Murder on Marble Row: A Gaslight Mystery

"Murder on Marble Row" has to be the best in Victoria Thompson's series. I have enjoyed each of these Gaslight Mysteries to varying degrees, but this one is flawless. The pacing is perfect; the complex relationship between Frank Malloy and Sarah Brandt continues to intrigue; and, most important, the resolution to the mystery is nothing less than brilliant. As another reviewer said, it's frustrating to wait for what seems to be a long time between each book. On the other hand, Victoria Thompson makes the wait worth it. "Murder on Marble Row" is really showing her at the height of her talents, and I can't wait for the next installment. But I know I won't be disappointed. Rocco Dormarunno, author of "The Five Points"

The only thing bad about the Gaslight series is that they cannot come out fast enough. Every one leaves one wanting more. Marble Row was no exception.

The least dark of Victoria Thompson's Gaslight Mystery novels to date, "Murder on Marble Row" nevertheless still was a compelling and absorbing read.Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy of the New York Police is in a bind. Police Commissioner Teddy Roosevelt has hand-picked him to investigate the murder of wealthy businessman Gregory Van Dyke (Gregory was blown up when a bomb went off in his office); the Commissioner strongly suspects that anarchists are behind the murder, but Van Dyke was also a businessman who had his share of enemies and angry rivals, and the guilty party could lie within that group. And so Malloy, once again, ventures into the world of the rich and the powerful in New York City, thinking that this time, he won't have the able assistance of midwife, Sarah Brandt, because he has resolved to have as little to do with Sarah as possible because of the strong feelings he has for her. Except that the very first person he meets at the Van Dyke house turns out to be Sarah! Sarah, the daughter of the rich and socially prominent Deckers, grew up with the Van Dyke children, and knows that family intimately; and she's determined to help Malloy whether he likes it or not. Almost at once Sarah and Malloy clash when it comes to light that the eldest Van Dyke son, Creighton, has joined the anarchist party. Malloy thinks that Creighton had a hand in his father's death, but Sarah is equally sure that Creighton is innocent, and she manages to persuade Malloy to dig deeper. Together, Malloy and Sarah uncover every secret and scandal that the Van Dyke family have, and come face to face with a very devious and ruthless mind...Unlike the previous Gaslight mysteries by Victoria Thompson, "Murder on Marble Row, doesn't delve very much into the seedier aspects of New York City during the Victorian period. This installment dwells more on doings of the upper classes, and the Van Dyke family in particular. However, the book was still an engrossing and riveting read, with quite a few plot twists and turns, and enough red herring suspects to keep things humming. Furthermore, I was rather pleased that Sarah's parents were better fleshed out, and that there are hints that the mystery of Sarah's husband's murder will be cleared up soon. All in all, a very good and satisfying 5 star read.

New York City Police Commissioner Teddy Roosevelt is trying to clean up the corruption on the force. When an explosion kills Mr. Gregory Van Dyke, a wealthy and powerful businessman, the commissioner asks Detective Frank Malone to lead the investigation because he won?t be bought by the influential citizens who have policemen on their payroll. At the Van Dyke mansion, the trophy widow blames the eldest son for her husband?s death because Creighton has joined a group of anarchists and ?everyone? knows they make bombs to kill the leaders of high society.Sarah Brandt, a family friend of the Van Dykes, pays a condolence call. She forces Malone to take her to his interview with Creighton. She comes away from the interview convinced that he isn?t the killer. Sarah and Malone, separately and together discover that every member of Gregory?s family as well as his business partner have a reason to want him dead. Finding out who the perpetrator is proves quite difficult since nobody wants to cooperate with the police.Each novel in the ?Gaslight Mystery? series just keeps getting better as the audience learns more about the era and the lead characters. Malone won?t admit his love for Sarah because he is an Irish cop and she is a descendant of the Knickerbockers. Even though her parents are wealthy, Sarah works as a midwife and nurse while living on her own income. She loves her parents but doesn?t look to them for approval. The duo makes a good team professionally and if they allow themselves personally. The mystery is well executed and the ending will come as a complete surprise to the audience.Harriet Klausner