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Amelia Matthew Mysteries #2
The Unquiet Dead
The new Gilded Age mystery featuring the uniquely talented Amelia Matthew—who has the ability to communicate with the dead—as she uses her special talents to solve the murder of a young girl whose death has scandalized New York City.
Three months after her harrowing experience on Blackwell’s Island, Amelia is doing her best to come to terms with her new abilities to commune with the spirit world. The last thing she wants to do is hunt for another killer through the streets of Gilded Age New York. But when she and Jonas discover the body—and spirit—of a young girl whose kidnapping has electrified the city, Amelia’s resolve wavers. It breaks entirely when a fifteen-year old boy—the son of one of the club’s black waiters and his Irish immigrant wife—is accused of the crime.
With the city in an uproar and an ambitious reporter watching their every move, Amelia and her brother Jonas set out to discover the truth. And they have to do it quickly: in five days, the boy will be transferred to the brutal Sing Sing prison to await trial. For such a notorious suspect, it’s as good as a death sentence.
But all the evidence seems to point to the boy’s guilt. Worse, the murdered child wasn’t the first: there have been at least five other victims. As tensions rise throughout the city, the boy’s family is subjected to an escalating campaign of violence and intimidation, culminating in the firebombing of their home.
In the chaotic aftermath, Amelia taps into her special talents to search for the clues that will unmask the killer.
Three months after her harrowing experience on Blackwell’s Island, Amelia is doing her best to come to terms with her new abilities to commune with the spirit world. The last thing she wants to do is hunt for another killer through the streets of Gilded Age New York. But when she and Jonas discover the body—and spirit—of a young girl whose kidnapping has electrified the city, Amelia’s resolve wavers. It breaks entirely when a fifteen-year old boy—the son of one of the club’s black waiters and his Irish immigrant wife—is accused of the crime.
With the city in an uproar and an ambitious reporter watching their every move, Amelia and her brother Jonas set out to discover the truth. And they have to do it quickly: in five days, the boy will be transferred to the brutal Sing Sing prison to await trial. For such a notorious suspect, it’s as good as a death sentence.
But all the evidence seems to point to the boy’s guilt. Worse, the murdered child wasn’t the first: there have been at least five other victims. As tensions rise throughout the city, the boy’s family is subjected to an escalating campaign of violence and intimidation, culminating in the firebombing of their home.
In the chaotic aftermath, Amelia taps into her special talents to search for the clues that will unmask the killer.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2022
14 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 14, 2021
So excited to announce that book 2 of the Amelia Matthew Mysteries is officially a GO!
April 9, 2022
I loved A Deadly Fortune and highly recommend both books for anyone who likes historical mysteries - you should read these two in order since they are very connected. A Deadly Fortune, Murphy’s debut novel, introduces readers to three characters in Gilded Age New York: Amelia, her close friend Jonas, and doctor Andrew Cavanaugh. The Unquiet Dead brings us back to Amelia’s world, with the kidnapping and murder of a wealthy little girl and a fifteen-year-old black boy who's accused of the crime and certain to hang for it.
I love historical mysteries that explore social issues and racial and class inequities. These books provided a really interesting historical perspective. Amelia and Jonas have experienced poverty and abuse, and if they didn’t have each other they wouldn’t have survived. Andrew has never known hunger, violence or discrimination, though he struggles in his own ways. Murphy weaves together issues of race, homosexuality, gender, and poverty in these two novels, while never sounding preachy or overshadowing the story or its characters. Her writing is vivid, with details about the streets, the homes, and the work (like the laundry) that make you feel you’re in 1893 New York.
What makes both books shine are the characters. I fell in love with Amelia, Jonas, and Andrew – and I loved how imperfect they are. All three characters had complicated relationships and troubled pasts that kept them from trusting others. I always think character development is more important than plot in a good mystery series. A lot of mysteries are just about racing from one clue to the next, but these two books really got into deeper issues than that.
There are paranormal elements in these books, although with a light touch – Amelia is sometimes able to communicate with the dead, but her ability is unpredictable. What I appreciated was that most of the action and mystery-solving comes from the brains and bravery of the characters. The Unquiet Dead was every bit as good as the first book, and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Thanks to Pegasus Books for the advance review copy. My full review is at http://thebookstop.wordpress.com.
