What do you think?
Rate this book
Mystery of Old San Francisco #1
No Comfort for the Lost
In this historical mystery series, a courageous nurse and a war-scarred police detective in 1860s San Francisco champion the down-trodden and fight for justice …
After serving as a nurse in the Crimea, British-born Celia Davies left her privileged family for an impulsive marriage to a handsome Irishman. Patrick brought her to San Francisco’s bustling shores but then disappeared and is now presumed dead. Determined to carry on, Celia partnered with her half-Chinese cousin Barbara and her opinionated housekeeper Addie to open a free medical clinic for women who have nowhere else to turn. But Celia’s carefully constructed peace crumbles when one of her Chinese patients is found brutally murdered…and Celia’s hotheaded brother-in-law stands accused of the crime.
A veteran of America’s civil war, detective Nicholas Greaves is intent on discovering the killer of the girl, whose ethnicity and gender render her as powerless in death as they did in life. Nicholas’s efforts are complicated by Celia, who has a knack for walking into dangerous situations that may lead to answers…or get them both killed. For as their inquiries take them from Chinatown’s squalid back alleys to the Barbary Coast’s violent shipping docks to the city’s gilded parlors, Celia and Nicholas begin to suspect that someone very close to them holds the key to a murderous conspiracy…
After serving as a nurse in the Crimea, British-born Celia Davies left her privileged family for an impulsive marriage to a handsome Irishman. Patrick brought her to San Francisco’s bustling shores but then disappeared and is now presumed dead. Determined to carry on, Celia partnered with her half-Chinese cousin Barbara and her opinionated housekeeper Addie to open a free medical clinic for women who have nowhere else to turn. But Celia’s carefully constructed peace crumbles when one of her Chinese patients is found brutally murdered…and Celia’s hotheaded brother-in-law stands accused of the crime.
A veteran of America’s civil war, detective Nicholas Greaves is intent on discovering the killer of the girl, whose ethnicity and gender render her as powerless in death as they did in life. Nicholas’s efforts are complicated by Celia, who has a knack for walking into dangerous situations that may lead to answers…or get them both killed. For as their inquiries take them from Chinatown’s squalid back alleys to the Barbary Coast’s violent shipping docks to the city’s gilded parlors, Celia and Nicholas begin to suspect that someone very close to them holds the key to a murderous conspiracy…
385 pages, Paperback
First published August 4, 2015
47 people are currently reading
1003 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Herriman
15 books189 followersNancy Herriman retired from a career as an engineer to chase around two small children and take up the pen. She hasn’t looked back. When she is not writing, or gabbing over lattes about writing, she is either watching history shows on cable TV or performing with various choral groups. She lives in Ohio with her husband and sons, and wishes there were more hours in the day.
Book 1 in her series 'A Mystery of Old San Francisco' to be released August 2015. 'No Comfort for the Lost' (NAL/Penguin)
Book 1 in her series 'A Mystery of Old San Francisco' to be released August 2015. 'No Comfort for the Lost' (NAL/Penguin)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
June 24, 2016
I never used to read historical mysteries, until a friend talked me into trying the Lady Darby books. Historicals are SO much better than they used to be! I loved the San Francisco setting in this one and the characters were so well drawn they seemed to come alive. I liked Celia. She came from a wealthy British family, but went off to become a nurse during the Crimean War. She married an Irishman and came to the States with him. He took to the sea and now she may, or may not, be a widow. She lives with her juvenile half-Chinese cousin in the house the cousin inherited from her father. She runs a clinic for women from the house and also treats the Chinese prostitutes in the godawful brothels as well. When a young Chinese woman who was able to get out of the brothels that she has befriended is found murdered at the docks, she makes it her mission to find the killer. Dead Chinese women were low on the totem pole when it came to police investigations at the time. She meets up with Nicholas Greaves, a member of the SFPD, who is willing to try and find the girl's killer. I pretty much knew whodunit and why, but that didn't detract from the story at all. The next in the series comes out next month and I'm looking forward to it! Recommend!
June 7, 2015
I highly recommend Nancy Herriman’s No Comfort for the Lost, a historical mystery that keeps you guessing about who the murderer is until the very end. I kept turning pages, forming a suspicion about whodunit only to change my mind two chapters later. The author skillfully incorporated the setting of 1867 San Francisco into the story, so many sights and sounds that made me feel as if I was watching a film rather than flipping through pages.
