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Gaslight Mystery #21
Murder on Union Square
When a murder hits close to home, Frank finds himself in an unusual position--the prime suspect in the latest installment of the national bestselling Gaslight Mystery series...
Sarah and Frank Malloy are enjoying married life and looking to make their family official by adopting Catherine, the child whom Sarah rescued and has been raising as her daughter. The process seems fairly straightforward, but at the last minute, the newlyweds discover that Parnell Vaughn, Catherine's legal father, has a claim on the child, and his grasping fiancée is demanding a financial settlement to relinquish parental rights. Even though exchanging money for a child is illegal, Frank and Sarah's love for Catherine drives them to comply.
When Frank returns with the money and finds Vaughn beaten to death, all evidence points to Frank as the culprit. A not-quite-famous actor with modest means, Vaughn seems an unlikely candidate for murder, particularly such a violent crime of passion. But Frank soon uncovers real-life intrigue as dramatic as any that appears on stage.
Sarah and Frank enlist those closest to them to help hunt for Vaughn's killer as Frank's own life--and the future of their family--hang in the balance.
Sarah and Frank Malloy are enjoying married life and looking to make their family official by adopting Catherine, the child whom Sarah rescued and has been raising as her daughter. The process seems fairly straightforward, but at the last minute, the newlyweds discover that Parnell Vaughn, Catherine's legal father, has a claim on the child, and his grasping fiancée is demanding a financial settlement to relinquish parental rights. Even though exchanging money for a child is illegal, Frank and Sarah's love for Catherine drives them to comply.
When Frank returns with the money and finds Vaughn beaten to death, all evidence points to Frank as the culprit. A not-quite-famous actor with modest means, Vaughn seems an unlikely candidate for murder, particularly such a violent crime of passion. But Frank soon uncovers real-life intrigue as dramatic as any that appears on stage.
Sarah and Frank enlist those closest to them to help hunt for Vaughn's killer as Frank's own life--and the future of their family--hang in the balance.
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First published May 1, 2018
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About the author
Victoria Thompson
83 books2,453 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 358 reviews
June 24, 2018
Murder on Union Square by Victoria Thompson is a 2018 Berkley publication.
Frank- a murder suspect?
When Sarah and Frank hit a legal snag in their quest to adopt Catherine, Frank seeks to find a solution without breaking any laws. It would appear their troubles were solved when Catherine’s legal guardian is murdered, but because Frank discovered the body, he becomes suspect number one. In order to clear his name and save his reputation, he and Sarah, with the help of Gino and Maeve, must discover who the real killer is.
This story is centered around the stage- the theatre, the actors and actresses, and the backstage politics, jealousies, and various love triangles. The situation is scandalous for the 1900s which made for some interesting dialogue. The story is fast paced, kept me guessing, and quite amused- especially Maeve and Gino who are becoming quite the detectives. I enjoy being a part of the puzzle solving, listening as Frank and Sarah talk out the various possibilities.
While this mystery wasn’t quite as engrossing as the last installment, it is, as always, a pleasure to drop in on Frank and Sarah and escape into the past, brought vividly to life by Thompson, to solve an interesting and unique crime.
4 stars
Frank- a murder suspect?
When Sarah and Frank hit a legal snag in their quest to adopt Catherine, Frank seeks to find a solution without breaking any laws. It would appear their troubles were solved when Catherine’s legal guardian is murdered, but because Frank discovered the body, he becomes suspect number one. In order to clear his name and save his reputation, he and Sarah, with the help of Gino and Maeve, must discover who the real killer is.
This story is centered around the stage- the theatre, the actors and actresses, and the backstage politics, jealousies, and various love triangles. The situation is scandalous for the 1900s which made for some interesting dialogue. The story is fast paced, kept me guessing, and quite amused- especially Maeve and Gino who are becoming quite the detectives. I enjoy being a part of the puzzle solving, listening as Frank and Sarah talk out the various possibilities.
While this mystery wasn’t quite as engrossing as the last installment, it is, as always, a pleasure to drop in on Frank and Sarah and escape into the past, brought vividly to life by Thompson, to solve an interesting and unique crime.
4 stars
May 28, 2018
There's a bit of theater in all of us.
Frank and Sarah Malloy are the mainstay characters of Victoria Thompson's Gaslight Mystery series. We're now entering #21 and I've been locked in since the very beginning and always will be.
Our newly married couple have been through quite a lot of adventures and misshaps throughout the years and Victoria Thompson carves out very creative scenarios for them. Sarah has taken her midwifery skills to a higher level and is now opening a renovated birthing center in New York City. Frank has left behind his fine-honed career as a police officer and is venturing out in his own detective business. But their backgrounds won't prepare them for the next dilemma that awaits.
The enterprising duo wish to adopt their young charge, Catherine, who has been in their care for some time. But legalities stand on terra firma as their lawyer explains that this adoption will not be as cut and dry as they first thought. They must locate Catherine's legal, but wayward, father to give up his parental rights. Parnell Vaughan has spent most of his life on the stage of many a theater rather than on the solid stage of fatherhood. When Parnell's bloodied body is found dead in his dressingroom, all eyes focus on Frank who may have been a bit forceful or not in persuading Parnell to sign those legal papers.
Murder on Union Square is an enjoyable period piece by the talented Victoria Thompson. While I've pretty much been drawn in by all of them (especially the earlier books), this one seems to lack a bit of the pizzazz associated with the others. The beginning is dry with excessive legal dialogue and not much set-up for the warm relationship that exists with Sarah, Frank, Catherine, and friends and family. As the mystery unfolds, overuse of questioning techniques to disarm likely suspects repeats and repeats page after page. Same characters over and over, but just changing up the scenery now and then. Don't get me wrong. Murder on Union Square is still a worthy read, but it suffers from stilted episodes in its delivery and a tad bit of plot fatigue.
Perhaps the next one will return to the winning formula of the earlier books. Just keep 'em comin', Ms. Thompson. I'll always be a fan.
Frank and Sarah Malloy are the mainstay characters of Victoria Thompson's Gaslight Mystery series. We're now entering #21 and I've been locked in since the very beginning and always will be.
Our newly married couple have been through quite a lot of adventures and misshaps throughout the years and Victoria Thompson carves out very creative scenarios for them. Sarah has taken her midwifery skills to a higher level and is now opening a renovated birthing center in New York City. Frank has left behind his fine-honed career as a police officer and is venturing out in his own detective business. But their backgrounds won't prepare them for the next dilemma that awaits.
The enterprising duo wish to adopt their young charge, Catherine, who has been in their care for some time. But legalities stand on terra firma as their lawyer explains that this adoption will not be as cut and dry as they first thought. They must locate Catherine's legal, but wayward, father to give up his parental rights. Parnell Vaughan has spent most of his life on the stage of many a theater rather than on the solid stage of fatherhood. When Parnell's bloodied body is found dead in his dressingroom, all eyes focus on Frank who may have been a bit forceful or not in persuading Parnell to sign those legal papers.
Murder on Union Square is an enjoyable period piece by the talented Victoria Thompson. While I've pretty much been drawn in by all of them (especially the earlier books), this one seems to lack a bit of the pizzazz associated with the others. The beginning is dry with excessive legal dialogue and not much set-up for the warm relationship that exists with Sarah, Frank, Catherine, and friends and family. As the mystery unfolds, overuse of questioning techniques to disarm likely suspects repeats and repeats page after page. Same characters over and over, but just changing up the scenery now and then. Don't get me wrong. Murder on Union Square is still a worthy read, but it suffers from stilted episodes in its delivery and a tad bit of plot fatigue.
Perhaps the next one will return to the winning formula of the earlier books. Just keep 'em comin', Ms. Thompson. I'll always be a fan.
September 20, 2019
Frank and Sarah Malloy are ready to move forward with the adoption of Catherine, the young orphan she’s been raising for almost two years and who views both of them as parents. They run into a major legal obstacle requiring them to first get approval from actor Parnell Vaughn, the man who was married to Catherine’s mother at the time of her birth, even though he isn’t her biological father. When they approach Vaughn, his conniving fiancée asks for money, even though he’s more than willing to give them rights without conditions. Frank agrees and returns with the legal documents, only to find the man beaten to death. Unfortunately for Frank, he becomes the prime suspect for the murder.
The backdrop is the theatrical world and solving the murder is complicated by having to investigate and interview people whose livelihoods are based on how well they can convince you they’re someone else! The list of suspects are all part of this world and it’s hard to tell when they’re lying or telling the truth. I certainly couldn’t. But, the real substance of the story is more the developing sense of family created by Sarah and Frank. They’re surrounded by extended family and friends, deepening relationships through the new investigation agency and women’s clinic. There are moments of humor and tenderness that bring something different to this series.
I liked this story, though the discussions around the many theories were tiresome at times. But, the family and friendship themes, infused with lots of humor, made this story special. Frank has a few precious moments that just warmed my heart. Combined, they make this series a wonderful place to return.
The backdrop is the theatrical world and solving the murder is complicated by having to investigate and interview people whose livelihoods are based on how well they can convince you they’re someone else! The list of suspects are all part of this world and it’s hard to tell when they’re lying or telling the truth. I certainly couldn’t. But, the real substance of the story is more the developing sense of family created by Sarah and Frank. They’re surrounded by extended family and friends, deepening relationships through the new investigation agency and women’s clinic. There are moments of humor and tenderness that bring something different to this series.
I liked this story, though the discussions around the many theories were tiresome at times. But, the family and friendship themes, infused with lots of humor, made this story special. Frank has a few precious moments that just warmed my heart. Combined, they make this series a wonderful place to return.
September 6, 2019
An intriguing little surprise at the start when Frank himself becomes a murder suspect. This sets the scene for his little team to start an investigation to clear his name.
I thought this book worked very well. I enjoyed the humour behind Maeve and Gino's developing relationship. I liked the way Sarah and Frank worked together and also how Sarah's mother came to their aid in her usual fashion. All the regular characters were in play plus a few from previous books and the story moved along well.
The mystery revolved around a cast of players in a theatre and there was a lot of good historical detail about the Syndicate which I had never heard of before. This author always seems to teach me something in her books! I have three separate HF series on the go all set in New York and it truly has a remarkable and frequently very entertaining history.
Sadly I only have one more book to read in this series before I catch up with the author. I sincerely hope she keeps writing them!
I thought this book worked very well. I enjoyed the humour behind Maeve and Gino's developing relationship. I liked the way Sarah and Frank worked together and also how Sarah's mother came to their aid in her usual fashion. All the regular characters were in play plus a few from previous books and the story moved along well.
The mystery revolved around a cast of players in a theatre and there was a lot of good historical detail about the Syndicate which I had never heard of before. This author always seems to teach me something in her books! I have three separate HF series on the go all set in New York and it truly has a remarkable and frequently very entertaining history.
Sadly I only have one more book to read in this series before I catch up with the author. I sincerely hope she keeps writing them!
May 2, 2018
I received a copy of Murder on Union Square from Penguin’s First to Read.
Murder on Union Square is the 21st book in Victoria Thompson’s Gaslight Mystery series featuring Frank and Sarah Malloy. In this entry, the couple is trying to adopt Catherine, a young girl they’ve taken in. She’s already become part of the family and the Malloys want to make it official. Unfortunately, they discover that a legal technicality is standing in their way. Catherine’s mother, Emma Hardy, had an affair and she became pregnant with Catherine. She and her husband, Parnell Vaughn, were separated when the affair occurred but, even though it’s clear Parnell is not the father, the law deems that Catherine is Parnell’s daughter since he was Emma’s husband - the law dictates that a husband is the father of his wife’s children.
Devastated, Frank and Sarah are determined to convince Parnell to allow them to adopt Catherine. When they meet with him at the theater he is currently performing at, he is more than willing to sign the child over to them as he is not her father and has no interest in raising her. It seems a done deal until Parnell’s fiancee, Eliza, demands that Parnell be compensated for helping them out. Parnell isn’t interested in money but Eliza requests Frank bring a thousand dollars with him when he returns with the papers that Parnell needs to sign.
Unfortunately, when Frank returns, he finds Parnell bludgeoned to death. When Eliza finds Frank at the scene, covered in blood, she claims he murdered Parnell because Parnell no longer wanted to sign Catherine over to the Malloys. Malloy is arrested but is soon released on bail. Frank and Sarah are joined by their friends and colleagues, Maeve and Gino in a race to solve Parnell’s murder and clear Frank’s name. Naturally, they concentrate on the people at the theater the day of the murder. They have a small pool of suspects with little in the way of motive but they doggedly investigate and question the people who knew Parnell several times in an attempt to get to the bottom of things.
And, this is where I had issues with the book. I’ve read several books in this series and have enjoyed them all. The mysteries are solid and the characters are likeable. Normally, my interest is held until the end. In this case, I struggled to get through the book. A lot of it has to do with the repetitive interviewing of the same few people. It just made the story drag. It almost felt like it was in a loop because they kept visiting the same people. The scenes where Frank, Sarah, Maeve and Gino discuss their findings and spitball theories slow things down quite a bit as well. Shortening these scenes would help keep the pace brisk.
Though I had a few issues with the book, I did enjoy the reveal and the mystery itself. As always, I liked reading about the Malloys and Maeve and Gino - Gino a bit more than Maeve. I like this series and will continue to read it and hope one day to go back and read the entries I’ve missed. Not every book can be a hit and, while not a miss, Murder on Union Square is not quite at the same level as the other books in the series. I’d still recommend it to fans of the series and anyone who likes historical mysteries.
Murder on Union Square is the 21st book in Victoria Thompson’s Gaslight Mystery series featuring Frank and Sarah Malloy. In this entry, the couple is trying to adopt Catherine, a young girl they’ve taken in. She’s already become part of the family and the Malloys want to make it official. Unfortunately, they discover that a legal technicality is standing in their way. Catherine’s mother, Emma Hardy, had an affair and she became pregnant with Catherine. She and her husband, Parnell Vaughn, were separated when the affair occurred but, even though it’s clear Parnell is not the father, the law deems that Catherine is Parnell’s daughter since he was Emma’s husband - the law dictates that a husband is the father of his wife’s children.
Devastated, Frank and Sarah are determined to convince Parnell to allow them to adopt Catherine. When they meet with him at the theater he is currently performing at, he is more than willing to sign the child over to them as he is not her father and has no interest in raising her. It seems a done deal until Parnell’s fiancee, Eliza, demands that Parnell be compensated for helping them out. Parnell isn’t interested in money but Eliza requests Frank bring a thousand dollars with him when he returns with the papers that Parnell needs to sign.
Unfortunately, when Frank returns, he finds Parnell bludgeoned to death. When Eliza finds Frank at the scene, covered in blood, she claims he murdered Parnell because Parnell no longer wanted to sign Catherine over to the Malloys. Malloy is arrested but is soon released on bail. Frank and Sarah are joined by their friends and colleagues, Maeve and Gino in a race to solve Parnell’s murder and clear Frank’s name. Naturally, they concentrate on the people at the theater the day of the murder. They have a small pool of suspects with little in the way of motive but they doggedly investigate and question the people who knew Parnell several times in an attempt to get to the bottom of things.
And, this is where I had issues with the book. I’ve read several books in this series and have enjoyed them all. The mysteries are solid and the characters are likeable. Normally, my interest is held until the end. In this case, I struggled to get through the book. A lot of it has to do with the repetitive interviewing of the same few people. It just made the story drag. It almost felt like it was in a loop because they kept visiting the same people. The scenes where Frank, Sarah, Maeve and Gino discuss their findings and spitball theories slow things down quite a bit as well. Shortening these scenes would help keep the pace brisk.
Though I had a few issues with the book, I did enjoy the reveal and the mystery itself. As always, I liked reading about the Malloys and Maeve and Gino - Gino a bit more than Maeve. I like this series and will continue to read it and hope one day to go back and read the entries I’ve missed. Not every book can be a hit and, while not a miss, Murder on Union Square is not quite at the same level as the other books in the series. I’d still recommend it to fans of the series and anyone who likes historical mysteries.
May 26, 2019
The book is extra special when it’s signed for you by the author🤗
May 24, 2021
Whenever I get my hands on the next book in this series, I zone out and read quickly. This one came to me out of sequence, but I plowed through anyway.
....I am so overwhelmed with work, however, that my enthusiasm has dampened and a "real" review will have to follow later if I ever get my mojo back..... This is still probably one of my favorite murder mystery series but it has become a little less exciting since Frank and Sarah .....
Briefly, Sarah's efforts to formally adopt Catherine are stymied by a "quirk" of law. Frank's meeting with a theater persona goes south when he arrives to discover the actor dead on the floor of his dressing room...Accused of murder, Frank must find the actual murderer to prove his innocence - and he does so with the aid of Sarah, Maeve, Donatelli ...and Sarafina (back to ply her skills at séancing). I would be remiss if I did not credit the background research supplied by Mrs. Malloy and Mrs. Ellsworth - their magazine swapping of theatre gossip greatly contributed to the solving of the murder(s).
No worries mates...Frank will go on to solve more murders in at least three more already published novels. Although still unread, my crystal ball has provided me with a glimpse into the future....
....I am so overwhelmed with work, however, that my enthusiasm has dampened and a "real" review will have to follow later if I ever get my mojo back..... This is still probably one of my favorite murder mystery series but it has become a little less exciting since Frank and Sarah .....
Briefly, Sarah's efforts to formally adopt Catherine are stymied by a "quirk" of law. Frank's meeting with a theater persona goes south when he arrives to discover the actor dead on the floor of his dressing room...Accused of murder, Frank must find the actual murderer to prove his innocence - and he does so with the aid of Sarah, Maeve, Donatelli ...and Sarafina (back to ply her skills at séancing). I would be remiss if I did not credit the background research supplied by Mrs. Malloy and Mrs. Ellsworth - their magazine swapping of theatre gossip greatly contributed to the solving of the murder(s).
No worries mates...Frank will go on to solve more murders in at least three more already published novels. Although still unread, my crystal ball has provided me with a glimpse into the future....
August 21, 2019
Finally, finally I'm done reading this book! It was torture!
Zero character development and I figured who the murderer was early on while I had to read on and on the same dialogues between Malloy, Sarah, Gino and Meave!
With every installment Meave just gets worse! She and Gino demand things from Malloy and Sarah and it's annoying! Gino wants a motor car and Meave wants favours because Malloy and Sarah didn't include her in something!
Mrs. Thompson can claim that all the fans of the series love Meave and Gino but that's not true! Their will they won't they storyline is boring me and while I expected for Sarah and Frank to investigate more closely now they are married and a little bit more of romance between them I have to suffer the presence of Meave and Gino since they are always around! In this installment they had even more investigating time than Frank and Sarah and was another reason I didn't enjoy the book!
Also Sarah and Frank have lost their edge and all the good ideas come from Meave and Gino! If mrs. Thompson is so fond of them she should start a series with them which I will not bother to read!
I have already purchased the next installment but I'm reluctant to read it and I fear that this will be my last one from this series!
I miss too much Frank and Sarah while they were alone and discussing things over since I started the series for them and their chemistry that seems non existent in the last installments!
Zero character development and I figured who the murderer was early on while I had to read on and on the same dialogues between Malloy, Sarah, Gino and Meave!
With every installment Meave just gets worse! She and Gino demand things from Malloy and Sarah and it's annoying! Gino wants a motor car and Meave wants favours because Malloy and Sarah didn't include her in something!
Mrs. Thompson can claim that all the fans of the series love Meave and Gino but that's not true! Their will they won't they storyline is boring me and while I expected for Sarah and Frank to investigate more closely now they are married and a little bit more of romance between them I have to suffer the presence of Meave and Gino since they are always around! In this installment they had even more investigating time than Frank and Sarah and was another reason I didn't enjoy the book!
Also Sarah and Frank have lost their edge and all the good ideas come from Meave and Gino! If mrs. Thompson is so fond of them she should start a series with them which I will not bother to read!
I have already purchased the next installment but I'm reluctant to read it and I fear that this will be my last one from this series!
I miss too much Frank and Sarah while they were alone and discussing things over since I started the series for them and their chemistry that seems non existent in the last installments!
April 30, 2018
It took me a while to get into this book, mostly because I haven't read any others in the series (and since there have been more than 20, clearly I've missed a lot) and also because for whatever reason I didn't realize that it's a turn-of-the-century setting. Once I figured that out, though, the dialog and interactions among the characters made total sense; from then on, reading it was quite an enjoyable experience.
At the beginning, New York married couple Sarah (nee Brandt) and Frank Malloy (she a midwife and he a private detective) are hoping to adopt Catherine, a child Sarah apparently has been raising (how that came to be was, I suppose, the subject of an earlier book). They learn that the man Catherine's mother was married to isn't her birth father; and under the law, only the real father has parental rights and can sign over his daughter to the Malloys. Turns out he's Parnell Vaughn, an actor in a small, independent theater company, and he's more than willing to give up the child he neither knew nor wants anything to do with. His actress fiancee, though, isn't about to let him give something for nothing; ante up, she demands, or she'll put the kabosh on the deal.
Even though the real dad doesn't care about the money and such payments are illegal, Frank agrees; but when he returns to the theater with cash in hand, he finds that Parnell has been brutally murdered. Worse, since Frank gets covered with Parnell's blood when he inspected the body and nobody else seems to be around, Frank becomes the No. 1 suspect. Needless to say, he didn't do it - so he and his partner Gino, with help from Sarah, set out to prove his innocence.
There's no shortage of other suspects, including the aforementioned fiancee, a long-in-the-tooth actress who refuses to give up ingenue roles and act her age, her producer husband who would do anything to keep her happy and an agent who may have motives that are not in his clients' best interests. Helping to sort things out is Serafina, another character from an earlier book or books; as a medium, she just may be able to conjure up insights that will help get to the truth.
The action moves along quickly (although it does get a bit bogged down here and there by too-lengthy "what if" discussions among the characters). The writing is interesting and true to the period, and once in a while there's a touch of humor. The only thing I was never able to figure out, though, is why Frank is referred to by his first name in some instances and his last name in others (for a while, I actually thought they were two different people).
Still, I'm happy to find this series, a delightful combination of historical fiction and murder mystery. For sure, I'll be watching for the next installment. Meantime, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read an advance review copy.
At the beginning, New York married couple Sarah (nee Brandt) and Frank Malloy (she a midwife and he a private detective) are hoping to adopt Catherine, a child Sarah apparently has been raising (how that came to be was, I suppose, the subject of an earlier book). They learn that the man Catherine's mother was married to isn't her birth father; and under the law, only the real father has parental rights and can sign over his daughter to the Malloys. Turns out he's Parnell Vaughn, an actor in a small, independent theater company, and he's more than willing to give up the child he neither knew nor wants anything to do with. His actress fiancee, though, isn't about to let him give something for nothing; ante up, she demands, or she'll put the kabosh on the deal.
Even though the real dad doesn't care about the money and such payments are illegal, Frank agrees; but when he returns to the theater with cash in hand, he finds that Parnell has been brutally murdered. Worse, since Frank gets covered with Parnell's blood when he inspected the body and nobody else seems to be around, Frank becomes the No. 1 suspect. Needless to say, he didn't do it - so he and his partner Gino, with help from Sarah, set out to prove his innocence.
There's no shortage of other suspects, including the aforementioned fiancee, a long-in-the-tooth actress who refuses to give up ingenue roles and act her age, her producer husband who would do anything to keep her happy and an agent who may have motives that are not in his clients' best interests. Helping to sort things out is Serafina, another character from an earlier book or books; as a medium, she just may be able to conjure up insights that will help get to the truth.
The action moves along quickly (although it does get a bit bogged down here and there by too-lengthy "what if" discussions among the characters). The writing is interesting and true to the period, and once in a while there's a touch of humor. The only thing I was never able to figure out, though, is why Frank is referred to by his first name in some instances and his last name in others (for a while, I actually thought they were two different people).
Still, I'm happy to find this series, a delightful combination of historical fiction and murder mystery. For sure, I'll be watching for the next installment. Meantime, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read an advance review copy.
November 2, 2024
When an actor is murdered, Frank Malloy, a private detective and former police officer, finds himself in the position of being accused of murder. His wife and business partner Sarah, are looking towards formally adopting Catherine into their family. Rescued by Sarah, Catherine has been raised as their daughter. But they discover that actor Parnell Vaughn is Catherine’s legal father. They hope he will relinquish his rights and are prepared to financially compensate him even though exchanging money for a child is illegal. But they are desperate to adopt Catherine as their own. But when Frank returns with the money, he finds Parnell lifeless body. Eliza who is in love with Parnell, accuses Frank of the murder. The only way to resolve the issue and clear Frank is to find the real murderer. With a cast of theatre people, it is hard to tell who is telling the truth and who is acting a part?
While I enjoyed this at times it did tend to be repetitive and moved along at a slow speed. So, while it was entertaining in parts, it just never completely grabbed me as I had thought it would. I didn’t love it as much as the two earlier books I had read in this Gaslight Mystery series. Still, I am equally sure many people will love this cosy historical novel. Could be just not my frame of mind at present.
While I enjoyed this at times it did tend to be repetitive and moved along at a slow speed. So, while it was entertaining in parts, it just never completely grabbed me as I had thought it would. I didn’t love it as much as the two earlier books I had read in this Gaslight Mystery series. Still, I am equally sure many people will love this cosy historical novel. Could be just not my frame of mind at present.
September 12, 2019
Frank and Sarah Malloy are getting ready to legally adopt little Catherine when their attorney tells them there is a problem. Catherine's stepfather, Actor Vaughn Parnell, must relinquish his rights to Catherine. Frank and Sarah visit Parnell at the theater where he is performing. He is willing to sign the paperwork, but his fiancée requests that they pay a fee for his signature. The next day Frank returns to the theater with the money to get Parnell's signature, only to find him bludgeoned to death. The police believe Frank may have killed Vaughn and arrest him. Frank and Sarah vow to find out who really killed Parnell and clear Frank's name.
This was a humorous addition to the Gaslight Mysteries. There were several conversations that I found amusing. There were only a handful of suspects. I guessed the killer very quickly, but still found the story entertaining. My rating: 4 Stars.
This was a humorous addition to the Gaslight Mysteries. There were several conversations that I found amusing. There were only a handful of suspects. I guessed the killer very quickly, but still found the story entertaining. My rating: 4 Stars.
February 15, 2021
This one is the book where I'm sorry for the victim...
Even if I didn't like Vaughn in the previous book where I suspected he was a doormat and here I had a confirmation. In a period where the mean is all-powerful and god-like, he was meek and subservient. And I felt sorry for him...
Even if I didn't like Vaughn in the previous book where I suspected he was a doormat and here I had a confirmation. In a period where the mean is all-powerful and god-like, he was meek and subservient. And I felt sorry for him...
October 28, 2020
Frank and Sarah Mallory want to adopt Catherine, a child Sarah had rescued and had been raising as her daughter when they learn the child’s father who recently had died really was the child’s daughter but not legally because the child’s mother was married when Catherine was conceived and the law recognizes the child’s mother’s husband as the child’s legal father.
Frank and Sarah sets off to get the child’s legal father to sign over his legal rights to the child over to them. He agrees and Frank arranges to meet with Vaughn, Catherine’s legal father, on the next day with the legal papers for him to sign. Frank goes to meet with Vaughn and finds him dead and is accused of murdering him.
Proving his innocence won’t be easy as Frank and Sarah are dealing with theatre performers where everything is a performance.
Murder on Union Square is a well written thriller. I liked the methods Frank and Sarah used to solve the case.
Suzanne Toren is a top-notch storyteller.
Frank and Sarah sets off to get the child’s legal father to sign over his legal rights to the child over to them. He agrees and Frank arranges to meet with Vaughn, Catherine’s legal father, on the next day with the legal papers for him to sign. Frank goes to meet with Vaughn and finds him dead and is accused of murdering him.
Proving his innocence won’t be easy as Frank and Sarah are dealing with theatre performers where everything is a performance.
Murder on Union Square is a well written thriller. I liked the methods Frank and Sarah used to solve the case.
Suzanne Toren is a top-notch storyteller.
May 9, 2018
Full & Detailed review: https://cynthology.blogspot.com/2018/...
Murder on Union Square was the 21st book of the Gaslight Mysteries series, and so there was much that I could not relate to. Even so, I plodded through, hoping the mystery would make for enjoyable reading. It didn’t.
Right away I must say that I wasn’t too impressed with the mystery. It didn’t seem solid and airtight, which is the impression that a good murder mystery should leave you with.
While the story starts with the couple wanting to adopt Catherine, we don’t see much of the child. The plot revolves totally around the murder.
Because the state of forensic medicine and investigative methods are far less developed, Frank and his team have no option but to question the suspects in an attempt to get at the truth. So they end up splitting hairs over the details in suspects’ accounts in their bid to tease out the killer.
Even so, it is annoying when they keep asking repetitive questions, hoping to catch suspects lying or hoping to encounter inconsistencies in the stories.
Each time they think of something new, they return to the same suspects with a few more questions. I’m surprised the suspects allow them to hang around for so long.
Also, the part where Frank, Sarah, Gino and Maeve sit down and chat with each other, exchanging findings and trading suspicions was tedious.
The senior Mrs Molloy was another irritant. Apparently, her role was to innocuously suggest some breakthrough, on account of the fact that she devours film magazines. She was a very tepid character, despite the author's attempt to pass her off as someone formidable.
Another thing that rankled was that when most characters expressed unwillingness to speak with Frank because he was the prime accused, he defended himself saying, if I had killed him, would I be so eager to find out the truth? Pretty lame defence.
What’s more, even after they figure out an important clue, they don’t solve the mystery, but keep going around and around in circles.
The pace does not ever speed up and there is no sense of a deadline menacing over them. As a reader, I didn’t feel compelled to guess the identity of the killer. On the contrary, I felt a huge sense of boredom, hoping they’d come up with something quickly.
Murder on Union Square was the 21st book of the Gaslight Mysteries series, and so there was much that I could not relate to. Even so, I plodded through, hoping the mystery would make for enjoyable reading. It didn’t.
Right away I must say that I wasn’t too impressed with the mystery. It didn’t seem solid and airtight, which is the impression that a good murder mystery should leave you with.
While the story starts with the couple wanting to adopt Catherine, we don’t see much of the child. The plot revolves totally around the murder.
Because the state of forensic medicine and investigative methods are far less developed, Frank and his team have no option but to question the suspects in an attempt to get at the truth. So they end up splitting hairs over the details in suspects’ accounts in their bid to tease out the killer.
Even so, it is annoying when they keep asking repetitive questions, hoping to catch suspects lying or hoping to encounter inconsistencies in the stories.
Each time they think of something new, they return to the same suspects with a few more questions. I’m surprised the suspects allow them to hang around for so long.
Also, the part where Frank, Sarah, Gino and Maeve sit down and chat with each other, exchanging findings and trading suspicions was tedious.
The senior Mrs Molloy was another irritant. Apparently, her role was to innocuously suggest some breakthrough, on account of the fact that she devours film magazines. She was a very tepid character, despite the author's attempt to pass her off as someone formidable.
Another thing that rankled was that when most characters expressed unwillingness to speak with Frank because he was the prime accused, he defended himself saying, if I had killed him, would I be so eager to find out the truth? Pretty lame defence.
What’s more, even after they figure out an important clue, they don’t solve the mystery, but keep going around and around in circles.
The pace does not ever speed up and there is no sense of a deadline menacing over them. As a reader, I didn’t feel compelled to guess the identity of the killer. On the contrary, I felt a huge sense of boredom, hoping they’d come up with something quickly.
April 14, 2018
Frank and Sarah Mallory planned to adopted Catherine in this long-running historical mystery but are stymied by a legal technology. Frank goes to see Catherine's legal father, Parnell Vaughn to sign papers relinquishing his paternal rights. He finds Parnell beaten to death and is accused as the killer. He finds himself arrested and charged with murder. Sarah, Maeve, and Gino worked with Frank to locate the killer in order to save his reputation. Sarah plans to open a maternity center continue with Maeve instructing workmen. The Center opens as Sarah aides in the delivery of an old friend, Serafina's daughter. The tale twists and turns as the Mallorys' friends explore the world of theater in order to find the killer. Serafina will aide in the unearthing a killer. I HIGHLY recommend this book and series.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Berkley for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Berkley for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
June 7, 2018
I discovered this series about two years ago and quickly read all the books that had been published. The series was decent at first, but now reading it feels like a chore. Honestly, there have only been seven really good books out of twenty-one.
One major problem is that only one book per year is released. That was not an issue at first because I read all but a few books back-to-back, but now it is no fun waiting for an entire year to pass before reading the next entry. It's even less fun when the time finally arrives and the book is not good.
Another major problem is the pacing, while the series is nearly twenty years old, roughly one to one and a half years have passed in Sarah's life. That worked in a monthly series like Sweet Valley High, but it fails in a yearly series. It's like Sarah and her bunch are stuck in molasses. Next to nothing is accomplished in that area of the story, so a year later they are just barely past what they were last doing. After nearly two decades, there should be more progress.
Murder on Union Square started out well enough, but as usual it wasn't long before every character was repeating their dialogue thirty times, and then repeating the dialogue of another character ten times. I actually started to feel pain while trying to hang in there.
One major problem is that only one book per year is released. That was not an issue at first because I read all but a few books back-to-back, but now it is no fun waiting for an entire year to pass before reading the next entry. It's even less fun when the time finally arrives and the book is not good.
Another major problem is the pacing, while the series is nearly twenty years old, roughly one to one and a half years have passed in Sarah's life. That worked in a monthly series like Sweet Valley High, but it fails in a yearly series. It's like Sarah and her bunch are stuck in molasses. Next to nothing is accomplished in that area of the story, so a year later they are just barely past what they were last doing. After nearly two decades, there should be more progress.
Murder on Union Square started out well enough, but as usual it wasn't long before every character was repeating their dialogue thirty times, and then repeating the dialogue of another character ten times. I actually started to feel pain while trying to hang in there.
May 12, 2018
I really liked the first half of the book. The plot was exciting and, uh, a little kinky. The dialogue about Mrs. Hawkes made me giggle. The second half was a bit slow and drawn-out.
January 22, 2019
When a murder hits close to home, Frank finds himself in an unusual position--the prime suspect.
I enjoyed this one quite a bit. The mystery was ok. It kept me guessing for a little while but I did eventually figure out who did it and how, for both of the deaths, well before Sarah and Frank did. If you've been reading my reviews of this series then you already know that is pretty normal for this series. If the book had not been set in the early 1900s then I would have expected Sarah and Frank to figure out how that second murder was done pretty easily. But in that time period I can forgive them for being a little naive about that sort of thing. I don't really want to say anything more because of spoilers, but if you read the book you'll know what I mean. I mostly enjoyed reading about the supporting characters Maeve and Gino in this one. I think the parts I enjoyed the most were when they were working undercover as newspaper reporters. It was fun to see them in their element, especially Gino.
This series has had its ups and downs but right now I feel like it's in a good place. I do wish that the romance, or what appears to be attraction at least, between a couple of the supporting characters would get a bit more attention. It's reminding me a lot of the snail's pace that the romance between Sarah and Frank progressed at. That is one of my biggest complains about this series though, everything moves at such a slow pace, too slow for me. Despite that I continue to stay interested in this series. 21 books in is a long way in. I've invested a lot of reading time into it so I'll keep going.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
I enjoyed this one quite a bit. The mystery was ok. It kept me guessing for a little while but I did eventually figure out who did it and how, for both of the deaths, well before Sarah and Frank did. If you've been reading my reviews of this series then you already know that is pretty normal for this series. If the book had not been set in the early 1900s then I would have expected Sarah and Frank to figure out how that second murder was done pretty easily. But in that time period I can forgive them for being a little naive about that sort of thing. I don't really want to say anything more because of spoilers, but if you read the book you'll know what I mean. I mostly enjoyed reading about the supporting characters Maeve and Gino in this one. I think the parts I enjoyed the most were when they were working undercover as newspaper reporters. It was fun to see them in their element, especially Gino.
This series has had its ups and downs but right now I feel like it's in a good place. I do wish that the romance, or what appears to be attraction at least, between a couple of the supporting characters would get a bit more attention. It's reminding me a lot of the snail's pace that the romance between Sarah and Frank progressed at. That is one of my biggest complains about this series though, everything moves at such a slow pace, too slow for me. Despite that I continue to stay interested in this series. 21 books in is a long way in. I've invested a lot of reading time into it so I'll keep going.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
June 18, 2018
Fun, but dragged a bit toward the end, as if the author wasn’t quite sure how to wrap it up. I’ve read every book in this series and enjoyed most of them, and this was no exception.
I thought I knew the murderer and motive, and I was right! Still satisfying and fun - a few characters returned from past mysteries in the series and I didn’t honestly remember them, since these books come out once a year and I don’t remember characters outside of the recurring cast of Sarah, Malloy, Gino, Maeve, Mrs. Malloy and Mrs. Ellsworth. I had a feeling once Serafina came on the scene she’d be part of the climax and she was, but it worked for me!
Recommended for long-time fans and new ones, enough background is given to enjoy this book.
I thought I knew the murderer and motive, and I was right! Still satisfying and fun - a few characters returned from past mysteries in the series and I didn’t honestly remember them, since these books come out once a year and I don’t remember characters outside of the recurring cast of Sarah, Malloy, Gino, Maeve, Mrs. Malloy and Mrs. Ellsworth. I had a feeling once Serafina came on the scene she’d be part of the climax and she was, but it worked for me!
Recommended for long-time fans and new ones, enough background is given to enjoy this book.
April 16, 2018
A big thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for a digital ARC of this latest Gaslight Mystery.
I am a big fan of this series and look forward with great anticipation to each new installment. This one is solid as we see character development continuing for the Malloy family as well as Maeve and Gino. I loke seeing the elder Mrs. Malloy have more of a voice in this particular mystery as well as the larger roles for Maeve and Gino. I did find the repeated questioning of various theater company members to be a bit repetitive and also when reports were brought back to the group it was a bit difficult to keep track of who had been talking to which witness/suspect. Still, very enjoyable and I look forward to #22!
I am a big fan of this series and look forward with great anticipation to each new installment. This one is solid as we see character development continuing for the Malloy family as well as Maeve and Gino. I loke seeing the elder Mrs. Malloy have more of a voice in this particular mystery as well as the larger roles for Maeve and Gino. I did find the repeated questioning of various theater company members to be a bit repetitive and also when reports were brought back to the group it was a bit difficult to keep track of who had been talking to which witness/suspect. Still, very enjoyable and I look forward to #22!
June 17, 2018
Well, for me, this was not one of the better offerings in this series. While I loved catching up with the gang, the mystery bored me into skimming. I didn't care about anyone beyond our group of family and their friends.
Meh...
But I will be back for the next one--if only to have another look-in with Sarah and Frank and all their family and friends whom I've come to care about over the years.
Meh...
But I will be back for the next one--if only to have another look-in with Sarah and Frank and all their family and friends whom I've come to care about over the years.
May 16, 2018
The Gaslight Mystery Series is as enjoyable as ever, but I give MURDER ON UNION SQUARE three stars instead of four because I identified the murderer almost immediately. There also seemed to be a great deal of repetitiveness as Sarah, Malloy, Gino, and Maeve rehash what they know over and over again. The premise of the mystery is good.
March 25, 2022
What fun when we get to revisit two characters from previous books!
Frank and Sarah are trying to officially adopt Catherine, but need Parnell Vaughn to sign her adoption papers. That brings them back into the theater world and they have to solve two murders. Frank is actually arrested for one of them and I honestly thought we’d have a book where Sarah, Maeve, and Gino take the lead, but they bail him out within hours. Oh well.
Serafina comes back into their lives via the maternity clinic Sarah and Maeve are opening, but she helps out with solving the crime as well.
This was a standard, well-written installment in the series. There were two adorable scenes, one with Frank and Sarah getting ready for bed and another in which Catherine and Brian were negotiating for cake. I wish there were a few more of the little family scenes. They are so lovely.
Frank and Sarah are trying to officially adopt Catherine, but need Parnell Vaughn to sign her adoption papers. That brings them back into the theater world and they have to solve two murders. Frank is actually arrested for one of them and I honestly thought we’d have a book where Sarah, Maeve, and Gino take the lead, but they bail him out within hours. Oh well.
Serafina comes back into their lives via the maternity clinic Sarah and Maeve are opening, but she helps out with solving the crime as well.
This was a standard, well-written installment in the series. There were two adorable scenes, one with Frank and Sarah getting ready for bed and another in which Catherine and Brian were negotiating for cake. I wish there were a few more of the little family scenes. They are so lovely.
May 24, 2022
The books that revolve around a mystery plot with a close personal connection really stand out for me in the series because it feels like we spend so much more time with the main cast of characters themselves. I'd missed Mrs. Ellsworth so it was especially nice to see her show up again.
April 29, 2018
This is a creatively, complex and thought provoking
historical fiction cozy mystery. This book takes the
reader in the theater during this time period. You will
meet the cast of well crafted actors and actresses. You
will meet managers and learn of the syndicate of
the acting world at that time.
All the characters are well rounded, well developed,
three dimensional and interesting characters.
Murders, dark secrets, affairs, ghosts, danger, false
arrest, adoption laws, adoption papers all combine
to make an interesting read.
Sarah Brandt Malloy is midwife and Frank Malloy is
a retired policeman who does private investigating.
Maeve Smith is cares for their children and Frank's
mother helps her. Maeve also is runs the supervision
of the clinic’s refurbishment.
Maeve along with Gino Donatelli, a former policeman
who worked with Frank are part of Frank private
investigation service.
In the process of Sarah and Frank adoption of the
child Sarah saved and has been raising, there is a
hitch. At he time of Catherine’s birth, her birth
mother was not married to the birth father but was
legally married to an actor. Although the birth
mother is dead, her husband the actor is living and
legally considered the father. The adoption can only
take place if he signs the adoption papers.
Frank takes the papers to the theater for the actor
who agreed to sign them. What a shock to discover
the actor dead in his dressing room!! What a shock
to have another cast member accuse Frank of the
murder!! What a tragedy that Frank is arrested for
murder!!
The story was intriguing with deceit, a second murder,
a seance, thrills, chills and who can you believe
problem.
This is book # 21 in the Gaslight Mystery series. It can
be read as a stand alone.
I volunteered to read Murder on Union Square. Thanks
to the Penguin First-to-Read Program got the
opportunity. My opinion is my own.
historical fiction cozy mystery. This book takes the
reader in the theater during this time period. You will
meet the cast of well crafted actors and actresses. You
will meet managers and learn of the syndicate of
the acting world at that time.
All the characters are well rounded, well developed,
three dimensional and interesting characters.
Murders, dark secrets, affairs, ghosts, danger, false
arrest, adoption laws, adoption papers all combine
to make an interesting read.
Sarah Brandt Malloy is midwife and Frank Malloy is
a retired policeman who does private investigating.
Maeve Smith is cares for their children and Frank's
mother helps her. Maeve also is runs the supervision
of the clinic’s refurbishment.
Maeve along with Gino Donatelli, a former policeman
who worked with Frank are part of Frank private
investigation service.
In the process of Sarah and Frank adoption of the
child Sarah saved and has been raising, there is a
hitch. At he time of Catherine’s birth, her birth
mother was not married to the birth father but was
legally married to an actor. Although the birth
mother is dead, her husband the actor is living and
legally considered the father. The adoption can only
take place if he signs the adoption papers.
Frank takes the papers to the theater for the actor
who agreed to sign them. What a shock to discover
the actor dead in his dressing room!! What a shock
to have another cast member accuse Frank of the
murder!! What a tragedy that Frank is arrested for
murder!!
The story was intriguing with deceit, a second murder,
a seance, thrills, chills and who can you believe
problem.
This is book # 21 in the Gaslight Mystery series. It can
be read as a stand alone.
I volunteered to read Murder on Union Square. Thanks
to the Penguin First-to-Read Program got the
opportunity. My opinion is my own.
June 27, 2020
Victoria Thompson presents the world is a stage in Murder on Union Square. Frank and Sarah Mallory plan to legally adopt Catherine, the illegitimate daughter of Mr. Wilbanks and his mistress, Emma Hardy. Unfortunately, since Emma was married to Parnell Vaughn at Catherine’s birth, Parnell must give his consent for the adoption. Before Parnell can sign the paper, he is brutally murdered, and Frank discovers the body and is arrested as the murder. Thompson parades into the theatre of 1890’s and the life of the cast. Each actor or actress has a fragile personality based on vanity and distrust. Victoria Thompson shows the callousness of the police department that only investigate the death if the case benefits the department, meaning that the death of a poor individual will not be investigated. The main issue in this story rests with the Syndicate, a group that controls the theatre by arranging tours, setting salaries, and controlling the plays and actors. Many actors spurned the Syndicate stating that individual style suffered. An amazing look at the theatre.
April 7, 2018
Yet another great read in this Gaslight series. I began reading this series many, many years ago and went through probably the first five or six just thrilled with the characters and the solid plots. Then, as you do, I just fell out of reading them, but I was lucky enough to have read #20 last year and now #21. I am awed at how the author has grown the main characters and added new steady characters into the mix. Having skipped the middle fifteen or so books in the series, it was just like picking up with old friends with these last two books. As with all of them I have read the plots are well built and always keep me guessing right up until the end. I highly recommend this series to anyone interested in a great historical fiction cozy series. Many thanks to the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy to read in exchange for an honest opinion.
February 16, 2018
I love this series and these characters. I've enjoyed watching Sarah and Franks relationship change and their families increase. Frank now asks for Sarah's help on the cases while still wanting to protect her. Waiting for the next Gaslight Mystery.
May 30, 2018
I was very bored by this book. Ever since Sarah and Malloy got together, the books are getting less interesting. Plus when they finally revealed the killer, I didn't even remember that person being in the book. Too long and drawn out and repetitive.
May 30, 2018
I cannot believe it is book twenty one already. I can remember when they met, and Sarah was a midwife full time. Mrs Malloy was a dragon back then, and Frank hardly touched her hand. I swear it took ten books before he kissed her. They are married now, and Frank is rich which, at the time, came out of left field. It goes into more detail in this book, and how the money could not be left just to young Catherine. The little family is about to become complete through adoption, but there is a snag. When the complication is found dead, with Frank standing in the doorway with some blood on his hand, the wrong deduction is assumed. It surprises me though, how eager the police he worked with for years, all resent him now. His wife bails him out and the search begins. The entire book deals with actors, so you can not tell who is really lying, and if tears of grief are real. Gino, is also busy detecting, and even Maeve. I am not that fond of Maeve. I know she is loyal, but her hard shell exterior, leaves me cold. The story was good, easy to follow, since she constantly rehashed the details. It is amazing how murder could be swept under a rug, for the right bribes. I honestly feel the murderer, was a bit crazy. I will not give away any details, just that stardom is a fake God, that requires lots of sacrifice. I loved the ending, but I hope they are not being retired. There is no real story with out Frank, and Sarah. The nosy neighbor is attentive, sweet,and superstitious, but only as a support character. I feel the same way about. Gino, and Maeve. The storyline needs to crisp up a bit, add some real danger, and let Frank and Sarah do their investigating. Perhaps a baby kidnapping ring that targets a baby from the clinic. Right now the clinic, is just present, with no real action. I gave it a 4 stars, because I have read everyone. It is a clean romance, mystery, and it has much more to give us. Release your pent up characters, and let them soar a bit. The murders are realistic, but you never feel that Frank, or Sarah is in real danger. It just Could be deeper, more thrilling, since his mother lives with them to watch the children. Gino is not Frank, so I hope we are not going to go through another long dance between him, and Maeve. Her character could be in danger, and let Gino be her hero, because she is to full of herself, and prickly.to be interesting, She needs to be a bit vulnerable, as well as strong. Frank needs to lead, Sarah smart and at his side, with Gino as a side partner, and Maeve to be more interesting.
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