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Gaslight Mystery #7
Murder on Lenox Hill
When the affluent Lintons of Lenox Hill summon Sarah Brandt to examine their teenage daughter, their worst fear is confirmed: she is with child. The pregnancy is a mystery, however, as the young woman—mentally still a child herself—is never left on her own and denies that any man has ever hurt her. It’s a delicate situation, casting suspicion on those close to the Lintons, including their beloved minister, the Reverend Oliver Upchurch. But as Sarah and a reluctant Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy investigate, fate deals their inquiry a harsh blow. The reverend falls dead during a service—poisoned by cyanide-laced wine in his chalice. Now, they must not only uncover the truth behind the Linton girl’s pregnancy, they must track down Upchurch’s killer before this entire sordid affair wreaks havoc on more innocent lives…
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 7, 2005
331 people are currently reading
1440 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Thompson
83 books2,447 followersVictoria Thompson was a beloved authoress of 'standard mystery' novels.
This middle of the road tone is not violent like a 'thriller' but unsanitized (NOT light like a 'cozy mystery'), is unflinchingly adult, serious, and dark.
Humour, romance, family, and compassion balance out the crime part of dear Victoria's unforgettable mysteries.
This middle of the road tone is not violent like a 'thriller' but unsanitized (NOT light like a 'cozy mystery'), is unflinchingly adult, serious, and dark.
Humour, romance, family, and compassion balance out the crime part of dear Victoria's unforgettable mysteries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 401 reviews
July 24, 2018
These books keep getting better and better. Helped I suppose by the fact that as we continue along we get to know and love the characters more and more.
There were no murders in this story but there was plenty of police work and some very unpleasant crimes. Frank is beginning to accept that Sarah can be an asset when he is dealing with the upper echelons of society and Sarah is always very happy to help.
I always love the historical facts presented in this series. This is New York in simpler times, when paedophile was not the first conclusion anyone jumped to when a priest worked with young boys. It was also a bad time to be a wife as men were able to consign them to mental institutions for apparently very flimsy reasons. All very interesting although I am glad I live now and not then!
Oh and by the way the last paragraph is delightful! A great series altogether.
There were no murders in this story but there was plenty of police work and some very unpleasant crimes. Frank is beginning to accept that Sarah can be an asset when he is dealing with the upper echelons of society and Sarah is always very happy to help.
I always love the historical facts presented in this series. This is New York in simpler times, when paedophile was not the first conclusion anyone jumped to when a priest worked with young boys. It was also a bad time to be a wife as men were able to consign them to mental institutions for apparently very flimsy reasons. All very interesting although I am glad I live now and not then!
Oh and by the way the last paragraph is delightful! A great series altogether.
July 6, 2018
Sarah Brandt receives a request to visit the home of Claire and Wilfred Linton to examine their mentally disabled 17-year old daughter, Grace. They fear she may be pregnant and have no idea how that could have happened given how closely monitored she is all the time. When their worst fears are confirmed, Sarah helps investigate, which of course needs assistance from Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy.
This may be my favorite story to date! Without the pressure and tension of a murder to solve, we see a different sort of ease and interaction between Sarah and Frank. The dialogue is breezy and fun with Frank almost completely relaxed. It’s a good vibe, which was needed because the case was insidious. While it wasn’t a complex poser and I figured out the mysteries early on, the story was highly engaging. I really wasn’t ready for it to end and I like where Sarah and Frank are in their relationship.
Still loving this series.
This may be my favorite story to date! Without the pressure and tension of a murder to solve, we see a different sort of ease and interaction between Sarah and Frank. The dialogue is breezy and fun with Frank almost completely relaxed. It’s a good vibe, which was needed because the case was insidious. While it wasn’t a complex poser and I figured out the mysteries early on, the story was highly engaging. I really wasn’t ready for it to end and I like where Sarah and Frank are in their relationship.
Still loving this series.
September 21, 2022
Very good book about the difficult subject of sexual abuse and all the repercussions. Romance between the main couple is moving along at a glacial pace. Enjoyable H/h and I look forward to the next book in the series.
