Murder on St. Nicholas Avenue (A Gaslight Mystery)

Interesting to learn more about the Deckers, Maeve and Dino. Interesting story without the Malloys being the main characters. I enjoyed the book but prefer the stories where they are. Looking forward to the next book set during the Christmas holidays. Already pre-ordered it.

i just finished murder in morningside heights, the latest in this series and i have to say i have loved each story. some might be a tad better than others but just a tad. the characters are wonderful, the growth and changes that occur in each novel has been a delight. i feel as i know each one personally. the one bad thing is that i have read the series from the first to the newest and now must wait for months for the next book. i am sure if you love series novels, you feel the same way! it is time well invested. if you chose to read these, i really suggest you start with the first "murder on aster place" and let the charm of the characters build. also the historical times are right one. victoria thompson is one smart author, imho.

Having read all of the Gaslight Mysteries I had grown a bit weary of patterns, plots and characters...all were attractive but it was beginning to feel a bit like repeats. This book has brought the series back to life. The Deckers unexpectedly become a larger part of all future books while Maeve and Gino begin to be developed as they should be. Old Mrs. Malloy still needs a bit of fleshing out from the grumpy But loving Irish widow, but all in all this book starts readers on a new and rather intriguing future path. Cannot wait for the next one!

While Frank and Sarah are on their honeymoon, murders don't stop. Maeve and Gino along with Deckers quickly find themselves embroiled in one! This book was another outstanding mystery in this awesome series, and I highly recommend it!

When a woman shows up on Franks Malloy’s doorsteps, his midwife Maeve is weary of her appearance and think that this is just another person from her employers old neighborhood looking for a handout. When it turns out that Mrs. O’Neill is there on behalf of her daughter Una seeking Frank’s help to rescue her daughter for being accused of murder, Maeve jumps into the Malloy’s spot to handle the situation (as Frank is on his honeymoon and is unavailable). As Maeve tries to find the real killer, it will take the help of a few other friends in order to clear Una’s name, including the help of Gino Donatelli, a cop who happens to be very sweet on Maeve.

Excellent story, I thoroughly enjoyed Murder on St. Nicholas Avenue. Victoria Thompson does an amazing job of combining historical fiction with mystery, into a novel that’s so compelling, it is hard to put down. Character driven and fast paced, I found the 18th book of this series totally engrossing. Maeve was an excellent character. Do not be fooled by the blurb, though it does mention Frank and Sarah Malloy, the usual due of Gaslight mysteries, this one really stars Maeve and Gine. Maeve is fierce, out-spoken and tough as nails. She was such a joy to follow around this mystery and her relationship and banter between Gino Donatelli was both amusing and heartwarming. I loved the little romance brewing between these two.

“This is so much nicer than a cab,” Maeve said, stroking the fine wool lap robe.
“Much more private, too,” he said, remembering his claim that Maeve was his girl and wishing it were true.
He thought she gave him a look, but it was too dark to be sure. “Yes, we don’t have to worry about little ears hearing what we say. I think that’s why Mrs.Decker suggested we go to their house.”
Gino managed not to sigh his disappointment that she didn’t get his hint.

The story also featured a curious Mrs. Decker, who loves to butt in and her husband, Mr. Decker that finds his wife’s involvement, very amusing especially when she tries to hide it. I love their relationship mainly because of the way Mr. Decker reacts to his wife’s involvement, especially when he finds out that she is doing to sneak behind his back. He teases her, and lures her just to watch her reaction when she realizes that he knows her antics all along. Their interaction is easy, teasing, and can really put a smile on my face.

“How very clever,” Mrs.Decker said. “I must remember that.”
“Why?” her husband asked. “Are you planning to murder someone?”

The mystery was fun, and like I had already mentioned a bit hard to put down. Una is the woman accused of bashing her husbands head in. As we learn more about Mr.Pollock, her husband, you can’t help but feel a kind of resentment for the man and all of his wrong doings. Una was a really hard character to like, so if that was the case that Thompson was building, she had accomplished it because not only did I not like her, I downright hated her by the end of the book.

“But I didn’t kill him,” she repeated. Maeve would’ve been angry by this point, but Una just pouted prettily.

The woman grated my nerves, especially when throughout the entire book she was using her looks to sway people and to me she just seemed like a total nutcase.heh.

The only thing that disappointed me was that I was hoping for a bit more of a holiday feel to the book because the cover suggested that, but I didn’t get much of that at all.

Overall, if you are a fan of historical mystery, Victoria Thompson is a master at writing with memorable characters that grow with every book, an engrossing mystery and just simply wonderful writing.