The story’s heroine, Celia Davies, is NOT your average amateur sleuth getting into ridiculous situations and investigating a murder for wildly contrived reasons. (Kudos, Ms. Herriman, for that!) Celia is a dedicated nurse and humanitarian who puts the health and safety of others ahead of herself. She’s a character I want to relate to, not some flighty female who stumbles into clues and solves the case quite by luck.
Nick Greaves is the determined police detective assigned to investigate the murder of a Chinese prostitute in a city where bitter resentment against the Chinese has reached a dangerous level. I commend the author for being authentic to the period without making me feel as if a history lesson was being shoved down my throat.
I confess to being a big fan of romance as well as mystery, so I enjoyed the subtle attraction Herriman wove into the story between hero and heroine, a woman we’re not 100% sure is widowed. This makes me eager to read more about this couple.
I hope the next book in Nancy Herriman’s series isn’t too far away!
The story’s heroine, Celia Davies, is NOT your average amateur sleuth getting into ridiculous situations and investigating a murder for wildly contrived reasons. (Kudos, Ms. Herriman, for that!) Celia is a dedicated nurse and humanitarian who puts the health and safety of others ahead of herself. She’s a character I want to relate to, not some flighty female who stumbles into clues and solves the case quite by luck.
Nick Greaves is the determined police detective assigned to investigate the murder of a Chinese prostitute in a city where bitter resentment against the Chinese has reached a dangerous level. I commend the author for being authentic to the period without making me feel as if a history lesson was being shoved down my throat.
I confess to being a big fan of romance as well as mystery, so I enjoyed the subtle attraction Herriman wove into the story between hero and heroine, a woman we’re not 100% sure is widowed. This makes me eager to read more about this couple.
I hope the next book in Nancy Herriman’s series isn’t too far away!
August 10, 2015
NO COMFORT FOR THE LOST is a historical mystery set in 1860s San Francisco, during the rise of anti-Chinese sentiments among whites in the city. Celia Davies is a nurse who runs a clinic for disadvantaged women. Celia is shaken when one of her patients is murdered, a young Chinese woman struggling to escape a life of prostitution. Celia forms an alliance with Nick Greaves, a Civil War vet turned police detective. Both Celia and Nick have troubled pasts and emotional baggage, and in a way they’re lost themselves. It makes sense that they would devote themselves to solving the murder of another lost one.
The murder mystery is complex, with more going on underneath the surface. At the same time, the book presents a vivid picture of San Francisco during this turbulent time in history, with much corruption, racial tension, and violence. It made me shake my head at how poorly people treat each other, and of course, similar problems continue today. This was an enjoyable and enlightening read that I’d recommend to fans of strong female protagonists and detailed historical mysteries. A great start to a new series!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The murder mystery is complex, with more going on underneath the surface. At the same time, the book presents a vivid picture of San Francisco during this turbulent time in history, with much corruption, racial tension, and violence. It made me shake my head at how poorly people treat each other, and of course, similar problems continue today. This was an enjoyable and enlightening read that I’d recommend to fans of strong female protagonists and detailed historical mysteries. A great start to a new series!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2015
Set in 1867 San Francisco, during the height of racial tensions between whites and Chinese immigrants, No Comfort for the Lost was an okay start to a new historical mystery series. It gives us two main protagonists in Celia, a trained nurse and maybe-maybe-not widow, and Nicholas, a civil war veteran now working as a detective with the SFPD. They are each likeable and aware of the other's attractive qualities but, for my money, they don't spend enough page time together for me to decide if there's any actual chemistry there. The pacing felt a bit slow at times and the resolution seemed a little too easy but I liked enough of it that I plan to check out the second book when it's released next year.
Caveat: I had a lot of interruptions while trying to read this book so it ended up taking me about a week to finish it. That may have affected my feelings about the book since I never felt like I had the chance to fully immerse myself in it. That darned real life gets in the way sometimes.
*There is a snippet of the next book at the end of this one.**
Caveat: I had a lot of interruptions while trying to read this book so it ended up taking me about a week to finish it. That may have affected my feelings about the book since I never felt like I had the chance to fully immerse myself in it. That darned real life gets in the way sometimes.
*There is a snippet of the next book at the end of this one.**
September 5, 2016
I received this from the author in exchange for an honest review.
A nurse in the 1800's decides to investigate the murder of one of her patients, who happens to be chinese. The Anti-Coolie Association just started in San Francisco so no one besides Celia Davies cares to look into the murder. She convinces Dectective Greaves to help.
Both Davies and Greaves are strong characters. They are both determined to find the killer at all costs.I did like the historical fiction aspect.
It took a bit to get started but once it did it flowed. It was just missing something at the beginning of the story.I will be reading the next in the series to see how the characters and the relationship between them evolve.
A nurse in the 1800's decides to investigate the murder of one of her patients, who happens to be chinese. The Anti-Coolie Association just started in San Francisco so no one besides Celia Davies cares to look into the murder. She convinces Dectective Greaves to help.
Both Davies and Greaves are strong characters. They are both determined to find the killer at all costs.I did like the historical fiction aspect.
It took a bit to get started but once it did it flowed. It was just missing something at the beginning of the story.I will be reading the next in the series to see how the characters and the relationship between them evolve.
August 6, 2019
Alles in allem ein guter historischer Krimi, mit einigen Längen im Mittelteil. Die Täter standen für mich schon früh fest, für geübte Krimileser keine Überraschung. Ob alle Details im Roman historisch korrekt sind, kann ich nicht beurteilen, da bin ich mit der amerikanischen Geschichte dieser Zeit zu wenig bewandert, aber die Hintergrundinformationen zu den rassistischen Ausschreitungen in Kaliforniem 1867 waren sehr spannend und erschreckend.
September 15, 2015
I can see why his historical fiction adult novel has received rave reviews on Goodreads. The setting is great--I really got a feel for old San Francisco, the seedy parts and all. Celia runs a free women's clinic and serves all types of clientele, even the Chinese prostitutes. She isn't the most respected white woman in town because of this, but, of course, she's a force to be reckoned with.
Detective Greaves admires her, even when he doesn't want her involved in the murder investigation of a former prostitute.
I'm not a big fan of mysteries where the solution is solved through lengthy dialogue. I know this is the traditional way of wrapping up a mystery, but I'm just not a fan. I tried watching Criminal Minds last week on Netflix and thought the same thing--don't tell me what happened! Show me!
I can see this being a huge hit with the older mystery crowd though. There will be a sequel. I wouldn't mind one written from Detective Greaves point-of-view--I liked him better than the main character. I guess I'm getting sick of "spunky" women before their time.
Detective Greaves admires her, even when he doesn't want her involved in the murder investigation of a former prostitute.
I'm not a big fan of mysteries where the solution is solved through lengthy dialogue. I know this is the traditional way of wrapping up a mystery, but I'm just not a fan. I tried watching Criminal Minds last week on Netflix and thought the same thing--don't tell me what happened! Show me!
I can see this being a huge hit with the older mystery crowd though. There will be a sequel. I wouldn't mind one written from Detective Greaves point-of-view--I liked him better than the main character. I guess I'm getting sick of "spunky" women before their time.
April 25, 2020
San Francisco in the 1860's wasn't a place for the faint of heart. Celia is a nurse who followed her husband to the US in hopes of a better life. Now she has no husband but a nice practice as a nurse doing the best she can to help women in the area, especially the Chinese patients who nobody else wants to help. When one of her former patients is murdered, Celia feels guilty for not having been able to help her. Celia and Nick, the detective assigned to the case, work together to whittle down the long list of people who may have had a reason to kill her. The historical aspect of the book was quite good. The ending came together in quite a rush though and the book felt a bit long. However, I definitely would read more in the series as I'm intrigued to see what else happens.
May 11, 2019
As much as I wanted to like this book, I just couldn’t. A few factual issues bothered me... the cemetery called Lone Mountain was renamed Laurel Hill in 1867, the year the book took place and cops and doughnuts in 1860s? I felt the author did not even try to be authentic at all. 😞
November 16, 2021
I thought this was a pretty good historical mystery. The time/location was different (not Regency England as seems more popular). The book sheds light on the political and racial tensions between the whites and the Chinese in San Francisco at the time. I didn't think the killer was so obvious, either, because who I thought it might be turned out not to be. I thought Celia was a likeable MC and Nick as well. Barbara did annoy me with her poor decisions, but she's young and learned her lesson. I'd read the next book.
