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Victorian Mystery #6
Garden of Sins
Award-winning author Laura Joh Rowland is back with the sixth in her critically acclaimed Victorian Mystery series in which Sarah must search for the killer of a woman she found murdered on a train all the while waiting for the verdict of her father's trial for heinous crimes committed two decades earlier.
London, November 1890. Crime scene photographer Sarah Bain Barrett faces a perfect storm of events. She and her husband Detective Sergeant Barrett are riding on a train that crashes. While rescuing other passengers, they find a woman who's been strangled to death. Their search for her identity and her killer lead them to Cremorne Gardens, a seedy riverside pleasure park that's a combination carnival, theater, freak show, and museum of oddities. It's among the most challenging cases that Sarah, Barrett, and her friends Lord Hugh Staunton and Mick O'Reilly have ever undertaken. The suspects include a dwarf, a female acrobat, and a member of the Royal Family. Due to the royal connection, the police commissioner declares the case top-secret. Sarah and company must investigate on the quiet, keeping the suspects, the press, and the public in the dark. That's easier said than done. The investigation is complicated by the injury Hugh sustained during their last case, Mick's romance with a woman who has psychic powers, and Barrett's old flame.
Meanwhile, Sarah's father Benjamin Bain goes on trial for a rape and murder that happened more than two decades ago. The victim was a teenage girl named Ellen Casey. Is Benjamin Bain as innocent as he claims? Sarah has serious doubts. The trial is the scandal of the year, a media blitz. The outcome--and the truth about the murder on the train--are beyond Sarah's wildest imaginings. What dangerous secrets are hidden behind the tawdry glamor of Cremorne Gardens? Is Benjamin Bain wrongly accused, or a guilty sinner who deserves to be hanged?
London, November 1890. Crime scene photographer Sarah Bain Barrett faces a perfect storm of events. She and her husband Detective Sergeant Barrett are riding on a train that crashes. While rescuing other passengers, they find a woman who's been strangled to death. Their search for her identity and her killer lead them to Cremorne Gardens, a seedy riverside pleasure park that's a combination carnival, theater, freak show, and museum of oddities. It's among the most challenging cases that Sarah, Barrett, and her friends Lord Hugh Staunton and Mick O'Reilly have ever undertaken. The suspects include a dwarf, a female acrobat, and a member of the Royal Family. Due to the royal connection, the police commissioner declares the case top-secret. Sarah and company must investigate on the quiet, keeping the suspects, the press, and the public in the dark. That's easier said than done. The investigation is complicated by the injury Hugh sustained during their last case, Mick's romance with a woman who has psychic powers, and Barrett's old flame.
Meanwhile, Sarah's father Benjamin Bain goes on trial for a rape and murder that happened more than two decades ago. The victim was a teenage girl named Ellen Casey. Is Benjamin Bain as innocent as he claims? Sarah has serious doubts. The trial is the scandal of the year, a media blitz. The outcome--and the truth about the murder on the train--are beyond Sarah's wildest imaginings. What dangerous secrets are hidden behind the tawdry glamor of Cremorne Gardens? Is Benjamin Bain wrongly accused, or a guilty sinner who deserves to be hanged?
304 pages, Hardcover
Published January 11, 2022
43 people are currently reading
2159 people want to read
About the author
Laura Joh Rowland
46 books1,291 followersGranddaughter of Chinese and Korean immigrants, Laura Joh Rowland grew up in Michigan and where she graduated with a B.S. in microbiology and a Master of Public Health at the University of Michigan. She currently lives in New Orleans with her husband. She has worked as a chemist, microbiologist, sanitary inspector and quality engineer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
October 24, 2021
Too much of a good thing is just too much of a good thing.
Laura Joh Rowland has packed everything into this one except for Queen Victoria and the regalia of her velvet throne, marching soldiers, and all the queen's horses and all the queen's men. We are bombarded around every corner and every Whitechapel street of layer upon layer of crime and those who perpetrate it.
Believe me, I'm an avid fan of Rowland's work and have read all five of the preceding novels in this series. Garden of Sins could have used help from Adam and Eve here. Less, dear readers, is more.
Sarah Barrett, former crime photographer, runs a detective agency of sorts from her studio. Her husband, Thomas, is a detective sargeant in the Metropolitan Police of London. Sarah's partners are Mick O'Reilly, a former street urchin, and the suave Lord Hugh Staunton who has become an outcast because of his lifestyle. Sarah is currently employed by the Daily World newspaper as well.
It's November of 1890 and Sarah and Thomas find themselves onboard a train heading into London. But a tragic accident occurs and the train leaves the tracks. They come upon the injured and one dead woman on the floor. This woman didn't die from injuries from the accident. She'd been strangled. But why and who is she?
In the meantime, Sarah's father is on trial for a crime he did not commit. Sarah tries to convince him to reveal the real murderer. He refuses and it looks like he is going to the gallows.
Meanwhile, Hugh is still recovering from a serious injury after saving Sarah's life. He has become despondent and remains bedridden.
Sarah and Thomas' marriage is suffering from the presence of an old flame who just won't extinguish her affection for Thomas. Trouble in paradise.
And in the mix of all this, Rowland takes us onto the stage of Cremora Gardens where after hours live performances occur of a sexual nature. Leave it to the Victorians to find quite the outlet for their pent-up prudish behaviors. Rowland gets a bit too detailed here on an already overloaded sinking ship.
Me thinks that some of our favorite authors may have spent way too many hours behind closed doors during the pandemic. Garden of Sins is full-out my least favorite in this series. Hopefully, the real genuine Rowland will once again appear in top operation in the next one.
I received a copy of this novel through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Crooked Lane Books and to Laura Joh Rowland for the opportunity.
Laura Joh Rowland has packed everything into this one except for Queen Victoria and the regalia of her velvet throne, marching soldiers, and all the queen's horses and all the queen's men. We are bombarded around every corner and every Whitechapel street of layer upon layer of crime and those who perpetrate it.
Believe me, I'm an avid fan of Rowland's work and have read all five of the preceding novels in this series. Garden of Sins could have used help from Adam and Eve here. Less, dear readers, is more.
Sarah Barrett, former crime photographer, runs a detective agency of sorts from her studio. Her husband, Thomas, is a detective sargeant in the Metropolitan Police of London. Sarah's partners are Mick O'Reilly, a former street urchin, and the suave Lord Hugh Staunton who has become an outcast because of his lifestyle. Sarah is currently employed by the Daily World newspaper as well.
It's November of 1890 and Sarah and Thomas find themselves onboard a train heading into London. But a tragic accident occurs and the train leaves the tracks. They come upon the injured and one dead woman on the floor. This woman didn't die from injuries from the accident. She'd been strangled. But why and who is she?
In the meantime, Sarah's father is on trial for a crime he did not commit. Sarah tries to convince him to reveal the real murderer. He refuses and it looks like he is going to the gallows.
Meanwhile, Hugh is still recovering from a serious injury after saving Sarah's life. He has become despondent and remains bedridden.
Sarah and Thomas' marriage is suffering from the presence of an old flame who just won't extinguish her affection for Thomas. Trouble in paradise.
And in the mix of all this, Rowland takes us onto the stage of Cremora Gardens where after hours live performances occur of a sexual nature. Leave it to the Victorians to find quite the outlet for their pent-up prudish behaviors. Rowland gets a bit too detailed here on an already overloaded sinking ship.
Me thinks that some of our favorite authors may have spent way too many hours behind closed doors during the pandemic. Garden of Sins is full-out my least favorite in this series. Hopefully, the real genuine Rowland will once again appear in top operation in the next one.
I received a copy of this novel through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Crooked Lane Books and to Laura Joh Rowland for the opportunity.
December 26, 2021
I've been wearying of mediocre historical mysteries lately, going so far as to create a list of writers I want to remember to avoid. Laura Joh Rowland is NOT one of those writers. Garden of Sins provides a satisfying blend of fun, menace, and historical scandal that make it well worth reading.
This novel set in the Victorian era includes the central characters, the Barretts (she's a crime-scene photographer; he's a police officer), and their investigative "team" that includes a gay aristocrat and a former street child. There's also evil Inspector Reid who has it in for Sarah Bain Barrett. He's trying to frame her father for a decades-old murder and threatening to frame her husband for more recent ones.
The action shifts between settings—sometimes focusing on Sarah's father's defense team, sometimes returning to Sarah's childhood neighborhood, and often taking place in Crenmore Gardens, a derelict amusement garden with multiple offerings, some more legal than others. Readers get to experience a train wreck, investigate the death of a female Pinkerton agent, discover a dark side to one member of the royal family, search for a missing American heiress, and face a possible reemergence of Jack the Ripper.
In other words, the action is non-stop. If you like historical mysteries, this is a series you'll want to check out. I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the Opinions are my own.
This novel set in the Victorian era includes the central characters, the Barretts (she's a crime-scene photographer; he's a police officer), and their investigative "team" that includes a gay aristocrat and a former street child. There's also evil Inspector Reid who has it in for Sarah Bain Barrett. He's trying to frame her father for a decades-old murder and threatening to frame her husband for more recent ones.
The action shifts between settings—sometimes focusing on Sarah's father's defense team, sometimes returning to Sarah's childhood neighborhood, and often taking place in Crenmore Gardens, a derelict amusement garden with multiple offerings, some more legal than others. Readers get to experience a train wreck, investigate the death of a female Pinkerton agent, discover a dark side to one member of the royal family, search for a missing American heiress, and face a possible reemergence of Jack the Ripper.
In other words, the action is non-stop. If you like historical mysteries, this is a series you'll want to check out. I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the Opinions are my own.
January 11, 2022
The title says it all!
So much of peoples’ lives are laid bare, secrets revealed and foul behavior exposed in this sixth title in Rowland’s Victorian Mystery series.
Oh My! What a cliffhanger! Talk about bringing me to my knees! Now if you’ve been following Sarah Bain and Thomas Barrett this episode literally implodes with action, angst, torment and dead bodies.
I scarcely have time to take a breath between page turns.
Sarah Bain—determined, outrageous;Thomas Barrett her detective sergeant husband, a man of integrity; her friends and chosen family/house mates—former street urchin Mick O’Reilly, Lord Hugh Stanton and his valet Fitzmorris. Their inclusion in Sarah’s life are spelt out in previous books.
Sarah is a crime investigator for the Daily World newspaper, a private detective, and a talented photographer.
The huge issue in her life is her father, accused of rape, and on the run for the past years. In her efforts to prove her father innocent Sarah’s followed a trail of breadcrumbs and come in contact with unexpected people, including a half sister, Sally, she never knew she had.
I’v followed her path over five novels. Things are coming to a head. I must admit I really disliked Sarah when I first met her but I’ve come to appreciate her as I’ve seen her strengths and weaknesses. In this section of her life, her story is totally absorbing, even as I cringe at some of the happenings.
The investigation of a death on a train leads to Cremorne Gardens and a rather bizarre case.
Gripping!
A Crooked Lane Books ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
So much of peoples’ lives are laid bare, secrets revealed and foul behavior exposed in this sixth title in Rowland’s Victorian Mystery series.
Oh My! What a cliffhanger! Talk about bringing me to my knees! Now if you’ve been following Sarah Bain and Thomas Barrett this episode literally implodes with action, angst, torment and dead bodies.
I scarcely have time to take a breath between page turns.
Sarah Bain—determined, outrageous;Thomas Barrett her detective sergeant husband, a man of integrity; her friends and chosen family/house mates—former street urchin Mick O’Reilly, Lord Hugh Stanton and his valet Fitzmorris. Their inclusion in Sarah’s life are spelt out in previous books.
Sarah is a crime investigator for the Daily World newspaper, a private detective, and a talented photographer.
The huge issue in her life is her father, accused of rape, and on the run for the past years. In her efforts to prove her father innocent Sarah’s followed a trail of breadcrumbs and come in contact with unexpected people, including a half sister, Sally, she never knew she had.
I’v followed her path over five novels. Things are coming to a head. I must admit I really disliked Sarah when I first met her but I’ve come to appreciate her as I’ve seen her strengths and weaknesses. In this section of her life, her story is totally absorbing, even as I cringe at some of the happenings.
The investigation of a death on a train leads to Cremorne Gardens and a rather bizarre case.
Gripping!
A Crooked Lane Books ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
January 14, 2022
3.8 Stars
Garden of Sins brings the famous photojournalist Sarah and her police officer husband, Barrett, back into action. This time, Sarah has more than her hands full with her father’s trial (a cold case), her sister’s anger as Sarah is still doubtful about her father’s innocence, the death of a stranger, the mysterious events at Cremorne Gardens, and the trouble in her newly married life.
It’s too much to handle at once, but Sarah knows she has to do what she always did- tackle things head-on and trust her instincts.
With danger and mistrust surrounding her, can Sarah come out victorious and save her marriage?
I directly read book 5 last year and enjoyed the unconventional heroine from the Victorian era. The book doesn’t deal with nobles and balls but rather with the common folk. Though the language seems a bit too modern at times, I don’t mind it much.
Book 6 brings a sort of closure to a couple of sidetracks from book 5. While the previous book wasn’t that hard to read and understand as a standalone, this one is different. It might seem too vague and messy without book 5 to support the storylines of-
• Sarah’s father’s trial
• The triangle of Sarah-Barrett-Jane
Both these have been more or less resolved in this book. The father’s trail is sorted (no spoilers) with a new twist that seems a bit too convenient.
The actual case of the book is centered on the illegal activities in the seedy pleasure park called the Cremorne Gardens. The case involves even the royalty, and we cannot expect the expected outcome in such instances, can we? (Yeah, that’s me trying to avoid spoilers)
Hugh is still recovering from his injury and heartbreak (ref: book 5). Mick and Anjali are more than friends, but Sarah is rightly worried about how it would affect the two. After all, they are still so young.
I guess we can do without the mandatory sex scene between the lead couple just for the sake of it.
The book progresses at a steady pace, and the climax has good action scenes. The mystery element isn’t the strength of the book. The characters are, and that’s where the knowledge of the previous book ensured that I enjoyed this one.
The author will have to come up with a new sidetrack for the next in the series, and I'm looking forward to reading that one (though I need to go back and finish books 1-4 in the meantime).
To sum up, Garden of Sins is an interesting and engaging continuation of the Portrait of Peril. I’m not sure it’ll hold the readers’ interest as a standalone despite the backstory provided in bits and pieces.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#GardenofSins #NetGalley
Garden of Sins brings the famous photojournalist Sarah and her police officer husband, Barrett, back into action. This time, Sarah has more than her hands full with her father’s trial (a cold case), her sister’s anger as Sarah is still doubtful about her father’s innocence, the death of a stranger, the mysterious events at Cremorne Gardens, and the trouble in her newly married life.
It’s too much to handle at once, but Sarah knows she has to do what she always did- tackle things head-on and trust her instincts.
With danger and mistrust surrounding her, can Sarah come out victorious and save her marriage?
I directly read book 5 last year and enjoyed the unconventional heroine from the Victorian era. The book doesn’t deal with nobles and balls but rather with the common folk. Though the language seems a bit too modern at times, I don’t mind it much.
Book 6 brings a sort of closure to a couple of sidetracks from book 5. While the previous book wasn’t that hard to read and understand as a standalone, this one is different. It might seem too vague and messy without book 5 to support the storylines of-
• Sarah’s father’s trial
• The triangle of Sarah-Barrett-Jane
Both these have been more or less resolved in this book. The father’s trail is sorted (no spoilers) with a new twist that seems a bit too convenient.
The actual case of the book is centered on the illegal activities in the seedy pleasure park called the Cremorne Gardens. The case involves even the royalty, and we cannot expect the expected outcome in such instances, can we? (Yeah, that’s me trying to avoid spoilers)
Hugh is still recovering from his injury and heartbreak (ref: book 5). Mick and Anjali are more than friends, but Sarah is rightly worried about how it would affect the two. After all, they are still so young.
I guess we can do without the mandatory sex scene between the lead couple just for the sake of it.
The book progresses at a steady pace, and the climax has good action scenes. The mystery element isn’t the strength of the book. The characters are, and that’s where the knowledge of the previous book ensured that I enjoyed this one.
The author will have to come up with a new sidetrack for the next in the series, and I'm looking forward to reading that one (though I need to go back and finish books 1-4 in the meantime).
To sum up, Garden of Sins is an interesting and engaging continuation of the Portrait of Peril. I’m not sure it’ll hold the readers’ interest as a standalone despite the backstory provided in bits and pieces.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#GardenofSins #NetGalley
February 2, 2022
Another brilliant book in the series. I always look forward to January when Joh releases a new novel.
December 14, 2023
3.85 Very fast paced and compelling with a little erotica thrown in. First book I have read by this author. Enjoyed it enough to look in to more of her work.
January 12, 2022
Garden Of Sins is the sixth book in the A Victorian Mystery series by Laura Joh Rowland.
The story begins with Sarah and her husband, Thomas, riding on the underground on their way to the first day of her father’s trial for murdering a young girl. Suddenly their carriage and others derail, crashing into one another. They are not injured and proceed to enter cars to aid the wounded. They come to a dead woman but quickly learn that she has been strangled.
They assume the victim is American as she had the new Kodak camera, which has not arrived in England yet. They will soon learn that she was a Pinkerton agent and was tailing a wealthy American heiress. When Sarah gets the film from the camera developed, she and Barrett are shocked to see that one of the pictures is of His Highness Prince Edward, and the pictures had been taken at Cremorne Gardens. Cremorne Gardens had once been a lovely destination but has turned into a rather seedy area, and now any type of entertainment, legal or not, can be found. Once Commissioner Bradford of Scotland Yard sees the picture of Prince Eddy, he puts Barrett and Sarah on an undercover assignment ordering them not to share any information with anyone until they can get Prince Edward cleared of any wrongdoing, if possible. Sarah and Barrett will head to Cremorne Gardens to learn its connection with the Pinkerton agent and the Prince. They find that the Gardens is being run by a dwarf, who considers himself an actor, a former trapeze artist, and a tattooed Hercules-type man.
As if this isn’t enough for Sarah, she comes home one day to find Barrett in a compromising position with his ex-girlfriend, who has been trying to break up their marriage.
Sarah has Mick, the street urchin, and she has provided a home for, and possibly Hugh. Hugh has been extremely despondent lately as he is having difficulty recovering from a gunshot wound received in an earlier case.
Once again, the author has provided readers with an exciting and historically accurate story set during the Victorian era. This book moved at a good pace and was hard to put down. The book is well-written and plotted, and enough red herrings that kept me guessing until the end of the book as to who the murderer was. The book has a great cast of well-developed, believable, and exciting characters.
I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
The story begins with Sarah and her husband, Thomas, riding on the underground on their way to the first day of her father’s trial for murdering a young girl. Suddenly their carriage and others derail, crashing into one another. They are not injured and proceed to enter cars to aid the wounded. They come to a dead woman but quickly learn that she has been strangled.
They assume the victim is American as she had the new Kodak camera, which has not arrived in England yet. They will soon learn that she was a Pinkerton agent and was tailing a wealthy American heiress. When Sarah gets the film from the camera developed, she and Barrett are shocked to see that one of the pictures is of His Highness Prince Edward, and the pictures had been taken at Cremorne Gardens. Cremorne Gardens had once been a lovely destination but has turned into a rather seedy area, and now any type of entertainment, legal or not, can be found. Once Commissioner Bradford of Scotland Yard sees the picture of Prince Eddy, he puts Barrett and Sarah on an undercover assignment ordering them not to share any information with anyone until they can get Prince Edward cleared of any wrongdoing, if possible. Sarah and Barrett will head to Cremorne Gardens to learn its connection with the Pinkerton agent and the Prince. They find that the Gardens is being run by a dwarf, who considers himself an actor, a former trapeze artist, and a tattooed Hercules-type man.
As if this isn’t enough for Sarah, she comes home one day to find Barrett in a compromising position with his ex-girlfriend, who has been trying to break up their marriage.
Sarah has Mick, the street urchin, and she has provided a home for, and possibly Hugh. Hugh has been extremely despondent lately as he is having difficulty recovering from a gunshot wound received in an earlier case.
Once again, the author has provided readers with an exciting and historically accurate story set during the Victorian era. This book moved at a good pace and was hard to put down. The book is well-written and plotted, and enough red herrings that kept me guessing until the end of the book as to who the murderer was. The book has a great cast of well-developed, believable, and exciting characters.
I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
February 5, 2022
4.5 stars.
Garden of Sins by Laura Joh Rowland is a multi-layered historical mystery. Although the sixth installment in the fabulous Victorian Mystery series, this newest release can be read as a standalone.
Photographer Sarah Bain Barrett is on leave from the newspaper where she works while waiting for her father Benjamin’s murder trial to begin. She and her half-sister Sally Albert are at odds over his innocence. So, Sarah welcomes the distraction when she and her husband Detective Sergeant Thomas Barrett are assigned to a secret investigation by the police commissioner.
Sarah and Barrett were on a train when it derailed and they stumbled across a woman who was murdered. Sarah takes the woman’s camera and after the film is developed, they manage to find the hotel where was staying. The photos were taken in the Cremorne Gardens so that is where Sarah and Barrett start looking for answers. Cremorne’s owners are former circus members who also perform at their business.
In between their attempt to find out why the murder victim was interested in the Cremorne, Sarah also attends her father’s trial. She grows increasing tense as the prosecution lays out its damning case. With a guilty verdict a distinct possibility, Sarah’s effort to exonerate her father unexpectedly leads to new information. Will this discovery prove his innocence?
Garden of Sins is an atmospheric mystery with a fast-paced storyline. Despite her recent marriage, Sarah is still independent and incredibly stubborn. Old issues arise between her and Barrett and their marriage is suddenly under immense strain. The secret investigation also causes friction as Sarah makes rash decisions while angry. Benjamin’s fate hangs in the balance and results in even more tension between Sarah and Barrett. With breathtaking twists and clever turns, Laura Joh Rowland brings this gripping mystery to a shocking conclusion. Old and new are sure to enjoy this latest addition to the Victorian Mystery series.
Garden of Sins by Laura Joh Rowland is a multi-layered historical mystery. Although the sixth installment in the fabulous Victorian Mystery series, this newest release can be read as a standalone.
Photographer Sarah Bain Barrett is on leave from the newspaper where she works while waiting for her father Benjamin’s murder trial to begin. She and her half-sister Sally Albert are at odds over his innocence. So, Sarah welcomes the distraction when she and her husband Detective Sergeant Thomas Barrett are assigned to a secret investigation by the police commissioner.
Sarah and Barrett were on a train when it derailed and they stumbled across a woman who was murdered. Sarah takes the woman’s camera and after the film is developed, they manage to find the hotel where was staying. The photos were taken in the Cremorne Gardens so that is where Sarah and Barrett start looking for answers. Cremorne’s owners are former circus members who also perform at their business.
In between their attempt to find out why the murder victim was interested in the Cremorne, Sarah also attends her father’s trial. She grows increasing tense as the prosecution lays out its damning case. With a guilty verdict a distinct possibility, Sarah’s effort to exonerate her father unexpectedly leads to new information. Will this discovery prove his innocence?
Garden of Sins is an atmospheric mystery with a fast-paced storyline. Despite her recent marriage, Sarah is still independent and incredibly stubborn. Old issues arise between her and Barrett and their marriage is suddenly under immense strain. The secret investigation also causes friction as Sarah makes rash decisions while angry. Benjamin’s fate hangs in the balance and results in even more tension between Sarah and Barrett. With breathtaking twists and clever turns, Laura Joh Rowland brings this gripping mystery to a shocking conclusion. Old and new are sure to enjoy this latest addition to the Victorian Mystery series.
January 25, 2022
Love this series; book 6. This book is action packed with so much going on at the same time. Poor Sarah. Her Dad is on trial; she and her husband are in a train crash and discover a dead body on the train; and then get involved in solving the murder, while keeping it top secret. So much for Sarah to keep straight, let alone the reader. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to discover what was going to happen next. And now I have to wait for a new book in the series. Please keep them coming.
January 22, 2022
Winter pangram! Z R I L B A D
July 22, 2021
I am a giant fan of Historical Fiction and have read a great many books set during the Victorian era and this book did not ring true- at all. The sense of place and time were missing -It felt modern with a few Victorian elements added.
The language felt inauthentic as well. The dialogue and sensibilities did not read Victorian.
All that before we even get to the mystery which our main character felt duty bound to solve and I couldn’t figure why.
Not a series or an author for me.
*Thank you NetGalley and publishers for the Advanced Reader Copy.
The language felt inauthentic as well. The dialogue and sensibilities did not read Victorian.
All that before we even get to the mystery which our main character felt duty bound to solve and I couldn’t figure why.
Not a series or an author for me.
*Thank you NetGalley and publishers for the Advanced Reader Copy.
October 15, 2021
When I chose this book I did not realize that it was part of a series, let alone book #6. However, despite not having read 1-5, I still thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was thrilling, sad and had me turning pages almost faster than I could read.
The story centers around Sarah and Thomas Barrett. She a famous crime scene photographer and he a police officer. Apparently they had a hand in stopping Jack the Ripper, a story I must now read, prompting me to look for books 1-5. This time though Sarah is dealing with the impending trial of her estranged father, who is looking at hanging for the death of a young girl 24 years earlier. She has doubts on his innocence but is still open to finding out the truth. At the same time this is going on, Sarah and Barrett (what she calls him) are drawn into a murder involving a circus, royalty and a massive cover-up of heinous crimes. The events taking place at Cremorne Gardens, a place Sarah remembers her father taking her before he went on the run.
Set in the Victorian Era, Sarah is unlike the other women of her time. She has a job most people consider to be unconventional and even unsavory, she's independent and sticks her nose in where it isn't welcome (from what I could tell from this book) I felt like the story for the most part fits the time period and I like the use of real places. I felt the pacing was good and the climax at the end was perfect, and a tad frustrating. But all in all, I really enjoyed the story and I am very much looking forward to picking up books 1-5 so that I can get to know these characters better! I received this book free from Netgalley for an honest review.
The story centers around Sarah and Thomas Barrett. She a famous crime scene photographer and he a police officer. Apparently they had a hand in stopping Jack the Ripper, a story I must now read, prompting me to look for books 1-5. This time though Sarah is dealing with the impending trial of her estranged father, who is looking at hanging for the death of a young girl 24 years earlier. She has doubts on his innocence but is still open to finding out the truth. At the same time this is going on, Sarah and Barrett (what she calls him) are drawn into a murder involving a circus, royalty and a massive cover-up of heinous crimes. The events taking place at Cremorne Gardens, a place Sarah remembers her father taking her before he went on the run.
Set in the Victorian Era, Sarah is unlike the other women of her time. She has a job most people consider to be unconventional and even unsavory, she's independent and sticks her nose in where it isn't welcome (from what I could tell from this book) I felt like the story for the most part fits the time period and I like the use of real places. I felt the pacing was good and the climax at the end was perfect, and a tad frustrating. But all in all, I really enjoyed the story and I am very much looking forward to picking up books 1-5 so that I can get to know these characters better! I received this book free from Netgalley for an honest review.
October 16, 2022
Probably the worst in the series. So disappointing. Didn't hold my attention at all, disliked the premise. I probably could've gone lower than 3. I really don't remember a thing about it at this point, just the disappointment!
July 28, 2021
It was Ok, but I don't think this author is one I will continue reading.
January 4, 2022
🎪 Garden of Sins 🎪
A Victorian Mystery
✒️ Laura Joh Rowland
https://www.facebook.com/laurajohrowl...
Release Date 01/11/2022
Publisher Crooked Lane Books
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09285CDS9/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Award-winning author Laura Joh Rowland is back with the sixth in her critically acclaimed Victorian Mystery series in which Sarah must search for the killer of a woman she found murdered on a train all the while waiting for the verdict of her father's trial for heinous crimes committed two decades earlier. London, November 1890. Crime scene photographer Sarah Bain Barrett faces a perfect storm of events. She and her husband Detective Sergeant Barrett are riding on a train that crashes. While rescuing other passengers, they find a woman who's been strangled to death. Their search for her identity and her killer lead them to Cremorne Gardens, a seedy riverside pleasure park that's a combination carnival, theater, freak show, and museum of oddities. It's among the most challenging cases that Sarah, Barrett, and her friends Lord Hugh Staunton and Mick O'Reilly have ever undertaken. The suspects include a dwarf, a female acrobat, and a member of the Royal Family. Due to the royal connection, the police commissioner declares the case top-secret. Sarah and company must investigate on the quiet, keeping the suspects, the press, and the public in the dark. That's easier said than done. The investigation is complicated by the injury Hugh sustained during their last case, Mick's romance with a woman who has psychic powers, and Barrett's old flame. Meanwhile, Sarah's father Benjamin Bain goes on trial for a rape and murder that happened more than two decades ago. The victim was a teenage girl named Ellen Casey. Is Benjamin Bain as innocent as he claims? Sarah has serious doubts. The trial is the scandal of the year, a media blitz. The outcome--and the truth about the murder on the train--are beyond Sarah's wildest imaginings. What dangerous secrets are hidden behind the tawdry glamor of Cremorne Gardens? Is Benjamin Bain wrongly accused, or a guilty sinner who deserves to be hanged?
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will she let her past hurts and doubts take the best of her …
I came late in this series, having only read the previous book. So I got a crash course with the characters and their shared past history.
I hope one day to find time to read at least the first book with the ripper case as it often referred as kind of the glue linking them all.
I had thought the previous book was one hell of a downfall for the heroine when in fact it was only the premises of what awaited Sarah.
Caught between the hammer and the anvil, Sarah is rapidly loosing balance, torn between her doubts and her wish to believe her father’s innocent, which only reignites her own insecurities about men, so she unleashes her distrusts on her husband, as if in some way she was certain everything good was only temporary.
I was not found of this version of Sarah, jealous, ready to give up, mean. Yet her flaws were what made her even more human.
When someone is caught in a swirl of angers, even when he knows he should shut his mouth, he can not stop himself from hurling his pain with hurtful words. Trapped in a whirlwind of unreasonable thoughts which only add fuel to a fragile construction.
Still, this case is the one which frees Sarah from her past, leaving her ready to experience life from a different perspective. Her nemesis is still lurking in the shadow ready to hasten her fall, but her new family is once again how it should be, united, everyone has nursed or is nursing its wounds, and while they are all altered, they are also stronger.
5 stars for this dark tale with a hint of hope.
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Crooked Lane Books, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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A Victorian Mystery
✒️ Laura Joh Rowland
https://www.facebook.com/laurajohrowl...
Release Date 01/11/2022
Publisher Crooked Lane Books
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09285CDS9/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Award-winning author Laura Joh Rowland is back with the sixth in her critically acclaimed Victorian Mystery series in which Sarah must search for the killer of a woman she found murdered on a train all the while waiting for the verdict of her father's trial for heinous crimes committed two decades earlier. London, November 1890. Crime scene photographer Sarah Bain Barrett faces a perfect storm of events. She and her husband Detective Sergeant Barrett are riding on a train that crashes. While rescuing other passengers, they find a woman who's been strangled to death. Their search for her identity and her killer lead them to Cremorne Gardens, a seedy riverside pleasure park that's a combination carnival, theater, freak show, and museum of oddities. It's among the most challenging cases that Sarah, Barrett, and her friends Lord Hugh Staunton and Mick O'Reilly have ever undertaken. The suspects include a dwarf, a female acrobat, and a member of the Royal Family. Due to the royal connection, the police commissioner declares the case top-secret. Sarah and company must investigate on the quiet, keeping the suspects, the press, and the public in the dark. That's easier said than done. The investigation is complicated by the injury Hugh sustained during their last case, Mick's romance with a woman who has psychic powers, and Barrett's old flame. Meanwhile, Sarah's father Benjamin Bain goes on trial for a rape and murder that happened more than two decades ago. The victim was a teenage girl named Ellen Casey. Is Benjamin Bain as innocent as he claims? Sarah has serious doubts. The trial is the scandal of the year, a media blitz. The outcome--and the truth about the murder on the train--are beyond Sarah's wildest imaginings. What dangerous secrets are hidden behind the tawdry glamor of Cremorne Gardens? Is Benjamin Bain wrongly accused, or a guilty sinner who deserves to be hanged?
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will she let her past hurts and doubts take the best of her …
I came late in this series, having only read the previous book. So I got a crash course with the characters and their shared past history.
I hope one day to find time to read at least the first book with the ripper case as it often referred as kind of the glue linking them all.
I had thought the previous book was one hell of a downfall for the heroine when in fact it was only the premises of what awaited Sarah.
Caught between the hammer and the anvil, Sarah is rapidly loosing balance, torn between her doubts and her wish to believe her father’s innocent, which only reignites her own insecurities about men, so she unleashes her distrusts on her husband, as if in some way she was certain everything good was only temporary.
I was not found of this version of Sarah, jealous, ready to give up, mean. Yet her flaws were what made her even more human.
When someone is caught in a swirl of angers, even when he knows he should shut his mouth, he can not stop himself from hurling his pain with hurtful words. Trapped in a whirlwind of unreasonable thoughts which only add fuel to a fragile construction.
Still, this case is the one which frees Sarah from her past, leaving her ready to experience life from a different perspective. Her nemesis is still lurking in the shadow ready to hasten her fall, but her new family is once again how it should be, united, everyone has nursed or is nursing its wounds, and while they are all altered, they are also stronger.
5 stars for this dark tale with a hint of hope.
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Crooked Lane Books, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CYTfV0zI...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2021read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
January 10, 2022
Throughout Laura Joh Rowland’s Victorian Mystery Series, Sarah Bain has been searching for her father who left twenty years earlier after being accused of murder. After finally finding him he was arrested for the crime and is now standing trial. As a crime scene photographer, Sarah has involved herself in a number of investigations. Now she must finally discover what actually happened that led her father to flee before he is found guilty and sentenced to death. On her way to visit her father in Newgate Prison, she and her husband DS Barrett are passengers on a train that derails, injuring and killing a number of passengers. One passenger, however, died from strangulation. With no identification and only a new model of an American camera to help discover who she is, Sarah takes the camera hoping any undeveloped photos will give them a clue.
Katherine Oliver was a Pinkerton on the trail of a missing American heiress. Her photos point to Cremorne Gardens, a once popular destination that has fallen on hard times. New owners are trying to revitalize it with a theater, a museum of oddities and a carnival atmosphere. Katherine has photos of Flynn, a dwarf who acts in the theater and manages the park, Ursula, a former trapeze artist and his partner, and Hercules, a strongman and final partner. The final photo is one of His Highness Prince Edward. Once the photos reach the commissioner, Barrett and Sarah are put on a top secret assignment to find the killer and protect the Crown. Once again they are joined by Lord Hugh, who is still recuperating from their last investigation, and Mick O’Reilly, who infiltrates Cremorne Gardens with his girlfriend Anjali disguised as fortune tellers, placing them both in danger.
Sarah and Barrett are only recently married. His former girlfriend is determined to come between them, causing Sarah to have doubts. She is also under the strain of appearing in court and watching her father reviled by the prosecutor and his former neighbors. Despite the pressures, Sarah displays a determination that allows her to do what she must and she is surrounded by her adopted family who offer her the support that she needs. This mystery series has become one of my favorites. The lingering fear of Jack the Ripper, the fog that enshrouds London, the horse-drawn cabs and the position of women in society allow you to easily envision Victorian London and Rowland brings her characters to life for her readers. This is a series that is highly recommended for fans of historical mysteries. I would like to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing this book for my review.
Katherine Oliver was a Pinkerton on the trail of a missing American heiress. Her photos point to Cremorne Gardens, a once popular destination that has fallen on hard times. New owners are trying to revitalize it with a theater, a museum of oddities and a carnival atmosphere. Katherine has photos of Flynn, a dwarf who acts in the theater and manages the park, Ursula, a former trapeze artist and his partner, and Hercules, a strongman and final partner. The final photo is one of His Highness Prince Edward. Once the photos reach the commissioner, Barrett and Sarah are put on a top secret assignment to find the killer and protect the Crown. Once again they are joined by Lord Hugh, who is still recuperating from their last investigation, and Mick O’Reilly, who infiltrates Cremorne Gardens with his girlfriend Anjali disguised as fortune tellers, placing them both in danger.
Sarah and Barrett are only recently married. His former girlfriend is determined to come between them, causing Sarah to have doubts. She is also under the strain of appearing in court and watching her father reviled by the prosecutor and his former neighbors. Despite the pressures, Sarah displays a determination that allows her to do what she must and she is surrounded by her adopted family who offer her the support that she needs. This mystery series has become one of my favorites. The lingering fear of Jack the Ripper, the fog that enshrouds London, the horse-drawn cabs and the position of women in society allow you to easily envision Victorian London and Rowland brings her characters to life for her readers. This is a series that is highly recommended for fans of historical mysteries. I would like to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing this book for my review.
March 21, 2022
Sarah Barrett is a newlywed whose husband, DS Thomas Barrett of London's Metropolitan Police, is being shamelessly pursued by his former girlfriend. Adding to Sarah's woes, her father, Benjamin, is on trial for the assault and murder of fourteen-year-old Ellen Casey, whose body was found twenty-four years earlier. No one disputes that, in 1866, Ellen posed for Bain, who was a professional photographer. Bain also cannot deny that, after Ellen's death, he ran away and lived under a series of assumed names for decades. The prosecutor is certain that there is enough circumstantial evidence to guarantee that Bain will hang for his crime.
Thomas's career is in jeopardy, as well, thanks to his archenemy, Inspector Edmund Reid. To help her husband keep his job, Sarah resolves to assist him in identifying the perpetrator who strangled two women, one of whom worked at Cremorne Gardens, a seedy entertainment venue. Sarah visits the Gardens, where she meets a handsome actor and manager, a voluptuous female acrobat, a giant, and a strongman. Meanwhile, the police commissioner, who ordered Thomas and Sarah to investigate the homicides, warns them that if—as is rumored—Queen Victoria's licentious grandson is guilty of serious transgressions, the truth must never come to light.
Laura Joh Rowland's earlier work of fiction were standouts, especially the Sano Ichiro mysteries. Rowland's writing in "Garden of Sins" is less impressive. The dialogue is wooden, the prose florid ("My mind whirs like rusty gears set in motion by a drop of oil") and cliché-ridden, and the plot, outlandish. The Victorian-era setting serves as a backdrop for depraved actions and cruel acts of violence that are committed by one-dimensional predators. It is tiresome to observe Sarah impulsively rushing into perilous situations without well-thought-out plans. There is little suspense since, despite Sarah's missteps, it is obvious that she and Thomas will land on their feet. Unfortunately, getting to the resolution is slow-going and hardly worth the effort.
Thomas's career is in jeopardy, as well, thanks to his archenemy, Inspector Edmund Reid. To help her husband keep his job, Sarah resolves to assist him in identifying the perpetrator who strangled two women, one of whom worked at Cremorne Gardens, a seedy entertainment venue. Sarah visits the Gardens, where she meets a handsome actor and manager, a voluptuous female acrobat, a giant, and a strongman. Meanwhile, the police commissioner, who ordered Thomas and Sarah to investigate the homicides, warns them that if—as is rumored—Queen Victoria's licentious grandson is guilty of serious transgressions, the truth must never come to light.
Laura Joh Rowland's earlier work of fiction were standouts, especially the Sano Ichiro mysteries. Rowland's writing in "Garden of Sins" is less impressive. The dialogue is wooden, the prose florid ("My mind whirs like rusty gears set in motion by a drop of oil") and cliché-ridden, and the plot, outlandish. The Victorian-era setting serves as a backdrop for depraved actions and cruel acts of violence that are committed by one-dimensional predators. It is tiresome to observe Sarah impulsively rushing into perilous situations without well-thought-out plans. There is little suspense since, despite Sarah's missteps, it is obvious that she and Thomas will land on their feet. Unfortunately, getting to the resolution is slow-going and hardly worth the effort.
January 12, 2022
One of my favorite genres of mysteries - Victorian London/England is at the top of the list. As for authors, well Laura Joh Rowlands is one of the very best. Her writing style flows well and her historical detail rings true. Add a very well developed puzzle to unravel and a great cast of recurring characters and I'm a happy reader. While I may read more cozies than any other style of mystery, I do venture out into the gritty and dark ones. I'm also very picky when I do decide to read one. There are very few authors who meet my standards.
This series shows both the best and the worse of Victorian London. As a news photographer, Sarah has seen lots of the ugly and heartbreaking side of London. Along with her new husband Det. Sgt. Thomas Barrett, she solves murders with a former street urchin, Mick O'Reilly and Lord Hugh Staunton. Each of them carries a heavy burden. Together they work as a team, always looking out for each other. In this, the 6th of the series, there is lots going on, so many threads to follow. Sarah is dealing with her father being on trial for a murder he supposedly committed 20 years ago. While on the way to see him in prison the day before his trial is due to start, she and Thomas are on a train that derails and presents them with a strangled female passenger. From there things become very complicated but it's worth the effort to follow the threads. Their encounter with the Cremorne Gardens was very interesting - the Victorians did like their Palaces of Pleasure. I won't give any more details for fear of spoilers. If you are new to the series, it will work as a stand alone. If you have read all or most of the previous titles, this will keep you engaged well past your bedtime as you revisit old literary friends.
My thanks to the publisher Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
This series shows both the best and the worse of Victorian London. As a news photographer, Sarah has seen lots of the ugly and heartbreaking side of London. Along with her new husband Det. Sgt. Thomas Barrett, she solves murders with a former street urchin, Mick O'Reilly and Lord Hugh Staunton. Each of them carries a heavy burden. Together they work as a team, always looking out for each other. In this, the 6th of the series, there is lots going on, so many threads to follow. Sarah is dealing with her father being on trial for a murder he supposedly committed 20 years ago. While on the way to see him in prison the day before his trial is due to start, she and Thomas are on a train that derails and presents them with a strangled female passenger. From there things become very complicated but it's worth the effort to follow the threads. Their encounter with the Cremorne Gardens was very interesting - the Victorians did like their Palaces of Pleasure. I won't give any more details for fear of spoilers. If you are new to the series, it will work as a stand alone. If you have read all or most of the previous titles, this will keep you engaged well past your bedtime as you revisit old literary friends.
My thanks to the publisher Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 30, 2021
This is the sixth book in this series and it is finally time for the murder trial of Benjamon Bain. Sarah's father had been on the run for twenty-four years until Sarah tracked him down and a bitter enemy of hers - Inspector Reid - arrests him more to get at Sarah than to serve justice.
Sarah and her husband Barrett are trying to adjust to marriage but Sarah's trust issues and an old girlfriend of Barrett's are almost enough to ruin the marriage before it can really take hold. When Sarah and Barrett stumble onto the corpse of a woman after they have survived a train crash, they have a new case to solve. The woman was murdered and their first clues are found in some images on her Kodak camera.
Those images lead Sarah and Barrett to the Cremorne Gardens which Sarah remembers from a pleasant outing with her father when she was a child. Now, the Gardens have fallen into disrepair and are gradually being repaired by former circus performers including a dwarf who sees himself as a Shakespearean actor, a tattooed man, and a woman who was a former acrobat.
But there are deep dark secrets hidden in the depths of Cremorne Gardens which include murders and the possible involvement of a member of British Royalty. Barrett and Sarah are sworn to secrecy in their investigations in order to preserve the reputation of the Royal Family.
This was an engaging story firmly set in the Victoria Era. The characters are well-rounded and intriguing people. The plot is nicely twisty as the cases that are being investigated all begin to have some connections to each other. Fans of rather dark historical mysteries with complex characters will enjoy this series.
Sarah and her husband Barrett are trying to adjust to marriage but Sarah's trust issues and an old girlfriend of Barrett's are almost enough to ruin the marriage before it can really take hold. When Sarah and Barrett stumble onto the corpse of a woman after they have survived a train crash, they have a new case to solve. The woman was murdered and their first clues are found in some images on her Kodak camera.
Those images lead Sarah and Barrett to the Cremorne Gardens which Sarah remembers from a pleasant outing with her father when she was a child. Now, the Gardens have fallen into disrepair and are gradually being repaired by former circus performers including a dwarf who sees himself as a Shakespearean actor, a tattooed man, and a woman who was a former acrobat.
But there are deep dark secrets hidden in the depths of Cremorne Gardens which include murders and the possible involvement of a member of British Royalty. Barrett and Sarah are sworn to secrecy in their investigations in order to preserve the reputation of the Royal Family.
This was an engaging story firmly set in the Victoria Era. The characters are well-rounded and intriguing people. The plot is nicely twisty as the cases that are being investigated all begin to have some connections to each other. Fans of rather dark historical mysteries with complex characters will enjoy this series.
May 16, 2022
I received a copy of this title from the publisher, but all opinions are my own. Garden of Sins is the 6th title to feature Sarah Bain Barrett and her "found" family set during the Victorian era. Although the main mystery is a stand-alone, there are numerous references/allusions to events from the first book that aren't fully explained as well as the finish to the mystery involving the murder of Ellen Casey. The main mystery features the death of a woman who was strangled right before a terrible railway accident that Sarah and her husband are involved in. The pair quickly finds themselves immersed in trying to figure out who the woman was and why she was murdered. Their investigation takes them to Cremorne Gardens, a former pleasure garden that has recently re-opened under the management of former circus folks including a dwarf, an acrobat, and a giant known as Hercules. Throw in a connection to the royal family, and the stakes have never been higher for Sarah and her family. Can they solve the mystery in time or will this be the end of them?
Overall, I enjoyed this book and thought the mystery was well done. I really appreciated how the long running mystery around Ellen Casey's murder was wrapped up - I definitely didn't see the ending coming. On the character development front, I'm hopeful that the mistrust between Sarah and Barrett is finally resolved and that we'll get to see more of the old Hugh in future titles. I'm looking forward to see what adventures Sarah and the gang get up to in the next book in the series.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and thought the mystery was well done. I really appreciated how the long running mystery around Ellen Casey's murder was wrapped up - I definitely didn't see the ending coming. On the character development front, I'm hopeful that the mistrust between Sarah and Barrett is finally resolved and that we'll get to see more of the old Hugh in future titles. I'm looking forward to see what adventures Sarah and the gang get up to in the next book in the series.
December 11, 2021
Crime scene photographer/amateur detective Sarah Bain-Barrett and husband are traveling through London by train when the train suddenly derails. While searching the wreckage for other survivors, Sarah and Thomas find the body of a woman. Upon closer inspection, they determine that the woman was not killed in the train crash. She was strangled. The murdered woman was a Pinkerton detective who'd traveled to England in search of a missing American heiress. Because of a possible connection to a member of the Royal Family, the police commissioner commands Sarah, Thomas, and their band of friends to keep their investigation into the Pinkerton's murder top secret. Their investigation takes them to the seedy Cremorne Gardens—a combination theater, freak show, and museum. There is more to the pleasure garden than meets the eye, and Sarah and company discover illegal activities taking place after hours. As if this investigation isn't keeping her busy enough, Sarah is also spending her days sitting in a courtroom. Her father is on trial for the rape and murder of a young woman that took place over twenty years earlier. Benjamin Bain insists he is innocent but he refuses to name the true culprits. Sarah questions her father's innocence as she desperately searches for a witness who can help free him.
While I enjoyed parts of GARDEN OF SINS, it was not an easy read. There is a lot going on throughout the novel. The murder investigation/ Sarah's father's trial were the two main plots. There were also several subplots: Sarah's and Thomas's marital conflicts that are caused by his old flame, Mick's romance with a young woman, Hugh's recovery from a devastating injury, the arguments between Sarah and her sister, Sarah's continuing disagreements with her husband's superior officer... There was so much going on it that it was difficult to keep things straight. I could have done without a couple of the extra plotlines to make for an easier read. I was also disappointed in the outcome of the trial. The true culprit came as a bit of a letdown. And Sarah's father's actions at the conclusion of the trial were confusing. GARDEN OF SINS wraps up some of the storylines we've been following throughout the firth five novels in the series, and I definitely recommend reading those first.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
https://www.randeegreen.com/blog/2021...
While I enjoyed parts of GARDEN OF SINS, it was not an easy read. There is a lot going on throughout the novel. The murder investigation/ Sarah's father's trial were the two main plots. There were also several subplots: Sarah's and Thomas's marital conflicts that are caused by his old flame, Mick's romance with a young woman, Hugh's recovery from a devastating injury, the arguments between Sarah and her sister, Sarah's continuing disagreements with her husband's superior officer... There was so much going on it that it was difficult to keep things straight. I could have done without a couple of the extra plotlines to make for an easier read. I was also disappointed in the outcome of the trial. The true culprit came as a bit of a letdown. And Sarah's father's actions at the conclusion of the trial were confusing. GARDEN OF SINS wraps up some of the storylines we've been following throughout the firth five novels in the series, and I definitely recommend reading those first.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
https://www.randeegreen.com/blog/2021...
January 20, 2022
There are some disgusting scenes here as well as an equally nauseating dark family secret that was mentioned in Sarah's testimony that instead of creating reasonable doubt, it damned Benjamin Bain even more. As for Sarah, too much time spent on nursing her anger against her husband's staged infidelity... too much internalizing about her father, that both scenarios became extremely tiresome and annoying. Then there was Inspector Reid who was relentless in going back to the Ripper case and would do anything to force Sarah and Barrett to reveal what they knew. Reid had them arrested for obstruction when a dead body, mimicking at a glance the Ripper case, turned up in Whitechapel... he then separated them... then worked on Sarah in exchange for her father's release, and because of her angst and jealousy, she was about to make a deal with him... good thing Scotland Yard summoned her but Reid's suspicion was already vindicated. Whereas before, Reid was already rabid and foaming... I would hate to know what he would be now, the Spanish Inquisition comes to mind. I wondered about English rules on summoning witnesses, or hostile ones for that matter, won't a subpoena do in Patsy's case? Anyway, there was no need, for the guilty party confessed. I think Sarah inherited more than her unforgiving temper from her disgustingly incestuous warped and amoral mother... to the extent that I am beginning to dislike her. Poor Barrett.
August 23, 2021
This series is definitely one of the historical mysteries that I enjoy reading and I’m always looking forward to the next book. This is the sixth book in the series and I highly recommend reading the previous books because there’s some storylines in this one that won’t make sense. For example, the three plots regarding Sarah’s father, Jane, and Reid won’t mean much without the previous books.
In this one, Sarah’s father’s trial is finally here. This causes some issues in many ways with several members of Sarah’s family, who all disagree on his guilt. It turns out that Sarah still has some plans to try to figure out what happened.
At the same time, Sarah and Bennett find a body and it turns out there’s a connection to Pinkerton, a member of the Royal Family, as well as a seedy carnival/theater.
This is a grittier historical mystery, which I like more than fluffy stories. There’s a focus on our unconventional heroine Sarah and her family and friends. I like that certain plot lines have been tied up and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens to these characters going forward. My one issue is that the whodunit regarding her father’s trial was tied up a little too conveniently but I’m particularly interested to see if Sarah and her sister’s relationships improves at all. I’ll definitely be reading the next book when it comes out!
In this one, Sarah’s father’s trial is finally here. This causes some issues in many ways with several members of Sarah’s family, who all disagree on his guilt. It turns out that Sarah still has some plans to try to figure out what happened.
At the same time, Sarah and Bennett find a body and it turns out there’s a connection to Pinkerton, a member of the Royal Family, as well as a seedy carnival/theater.
This is a grittier historical mystery, which I like more than fluffy stories. There’s a focus on our unconventional heroine Sarah and her family and friends. I like that certain plot lines have been tied up and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens to these characters going forward. My one issue is that the whodunit regarding her father’s trial was tied up a little too conveniently but I’m particularly interested to see if Sarah and her sister’s relationships improves at all. I’ll definitely be reading the next book when it comes out!
October 21, 2021
Set in 1890 London, this Victorian mystery is well written with a bit of a bite to it. Sara Bain Barrett, a crime scene photographer, and her husband Detective Inspector Barrett are on a train when it suddenly crashes. Many people are injured and even killed. The couple helps in the rescue effort and discover a dead woman. Her death was not the result of the crash but has a more sinister cause.
Sarah's father is in prison awaiting his trial for rape and murder which took place two decades prior. Most feel he is guilty, a few feel he is innocent. Sarah and her sister's views differ, too. The Barretts investigate murder and Sarah's father's reputation affects her every move. Not only are there murder and compelling complex family dynamics but also another set of characters at a dicey pleasure park as a side story. The plot and subplots all tie in nicely.
The most interesting aspects in my view are the Jack the Ripper reference and the royal connection. Details like that really add; however, the sex scene does not. The Victorian era is my favourite to read about but for some reason I did not feel the atmosphere here.
My sincere thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this fascinating book!
Sarah's father is in prison awaiting his trial for rape and murder which took place two decades prior. Most feel he is guilty, a few feel he is innocent. Sarah and her sister's views differ, too. The Barretts investigate murder and Sarah's father's reputation affects her every move. Not only are there murder and compelling complex family dynamics but also another set of characters at a dicey pleasure park as a side story. The plot and subplots all tie in nicely.
The most interesting aspects in my view are the Jack the Ripper reference and the royal connection. Details like that really add; however, the sex scene does not. The Victorian era is my favourite to read about but for some reason I did not feel the atmosphere here.
My sincere thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this fascinating book!
July 20, 2021
This is a series I discovered thanks to NetGalley when the last book was published. Since then I have read the entire series and love it! Gritty and realistic, the stories show the underbelly of London during the late 1800s. Saran Bain Bennett is a fascinating protagonist - a dedicated crime photographer in the nasty and competitive newspaper industry, she has flaws and insecurities but an overwhelming desire for justice for those who cannot seek it for themselves. Her husband, Thomas, a London police officer is a good match - he also has his flaws but loves Sarah despite her hang ups and he knows when to look the other way. The other supporting characters including Lord High, Mick and her sister Sally are all interesting as well. This particular mystery leads them into another crime with possible royal implications and of course, clashes with Inspector Reid.. While trying to solve one murder, Sarah's father is being tried for another. Torn between the two, she doesn't feel as if she is helping anyone. I can honestly say both murders come to a surprising conclusion. Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of #GardenofSins!
January 31, 2022
I so enjoy these Victorian mysteries with Sarah Bain and her menagerie of interesting friends. This time, she and Barrett are dealing with the disappearance of an American heiress and the Pinkerton from America who was hired to find her in England who has been found murdered. This takes the investigation to Cremorne Gardens. Sarah and her crew discover shows going on outside normal business hours that are drawing in some of the more morally bankrupt citizens of London. There is even a suggestion that the grandson of the queen may be involved. The mystery was satisfying. Also, tension rises as Sarah's dad is being tried for murder, Sarah and Barrett have their first doozie of a fight, Hugh is despondent from his injury, Reid is still after both Sarah and Barrett and has come up with a diabolical plan, and Mick and Anjali are in over their heads. If not for the unjust endings with Eddy, Sarah's father, and Mick's relationship with Anjali, I would rate this work with a fifth star. It was just too tough to take in so many bad outcomes. You'd think a little more happiness could come her way instead of only the half-victories.
February 26, 2022
Esse livro me lembrou de Jack Estripador Rastros de Sangue, e apesar de a Sarah ser muito parecida com a Audrey ela deixa a desejar um pouco na sagacidade.
Logo no começo do livro a Sarah e seu Marido sofrem um acidente de trem, e enquanto ajudam alguns passageiros a saírem do vagão acabam encontrando uma mulher morta.
Nesse meio tempo o Pai da Sarah vai enfrentar um julgamento por homicídio, dpode acabar sendo enforcado.
Sarah precisa provar a inocência do seu Pai, e ajudar o seu marido na investigação do assassinato só trem !!
O livro vai alternar entre as dias investigações e acaba deixando a história bem dinâmica, mas o culpado pelo crime do trem é bem óbvio e a descoberta não foi nada surpreendente, mas os métodos utilizados são sim muito bons !
Agora chocante foi a revelação do culpado pela morte da Ellen, a mulher que o Pai da Sarah está sendo acusado de matar, gente eu não tava esperando por essa revelação não, e confesso que foi bom demais !!
Logo no começo do livro a Sarah e seu Marido sofrem um acidente de trem, e enquanto ajudam alguns passageiros a saírem do vagão acabam encontrando uma mulher morta.
Nesse meio tempo o Pai da Sarah vai enfrentar um julgamento por homicídio, dpode acabar sendo enforcado.
Sarah precisa provar a inocência do seu Pai, e ajudar o seu marido na investigação do assassinato só trem !!
O livro vai alternar entre as dias investigações e acaba deixando a história bem dinâmica, mas o culpado pelo crime do trem é bem óbvio e a descoberta não foi nada surpreendente, mas os métodos utilizados são sim muito bons !
Agora chocante foi a revelação do culpado pela morte da Ellen, a mulher que o Pai da Sarah está sendo acusado de matar, gente eu não tava esperando por essa revelação não, e confesso que foi bom demais !!
April 12, 2023
The 6th book in the Sarah Bain series. Sarah and her husband Detective Sargent Thomas Barrett are riding a train to Kensington when the train crashes. They try to help evacuate the train when they discover the of a young woman who has been strangled. Before they can get very far in trying to figure out who did it, they are summoned to the office of the Police Commissioner where they are given the assignment of investigating and protecting an individual who may be the royal prince of England. Their search leads them to a circus and Sarah, Thomas, Mick, and Lord Hugh get involved. Inspector Reid is not happy and tries to undermine them. In addition, Sarah is dealing with her father’s trial and must find witnesses. Lord Hugh still is having issues that he must deal with, Thomas must deal with a former lover, and Sarah has to learn how to trust. I like how modern medicine is introduced and modern inventions.
July 12, 2021
Book number 6 in this series, but the first one I read. It was bit hard to place the main characters as there is definitely a history there, but overall, it was not difficult to get into. We follow Crime Scene photographer Sarah Barrett and her sister through trial of their father who has been accused of rape and murder a teen 20 years ago. At the same time her husband (Detective Sergeant Barrett) and Sarah are asked to investigate a murder that leads them to Cremorne Gardens, a carnival/museum/theater … that has royal connection, so hush is the word.
I enjoyed the book, but reading the previous books will definitely help, I was a bit taken back about some explicit details in one chapter, and could probably have done without that.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an early read in exchange of my opinion.
I enjoyed the book, but reading the previous books will definitely help, I was a bit taken back about some explicit details in one chapter, and could probably have done without that.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an early read in exchange of my opinion.
January 3, 2022
Sarah and her husband Barrett, a DS at the Met, find a body when their train derails, sending them into the seedy underside of a London circus at Cremore Park. Fans of the series know that she's a photographer and that she also solves crimes with her pals Lord Hugh and Mick. And that her father has long been thought to be the killer of a young girl, a problem which comes to a head in this installment as his case heads to court. New readers (or those who, like me, have read only one of the preceding books), will be fine with this as a standalone as Rowland provides good backstory. This is a Victorian mystery complete with a fair number of tropes for novels set during the period and there might be one too many plot lines. That said, I enjoyed it for the characters and for the twists in the story. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.
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