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Sarah and Frank are on their honeymoon until the last chapter, but that is exactly what makes this plot work. While they are gone, a neighbor for the Malloys old neighborhood knocks on the door asking for help. Maeve takes pity on the woman, her daughter married a nice man with a deal of money. He has been killed and her daughter arrested. Maeve recruits Gino to get information on the crime. They need an attorney so they go to the home to get a change of clothes and cash and Mrs Decker is recruited to make sure they get in the door. Maeve finds heaps of money in the safe along with a ledger, not knowing what it means they get Mr Decker involved. Soon the foursome are an unlikely team and the idea of Frank starting a detective agency on his return is being floated around. They uncover a big swindle was being perpetrated by the victim and there is more going on than they first suspected. Maeve and Gino have sparks flying and the Deckers are always entertaining when they get involved. I didn't miss Frank and Sarah at all, it was lovely to see the secondary characters take the initiative and get time to shine. Mrs Malloy and the children all make lots of appearances as well. Wonderful holiday theme too

"Murder on St. Nicholas Avenue" is a historical mystery set in New York city in 1898. It's the eighteenth book in the series, but you don't need to read the previous novels to understand this one and this story didn't spoil the previous whodunits.

With the two main sleuths away on their honeymoon, it's up to their helpers to solve the mystery. It was fun to get to know these characters better. They apply what they've learned in the past to ask good questions and follow up on clues. It's a clue-based mystery. I had a good idea of whodunit about halfway through but figuring out some of the details took longer. I was surprised that there was a question which they kept bringing up which had an obvious (to me) possible answer which they overlooked until nearly the end. Otherwise they did a good job at considering the possibilities.

There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this fun and interesting historical mystery.

I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.

Maeve, Gino, and Felix and Elizabeth Decker get a chance to shine in the latest entry in this long running series. While Sarah Brandt and Frank Molloy will always the stars of the show, it’s nice to see this crew take center stage for once.

One thing that makes this series so entertaining is reading how different things were in those days: the formality of everyday existence, the facades people hide behind in the name of propriety, the power the Deckers wield simply because they are rich, the slower paces of travel and communication. In this book, it’s funny to see the reactions of some people to new-fangled inventions (things we don’t even think twice about), like Frank’s mother’s reaction to the telephone and electric Christmas tree lights.

Ms. Thompson’s writing has an ‘old time’ tone to it, which only makes these books sound more authentic.

And she’s kept all the books in this series around 300 pages, avoiding the dreaded story bloat – where each book is longer than the one before with no increase in quality, only in words.

I was looking forward to this Christmas themed book which was also supposed to highlight the secondary characters in the Gaslight series. I must admit I enjoyed seeing Sarah's nursemaid Maeve and Gino, a police officer who used to work with Frank get together. I also enjoyed the fresh look at Sarah's parents, Felix and Elizabeth Decker. Sarah and Frank are on their honeymoon when the book opens, and when a distraught woman comes to their house, Maeve feels that she must try to help her clear her daughter's name. She had been arrested for the murder of her husband. Maeve enlists Gino and the Deckers to help her. During the course of the investigation the amateur detectives must first research the history of the victim and his young wife. They uncover quite few unsavoury details that only help to widen the suspect pool. Unfortunately, I had figured out the killer and the reasoning and planning behind the murder very early in the book. That took away a lot of the excitement and with no Frank and Sarah there, the book just didn't grab me like others in this series have done. I look forward to the next book, which will hopefully have Frank and Sarah in it.

Victoria Thompson​'s _Murder on St. Nicholas Avenue_ is a wonderful, satisfying book, the latest in the Gaslight Mystery series (in case one prefers to read a series in order, the KDL What's Next list has them in order).
This book allows supporting characters to take the lead, which they do quite well, and it's set at Christmas time!
I started it yesterday and knew I wouldn't get much done today, lost as I was in another world.
Some books pull one along quickly . . . then begins the long wait for the next.

Sexual Content: None
Language (Profanity/Slang) Content: Mild
Violent Content: Minimal/Moderate

Murder on St. Nicholas Avenue is the 18th book in the Gaslight Mystery Series. This book is a little different in that the main characters of Frank and Sarah Malloy are not featured, since they are on their honeymoon. However, this mystery still has plenty of enjoyable and interesting characters.

A woman, Mrs. O’Neill comes looking for the Malloys in hopes that they can save her daughter from going to jail for a murder she doesn’t believe her daughter committed. Instead, she encounters Maive, a midwife who works for the Malloys; a woman who is all too happy to help Mrs O’Neill. Maive enlists the aid of Sarah’s parents, the Decker’s and her good friend former officer( and possible love interest) Gino Donatelli in hopes of finding out the truth.