April 28, 2021
I hated the main character. She's self-righteous and really interferes with a murder investigation because she's arrogant and privileged. A blurb compared this to Fremont Jones mysteries, but this woman would have sneered at Fremont Jones.
June 4, 2024
This was more historical fiction with a little mystery. OK but too long. A good look at the San Francisco Barbary Coast area in 1867 with the anti Chinese movement beginning to ramp up.
October 23, 2020
Good story but it seemed to go much longer than it needed to. The whole story could have been wrapped up faster.
July 25, 2022
Really fascinating characters and time period. Loved getting to know San Francisco in 1867. Will be continuing with this series.
July 9, 2015
No Comfort for the Lost by Nancy Herriman -- A solid mystery filled with historical detail but without a great deal of violence, language or sex.
Disclosure: The author provided an advanced reader copy of her book in exchange for an honest review. Also, you should know that I very rarely give anything five stars, so a four star review means the book was pretty good!
In 1860s San Francisco, racial tension ran high, with unemployed workers blaming their lack of jobs on Chinese immigrants who worked for lower wages. This frustration turned to rage, culminating in violence against the Chinese and anyone believed to befriend them.
It’s against this background that nurse Celia Davies runs a free medical clinic serving the downtrodden women of the city. Her patients are mostly Chinese prostitutes, and it’s she who identifies the body of a young pregnant woman as that of her friend Li Sha.
Celia’s brother-in-law is the father of Li Sha’s unborn child, so suspicion soon falls on him. Despite their mutual dislike, Celia believes in his innocence, and she allows Detective Nicholas Greaves no choice but to accept her assistance in the search for Li Sha’s true killer.
There’s no shortage of likely candidates who might have done the deed, which provides plenty of fodder for readers to form their own suspicions.
Emotional conflict is provided by the attraction between Celia and Nicholas and the havoc it promises to wreak on the peace each has managed to find in their private lives. Though only hinted at in No Comfort, I expect these difficulties to develop further as the series progresses.
I enjoyed this mystery, partly because it’s unusual to find a book of this genre that isn’t a cozy and yet doesn’t contain a lot of violence, swearing or sex. Though not offended by such details, I’m a librarian, and it’s nice to discover a mystery I can recommend to a variety of people without risk of affront.
I also liked the close attention the author paid to historical detail. From her mention of specific buildings and events, it’s clear she did her homework.
Especially recommended for those who enjoy period detail and/or reading about the old-time west.
Disclosure: The author provided an advanced reader copy of her book in exchange for an honest review. Also, you should know that I very rarely give anything five stars, so a four star review means the book was pretty good!
In 1860s San Francisco, racial tension ran high, with unemployed workers blaming their lack of jobs on Chinese immigrants who worked for lower wages. This frustration turned to rage, culminating in violence against the Chinese and anyone believed to befriend them.
It’s against this background that nurse Celia Davies runs a free medical clinic serving the downtrodden women of the city. Her patients are mostly Chinese prostitutes, and it’s she who identifies the body of a young pregnant woman as that of her friend Li Sha.
Celia’s brother-in-law is the father of Li Sha’s unborn child, so suspicion soon falls on him. Despite their mutual dislike, Celia believes in his innocence, and she allows Detective Nicholas Greaves no choice but to accept her assistance in the search for Li Sha’s true killer.
There’s no shortage of likely candidates who might have done the deed, which provides plenty of fodder for readers to form their own suspicions.
Emotional conflict is provided by the attraction between Celia and Nicholas and the havoc it promises to wreak on the peace each has managed to find in their private lives. Though only hinted at in No Comfort, I expect these difficulties to develop further as the series progresses.
I enjoyed this mystery, partly because it’s unusual to find a book of this genre that isn’t a cozy and yet doesn’t contain a lot of violence, swearing or sex. Though not offended by such details, I’m a librarian, and it’s nice to discover a mystery I can recommend to a variety of people without risk of affront.
I also liked the close attention the author paid to historical detail. From her mention of specific buildings and events, it’s clear she did her homework.
