of the century New York and features Sarah, a widowed midwife, and Frank, a detective. They both are very real and sympathetic characters...even Frank, despite his outward gruffness. Her pace is good, her story excellent. This is definitely a series I'll continue.”
Dragonfly wrote this review Tuesday, August 18 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I've heard this series is good. I like murder mysteries :)”
Baritone Buddie says, "Y'all get down wit yo bad selves! ;)" wrote this review Sunday, November 23 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Love this series!!”
bookaholic wrote this review Wednesday, April 23 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“LOVED this book! I couldn't put it down. Sarah Brandt is a terrific main character with multifacets. Sergeant Malloy, a perfect counterpart. I am eagerly looking forward to reading more from this series! I highly recommend this book!”
Jessica wrote this review Thursday, February 7 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“ 12/05/07
pammykn wrote this review Wednesday, December 5 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
TITLE/AUTHOR: MURDER ON ASTOR PLACE by Victoria Thompson
RATING: 5/A
GENRE/PUB DATE/# OF PGS: Mystery/1999, 278 pgs
SERIES/STAND ALONE: #1 Gaslight Mystery
TIME/PLACE: Early 1900's, NYC
CHARACTERS: Sarah Brandt/midwife
FIRST LINES: At first Sarah thought the tinkling of the bell was part of her dream.
COMMENTS: This series has been highly recommended, been meaning to read forever. #2 is upcoming discussion book, so now is the time! Loved it! The historical details are doled out just so, not overbearing nor leaving you w/ questions. Strong plotting & characters. Definitely will read more. Sarah is out delivering a baby in a boardinghouse when she recognizes a young woman, the younger sister of a friend. The next day the young woman, Alicia, is dead by strangulation. Detective Malloy asks Sarah who has contacts w/ the family of the deceased to assist him on the murder case....”