I love historical mysteries that explore social issues and racial and class inequities. These books provided a really interesting historical perspective. Amelia and Jonas have experienced poverty and abuse, and if they didn’t have each other they wouldn’t have survived. Andrew has never known hunger, violence or discrimination, though he struggles in his own ways. Murphy weaves together issues of race, homosexuality, gender, and poverty in these two novels, while never sounding preachy or overshadowing the story or its characters. Her writing is vivid, with details about the streets, the homes, and the work (like the laundry) that make you feel you’re in 1893 New York.
What makes both books shine are the characters. I fell in love with Amelia, Jonas, and Andrew – and I loved how imperfect they are. All three characters had complicated relationships and troubled pasts that kept them from trusting others. I always think character development is more important than plot in a good mystery series. A lot of mysteries are just about racing from one clue to the next, but these two books really got into deeper issues than that.
There are paranormal elements in these books, although with a light touch – Amelia is sometimes able to communicate with the dead, but her ability is unpredictable. What I appreciated was that most of the action and mystery-solving comes from the brains and bravery of the characters. The Unquiet Dead was every bit as good as the first book, and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Thanks to Pegasus Books for the advance review copy. My full review is at http://thebookstop.wordpress.com.
August 19, 2022
This is the second in the Amelia Matthew series. Amelia works as a spiritual medium in New York City. She is still recovering from her ordeal at an asylum. Amelia and Jonas Vincent grew up in an Orphanage have always looked out for one another. Amelia has discovered that she can actually communicate with the dead, but is not sure how to use her newly acquired talent. She and Jonas come across the scene where a 5 year old girl who has been kidnapped and then murdered. They get involved with the murder at the request of a friend who wants them to prove that the 15 year old boy being held for the murder did not commit the murder. Jonas gets his lawyer friend to represent the young boy and Amelia gets the doctor from the asylum to attend the autopsy. Along with a reporter the 5 work to free Amos. Not only was this a very good mystery but I loved all the historical references. The book was eye opening on how women, the poor vs. well to do and those of different races suffered inequalities and prejudices. Looking forward to more books in this series.
May 31, 2022
This was a very good mystery. I would have probably enjoyed it more if I had read the first in the series. Going to have to read it now with a few spoilers from this second in the series.
August 18, 2022
3.5 stars
I enjoyed the previous book in this series so I was glad to see a 2nd book. I hope there will be more to come.
This time Amelia & Jonas are investigating a case of a friend being accused of killing a child.
As with the first book, the writer does a great job of research which is reflected in the descriptions of NY in the 1890's as well as the people, culture, racism, poverty, etc. She did such a good job that at times I became upset w/the state of affairs. I had to close the book for a few minutes to take a deep breath & say, "it's fiction. it's ok. and it happened a long time ago..." :)
And it was interesting to learn that PTSD was referred to as "a soldier's heart" back then. Also, a realistic touch of having the characters steal dealing with the ramifications emotionally of the events that occurred in the first book.
Needless to say, the mystery keeps you guessing. It's a little slow in the beginning but as it reaches it's finale, the suspense & pace pick up.
I enjoyed the previous book in this series so I was glad to see a 2nd book. I hope there will be more to come.
This time Amelia & Jonas are investigating a case of a friend being accused of killing a child.
As with the first book, the writer does a great job of research which is reflected in the descriptions of NY in the 1890's as well as the people, culture, racism, poverty, etc. She did such a good job that at times I became upset w/the state of affairs. I had to close the book for a few minutes to take a deep breath & say, "it's fiction. it's ok. and it happened a long time ago..." :)
And it was interesting to learn that PTSD was referred to as "a soldier's heart" back then. Also, a realistic touch of having the characters steal dealing with the ramifications emotionally of the events that occurred in the first book.
Needless to say, the mystery keeps you guessing. It's a little slow in the beginning but as it reaches it's finale, the suspense & pace pick up.
April 5, 2022
In Stacie Murphy’s phenomenal sophomore addition to her Amelia Matthew Gilded Age mystery series, she showcases the harrowing realities of poverty among the tenements of late 19th century New York while re-introducing readers to her diverse and inclusive cast of characters.
After the daughter of a well-to-do family is found murdered, and the psychic Amelia experiences a troubling encounter with her restless spirit, Amelia and her brother Jonas embark on a race against time to exonerate the accused suspect—a young man of color they believe to have been at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Impeccably researched, The Unquiet Dead encompasses many timely and important themes—systemic racism, LGBTQ+ concerns, poverty and social privilege. Murphy handles her subject matter with compassion and sensitivity while also taking the reader on a suspenseful, page-turning ride. Absolutely wonderful! I can’t wait for the next Amelia Matthew mystery.
After the daughter of a well-to-do family is found murdered, and the psychic Amelia experiences a troubling encounter with her restless spirit, Amelia and her brother Jonas embark on a race against time to exonerate the accused suspect—a young man of color they believe to have been at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Impeccably researched, The Unquiet Dead encompasses many timely and important themes—systemic racism, LGBTQ+ concerns, poverty and social privilege. Murphy handles her subject matter with compassion and sensitivity while also taking the reader on a suspenseful, page-turning ride. Absolutely wonderful! I can’t wait for the next Amelia Matthew mystery.
May 9, 2022
When I read books in a series, I'm always concerned that the author will alter characters I've already gotten to know and love, or erase growth they achieved in previous books, just to serve a plot. I didn't have to worry about that here at all. Amelia, Jonas, and Andrew are back and moving forward in their lives (and in Amelia's case, her psychic development) in ways that fit well with who and where they are. As with the first book, the narrative gives a deep dive into some Gilded Age local history, as well as the class and race issues simmering beneath the glamor of the age--all while centering a compelling murder/kidnapping case. It's everything I look for in historical fiction (plus a little of the paranormal). Not to mention, the way the various threads come together and get resolved at the end is very satisfying. An engaging and fast read. I'm looking forward to what these characters get up to next.
May 15, 2022
Murphy did it again. What a follow up to her last!
I may have enjoyed this one even more - perhaps because she expanded on characters we met and fell in love with in the first book AND introduced new characters who immediately became favorites of mine. (I hope we see some of Amelia and Jonas' coworkers again in the Murphy Cinematic Universe.)
I admire the level of research she puts into her books - dropping tiny details here and there that both color the world, but also are historically accurate.
Murphy is a skilled story-teller and here are my two proof points with no spoilers. 1) Her ending COMPLETELY surprised me. Yet in thinking about it, it was inevitables, and 2) She dealt with the explosive issue of race in 1890s New York in an honest and frank way - NOT through the lens of 2022 and without the use of racial epithets. Even though they may have been appropriate for the time and the characters - she chose to find other ways to communicate the gulf between white and black characters and characters of different social classes. And she did it so masterfully, I didn't actually notice it until it was pointed out to me later. So...that's some good writing right there.
Looking forward to more from Murphy with these characters or whatever else she dreams up!
I may have enjoyed this one even more - perhaps because she expanded on characters we met and fell in love with in the first book AND introduced new characters who immediately became favorites of mine. (I hope we see some of Amelia and Jonas' coworkers again in the Murphy Cinematic Universe.)
I admire the level of research she puts into her books - dropping tiny details here and there that both color the world, but also are historically accurate.
Murphy is a skilled story-teller and here are my two proof points with no spoilers. 1) Her ending COMPLETELY surprised me. Yet in thinking about it, it was inevitables, and 2) She dealt with the explosive issue of race in 1890s New York in an honest and frank way - NOT through the lens of 2022 and without the use of racial epithets. Even though they may have been appropriate for the time and the characters - she chose to find other ways to communicate the gulf between white and black characters and characters of different social classes. And she did it so masterfully, I didn't actually notice it until it was pointed out to me later. So...that's some good writing right there.
Looking forward to more from Murphy with these characters or whatever else she dreams up!
June 16, 2022
Reminiscent of The Alienist, a book I absolutely loved--Victorian NYC, a serial killer on the loose, a group solving the mystery. This was just as good, but not as dark. I will definitely read more from this author.
March 23, 2022
This is a fantastic second installment in the series. I love that it’s a Gilded Age mystery where the heroine just happens to be able to channel spirits. There is so much more going on than Amelia’s unique ability, and the writers use of multiple POVs helps to flesh all of it out. One thing I really loved was the point where each of the main characters (Amelia, Jonas, Andrew) had to take a long beat of self-reflection and decide what kind of person they wanted to be. So lots of emotional upheaval going on, but I can’t wait to see where it takes everyone in the next book.
May 24, 2022
This is not my normal genre, but I got totally taken in by this book. Murphy builds the story beautifully—a love story, inside a murder mystery, all wrapped up in a paranormal tale that shines a disturbing light on the racial and economic inequities of the Gilded Age. Murphy is a storyteller. Looking forward to more from her.
June 18, 2022
I waited impatiently for this second book in Stacie Murphy's inventive and fascinating new series about an 1890s New York City con artist at the top of her game, who ends up acquiring an inconvenient and genuine talent, and I'm DELIGHTED to say it more than lives up to its first installment. I *highly* recommend it, and now can't wait for a third!
April 12, 2022
I’ve fallen in love with this book, the story, the characters, all of it! It’s the late 1800s, racial injustice is soaring high, misogyny is present in every corner, and same-sex relationship is beyond acceptable. How the author dabbles all these sensitive issues to open our minds and heart toward the less likable, the outcast, and the outsider is beyond masterful. She led me into a familiar feeling I got from Sherlock Holmes but in the gritty and ominous atmosphere of New York. The main plot wraps around a tragic missing case that quickly develops into a deeper and horrifying discovery of a potential serial killer story. Her precise choice of vocabulary to describe historical scenes are unmatched and drew me right into how much she researched about NY as a whole. As a person who’s been in Brooklyn for more than a decade, I appreciated her thorough approach to writing this novel, which honestly became one of my favorites. I must say even If I picked this up as a mystery, I'm considering it as a love story that is unlike any other I've read. This book has brought me hope and a feeling of warmth that I craved. I believe you will relate to this sentiment if you ever felt misunderstood, unjustified, and alone.
April 9, 2022
"The Unquiet Dead" is the story of Amelia Matthew, a young woman who has a particular talent where she can communicate with the dead. She is still coming to terms with this gift when the book opens. A slew of murders of young children and a potentially wrongly accused murderer shake Amelia from trying to come to term with her gift to diving in and using her gift before it's too late and more innocence is lost.
Oh, this book really fit the bill for me! I love a good ghost story and I love how real the author made Amelia's powers feel. The world building in this book was really great. The author does a great job of not only making you care about the main characters but the secondary characters as well. She does a good job of showing some of the past and how it is still shaping how these characters move throughout the world. You are really pulling for all of them!
This is the second book in the author's series about Amelia's powers. Admittedly, I felt a little lost with some of the back story as I have not read the first book. While I ended up loving the characters, I do wish that I would have had more context for where they were coming from in order to connect with them a little sooner in the book. While you get a semi-recap of what happened in the book, I was definitely a little lost at first. I wish I had realized that this book was a sequel but that just means that now I need to go back and read the first book!
Overall, this was a great historical fantasy with strong gothic overtones and a good helping of mystery! I do recommend reading the first book first!
Oh, this book really fit the bill for me! I love a good ghost story and I love how real the author made Amelia's powers feel. The world building in this book was really great. The author does a great job of not only making you care about the main characters but the secondary characters as well. She does a good job of showing some of the past and how it is still shaping how these characters move throughout the world. You are really pulling for all of them!
This is the second book in the author's series about Amelia's powers. Admittedly, I felt a little lost with some of the back story as I have not read the first book. While I ended up loving the characters, I do wish that I would have had more context for where they were coming from in order to connect with them a little sooner in the book. While you get a semi-recap of what happened in the book, I was definitely a little lost at first. I wish I had realized that this book was a sequel but that just means that now I need to go back and read the first book!
Overall, this was a great historical fantasy with strong gothic overtones and a good helping of mystery! I do recommend reading the first book first!
November 2, 2022
3.5 Stars rounded up
This book is a great Halloween choice because it has many facets of spooky things. First and foremost, the female protagonist sees dead people. They speak to her and sometimes even "possess" her (and I'm putting that in quotes because it wasn't actually treated like a possession, more like they took over her body to convey a message to her or to others around her, but...idk. Now that I put it that way? It wasn't treated like what I would consider a possession). Anyway, so we've got that very ghostly and paranormal aspect to it. The ghostly part of the book is fun, but it isn't really pervasive. Murphy had a lot more to discuss and a lot more to tell than just a ghost story.
The other spooky part of this book is it's a murder mystery, and pretty early on we learn that the murder isn't an isolated incident. Most of the book is spent trying to solve the murder, and that includes meeting different characters who have different things to add to the solution, as well as ones that seem to be helpful and aren't, ya know, like a normal murder mystery.
The most surprising and biggest part of this book is the social discussion of the time period. The story takes place in the Gilded Age of New York, which is 1870-1900. With this came a lot of display of a stratified society, where there are the haves and the have nots and intermixing of those two classes are not really a thing. There is also some pretty serious racial issues, and in fact the accused murderer is a boy who is Black and there is basically very little evidence that he actually committed the crime. What I thought was going to be a light-hearted book about a girl who sees ghosts turned in to a murder mystery novel that had some pretty serious social discussions, some of which were obviously showcasing that racism and classicism is not dead, even more than 100 years later.
This book surprised me. I liked the ghost part of it because I felt like it wasn't hokey or too cheesy. The murder mystery was also interesting, and as I mentioned above, there was a lot going on overall to really make it a more meaty book than I expected. Because there were so many different facets of it, I felt like it wasn't always completely tight, and sometimes I'm not sure it knew what kind of book it wanted to be, but it seemed to work for the most part. I was surprised that Murphy was able to pull it all off, although I think that one of those facets--the ghosts, the murder mystery, the social commentary--could have been left off and it would have given more space to another facet of the book. It isn't really a long book, and so I would have liked more of the ghostly aspect, really. Because Murphy was able to address it all with such seriousness I would be interested to see what this particular character would be like in a more ghost-focused story.
If you like murder mysteries or even ghost stories, you should check this book out! You can see how it provided the perfect cross section of all the things for a Halloween review!
Read my full review here: https://www.readingforsanity.com/2022...
This book is a great Halloween choice because it has many facets of spooky things. First and foremost, the female protagonist sees dead people. They speak to her and sometimes even "possess" her (and I'm putting that in quotes because it wasn't actually treated like a possession, more like they took over her body to convey a message to her or to others around her, but...idk. Now that I put it that way? It wasn't treated like what I would consider a possession). Anyway, so we've got that very ghostly and paranormal aspect to it. The ghostly part of the book is fun, but it isn't really pervasive. Murphy had a lot more to discuss and a lot more to tell than just a ghost story.
The other spooky part of this book is it's a murder mystery, and pretty early on we learn that the murder isn't an isolated incident. Most of the book is spent trying to solve the murder, and that includes meeting different characters who have different things to add to the solution, as well as ones that seem to be helpful and aren't, ya know, like a normal murder mystery.
The most surprising and biggest part of this book is the social discussion of the time period. The story takes place in the Gilded Age of New York, which is 1870-1900. With this came a lot of display of a stratified society, where there are the haves and the have nots and intermixing of those two classes are not really a thing. There is also some pretty serious racial issues, and in fact the accused murderer is a boy who is Black and there is basically very little evidence that he actually committed the crime. What I thought was going to be a light-hearted book about a girl who sees ghosts turned in to a murder mystery novel that had some pretty serious social discussions, some of which were obviously showcasing that racism and classicism is not dead, even more than 100 years later.
This book surprised me. I liked the ghost part of it because I felt like it wasn't hokey or too cheesy. The murder mystery was also interesting, and as I mentioned above, there was a lot going on overall to really make it a more meaty book than I expected. Because there were so many different facets of it, I felt like it wasn't always completely tight, and sometimes I'm not sure it knew what kind of book it wanted to be, but it seemed to work for the most part. I was surprised that Murphy was able to pull it all off, although I think that one of those facets--the ghosts, the murder mystery, the social commentary--could have been left off and it would have given more space to another facet of the book. It isn't really a long book, and so I would have liked more of the ghostly aspect, really. Because Murphy was able to address it all with such seriousness I would be interested to see what this particular character would be like in a more ghost-focused story.
If you like murder mysteries or even ghost stories, you should check this book out! You can see how it provided the perfect cross section of all the things for a Halloween review!