Murder on St Nicholas Avenue was a pleasing historical mystery where the secondary characters from previous books took front and center. I found this to be a refreshing change that put a different spin on the series. The mystery was solid and keeps the reader guessing until the very end. It was a skillfully woven story and cleverly written. Una, Mrs. O’Neill’s daughter was the type of woman most readers would not like. Despite her proclamation that she didn’t kill her husband, she came across as a selfish, greedy woman, who could possibly do the deed and get away with it.

A great entry into the series, with a different spin on things, Murder on St. Nicholas Avenue is a great read for lovers of cozy and historical novels, alike.

-- WENDY

All books reviewed by Once Upon a Romance are furnished by the publisher or publicist for a fair and honest review.

If you’re a fan of Historical mysteries, the Gaslight series may be just what you are looking for.

While I have enjoyed a few, I will admit, historical mysteries aren’t my favorites. My brain seems better suited for strong female leads of present time rather than more demur ladies of the past. That being said, I am happy to say that in the Gaslight Mysteries, has not just one, but several strong females. While this series normally centers around characters Frank Malloy and Sarah Brant. However, having married in the previous book, the Malloy’s are on their honeymoon. Author Victoria Thompson uses this in MURDER ON ST. NICOLAS AVENUE to bring to the forefront, Mauve and Gino. Readers of this series will know these characters from past installments. Having already established a wonderful team with Frank and Sarah, author Thompson shows Mauve and Gino more than competent to take the lead.

This was an interesting mystery. I found myself really getting drawn into the story. A young woman thrown into prison for murdering her husband, and her distraught mother desperate to find help in proving her daughter innocent. All through the intriguing investigation I looked forward to learning each new detail. I had some moments when I thought I knew all, but I ended up falling short when the reveal came.

Victoria Thompson is an impressive author and certainly knows how to build suspense in her writing. Her fans are going to enjoy this fresh look into the series, even as they miss Frank and Sarah. But no worries, you can’t keep the Malloys away forever!

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele

Murder on St. Nicholas Avenue is a wonderful addition featuring minor characters to the long-running Gaslight Mystery series, and Ms. Thompson does a fine job of combining historical fiction and mystery with just a sprinkling of Christmas cheer thrown in.

When the Malloy nursemaid Maeve answers the door to find family friend Mrs. O’Neill on the stoop, she assumes that the woman has learned of Frank Malloy’s good fortune (literally) and is there for a handout. However, Mrs. O’Neill has come seeking Frank’s investigative help because her daughter Una has been arrested for killing her husband Randolph Pollack, and her motherly instinct tells her that Una is innocent. Since Frank and his wife Sarah are away on their honeymoon, Maeve decides to do her best, with the help of her police officer friend Gino Donatelli, to clear Una’s name. Knowing that she will need assistance negotiating her way about high society, Maeve turns to Sarah’s mother Mrs. Decker, and eventually Mr. Decker, too, for help. The more they uncover about Mr. Pollack’s business dealings and personal life, the harder it is to feel bad about his demise. Likewise, though Una claims innocence, she also becomes difficult to believe. As a motley group, the four unlikely friends work together to solve the case as the body count rises before Christmas comes.

Though this is the eighteenth book in the Gaslight Mystery series, it reads just fine as a standalone novel. Maeve is intelligent and independent and does not let her social standing hold her back. She is systematic in her investigating, and I greatly enjoy her interactions with Gino. Their flirty push and pull is entertaining. And speaking of entertaining, Mr. and Mrs. Decker are delightful. Their teasing shows genuine affection during a rather stilted period in history. I can just imagine how potentially boring being a lady in this era could be. Mr. Pollack is a truly despicable character, and he is all too easy to dislike. However, Una is even more disagreeable, manipulative and narcissistic, and I actually wanted her to be guilty by the end. The Victorian era is my favorite historical period, and it is well represented here in nineteenth century New York City. I find the historical details fascinating, and the era enhances the mystery. Though the story is set at Christmas time, it is not really a holiday mystery, but the season does add an interesting contrast to the darker aspects of the story.

I enjoyed Murder on St. Nicholas Avenue and recommend it to fans of the series and of the era. It is a fine mix of historical setting and mystery.

I received this book for free from Berkley Prime Crime in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I haven’t read any of the other books in this series. But I wasn’t lost at all while reading this one. I really liked Maeve. Some of the things she thought made me wonder what her life had been like before she became a nursemaid. But I’m guessing that was explained in one or more of the previous books. Her interactions with Una and Gino made me laugh more than once.

I didn’t care for Una one bit. But I liked Gino and the Deckers. It amused me how Mrs. Decker poked her nose into various investigative things, and tried to hide the fact from her husband. It also made me laugh when Mr. Decker became intrigued enough to start helping out on his own without prompting.

It wasn’t stated until later in the book, but at least one of Una’s servants was black. I’m not sure if all 4 were. This wouldn’t be an issue at all except that it startled me when I read it since up until that point the servants hadn’t been described except by age and sex. I’m guessing it was because of the time period the story took place in.

I liked how the children in the book interacted with each other. Catherine learned sign language from her brother Brian, because Brian was deaf and went to a special school. Though again, not having read the other books, I had no idea how old the children were supposed to be. It was never stated, just that Brian went to school and Catherine did not.

The mystery was well written, and I loved the twists that popped up during the story. There were more than a few places where I had to laugh, and the story itself was engrossing enough that I read it all in one sitting. I will be looking for some of the earlier books in the series to see if they are equally as good.

If you like cozy mysteries, especially historical ones, with humor as well as a good twists, you need to try this book.

(cross-posted to my blog.)

Victoria Thompson has written another thrilling historical mystery, centered on the efforts of Maeve and Gino, who have a strong mutual attraction. The intriguing plot is solid and fast-paced, and the book was difficult to put down. I love Ms. Thompson’s enchanting descriptions of her characters, who are almost real and certainly loveable, especially Felix and Elizabeth Decker. Several times I laughed out loud, especially when Maeve and Gino try to hide their feelings for each other, fooling no one but themselves. The book ends with Frank and Sarah’s return, and the delightful possibility that a new detective agency may be formed. I can’t wait!

I received a free advanced reader's copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to grant it a favorable review. My full review can be found at [...]

I enjoyed the character development of these characters who had been important but only supporting characters in the the books of the series.
The writing, as usual, was good building a plot with very subtle clues. The clever budding detectives (agency tp be established when Frank gets home) worked together, using their own special abilities to discover information and fit the pieces together. The Deckers have developed into an interesting couple who are stretching out from their upper class boundaries to be comfortable with their daughter's world. Gino and Maeve are getting closer to each other and work well together. All four seem to be good judges of characters and know when something seems to be "off".
It is not a Christmas book - it is just a book in the series that takes place in late December. The ending is sad because one can feel sorry for the murderer. Justice is also served as the life of the one who gets away with murder is ruined. I am looking forward to seeing all these characters "working" for Frank in his detective agency.

I've enjoyed all the Gaslight Mysteries, and this one is definitely included in that collection.

It's a gap/filler book, with Frank and Sarah only making their appearance at the end. Although the mystery has some rather serious/depressing moments, the book has a definite sense of humor. I love the peeks at Felix Decker's inner voice, and how he deals with the women in his life. I also really enjoy Maeve as a character - both trying to push the limits and her developing relationship with Gino Donatelli.

I'm still on the fence about the direction of the series after the author found a way to write herself out of the initial problem keeping Frank and Sarah apart, but I'm definitely on board for the next book.

While Sarah and Frank are on their extended honeymoon, Maeve and Gino (with help from Mr. and Mrs. Brandt) get their chance to solve a murder.

Mrs. O'Neill, from the Malloy's old neighborhood comes looking for help. Her daughter, Una has been arrested for murdering her husband. The police are convinced that Una is the murderer, so they aren't going to do any investigating. So, Maeve takes charge and finds a lawyer for Una and gets her out of jail, until her trial is set. She soon finds out that Una isn't the sweet girl that she was led to believe.

I enjoy this series. I'm looking forward to the next book.

A neighbor of Frank Mallory arrives at the new home while Frank and Sarah are on their honeymoon requesting.The daughter Una has been arrested for the murder of her husband. Maeve decides to help her. She asked the Dino to find out information on the murder. Mrs. Dexter, Maeve and Una's Mother go to Una's home to retrieve some clothing for Una. Before long Felix Dexter becomes involved as the investigation deepens. The minor characters in the series are developed and we learned more about them.This a one of must read author, her books are research and informational.

Victoria Thompson writes with amazing insight into not only how people lived in New York City in the late 1800's, but into their their emotions and heartaches also. If you love this era of time, she is one of the best writers for this. Her vivid descriptions and emotions of her characters make for a delightful read. The aspect of how different people lives were then and now is fascinating. A great read as are all the books in this series.