What do you think?
Rate this book
Madeline Donovan #2
The Harrison: A Beautiful Place to Die
What will Madeline find on the mysterious third floor of the Harrison?
Upon returning to America and her hometown city of Chicago, Madeline Donovan is anxious to establish a detective agency. While living in London for a brief period, she became immersed in the case of Jack the Ripper. Spending time in Whitechapel, she developed a keen interest in the solving of mysteries. She believes this occupation may give her the purpose and strength to live again.
A case comes unexpectedly to her through the source of her physician father, who has just treated a patient for hysteria. The doctor discovers the cause for his patients sudden mental state is that her sister has gone missing.
This begins her adventure back into the face of danger, and she finds that danger so close to home that she can walk to its door. It seems all the girls have a connection to the luxurious new Harrison Hotel that has just recently opened its doors.
Hugh Scott and Jonathan Franks, friends she met while on her trip to London, will reenter her life. Their company and assistance to help find the young women is not only welcome, but also causes something else to occur. She may be developing feelings of a romantic nature, despite her best efforts not to.
The Harrison will surprise them all with its mysterious owners, and haunting hideaways, as Madeline tries to discover the truth.
NOTE: Stalking Jack is Book one in a series of four Madeline Donovan mysteries.
www.madisonkentbooks.com
Upon returning to America and her hometown city of Chicago, Madeline Donovan is anxious to establish a detective agency. While living in London for a brief period, she became immersed in the case of Jack the Ripper. Spending time in Whitechapel, she developed a keen interest in the solving of mysteries. She believes this occupation may give her the purpose and strength to live again.
A case comes unexpectedly to her through the source of her physician father, who has just treated a patient for hysteria. The doctor discovers the cause for his patients sudden mental state is that her sister has gone missing.
This begins her adventure back into the face of danger, and she finds that danger so close to home that she can walk to its door. It seems all the girls have a connection to the luxurious new Harrison Hotel that has just recently opened its doors.
Hugh Scott and Jonathan Franks, friends she met while on her trip to London, will reenter her life. Their company and assistance to help find the young women is not only welcome, but also causes something else to occur. She may be developing feelings of a romantic nature, despite her best efforts not to.
The Harrison will surprise them all with its mysterious owners, and haunting hideaways, as Madeline tries to discover the truth.
NOTE: Stalking Jack is Book one in a series of four Madeline Donovan mysteries.
www.madisonkentbooks.com
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2014
289 people are currently reading
329 people want to read
About the author
Madison Kent
17 books28 followerswww.madisonkentbooks.com
Madison Kent books include: The Mystery at Belle Magnolia, Stalking Jack, The Harrison, Some Saints Prey, Silver Bells Slaying, A Smidgeon of Ghosts, Devil on Deck, Sweet Murder, Smoked in Ybor, Death at The Detroit, and the latest A Gypsy's Grave.
She is a poetry contributor to Sacramento Free Press (Poems for All Chapbook) Pomona Valley Review #7 and 8, The Voices Project, The UK Poetry Library, Creations Magazine and Prose and Rhyme; short stories to Prose and Rose and The Book Patch as well as others.
Please visit the Madison Kent website at
www.madisonkentbooks.com for the latest information on upcoming books, trailers and excerpts.
Madison Kent books include: The Mystery at Belle Magnolia, Stalking Jack, The Harrison, Some Saints Prey, Silver Bells Slaying, A Smidgeon of Ghosts, Devil on Deck, Sweet Murder, Smoked in Ybor, Death at The Detroit, and the latest A Gypsy's Grave.
She is a poetry contributor to Sacramento Free Press (Poems for All Chapbook) Pomona Valley Review #7 and 8, The Voices Project, The UK Poetry Library, Creations Magazine and Prose and Rhyme; short stories to Prose and Rose and The Book Patch as well as others.
Please visit the Madison Kent website at
www.madisonkentbooks.com for the latest information on upcoming books, trailers and excerpts.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 23, 2018
Madison Kent review
Great read. It was almost as thrilling as stalking Jack. I figured out who killer was but not until the latter part of the book. I did rule out Christopher. I hope to read more about Philip in future books.
