Edgar Award finalist Victoria Thompson colorfully portrays the prejudices and hardships of turn-of-the-century New York City. Called to Chinatown to deliver a baby, midwife Sarah Brandt soon helps search for a missing girl. But nobody seems to know where she is. Has she been sold to a brothel, or has she run off with a secret love? ". vividly recreates the gaslit world of Old New York."-Publishers Weekly
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"This is the second book I've read in this series.I really enjoy them! The main character is Sarah Brandt who is a midwife in 19th century New York City. Great mysteries plus history about New York during the time period. Great summer reading! "
— Pam (4 out of 5 stars)
… vividly recreates the gaslit WD of Old New York.
— Publishers Weekly" I hadn't read this mystery writer before, but I liked her. Set in New York at the same time as Anne Perry and Caleb Carr. Will read more of hers! "
— Lpage1479, 2/1/2014" One of the better books of the series, I think. Her books are usually pretty predictable, I think, but this one had me guessing right up until the end. And I love how Sarah and Frank are getting closer.... :) "
— Katie, 1/25/2014" This was one of my favorites in the series. The mystery was solvable, but still fun. I enjoyed the references to the Chinese culture and how they were treated at the beginning of the 20th century in NYC. "
— Tory, 1/18/2014" While I found the Chinatown references/information on laws & prejudices insightful, I felt the roundabout way Frank & Sarah discovered the "who dunnit" a bit tedious. As usual, I loved the time period setting & the tiny (oh so tiny) extras about Sarah's personal life. I want more of Sarah/Frank, VT! It's too many books in for me to accept that "Frank is annoyed Sarah shows up" stance... Especially when she can hold her own. And does. "
— Elisha, 1/9/2014" Quick, but satisfying read set in turn-of-the-twentieth-century New York City. The main characters are midwife Sarah Brandt and Detective Sergeant Malloy in turn-of-the-century New York City. Would recommend to fans of historical mysteries as well as those looking who enjoy a Caleb Carr feel to their mysteries. "
— Teresa, 11/19/2013" This mystery took me longer to figure out that others in the Gaslight series. As with the others, it was interesting to learn about customs and living conditions of that time. "
— Becca, 10/27/2013" Interesting historical sociological slant: Chinese men married to Irish women at the turn of the century. The hatred of each group for the other. "
— Judy, 10/21/2013" Well written murder mystery with great characters. Plus the era of time in which the story occurs is very interesting. Not especially fond of the direction that was taken in the storyline, but still an enjoyable mystery. "
— Janell, 9/26/2013" Great look at immigrants, prejudice,and life in the tough neighborhoods of New York in the 1890s. Sarah is a great character "
— Barb, 5/30/2013" I love all these books in Victoria Thompson's "Gaslight" series. This is her latest one. If you like a good mystery series, I highly recommend this one. "
— Julie, 5/11/2013" Another excellent Victoria Thompson gaslight mystery! So worth the read like all of her previous ones in the series. Love the history background! "
— Abbygal, 10/15/2012" fun mystery in the Gaslight Series - takes place in early NYC "
— Joanne, 7/16/2012" The Chinese/Irish angle made this book unique and the characters are very relatable and likable. Good fast-paced book. "
— Roshni, 3/1/2012" I like this series. They're kind of like a lighter Law & Order: SVU set in the late 1800's. "
— Stefanie, 2/22/2012" This was about a murder in Chinatown and how Mallloy and Sarah figured out who the kiler was. Catherine started to talk in this book too. It had been a while, so really liked this book. "
— Connie, 11/22/2011" The story has twists and turns, but I felt it moved too slow. I read through until the end, and I'll admit I didn't start at book one (this is book 9)but I don't know how much that hurt. I don't think I'll read another from the series. "
— Owen, 9/11/2011" Good enough to continue with the series. I do like the way the author brings in social issues relevant to the time. I'm still trying to decide if her depiction of Chinese culture then in NYC was accurate or stereotypical. "
— Judy, 9/7/2011" Lost interest about 1/2 way through the book...I was reading this one for my book group. "
— Tiffany, 6/21/2011" Light, quick read up to the standards of the series. "
— Barb, 5/16/2011" I have a real weakness for mystery series. I'm finally caught up in this one, and it's time to set it aside for awhile, even if I enjoy it. I should try to save the next one for a day when I want to read something I know I will enjoy and won't tax my brain. "
— Melissa, 5/7/2011" lame...but it was a quick read and I didn't know who did it until the end. "
— Lesley, 2/10/2011" I love Victoria Thompson, she has a wonderful grasp of early 20th century New York city. "
— Meade, 11/19/2010" Really enjoyed this entry in the series. "
— Kelly, 9/17/2010" I rather liked this one, of course they are all good,this was especially great- clever contrast of cultures going on,the Irish and those wacky Chinamen! <br/> <br/>If you jump on the bandwagon with Victoria, they must be read in order.. "
— Donna, 7/30/2010" Interesting historical sociological slant: Chinese men married to Irish women at the turn of the century. The hatred of each group for the other. "
— Judy, 6/20/2010" This book seemed a little rushed - not as much research in evidence, and less character and plot development. Is she burning out, or being rushed by her publisher as the series gains popularity? This is a light, fast read of a series as it is, but this book was too fast and too light for my taste. "
— Judy, 2/27/2010" I am really enjoying reading the books in this victorian set murder serirs that deals with a midwife and a an Irish cop in NYC. Much lighter than Anne Perry and quick reading. [close:] "
— Kathleen, 2/17/2010" This was a fun read. A little sluggish in the beginning, but then I got more in to it. Just a fun, light read. "
— Anne, 2/16/2010" This mystery took me longer to figure out that others in the Gaslight series. As with the others, it was interesting to learn about customs and living conditions of that time. "
— Becca, 2/5/2010" I hadn't read this mystery writer before, but I liked her. Set in New York at the same time as Anne Perry and Caleb Carr. Will read more of hers! "
— Lpage1479, 1/16/2010" Lost interest about 1/2 way through the book...I was reading this one for my book group. "
— Tiffany, 9/22/2009" Well written murder mystery with great characters. Plus the era of time in which the story occurs is very interesting. Not especially fond of the direction that was taken in the storyline, but still an enjoyable mystery. "
— Janell, 7/8/2009Victoria Thompson is the Edgar® and Agatha award-nominated author of the Gaslight Mysteries and the Counterfeit Lady Mysteries.
Suzanne Toren, award-winning narrator, has over thirty years of experience in narration. She was named a “Golden Voice” by AudioFile magazine in 2019. She has won the American Foundation for the Blind’s Scourby Award for Narrator of the Year, AudioFile magazine named her the 2009 Best Voice in Nonfiction & Culture, and she is the recipient of multiple Earphones Awards. She performs on and off Broadway and in regional theaters and has appeared on Law & Order and in various soap operas.