Especially recommended for those who enjoy period detail and/or reading about the old-time west.
September 23, 2015
No Comfort for the Lost is a wonderfully written historical mystery set in San Francisco in 1867.
Celia Davies is a nurse who has opened a free medical clinic for women, especially the Chinese. The clinic is in the house that she shares with her cousin, Barbara, a Chinese herself, and her housekeeper, Addie. Celia takes her job very seriously. Barbara is a nervous sort as she worries about all the troubles that the Chinese have here in San Francisco. No one wants "their kind" here.
One of the Chinese girls that Celia had helped has been found drowned down by the pier. Detective Nicholas Greaves has been put in charge of finding who did this? Celia becomes involved with the case when she finds that her brother-in-law has been charged with the murder. She feels he didn't do it. Sticking her nose into the investigation has gotten her into a little bit of trouble herself. Who is threatening her and why?
Celia and Nick try their very best to find the person responsible. It was a surprise to me when I found out who it was.
I received this book from Storeybook Review. I truly think you will like it too.
Celia Davies is a nurse who has opened a free medical clinic for women, especially the Chinese. The clinic is in the house that she shares with her cousin, Barbara, a Chinese herself, and her housekeeper, Addie. Celia takes her job very seriously. Barbara is a nervous sort as she worries about all the troubles that the Chinese have here in San Francisco. No one wants "their kind" here.
One of the Chinese girls that Celia had helped has been found drowned down by the pier. Detective Nicholas Greaves has been put in charge of finding who did this? Celia becomes involved with the case when she finds that her brother-in-law has been charged with the murder. She feels he didn't do it. Sticking her nose into the investigation has gotten her into a little bit of trouble herself. Who is threatening her and why?
Celia and Nick try their very best to find the person responsible. It was a surprise to me when I found out who it was.
I received this book from Storeybook Review. I truly think you will like it too.
April 22, 2016
Celia Davies spends her days helping the women of 1867 San Francisco via her free medical clinic. One of her patients, a former Chinese prostitute is found murdered, and Celia must know what happened to her. Meanwhile, Nicholas Greaves is the police officer assigned to the case, and he is determined to get justice for the young woman. But where will the investigation lead?
This is a good debut that will please any fan of historical mysteries. The characters are intriguing, and their history makes them seem even more real. The plot did bog down a few times, but never for very long, and we reach a logical conclusion before the end. The world of 1867 is brought to wonderful life as well, and it’s easy to get lost in another time.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in hopes I would review it.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This is a good debut that will please any fan of historical mysteries. The characters are intriguing, and their history makes them seem even more real. The plot did bog down a few times, but never for very long, and we reach a logical conclusion before the end. The world of 1867 is brought to wonderful life as well, and it’s easy to get lost in another time.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in hopes I would review it.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
January 16, 2017
I didn't finish it. I liked the setting and idea as well as Nicholas (quite a lot) but I couldn't get past the irritation that was the main character and that fact that she demanded whatever she wanted in a police investigation and despite the obvious conflict of interest, Nicholas gave in pretty much because he thought she was so pretty and blonde *eye roll* ( think he legit thought that at one point but i might be biased at this point).
I gave up and may go back later but I couldn't get into the mystery enough to keep going.
I gave up and may go back later but I couldn't get into the mystery enough to keep going.
April 6, 2015
Herriman skillfully brings 1867 San Francisco to life, in all its beauty and treachery. Weaving together an intriguing mystery and a fascinating clash of cultures, No Comfort for the Lost will keep readers turning the pages long into the night.
June 19, 2015
This book was an extremely enjoyable read. Very well-written with excellent character development and descriptive imagery. Many plot twists kept me on edge, and the ending took me by surprise. I didn't want to put it down. I highly recommend it.
June 24, 2015
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
September 7, 2023
Solid mystery with a good female protagonist setting in a very vibrant old San Francisco. Romance is minimal; you can tell it is just beginning, but the hints are obvious enough. It took quite a while for me to get through it. The book never quite managed to capture my interest. I only got through it because it was on my queue and there wasn't any other sufficiently distracting book in my currently-reading list.
There wasn't much of a spark between our lead characters despite the romantic set-up. No chemistry; no heat. There wasn't a driving mystery behind one or both of the main characters either like Lady Darby or Charlotte Sloan.
I think the mystery would have been more interesting if the main character was the half-Chinese/half-white cousin Barbara. She has a stake in the mystery because it's the murder is reflective of the racism towards Chinese people. She is afraid of embracing her Chinese heritage; she felt personally connected to one of the possible suspects. There would have been a lot more personal stakes and drama if she'd been solving the mystery.
The murder and circumstances regarding it felt a little too close: racism, lynching, and corrupt authority turning the other way because no one cares if poor people of color die. Herriman did such a good job portraying the fear and desperation in old San Francisco that I really felt uncomfortable. The main character runs a woman's clinic for destitute folks and especially Chinese prostitutes in old San Francisco so there's a lot of mention of bad/terrible living conditions with no way out.
The series may improve, but at this point I don't really feel the need to continue the story. It's a solid read for lovers of female sleuths in historical settings, but nothing too special.
4/5
There wasn't much of a spark between our lead characters despite the romantic set-up. No chemistry; no heat. There wasn't a driving mystery behind one or both of the main characters either like Lady Darby or Charlotte Sloan.
I think the mystery would have been more interesting if the main character was the half-Chinese/half-white cousin Barbara. She has a stake in the mystery because it's the murder is reflective of the racism towards Chinese people. She is afraid of embracing her Chinese heritage; she felt personally connected to one of the possible suspects. There would have been a lot more personal stakes and drama if she'd been solving the mystery.
The murder and circumstances regarding it felt a little too close: racism, lynching, and corrupt authority turning the other way because no one cares if poor people of color die. Herriman did such a good job portraying the fear and desperation in old San Francisco that I really felt uncomfortable. The main character runs a woman's clinic for destitute folks and especially Chinese prostitutes in old San Francisco so there's a lot of mention of bad/terrible living conditions with no way out.
The series may improve, but at this point I don't really feel the need to continue the story. It's a solid read for lovers of female sleuths in historical settings, but nothing too special.
4/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2024
This was strangely disappointing. I'm a fan of historical fiction, particularly mysteries.
A strong female protagonist is still unusual enough to be intriguing, and yet... the characters are just not quite believable enough. A former nurse in the Crimea, who lost her husband (or maybe dead) whose family members marry Chinese wives. The race riots of 1877 are a reality https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/articl... ) but the anti Chinese sentiment wasn't unique to Frisco -- also in 1877 there was the Hells Canyon massacre in Oregon. there was an attack in October of 1871 in Los Angeles when a mob of around 500 white and Hispanic rioters struck in Old Chinatown after hearing that a policeman was shot, and a rancher killed by a Chinese, one in 1885 in Rock Springs, WY... most of these driven by anger and hatred over unemployment and the perception that Chinese were getting work (at lower wages) while others couldn't. The story presented here addresses this and the widespread forced prostitution of many Chinese women. And yet I just couldn't appreciate the two protagonists. Further, the various suspects aren't really presented well. I couldn't find any FACTUAL historical errors and no anachronisms, but the behavior of the primary characters just didn't ring true. I hope the next in the series is more enticing.
A strong female protagonist is still unusual enough to be intriguing, and yet... the characters are just not quite believable enough. A former nurse in the Crimea, who lost her husband (or maybe dead) whose family members marry Chinese wives. The race riots of 1877 are a reality https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/articl... ) but the anti Chinese sentiment wasn't unique to Frisco -- also in 1877 there was the Hells Canyon massacre in Oregon. there was an attack in October of 1871 in Los Angeles when a mob of around 500 white and Hispanic rioters struck in Old Chinatown after hearing that a policeman was shot, and a rancher killed by a Chinese, one in 1885 in Rock Springs, WY... most of these driven by anger and hatred over unemployment and the perception that Chinese were getting work (at lower wages) while others couldn't. The story presented here addresses this and the widespread forced prostitution of many Chinese women. And yet I just couldn't appreciate the two protagonists. Further, the various suspects aren't really presented well. I couldn't find any FACTUAL historical errors and no anachronisms, but the behavior of the primary characters just didn't ring true. I hope the next in the series is more enticing.
October 6, 2017
2.5 stars although I don't like to give half stars. However I didn't like it enough for three stars but it wasn't all that terrible.
This wasn't a bad book/plot it's just I wasn't invested in the characters or what was happening to them. I think I mentioned in an update that if it wasn't for the fact I was listening to the audio version of this I would have been skimming. It got to the point where I just wanted to skip to the end to find out who dunnit and why. I felt it took forever to get there.
Sadly I never was on board with either Nick or Celia they're not bad characters they just didn't hook my interest. A while the murder mystery was okay I pegged the murderer before hand.
In any case the beginning was alright the middle dragged and the ending was pretty interesting.
This was my first book by this author, will I read her again? Maybe, read this book again? doubtful.
Recommended? Sure. Like I said it wasn't terrible
Buy/Borrow? Borrow.
This wasn't a bad book/plot it's just I wasn't invested in the characters or what was happening to them. I think I mentioned in an update that if it wasn't for the fact I was listening to the audio version of this I would have been skimming. It got to the point where I just wanted to skip to the end to find out who dunnit and why. I felt it took forever to get there.
Sadly I never was on board with either Nick or Celia they're not bad characters they just didn't hook my interest. A while the murder mystery was okay I pegged the murderer before hand.
In any case the beginning was alright the middle dragged and the ending was pretty interesting.
This was my first book by this author, will I read her again? Maybe, read this book again? doubtful.
Recommended? Sure. Like I said it wasn't terrible
Buy/Borrow? Borrow.
May 3, 2018
I'm so glad to have discovered Nancy Herriman! She pens the perfect historical mystery with just the right amount of period detail, a feisty heroine and a resigned detective who just happens to be falling in love. Thank heavens! Every mystery needs at least a little touch of romance!
"No Comfort for the Lost" takes us to 1860s San Francisco, complete with brothels, squalid back alleys, violent shipyards and - an element I had never considered in historical San Francisco - a real prejudice against the Chinese, who are living in dire conditions as prostitutes and street people.
Celia Davies runs a medical clinic for these women on the fringe of society, and takes an active interest in their well-being. When one of them is murdered, she takes it personally. Which eventually puts her cahoots with Detective Nicholas Grieves, and also puts her in the center of a larger problem than she may have anticipated.
This is a good, absorbing read! Perfect for a relaxing afternoon on the porch swing.
"No Comfort for the Lost" takes us to 1860s San Francisco, complete with brothels, squalid back alleys, violent shipyards and - an element I had never considered in historical San Francisco - a real prejudice against the Chinese, who are living in dire conditions as prostitutes and street people.
Celia Davies runs a medical clinic for these women on the fringe of society, and takes an active interest in their well-being. When one of them is murdered, she takes it personally. Which eventually puts her cahoots with Detective Nicholas Grieves, and also puts her in the center of a larger problem than she may have anticipated.
This is a good, absorbing read! Perfect for a relaxing afternoon on the porch swing.
February 10, 2021
San Francisco 1867: Strong anti-Chinese atmosphere
Celia Davies, a young English woman whose husband abandoned her is now living in her uncle's house taking care of her much younger 1/2-Chinese cousin and running a free clinic for women.
When a pregnant young Chinese woman is found at the wharf in the water battered & cut open above the waist,, there are few who mourn and fewer who care. But as the young woman turns out to be, Li Sha, a former prostitute who has bought her freedom, now working at a local apothecary, and friend of Celia & her cousin, Celia begins to investigate Li Sha's murder.
Assigned to the murder is Detective Nicholas Greaves, who is interested in justice for Li Sha, no matter that the murderer might turn out to be from the upper society friends of the mayor...
A book that held my interest, with mostly likeable characters and a historical background that I really never knew about.
Celia Davies, a young English woman whose husband abandoned her is now living in her uncle's house taking care of her much younger 1/2-Chinese cousin and running a free clinic for women.
When a pregnant young Chinese woman is found at the wharf in the water battered & cut open above the waist,, there are few who mourn and fewer who care. But as the young woman turns out to be, Li Sha, a former prostitute who has bought her freedom, now working at a local apothecary, and friend of Celia & her cousin, Celia begins to investigate Li Sha's murder.
Assigned to the murder is Detective Nicholas Greaves, who is interested in justice for Li Sha, no matter that the murderer might turn out to be from the upper society friends of the mayor...
A book that held my interest, with mostly likeable characters and a historical background that I really never knew about.
November 3, 2018
I really wanted to like this book a lot, but somehow I just couldn't connect with the main character, Celia Davies. Set in San Francisco in 1867, the story focuses on the prejudice and discrimination against the Chinese residence — which resonates with the current unfortunate political climate. When former Chinese prostitute Li Sha, whom Celia befriended, is found murdered, Celia becomes involved in the investigation, despite warnings not only from the police and her housekeeper, but also from a mysterious watcher. Very small snippets of background are provided for the various characters, but none of them seemed fully fleshed out. Also, the author's use of names confused me: Davies for an Irishman (it's a Welsh name) and Lange for a French family (it is usually German). Even Celia's given name is supposedly short for Cecilia, though the two are usually distinct names.
August 31, 2023
Things I loved about this book:
the unusual and fascinating choice of historical setting. Chinatown/San Francisco in the 19th century? Oh, yes, please! Why aren't there more books with settings like this?
the fact that disability, gender, race, socio-economic concerns are all explored very openly within the setting
Things I liked reasonably well and might read another book in the series for:
Celia
Nick
Owen
what Barbara is like when she isn't acting like a sulky teenager (which honestly might take quite a few books if realism)
Things I disliked:
the pacing near about killed me--soooooo sloooooow
also, I am confused about how nefarious one of the characters was--was he approached to commit a crime or was he willingly committing the crime?
Addie's ambivalent husband-hunting; it had potential but needed to be leaned into more for comic effect
the unusual and fascinating choice of historical setting. Chinatown/San Francisco in the 19th century? Oh, yes, please! Why aren't there more books with settings like this?
the fact that disability, gender, race, socio-economic concerns are all explored very openly within the setting
Things I liked reasonably well and might read another book in the series for:
Celia
Nick
Owen
what Barbara is like when she isn't acting like a sulky teenager (which honestly might take quite a few books if realism)
Things I disliked:
the pacing near about killed me--soooooo sloooooow
also, I am confused about how nefarious one of the characters was--was he approached to commit a crime or was he willingly committing the crime?
Addie's ambivalent husband-hunting; it had potential but needed to be leaned into more for comic effect
April 11, 2022
This was a very solid mystery with interestingly a more classic noir feel.
Quick hits:
- Interesting mystery plot with a noir feel.
- The resolution was somewhat good. I guessed half of it but couldn’t really guess all of it considering the mystery’s restrictions. I’m being vague here for spoilers. Mystery is still good, it just would be hard to guess every detail.
- Characters are interesting and complex with their own backstories. They bounce off each other well.
- Good exploration of San Francisco in the time period.
I really enjoyed this one from start to finish. The characters felt flushed out and the mystery was complex and slowly unraveled through the story. I’m excited to continue the series.
Quick hits:
- Interesting mystery plot with a noir feel.
- The resolution was somewhat good. I guessed half of it but couldn’t really guess all of it considering the mystery’s restrictions. I’m being vague here for spoilers. Mystery is still good, it just would be hard to guess every detail.
- Characters are interesting and complex with their own backstories. They bounce off each other well.
- Good exploration of San Francisco in the time period.
I really enjoyed this one from start to finish. The characters felt flushed out and the mystery was complex and slowly unraveled through the story. I’m excited to continue the series.
October 21, 2022
This introduction to San Francisco in the 1800s is well done and reflects mostly historical viewpoints. I did have a little confusion about some of the language as it appeared inconsistent medically but it isn't enough to drag the book down.
I did like that Mrs Davies is so likeable, and has a group of caring people around her.
The attraction between Celia Davies and Police Detective Nick Greaves is almost palpable also, but didn't interfere - much - with the solving of the multiple mysteries in the book. I did like that they talked together about the problems they were working to solve, and although several times information didn't get exchanged that was mostly due to believable interference.
Worth reading.
I did like that Mrs Davies is so likeable, and has a group of caring people around her.
The attraction between Celia Davies and Police Detective Nick Greaves is almost palpable also, but didn't interfere - much - with the solving of the multiple mysteries in the book. I did like that they talked together about the problems they were working to solve, and although several times information didn't get exchanged that was mostly due to believable interference.
Worth reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews