" I agree with other reviewers that the current installment in this series is an improvement over the last book, but still feels somewhat stilted and formulaic in parts. I've read every entry in the series but stopped purchasing about four books ago; I borrow them from the library because I feel the series has become sterile and predictable (and frustrating in the lack of forward movement in Frank and Sarah's relationship). I read a lot of historical mysteries, and enjoy a literate puzzle rich in accurate historical details, multi-layered characters and clever dialogue. I consider this series "historical mystery lite" - accessible, light, entertaining reads with likeable characters. Early in this series Thompson created a darker, grittier atmosphere where the seedy, teeming underside of New York tenement life came alive; the growing awareness between Sarah and Frank felt passionate and real, as did the seemingly insurmountable obstacles they would face if they acted on that forbidden attraction.
Not so lately; they even end this book sitting side-by-side on a park bench like two old married folks! Nothing wrong with that, but they really used to spark off of each other; Thompson made you feel both Frank's loneliness and longing for the well-born and seemingly unobtainable Sarah, and Sarah's forbidden attraction to the handsome, virile, tough-yet-decent Irish Catholic cop of whom her family would NEVER approve. I hope Thompson listens to her readers and brings back that spark and moves the romantic storyline along to keep the series believable. It can be (and has been) done, i.e., Elizabeth Peters' long-lived Amelia Peabody and Emerson mystery series - a married couple passionate about their work and each other, interesting mysteries, historical accuracy, humor, warmth - not every book was perfect, but a great example of how to move a series along enjoyably. "
— Susan, 2/10/2014