July 7, 2018
Midwife Sarah Brandt has been summoned to the Linton residence in the affluent Lenox Hill neighborhood of Manhattan. The Linton's are concerned about their mentally disabled daughter, Grace, who shows signs of pregnancy. Sarah's examination proves that Grace is almost six months pregnant. But Grace, who has the mental capacity of a five-year-old, cannot tell them who got her in this condition. The parents swear that Grace is never out of their sight. Sarah enlists Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy to help determine the baby's father.
This is another excellent entry in the Gaslight Mystery series. As Sarah and Frank question people who may have come in contact with Grace, they discover the local church is harboring some dark secrets. Frank is also looking into the death of Sarah's husband, Dr. Tom Brandt. As he finds a new lead to investigate, he's not sure if the discoveries will help or hurt Sarah.
The mysteries in this particular book were very easy to figure out. But that didn't hurt my enjoyment of it. I love this series and its characters. You learn something new about each one as they appear in the book. I'm looking forward to the next installment of the series. My rating: 4 Stars.
This is another excellent entry in the Gaslight Mystery series. As Sarah and Frank question people who may have come in contact with Grace, they discover the local church is harboring some dark secrets. Frank is also looking into the death of Sarah's husband, Dr. Tom Brandt. As he finds a new lead to investigate, he's not sure if the discoveries will help or hurt Sarah.
The mysteries in this particular book were very easy to figure out. But that didn't hurt my enjoyment of it. I love this series and its characters. You learn something new about each one as they appear in the book. I'm looking forward to the next installment of the series. My rating: 4 Stars.
March 16, 2020
I'm pacing myself on these mysteries (two a month) so I’m back again and will be back once more this month...loving Victoria Thompson's Gaslight Mysteries. Sarah and Frank are still sparring affectionately as they deal with two serious mysteries - the (1) unexplained pregnancy of a mentally challenged teenager who has the emotional and intellectual development of a five-year-old. The young girl is never out of her parents’ sight so the mystery first points to the only male in the household (her father) or the Minister in their Church. It is soon apparent, however, that neither could have committed the rape; but, while searching, (2) Sarah and Frank learn to their horror that the congregation's young fatherless boys are possibly being abused by the Minister under the guise of his "special" care. There is, of course, also death under suspicious circumstances somewhere along the line (not the murder by gossip, proposed early in the novel, but rather death by gossip), lots of suspects, and strengthening ties between the two main protagonists under the disapproving eyes of Frank’s acerbic mother and the sniggering chuckles of his co-workers.
Frank (a widower) has proven himself to be a capable detective – a diamond in the rough, so to speak. He would probably have accepted “rewards” to do his job and to stay in line with his fellow policemen but now, hooked up with Sarah (a widow), his honest and diligent nature shines through. Sarah is a midwife – independent both financially and in spirit – although she comes from one of the richest and most prominent families in late 1890’s NYC. She champions the poor, the downtrodden, and especially women, never faltering in her diligence, despite her parents’ disapproval of her occupation (women of her station and breeding don’t work and should pretend to be empty-headed stepford wives, acting strictly according to Hoyle, er, Emily Post). She is relentless in her pursuit of justice – and the amiable (did I say that?) Frank is more than happy to tag along and follow her lead (did I actually say that?).
By book seven she has now changed Frank’s life forever, introducing him to his son’s full potential despite the physical disabilities he suffered at birth, while, in the meantime bringing a foundling child into her own life and home. Frank, forever in her debt, has been secretly working the cold case of her husband’s murder….I can’t wait to read #8 (already borrowed), but first I have to finish The 10,000 Doors of January before it self-returns to the library.
Frank (a widower) has proven himself to be a capable detective – a diamond in the rough, so to speak. He would probably have accepted “rewards” to do his job and to stay in line with his fellow policemen but now, hooked up with Sarah (a widow), his honest and diligent nature shines through. Sarah is a midwife – independent both financially and in spirit – although she comes from one of the richest and most prominent families in late 1890’s NYC. She champions the poor, the downtrodden, and especially women, never faltering in her diligence, despite her parents’ disapproval of her occupation (women of her station and breeding don’t work and should pretend to be empty-headed stepford wives, acting strictly according to Hoyle, er, Emily Post). She is relentless in her pursuit of justice – and the amiable (did I say that?) Frank is more than happy to tag along and follow her lead (did I actually say that?).