Great read. It was almost as thrilling as stalking Jack. I figured out who killer was but not until the latter part of the book. I did rule out Christopher. I hope to read more about Philip in future books.
January 19, 2025
I find this series a bit surprising because normally I don’t like too much description or the overly polite language and interactions displayed so far. But somehow I don’t mind it and I find the books suck me in and keep me reading. I honestly don’t know why. But I do like Madeline’s dogged determination despite her upsetting past and her constant potential addiction to things that aren’t good for her. Her friends are pretty interesting too although I don’t know many guys that would be so relaxed about Madeline not choosing one of them or even either of them. Regardless I did enjoy the story.
March 10, 2023
While not as angsty as Stalking Jack, The Harrison is another suspense-filled mystery.
When Madeline Donovan returns to Chicago, she decides to become a private detective and plans to open her own agency. Her father steers her toward her first case, a missing young woman. She has been seen at a newly opened hotel, The Harrison, so Maddie goes there looking for a lead. Soon more young women go missing and two of the missing women turn up dead.
I tried to identify the villain before it was revealed, but I was not successful.
95
When Madeline Donovan returns to Chicago, she decides to become a private detective and plans to open her own agency. Her father steers her toward her first case, a missing young woman. She has been seen at a newly opened hotel, The Harrison, so Maddie goes there looking for a lead. Soon more young women go missing and two of the missing women turn up dead.
I tried to identify the villain before it was revealed, but I was not successful.
95
March 23, 2021
The author has good ideas for her stories. But she needs a good editor and proof reader because her books read like first drafts: two expressions as though she tried both out but never removed the less favoured, homonyms incorrectly used - sounds right, but not really correct, repetitive use of words - grammatical errors that interfere with the flow of the book.
It was worth exactly what I paid for it (free). It gave me entertainment, but is not a book I would want on my bookshelf.
I am not sure if she is a victim of a generation that learned little or no grammar, spelling or syntax, or is simply sloppy in her righting, but for me it costs her stars in my reviews. I forgive it in the first novel, after that, not so much.
It was worth exactly what I paid for it (free). It gave me entertainment, but is not a book I would want on my bookshelf.
I am not sure if she is a victim of a generation that learned little or no grammar, spelling or syntax, or is simply sloppy in her righting, but for me it costs her stars in my reviews. I forgive it in the first novel, after that, not so much.
January 11, 2015
Great book
Wow. What a wonderful story. This is the second book in a series and although I haven't read the first one, there was enough information to understand what had gone before. The characters are charming. The action is exciting. The writing flows well. Looking forward to the next one as well as the first one.
Wow. What a wonderful story. This is the second book in a series and although I haven't read the first one, there was enough information to understand what had gone before. The characters are charming. The action is exciting. The writing flows well. Looking forward to the next one as well as the first one.
December 22, 2014
A real page turner!
I loved how this book was written. I felt like I was right there with Madeline in 1889 trying to solve the mystery of the missing girls.
I loved how this book was written. I felt like I was right there with Madeline in 1889 trying to solve the mystery of the missing girls.
February 26, 2020
I am enjoying this series so far, my only issue is there are quite a few grammar issues. But they only take a moment to figure out, and onward I go.
Madeline is back home in Chicago after her trip abroad. She is truly missing her friends Hugh and Jonathan . She keeps in touch via letters back and forth. Lo and behold Hugh has come into an healthy inheritance and is coming to America, also her friend Johnathan, a reporter for the NY times is assigned a case in Chicago. The three friends are once again together.
Very near her home is a brand new Hotel the Harrison. She takes a walk to see the new beautiful hotel and meets some very nice young ladies. Soon however she realizes she must move on after the death of her family, and she likes the idea of becoming a private detective with her own business. Her father is not fond of this idea, but does support her. Soon she undertakes the case of a missing girl. This leads her and her friend Hugh on a merry chase for a serial killer. Why a serial
killer, as Hugh and Madeline and Johnathan discover, more than one young lady is missing.