Read my full review here: https://www.readingforsanity.com/2022...
June 30, 2022
I finished most of this thrilling historical fiction mystery in two days; staying up late and then waking up early to find out what happens next!
Stacie Murphy brings Amelia and the gang back in "The Unquiet Dead", sequel to "A Deadly Fortune". Still set in Gilded Age New York but not confined to the asylum, this book expands Amelia's world with gripping action that takes them across the city and a time deadline that gives every move they make more weight. This is the historical fiction genre at its best: I loved learning about the mechanics of everyday life, the socioeconomic struggles put upon people during this time period, and how these elements meld together to influence how they function within and influence the world around them. The historical tidbits tie in so well with the plot's central themes of race, class, mental illness, found families, the justice system, and motherhood.
I am so impressed with how this sequel takes Amelia, Jonas, Andrew, and Sidney from the first book and expands on their backgrounds. Murphy expertly uses different character relationships as foils to compare and contrast, such as Amelia/Andrew, Jonas/Sidney, and Miles/Polly, as well as character traits in male characters for the female protagonist to witness what she might ultimately need in a romantic partner, such as when Andrew is compared to Sidney and Rhodes. And although characters of the same genders, race, or class are compared, each character comes across as unique and their own fully realized individual. All of the character development is meaningful and deserved, and I have my preferences for how their careers progress after the events of this book.
I LOVED all the romantic beats here. They are exciting yet respectful, and their inclusion does not come across as at odds with the tone of the rest of the plot. Transitions between different scenes, plot points, tense subjects, and separate POV's are written really well. I enjoyed this sequel more than I did the first book, which is also quite good, so I'm definitely on board with whatever the city chucks Amelia's way next! Highly recommend.
Stacie Murphy brings Amelia and the gang back in "The Unquiet Dead", sequel to "A Deadly Fortune". Still set in Gilded Age New York but not confined to the asylum, this book expands Amelia's world with gripping action that takes them across the city and a time deadline that gives every move they make more weight. This is the historical fiction genre at its best: I loved learning about the mechanics of everyday life, the socioeconomic struggles put upon people during this time period, and how these elements meld together to influence how they function within and influence the world around them. The historical tidbits tie in so well with the plot's central themes of race, class, mental illness, found families, the justice system, and motherhood.
I am so impressed with how this sequel takes Amelia, Jonas, Andrew, and Sidney from the first book and expands on their backgrounds. Murphy expertly uses different character relationships as foils to compare and contrast, such as Amelia/Andrew, Jonas/Sidney, and Miles/Polly, as well as character traits in male characters for the female protagonist to witness what she might ultimately need in a romantic partner, such as when Andrew is compared to Sidney and Rhodes. And although characters of the same genders, race, or class are compared, each character comes across as unique and their own fully realized individual. All of the character development is meaningful and deserved, and I have my preferences for how their careers progress after the events of this book.
I LOVED all the romantic beats here. They are exciting yet respectful, and their inclusion does not come across as at odds with the tone of the rest of the plot. Transitions between different scenes, plot points, tense subjects, and separate POV's are written really well. I enjoyed this sequel more than I did the first book, which is also quite good, so I'm definitely on board with whatever the city chucks Amelia's way next! Highly recommend.
June 9, 2022
This book, a second book in the series which started with A Deadly Fortune, is a great addition. Historical mystery is shining brightly with stunning plot, characters, and setting.
A young child is found dead after her disappearance and a 15-year-old boy is the presumed murderer. However an ambitious reporter supplies information that make Amelia, Jonas, and Andrew realize this murder is more complex than first stated. Sidney, Jonas’s partner, plays a bigger role in this mystery than the previous one and many new characters provide a rich backdrop for this book.
Many questions remain about these characters and their futures. I hope this author continues to enthrall us with more books containing these fascinating characters set in the golden age of New York City.
A young child is found dead after her disappearance and a 15-year-old boy is the presumed murderer. However an ambitious reporter supplies information that make Amelia, Jonas, and Andrew realize this murder is more complex than first stated. Sidney, Jonas’s partner, plays a bigger role in this mystery than the previous one and many new characters provide a rich backdrop for this book.
Many questions remain about these characters and their futures. I hope this author continues to enthrall us with more books containing these fascinating characters set in the golden age of New York City.
July 31, 2022
A warning: not the book to start if you’re hoping to go to bed at a reasonable hour.
This wonderful, painfully researched novel takes place a few months after Amelia and her brother Jonas uncover a deadly plot at the NYC insane asylum (book 1). Amelia, who can see/conjure spirits, and Jonas, recovering from a near fatal attack, are drawn into a case of abduction - but is their client guilty?
Stacie is a masterful, suspenseful, sensitive writer - staunch in a feminist viewpoint while also acknowledging her character’s flaws. Her writing is both careful and urgent - advancing a plot you can’t get enough of while setting the stage for more of the deeper, character-driven story to unfold.
I am not a fan of fantasy, normally…but I’ll read forever anything Stacie Murphy writes.
This wonderful, painfully researched novel takes place a few months after Amelia and her brother Jonas uncover a deadly plot at the NYC insane asylum (book 1). Amelia, who can see/conjure spirits, and Jonas, recovering from a near fatal attack, are drawn into a case of abduction - but is their client guilty?
Stacie is a masterful, suspenseful, sensitive writer - staunch in a feminist viewpoint while also acknowledging her character’s flaws. Her writing is both careful and urgent - advancing a plot you can’t get enough of while setting the stage for more of the deeper, character-driven story to unfold.
I am not a fan of fantasy, normally…but I’ll read forever anything Stacie Murphy writes.
September 26, 2022
As I wrote in my review of A DEADLY FORTUNE, the first book in this series, I am a co-leader of a mystery book group in my area. We had THE UNQUIET DEAD on our list for our September meeting, so I first read A DEADLY FORTUNE and was hooked. This second book in the series was a strong successor to the first, with another complex story, good mystery, and fascinating characters. I loved it and have been recommending these two books to everyone I know who loves a good book and, especially, a good mystery. I already want the third book in the series, which is not even under contract yet--so if you have read these two books and want more of Amelia Matthew and her coterie, let the publisher know!
February 24, 2023
Anyone who likes reading a good mystery thriller -- this is the one for you! I literally could not put it down! The story takes place in the late 1800's in NYC and involves solving a case about young children being murdered over time, but comes to a head when the five year-old daughter of a wealthy child is the latest. The two investigators (a brother and sister team), Amelia Matthew and Jonas, have a short time to find who the real murderer is while a young man is being held in jail and close to being sent to Sing Sing Prison for the crime which he did not commit. I highly recommend this book; kudos to Stacie Murphy! I definitely want to read more of her books.
June 9, 2022
I enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was happy to delve into another installment. Amelia and Jonas are likable, easy-to-root-for main characters. Following them, along with their respective love interests, on a new adventure made for an engrossing, diverting reading experience. The plot of THE UNQUIET DEAD doesn't offer anything unique, but it's still a compelling story. It kept me turning pages, wondering what was going to happen next. Although I didn't find this second outing *quite* as engaging as the first, I still enjoyed it and will definitely continue on with the series.
September 9, 2022
An intriguing mystery, more interesting due to the intertwining relationships between characters who outwardly seem to have little in common though are quite likeable. The reader learns more about each, better understanding perspectives and attitudes shaped by past lives. They work together to help a family whose teen son is unfairly accused due to the color of his skin and location of his home. Police brutality is fierce but typical for the time period unfortunately. Much progress is made and when the crime is solved, we learn some healing has begun and there is hope again.
May 5, 2022
The Unquiet Dead by Stacie Murphy
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.
The Unquiet Dead by Stacie Murphy is the captivating second installment in Amelia Matthew Gilded Age mystery series.
One again Murphy delivers a thrilling suspenseful tale set in the dark glittering world of the Gilded Age New York.
An immersive thrilling mystery, our clever heroine, Amelia Matthew, who has a unique ability. It seems that our dear Amelia can communicate with ghost.
Some time has past and It’s been three months since the Blackwell’s Island, incident.
This time a death of a wealthy young girl causes a huge scandal, when the finger is pointed at a 15-year-old laundry worker Amos Alston.
Not wanting to jump into another murder investigation Amelia, along with her brother Jonas Vincent, who happens to be her partner investigator, can’t help stepping into this mystery. Very young, Ginny Holloway is kidnapped, and when her body is found on the street. A innocent young man who’s life hangs on thread as Amelia Matthew works to prove his innocence.
A wonderful suspenseful historical mystery that tackles some real hardcore issues involving class inequities, and social injustice. Richly drawn out characters that are well developed. A fast moving pot that kept me completely entertained from start to finish.
#historicalmystery #gildedage #thegildedage #staciemurphy #adeadlyfortune #theunquietdead #newbooks #newbookday #indieauthors #indiepublisher #pegaussbooks #amreadingmystery #crimefiction #crimereads #pegasuscrime #mysterybooks #historicalfiction
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.
The Unquiet Dead by Stacie Murphy is the captivating second installment in Amelia Matthew Gilded Age mystery series.
One again Murphy delivers a thrilling suspenseful tale set in the dark glittering world of the Gilded Age New York.
An immersive thrilling mystery, our clever heroine, Amelia Matthew, who has a unique ability. It seems that our dear Amelia can communicate with ghost.
Some time has past and It’s been three months since the Blackwell’s Island, incident.
This time a death of a wealthy young girl causes a huge scandal, when the finger is pointed at a 15-year-old laundry worker Amos Alston.
Not wanting to jump into another murder investigation Amelia, along with her brother Jonas Vincent, who happens to be her partner investigator, can’t help stepping into this mystery. Very young, Ginny Holloway is kidnapped, and when her body is found on the street. A innocent young man who’s life hangs on thread as Amelia Matthew works to prove his innocence.
A wonderful suspenseful historical mystery that tackles some real hardcore issues involving class inequities, and social injustice. Richly drawn out characters that are well developed. A fast moving pot that kept me completely entertained from start to finish.
#historicalmystery #gildedage #thegildedage #staciemurphy #adeadlyfortune #theunquietdead #newbooks #newbookday #indieauthors #indiepublisher #pegaussbooks #amreadingmystery #crimefiction #crimereads #pegasuscrime #mysterybooks #historicalfiction
July 19, 2022
This was quite good! For Christmas I received a mystery-of-the-month subscription, and this is the best so far (it’s now July). The setting in the Gilded Age underworld is completely but un-self-consciously drawn. That the characters inhabit the fringe of polite society means that the social critique doesn’t seem anachronistic. The plot is absorbing and the prose smooth. It’s probably worth starting this series at the beginning, but that wasn’t necessary to enjoy the book.
August 24, 2022
Much like A Deadly Fortune, I absolutely adore the sequel. I'm always super hesitant to read historical fiction because I'm such a stickler for accuracy but The Unquiet Dead and the first novel pushes past that and presents me a story that is both fascinating and forces you to confront topics that still resonate today.
September 18, 2022
I had the opportunity to meet the author and we like some of the same books, so I guess it makes sense I love her writing! I was worried I wouldn't like the sequel as much as I liked the first book, but it was the opposite. This book was amazing! It made me grateful we have come as far as we have, but also sad that we haven't come further. But mostly it's a fun read with likable characters and an incredibly vivid portrait of the gilded age.
PS- she does book clubs so invite her to yours!
PS- she does book clubs so invite her to yours!
June 17, 2022
I liked this story and the characters. I wish I had known there was a first book before starting to read this one. I really don’t like reading series anymore unless I can read them all instead of waiting for each book to be written. This particular story was good, though, I don’t think it would be on my list of recommendations.
January 16, 2023
I was so pleased to read this second book in the series and spend more time with the characters. Murphy is a wonderful storyteller. Just like the A DEADLY FORTUNE, THE UNQUIET DEAD keeps a quick pace with escalating tension. The setting and time are so well researched--something I only thought about afterwards, since I was so immersed in it while reading. Highly recommend!
March 1, 2023
Two and a half stars. Literally the definition of mediocre. I wanted to stop reading it but then it would’ve been wasted time towards my reading goal and my mommy wanted me to read it. But i checked and she didn’t even give it a good review on Goodreads so honestly she’s really fake for recommending it to me.
May 29, 2022
The Amelia Matthews series has been enjoyable so far. I love Amelia, Jonas, and Andrew and the gang has further expanded to include Sidney. These books do have some darker themes and violence, but the overall storyline makes up for it (which isn't always the case for me).
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