By book seven she has now changed Frank’s life forever, introducing him to his son’s full potential despite the physical disabilities he suffered at birth, while, in the meantime bringing a foundling child into her own life and home. Frank, forever in her debt, has been secretly working the cold case of her husband’s murder….I can’t wait to read #8 (already borrowed), but first I have to finish The 10,000 Doors of January before it self-returns to the library.
February 22, 2022
Victoria Thompson is twisted and I like it. The arc about the unsolved murder of Sarah’s husband continues. Frank actually makes some progress in this book.
On Sarah’s side, she’s asked to consult on a pregnancy involving a developmentally disabled 17 year old. She’s mentally a child and her parents can’t figure out how she met a man, let alone conceived. In a roundabout way, she finds out about child abuse in a church and involves Frank unofficially. After some flailing, they identify the abuser, but he’s dead before he can be held accountable.
The section where they try to figure out who killed the abuser is frustrating, but I think that’s the point. It’s slow going with false leads. When they finally figure everything out, you’re exhausted right along with them.
As always, the scenes written with Brian are adorable and Aggie features more prominently now. The final scene is lovely. Thank goodness I have the next book ready to go!
On Sarah’s side, she’s asked to consult on a pregnancy involving a developmentally disabled 17 year old. She’s mentally a child and her parents can’t figure out how she met a man, let alone conceived. In a roundabout way, she finds out about child abuse in a church and involves Frank unofficially. After some flailing, they identify the abuser, but he’s dead before he can be held accountable.
The section where they try to figure out who killed the abuser is frustrating, but I think that’s the point. It’s slow going with false leads. When they finally figure everything out, you’re exhausted right along with them.
As always, the scenes written with Brian are adorable and Aggie features more prominently now. The final scene is lovely. Thank goodness I have the next book ready to go!
July 23, 2018
Murder on Lenox Hill
4 Stars
The plot of this particular installment is a little different with two separate yet related mysteries that touch on several dark and sinister secrets. While the culprits and motivations are easy to figure out, it is, nevertheless, entertaining to follow along as Sarah Brandt and Frank Malloy uncover the clues.
Sarah and Malloy's relationship continues its slow but, but there are indications that Sarah is beginning to come to terms with the loss of her husband. It is clear, however, that nothing will happen until Tom Brandt's murder is solved.
Speaking of which, the ongoing investigation into his death takes an interesting turn and reveals some fascinating insights into the perceptions of the female psyche during the time period.
In sum, another enjoyable addition to the series and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.
4 Stars
The plot of this particular installment is a little different with two separate yet related mysteries that touch on several dark and sinister secrets. While the culprits and motivations are easy to figure out, it is, nevertheless, entertaining to follow along as Sarah Brandt and Frank Malloy uncover the clues.
Sarah and Malloy's relationship continues its slow but, but there are indications that Sarah is beginning to come to terms with the loss of her husband. It is clear, however, that nothing will happen until Tom Brandt's murder is solved.
Speaking of which, the ongoing investigation into his death takes an interesting turn and reveals some fascinating insights into the perceptions of the female psyche during the time period.
In sum, another enjoyable addition to the series and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.
July 14, 2025
╰┈➤ 4.5★
This was a heavy one but that last line made me shed a tear 🥺 I love aggie sm and im so happy for her and sarah 🫶🏼
proper review to come 😅
This was a heavy one but that last line made me shed a tear 🥺 I love aggie sm and im so happy for her and sarah 🫶🏼
proper review to come 😅
October 24, 2012
Out of the first seven Gaslight Mystery novels, this one is by far my favorite. The setting is once again the 1890s, shortly after the election of President McKinley, and the stars are Frank Malloy and Sarah Brandt. There are three mysteries being investigated in this novel -- the murder in its title, the rape of a retarded teenage girl, and the "cold case" murder of Sarah's husband. The investigations into these crimes aren't necessarily related, yet the story is woven together masterfully, creating a seamless and enjoyable novel.
I particularly like how Victoria Thompson has slowly advanced the charming and wonderful relationship between Sarah and Frank, and I particularly appreciate their love of children.
This book takes a lot of dramatic twists and turns. None of the solutions turned out the way I expected. If you enjoy historical novels or Agatha Christie style mysteries, this is definitely one for the bookshelf (or in these days, the Nook).
I particularly like how Victoria Thompson has slowly advanced the charming and wonderful relationship between Sarah and Frank, and I particularly appreciate their love of children.
This book takes a lot of dramatic twists and turns. None of the solutions turned out the way I expected. If you enjoy historical novels or Agatha Christie style mysteries, this is definitely one for the bookshelf (or in these days, the Nook).
February 9, 2019
It’s a cold winter’s day when midwife Sarah Brandt is summoned to the Linton home. When she arrives, it is to discovered they are worried about their daughter Grace. While biologically almost a young woman, mentally she is still a child. And yet, her parents think she is pregnant. Sarah’s examination confirms their suspicions, but Grace never leaves them. How could this have happened to her? Who would take advantage of her like that? Meanwhile, Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy has been summoned to see Sarah’s father. Mr. Decker wants Frank to work further on his investigation into the murder of Sarah’s husband, Tom. Decker insists that Tom was not that man that Sarah thought he was, and he is certain that this investigation will help Sarah learn the truth. Is Decker correct? Can Frank find the truth while sparing Sarah from any pain?
Yes, my discussion about a current murder is missing on purpose since the body isn’t found until late in the book. There is still plenty of plot to keep us engaged until that happens, but unfortunately it felt very predictable. I had most of this book figured out long before Sarah and Frank did. I’m often a step or two ahead of them, but not this far ahead. I do still recommend this book to series fans since there are some significant developments on series arcs in this book, and you’ll want to see what happens there. The subject matter is fairly sensitive, but it is handled delicately without going into too much detail. Don’t make this the first in the series you pick up, but if you are already a fan, you’ll want to know what happens to Sarah and Frank here.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Yes, my discussion about a current murder is missing on purpose since the body isn’t found until late in the book. There is still plenty of plot to keep us engaged until that happens, but unfortunately it felt very predictable. I had most of this book figured out long before Sarah and Frank did. I’m often a step or two ahead of them, but not this far ahead. I do still recommend this book to series fans since there are some significant developments on series arcs in this book, and you’ll want to see what happens there. The subject matter is fairly sensitive, but it is handled delicately without going into too much detail. Don’t make this the first in the series you pick up, but if you are already a fan, you’ll want to know what happens to Sarah and Frank here.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
January 30, 2019
This is yet another interesting novel in the series. The murder-mystery touches on a disturbing theme, especially given the time period it is set in. The story was pretty intriguing and I had a pleasant read (despite the uncomfortable theme).
Sarah's and Frank's relationship is slowly but steadily progressing and it was nice to read how they have developed a very strong closeness to each other almost rely on one another for opinion and comfort. I really like this duo.
There is another development in Sarah's life, for now she is raising a child as her own daughter. And the reader can see a mature and wise Sarah which is appropriate for her role of a mother.
I'm really enjoying this series and hope the next read will be as rewarding.
Sarah's and Frank's relationship is slowly but steadily progressing and it was nice to read how they have developed a very strong closeness to each other almost rely on one another for opinion and comfort. I really like this duo.
There is another development in Sarah's life, for now she is raising a child as her own daughter. And the reader can see a mature and wise Sarah which is appropriate for her role of a mother.
I'm really enjoying this series and hope the next read will be as rewarding.
April 21, 2020
4.25*
I’m tearing through these novels like there is no tomorrow, and this one is the best so far. Naturally, after 6 instalments, I’m invested in this cast and fascinated by the setting, both geographically and temporally. Still, I love how Thompson keeps elements from the previous stories and builds on them, so that these narratives really feel like one story that keeps developing, each ‘murder’ being a chapter in the grand scheme of things. Characters develop, some rather surprisingly, and new ones are added - all contributing to an addictive read.
The current case seems bewildering and leads our investigators onto something much more disturbing. I was entertained and even amused .
I’m tearing through these novels like there is no tomorrow, and this one is the best so far. Naturally, after 6 instalments, I’m invested in this cast and fascinated by the setting, both geographically and temporally. Still, I love how Thompson keeps elements from the previous stories and builds on them, so that these narratives really feel like one story that keeps developing, each ‘murder’ being a chapter in the grand scheme of things. Characters develop, some rather surprisingly, and new ones are added - all contributing to an addictive read.
The current case seems bewildering and leads our investigators onto something much more disturbing. I was entertained and even amused .
April 10, 2022
I appreciate the way this series tackles difficult issues in ways that feel era-appropriate, while still being very meaningful.
The movement on the personal storylines here was really compelling for me. I adore all scenes with Brian, and the final scenes were just lovely. But I also really enjoyed the scenes with Mrs. Malloy and how she's making sure she can communicate with her grandson and find a way for Frank to start to learn too. I know I'm still a few books off from getting to the conclusion of the investigation into Tom's murder, but I've appreciated how there has been movement on that front.
The movement on the personal storylines here was really compelling for me. I adore all scenes with Brian, and the final scenes were just lovely. But I also really enjoyed the scenes with Mrs. Malloy and how she's making sure she can communicate with her grandson and find a way for Frank to start to learn too. I know I'm still a few books off from getting to the conclusion of the investigation into Tom's murder, but I've appreciated how there has been movement on that front.
September 13, 2023
The crimes in this book are distrubing so reader beware.
That being said it was a great addition to this wonderful series. Sarah and Frank are wonderfu characters and I love touching bases with them.
That being said it was a great addition to this wonderful series. Sarah and Frank are wonderfu characters and I love touching bases with them.
November 27, 2020
The cases in this series have not been particularly difficult to crack, but that's not why I read these books. I find them soothing, and I like the main characters Sarah Brandt and Frank Malloy a great deal, and the recurring characters who surround them.
Plus, there's progress in Sarah's and Frank's lives, as well as their friendship and working relationship, which makes each installment a pleasure to read. Plus, I like learning more about New York City from the little bits of historical detail Victoria Thompson drops into each story.
Am I reading the next? Of course.
Plus, there's progress in Sarah's and Frank's lives, as well as their friendship and working relationship, which makes each installment a pleasure to read. Plus, I like learning more about New York City from the little bits of historical detail Victoria Thompson drops into each story.
Am I reading the next? Of course.
January 7, 2021
Horrific crime! Reminds me of a big scandal that has happened recently in the world... :(
May 6, 2019
Another instalment of the Gaslight mystery I enjoyed!
Sarah and Frank are such enjoyable characters and are so sweet in their attempts to hide their feelings!
Usually I don't have great trouble in figuring out who did it but this one kept me guessing for a while longer!
Also very intriguing is the mystery around Tom Brandt's murder!
Missed Sarah's mother though in this story!
Sarah and Frank are such enjoyable characters and are so sweet in their attempts to hide their feelings!
Usually I don't have great trouble in figuring out who did it but this one kept me guessing for a while longer!
Also very intriguing is the mystery around Tom Brandt's murder!
Missed Sarah's mother though in this story!
July 31, 2020
I thought this was a weak entry in the series - although my opinion seems to be in the minority.
October 8, 2024
Still have to wonder about the ending....
Reading this for the 4th time, I have to wonder no more.. :)
Reading this for the 4th time, I have to wonder no more.. :)
March 7, 2019
No. 7. Boy, it starts good! They all do. This was better than most, and something IMPORTANT happens.
October 1, 2017
A midwife working in the tenements of turn-of-the-last-century New York, Sarah Brandt is summoned by the wealthy Lintons to confirm their worst fear: their teenage daughter is with child. It's a mystery, however, since the young woman-mentally still a child herself-is never left alone.
I think Murder on Lenox hill is my favorite in the series so far. It kept me guessing for most of the book and there were two mysteries to figure out in this one. One of them was pretty easy to figure out, but the other one not as easy.
Five people confessing to the murder made this one pretty entertaining. Sarah and Malloy are still somewhat clueless when it comes to solving the murders at times, which still annoys me. However, I've loved watching the slow changes in how Sarah and Malloy interact with each other. It just gets better and better.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
I think Murder on Lenox hill is my favorite in the series so far. It kept me guessing for most of the book and there were two mysteries to figure out in this one. One of them was pretty easy to figure out, but the other one not as easy.
Five people confessing to the murder made this one pretty entertaining. Sarah and Malloy are still somewhat clueless when it comes to solving the murders at times, which still annoys me. However, I've loved watching the slow changes in how Sarah and Malloy interact with each other. It just gets better and better.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
January 16, 2018
A note to those who are thinking of reading Murder on Lenox Hill, don't read the Goodreads description of the book. The description talks about events that happen 200 pages into the novel. It's best to just go fresh into this one.
Sarah is called to the Linton's house as they believe that their 17 year old daughter is pregnant. Unfortunately their suspicions are correct and she is pregnant. The Linton's have no idea how this happened, since their daughter has the mental capacity of a 5 year old and they never let her be alone when she is outside their house. This leads to an investigation that leads to some other nasty secrets.
I didn't love this novel as much as the other books because I think it took too long to get to the murder. There was a lot of back and forth between Sarah and Malloy, but nothing happened until the 200 page mark. I still love Sarah and Malloy, but wish that the investigation of Sarah's husband's death was done over 1 book, not multiple.
Sarah is called to the Linton's house as they believe that their 17 year old daughter is pregnant. Unfortunately their suspicions are correct and she is pregnant. The Linton's have no idea how this happened, since their daughter has the mental capacity of a 5 year old and they never let her be alone when she is outside their house. This leads to an investigation that leads to some other nasty secrets.
I didn't love this novel as much as the other books because I think it took too long to get to the murder. There was a lot of back and forth between Sarah and Malloy, but nothing happened until the 200 page mark. I still love Sarah and Malloy, but wish that the investigation of Sarah's husband's death was done over 1 book, not multiple.
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July 7, 2018Another good entry in the series. In this book Sarah has taken Aggie and Maeve to live with her, Brian has started attending deaf school, and Frank is beginning the investigation of Tom's murder. I love these characters and their slowly growing relationships. Even the always grumpy Mrs. Malloy. I think I'm seriously starting to like her.
The mystery was a bit too predictable and it was a little frustrating when the characters were too slow on the uptake, but it was an interesting change since it didn't involve any murder .
The mystery was a bit too predictable and it was a little frustrating when the characters were too slow on the uptake, but it was an interesting change since it didn't involve any murder .
June 15, 2017
Solid series. When you read them in order, you really become invested in the characters. If you were to read this one first, you just wouldn't be able to appreciate how far they've come.
New York 1896
New York 1896
March 4, 2016
Sometimes you get addicted to a series. This is the case for me. I'm completely hooked and don't really want to read anything else. Which is sad, but true. :-)
April 14, 2018
This one was actually funny at the end so I enjoyed the extra bit of humor.
June 21, 2021
3 stars
This one is quite sad & involves a lot of sexual abuse of minors & those unable to consent, so be forewarned. Sarah is hired to examine a young girl with intellectual disabilities who has become pregnant, & attempts to find out who took advantage of her. Her investigation leads to the discovery of several more cases of abuse, all connected to the local church. The investigation of Reverend Upchurch’s death is an interesting mystery, & overall I think the sensitive topics in this book were addressed compassionately.
[What I liked:]
•The mystery of Upchurch’s death was quite interesting to see Malloy & Sarah solve. At scratch it seemed straightforward, but the pieces didn’t fit together. I thought it was cleverly constructed.
•Malloy, the parents involved, Sarah, etc. addressed the abuse with the victims in ways that were respectful, protected the victims’ dignity & safety, & didn’t result in victim blaming. As hard as this topic is to read about, I think it was handled well by the writer.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•Hoo, my goodness! Mrs. Upchurch is an intriguing character with such interesting motivations & behaviors. I think the writer was honestly a bit too sympathetic towards her. Besides that, though, I can’t imagine her behaving the way she did & being a minister’s wife. I just can’t swallow that a congregation, especially back then, would have put up with her. She was just a bit too over the top.
•Ugh, omg, not again with multiple false confessions. It’s becoming a well-used trope in this series where obviously innocent people make false confessions of murder with very flimsy motivations to do so. I’m okay with it if it contributes to the plot significantly, or if there’s actually some possibility the false confessor might be guilty, but in this story the many false confessions just seemed to be there to take up space?
CW: sexual abuse of children, sexual abuse of a person with intellectual disabilities who is unable to consent, murder, suicide
This one is quite sad & involves a lot of sexual abuse of minors & those unable to consent, so be forewarned. Sarah is hired to examine a young girl with intellectual disabilities who has become pregnant, & attempts to find out who took advantage of her. Her investigation leads to the discovery of several more cases of abuse, all connected to the local church. The investigation of Reverend Upchurch’s death is an interesting mystery, & overall I think the sensitive topics in this book were addressed compassionately.
[What I liked:]
•The mystery of Upchurch’s death was quite interesting to see Malloy & Sarah solve. At scratch it seemed straightforward, but the pieces didn’t fit together. I thought it was cleverly constructed.
•Malloy, the parents involved, Sarah, etc. addressed the abuse with the victims in ways that were respectful, protected the victims’ dignity & safety, & didn’t result in victim blaming. As hard as this topic is to read about, I think it was handled well by the writer.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•Hoo, my goodness! Mrs. Upchurch is an intriguing character with such interesting motivations & behaviors. I think the writer was honestly a bit too sympathetic towards her. Besides that, though, I can’t imagine her behaving the way she did & being a minister’s wife. I just can’t swallow that a congregation, especially back then, would have put up with her. She was just a bit too over the top.
•Ugh, omg, not again with multiple false confessions. It’s becoming a well-used trope in this series where obviously innocent people make false confessions of murder with very flimsy motivations to do so. I’m okay with it if it contributes to the plot significantly, or if there’s actually some possibility the false confessor might be guilty, but in this story the many false confessions just seemed to be there to take up space?
CW: sexual abuse of children, sexual abuse of a person with intellectual disabilities who is unable to consent, murder, suicide
December 24, 2021
This was a good book but honestly at times hard due to the subject matter. A young lady, who is still mentally a child, becomes pregnant. Her parents are baffled as the girl is never out of their direct care. Sarah enlists her “friend” Malloy to help her solve the mystery of the father. What they fall into is honestly a church full of secrets that escalates when the preacher falls down dead during a service. How is he connected to the pregnant girl? Is he the father-maybe but getting to the truth takes solving the death of the preacher first. This does contain several convoluted situations that can be disturbing to some.
October 9, 2020
Sarah is called in to examine a 17-year old girl. The entire family is surprised when she ends up pregnant. The girl is mentally behind and is never out of sight of her parents. Sarah and Frank team up to figure out what's going on. They uncover some nasty business going on at the Church.
Another book I loved reading, but don't remember the details at this point. The end was pretty horrific to me. That stuff always makes me sick. I did love the drama of the ending though.
Another book I loved reading, but don't remember the details at this point. The end was pretty horrific to me. That stuff always makes me sick. I did love the drama of the ending though.
June 15, 2023
Listened on audiobook, excellent story and very good narrator.
This is the 7th book I’ve listened to in this series, and each one gets better than the last. Set in New York in the 1800s Sarah is a midwife who has assisted detective Malloy on a number of cases.
All these stories are intelligent and interesting, this one though, has events that may be triggering for some.
In each book, difficult issues are written sensitively. I recommend this series.
This is the 7th book I’ve listened to in this series, and each one gets better than the last. Set in New York in the 1800s Sarah is a midwife who has assisted detective Malloy on a number of cases.
All these stories are intelligent and interesting, this one though, has events that may be triggering for some.
In each book, difficult issues are written sensitively. I recommend this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 401 reviews