Madeline is back home in Chicago after her trip abroad. She is truly missing her friends Hugh and Jonathan . She keeps in touch via letters back and forth. Lo and behold Hugh has come into an healthy inheritance and is coming to America, also her friend Johnathan, a reporter for the NY times is assigned a case in Chicago. The three friends are once again together.
Very near her home is a brand new Hotel the Harrison. She takes a walk to see the new beautiful hotel and meets some very nice young ladies. Soon however she realizes she must move on after the death of her family, and she likes the idea of becoming a private detective with her own business. Her father is not fond of this idea, but does support her. Soon she undertakes the case of a missing girl. This leads her and her friend Hugh on a merry chase for a serial killer. Why a serial
killer, as Hugh and Madeline and Johnathan discover, more than one young lady is missing.
December 15, 2020
I was very excited to find this mystery about 1889 Chicago revolving around the disappearances of young women. As I Loved, "Devil in the White City" by Larson set in 1893 Chicago, I wanted to see if this book picked up on that story and shared a similar story line. It was close enough to keep my interest in the book all the way thru. The author does a great job developing characters who are likable, but sometimes the dialogue gets to be a bit too much. The twists at the end came totally unexpected and took me by surprise. Although an enjoyable book and interesting story line, I might pick up the author's first book about this budding woman detective and see if she is an author I would continue following.
May 11, 2018
A Stunning New Hotel in Chicago
Society flocks to experience all the amenities of a beautiful new hotel, never suspecting that murders were being carried out right there on the premises. This period piece introduces a widow who lost not only her much loved husband, but her children too, who has decided to become an investigator long before women entered previously male-dominated careers. Highly enjoyable reading!
Society flocks to experience all the amenities of a beautiful new hotel, never suspecting that murders were being carried out right there on the premises. This period piece introduces a widow who lost not only her much loved husband, but her children too, who has decided to become an investigator long before women entered previously male-dominated careers. Highly enjoyable reading!
July 9, 2019
Great mystery!
Chicago, 1889, summer and young women are disappearing. Madeline wants to open a detective agency and a neighbor approaches her to find his missing sister. This begins another exciting adventure for Madeline, Hugh, and Jonathan as they search for the young women. It becomes extremely involved and centers around the new Harrison Hotel.
Chicago, 1889, summer and young women are disappearing. Madeline wants to open a detective agency and a neighbor approaches her to find his missing sister. This begins another exciting adventure for Madeline, Hugh, and Jonathan as they search for the young women. It becomes extremely involved and centers around the new Harrison Hotel.
February 28, 2020
Old news
In the 1800's when Chicago was just coming into their big city says a bunch of young women starting disappearing and a new female investigator had just come on the scene. The new hotel in town is named the Harrison and run by three brothers.
This is a historical fiction tale and keeps turning pages until the very. Most interesting.
In the 1800's when Chicago was just coming into their big city says a bunch of young women starting disappearing and a new female investigator had just come on the scene. The new hotel in town is named the Harrison and run by three brothers.
This is a historical fiction tale and keeps turning pages until the very. Most interesting.
March 17, 2020
Again superb read!
Loved the characters still, the twists and turns great as expected, and the plot was 👍 and fun. On to the next book for I find now that I am hooked! Can't wait to see what it will be about and what journey it will take me on as I read further on. Thanks for entertainment at it's best!
Loved the characters still, the twists and turns great as expected, and the plot was 👍 and fun. On to the next book for I find now that I am hooked! Can't wait to see what it will be about and what journey it will take me on as I read further on. Thanks for entertainment at it's best!
September 21, 2020
Much better!
This is the second in the series and reads much more smoothly. Even less editorial mistakes this time. I enjoyed the little details of Victorian life. Genuine suspense, and only mild annoyance at the headlong risk taking of the heroine. Gotta shake my head there, but it does make for fun reading. I'm to the third in the series!
This is the second in the series and reads much more smoothly. Even less editorial mistakes this time. I enjoyed the little details of Victorian life. Genuine suspense, and only mild annoyance at the headlong risk taking of the heroine. Gotta shake my head there, but it does make for fun reading. I'm to the third in the series!
May 6, 2021
The Harrison
A well told storyline with a great many well developed characters. Following Madeline's search for Jack the Ripper in book one she finds herself enmeshed in a mystery involving missing young women. It's a tense chase as she searches for clues in Chicago early days. She's becoming quite a detective.
A well told storyline with a great many well developed characters. Following Madeline's search for Jack the Ripper in book one she finds herself enmeshed in a mystery involving missing young women. It's a tense chase as she searches for clues in Chicago early days. She's becoming quite a detective.
July 2, 2020
Richness and drugs are in a beautiful place to die
This is the second book written by Madison Kent And I have yet to read the 1st book Kill you . Madeline as the detective is a fantastic At what she does. This book was well written and a enjoy to read.
This is the second book written by Madison Kent And I have yet to read the 1st book Kill you . Madeline as the detective is a fantastic At what she does. This book was well written and a enjoy to read.
January 15, 2021
Wonderful
A mystery you won't figure out. I loved the early American era with Madeline being a private detective in a man's world. With the help of her friends she solves the great mystery and evades love a little longer.
A mystery you won't figure out. I loved the early American era with Madeline being a private detective in a man's world. With the help of her friends she solves the great mystery and evades love a little longer.
December 29, 2021
Easy to follow story.
Found this book much better than the first in the series. This book would really benefit from a good editor. I listen to books and even with just listening heard several misused words which distracts from the story line.
Found this book much better than the first in the series. This book would really benefit from a good editor. I listen to books and even with just listening heard several misused words which distracts from the story line.
April 7, 2018
Enjoyable series
Am enjoying this series - solutions not so obvious, though I have found the (lack of) editing distracting and annoying.
Am enjoying this series - solutions not so obvious, though I have found the (lack of) editing distracting and annoying.
Want to read
August 16, 2019DigitalBookSpot
September 9, 2019
I loved the mystery part of the story, but there seemed to be a lot of unnecessary background info and descriptions that slowed down the story and had nothing to do with the main plot.
December 5, 2019
Good mystery
This book was a little bizarre.I think because it was written in a certain time period. It did keep your interest though.
This book was a little bizarre.I think because it was written in a certain time period. It did keep your interest though.
January 30, 2020
Started slow
At first I wondered if the plot for this one would equal the first book. It exceeds it. A fabulous tale. Looking forward to the next book.
At first I wondered if the plot for this one would equal the first book. It exceeds it. A fabulous tale. Looking forward to the next book.
February 12, 2020
Old time style
The writing is very simplistic and would be more suited as a ya rather than adult. I do however quite enjoy them and may read the next book
The writing is very simplistic and would be more suited as a ya rather than adult. I do however quite enjoy them and may read the next book
October 14, 2020
Intriguing
The book kept you on the edge of your seat. As each new girl went missing you wanted to know who kidnapped them even more and why.
The book kept you on the edge of your seat. As each new girl went missing you wanted to know who kidnapped them even more and why.
November 13, 2020
A lively tale
A bit far - fetched but still good. The relationships between the main characters is more interesting than the actual plot. I like the wrap up at the end.
A bit far - fetched but still good. The relationships between the main characters is more interesting than the actual plot. I like the wrap up at the end.
June 26, 2021
Good story
I found this book hard to get into ,but once I did I quite enjoyed it a bit amateurish I thought
I found this book hard to get into ,but once I did I quite enjoyed it a bit amateurish I thought
August 12, 2021
Tired
Come on publishers!! I am getting tired of writing this same complaint. Hire some better proof readers! This is getting ridiculous.
Come on publishers!! I am getting tired of writing this same complaint. Hire some better proof readers! This is getting ridiculous.
April 24, 2022
Enjoyed the book, kept my interest. Full time consideration of another editor might be in order.
May 20, 2022
Interesting
Had a few grammar mistakes. I enjoyed reading this book. I would like to read the others in the series.
Had a few grammar mistakes. I enjoyed reading this book. I would like to read the others in the series.
July 16, 2024
Good mystery
I enjoyed this mystery. Good plot and characters. And the settings and period descriptions were very nice. Glad I read it.
I enjoyed this mystery. Good plot and characters. And the settings and period descriptions were very nice. Glad I read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews