Nineteenth-century attorney Sarah Woolson is still trying to get her life together. Against her family's wishes, she opens her own San Francisco la...
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Jun 24, 2011
Juliana
rated it: 
(3.5 stars) While I enjoyed this book, it definitely was not as good as the other two in the series that I have read so far. The mystery was not the best or most interesting, likewise with many of the new characters. The regulars - particularly Sarah and Robert - also didn't seem as vibrant as they have in the other two. I love that Robert is coming closer and closer to telling Sarah how he feels and the two quotes below were absolute favorites.
Bottom Line
Basically, I think it' More...
Bottom Line
Basically, I think it' More...
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Jan 16, 2009
The Cliff House Strangler: a Sarah Wilson Mystery, by Shirley Tallman, B-plus. Narrated by Carrington McDuffy, produced by Blackstone, downloaded from audible.com.
Tallman’s first two mysteries in this series were narrated by Anna Fields, AKA Kate Fleming, and this book begins with a nice dedication to her from the author. The new narrator, Carrington McDuffy, is probably one of the best fits to take over series that were being recorded by Fields. She does a wonderful job with diff More...
Tallman’s first two mysteries in this series were narrated by Anna Fields, AKA Kate Fleming, and this book begins with a nice dedication to her from the author. The new narrator, Carrington McDuffy, is probably one of the best fits to take over series that were being recorded by Fields. She does a wonderful job with diff More...
Apr 27, 2011
Debbie
rated it:
I am enthralled with this series set in San Francisco during the 1890's. The story begins on a stormy night at the Cliff House, a San Francisco legend built in 1863. Sarah Woolson and her friend, Robert Campbell, are guests of a séance being conducted by a Russian clairvoyant. The raging storm extinguishes the candles, and during this period of blackness, Darien Moss, a mean spirited reporter is strangled. Sarah jumps into the investigation, but not soon enough, as another member of the séan
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Jul 23, 2009
Kelly
rated it:
One of the Sarah Woolson mysteries. It follows the budding career of one of San Fransisco's first female lawyers in 1881 as she finds herself drawn into a tangled web of murder, mystery, and corruption on the highest levels within her fair city.
Personal tastes considered, though her characters are all rather jaunty, I felt the author took a very loud and all-too modern stance on women's issues that made it seem like Sarah Woolson was too keenly aware of the future Women's Lib moveme More...
Personal tastes considered, though her characters are all rather jaunty, I felt the author took a very loud and all-too modern stance on women's issues that made it seem like Sarah Woolson was too keenly aware of the future Women's Lib moveme More...
Jul 21, 2009
RuthG
rated it: 
The title struck me as sounding like the sort of book that would have a lurid cover. Actually, it's the third in the Sarah Woolson series as she continues her career as an attorney. As usual, the mystery and the historical details are interesting. After reading this series I certainly wouldn't want to ride in a horse-drawn vehicle on a crowded street. The author seems to always describe very rough rides. I find her descriptions of the clothing of the day interesting too. Imagine going to c
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Oct 02, 2007
LJ
rated it:
THE CLIFF HOUSE STRANGLER (Mystery-Sarah Woolson-San Francisco-Victorian) – G+
Tallman, Shirley – 3rd in series
St. Martin’s Minotaur, 2007, US Hardcover – ISBN: 0312357567
First Sentence: “I can’t believe I let you talk me into this!” Robert Campbell grumbled.
*** Nineteenth-century attorney Sarah Woolson has opened her own law office and has her first two cases. Sarah and her friend Robert Campbell, attend a séance conducted by Russian clairvoyant Madame Olga Karpova an More...
Tallman, Shirley – 3rd in series
St. Martin’s Minotaur, 2007, US Hardcover – ISBN: 0312357567
First Sentence: “I can’t believe I let you talk me into this!” Robert Campbell grumbled.
*** Nineteenth-century attorney Sarah Woolson has opened her own law office and has her first two cases. Sarah and her friend Robert Campbell, attend a séance conducted by Russian clairvoyant Madame Olga Karpova an More...
Oct 11, 2009
Caitlin
rated it: 
I live about 2 blocks from the Cliff House in San Francisco, so this book had some personal connections, which is why I was given it as a gift. The story doesn't really revolve around the Cliff House much though, and though it is set in San Francisco, doesn't make extensive reference to the city or its history. It is an easy book to read, but not particularly gripping. I don't typically read mystery novels, but this one still struck me as pretty elementary in its plot, as well as cliched and pre
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Feb 26, 2011
Stephanie
rated it:
I was surprised at how formed the characters were, that the book didn't go into great detail to develop the characters. it wasn't until i looked up the book and found out that it was number three in a series. other then that, i really liked this book. i gasped a few times and there was always something lurking around the corner
May 21, 2010
Diane
rated it:
Getting a bit tired of how Sarah rerates Robert. I am all for a strong female character, but give me a break ... Robert can not possibly be that dumb!
Jul 15, 2010
Sarah
rated it: 
Another great Sarah Woolson mystery. Shirley Tallman is a wonderful author and this book was just as great as her others. Highly recommend it!
Apr 04, 2009
Rick
rated it:
This is a great mystery book from the turn of the century. I have read other books by Shirley Tallman, and have liked them all.
May 28, 2010
Diana
rated it:
I loved this book! I have never read a historical mystery book, but this one certainly hooked me. I can't wait to read the rest of her books.
Sep 24, 2009
Jackie
rated it:
A good mystery. I read it as a reminder of my visit to Cliff House, San Francisco. It reminded me a bit of the Caleb Carr mysteries, same era.
Jan 17, 2011
Cherilee
rated it:
I would actually give this 2 1/2 stars. It wasn't as good as the first one probably because the mystery was not as much of a mystery. Also, the characters became a little repetitive - which can happen in a series. But it was still a fun read.
Mar 02, 2011
Paulette
rated it:
Another Sarah Woolson mystery set in 1880s San Francisco. Entertaining.
Feb 07, 2012
Ericka
rated it:
Shirley Tallman has a lovely historical voice and I love, love, love this series. Looking forward to picking up the latest one, hopefully it's not the last in the series.
May 08, 2011
Cassie
rated it:
It was a little slow and exceeding descriptive in the first few chapters. I was about to abort reading this book but I decided to keep reading a few more chapters. It was an easy, entertaining read.
Nov 02, 2011
Another librarian turned me on to this series. This was an enjoyable book to which to listen while sewing. Some of the scenes were predictable, but then ending was a complete surprise. I really enjoy hearing about the locations the author describes.
Oct 05, 2008
Sherri
rated it:
This 1800's mystery started out slowly but got going towards the middle and by the end of the story I was glad I continued with it. I wouldn't put this at the top of my favorite books but it was interesting and I would recommend it.
Nov 01, 2011
Naomi
rated it:
Not my favorite Sarah Woolson book. I thought ST has written the others with much more character development than this one had.
Jan 14, 2012
Jan 08, 2012
