Frank, Sarah, Maeve, and Gino
are pulled into an investigation in Italian Harlem when Gino is arrested for
the murder of a local crime boss. During this
time, in the Italian communities, there are a number of kidnappings of women
and children. The women are often raped
or abused during the time they are held.
When one of the female volunteers is kidnapped, Gino’s sister-in-law
asks Frank and Gino for help. Gino gets
in trouble when he goes out on his own to “talk with” Esposito, which
highlights his naiveté and his idea that his fellow Italians will do the right
thing.
The historical setting of late
1800s New York City is educational as well as entertaining. I didn’t realize that there was an Italian
section of Harlem, where Pleasant Avenue is located. The philanthropy of the time is changing as
settlement house. The Harlem Settlement Hall
offers classes in English, cooking, resident rooms, and other services to help
immigrants gain skills and assistance to move forward.
What I enjoy about this series
is the dynamic among the main characters as well as the interactions with
lesser characters. Sarah and Maeve are women ahead of their times; both are independent and struggle with the limitations on women's careers. Now, Frank immediately
contacts Sarah in a situation that he feels she is most qualified. Before they married, Frank always resisted. The dynamic between Gino and Maeve is
evolving. They always snap at one
another, but now they are showing a deeper connection. I have a connection of Frank and Sarah’s
family, now we are meeting Gino’s family.
It is fun to see their dynamics.
The teasing among the brothers, and the way they welcome their oldest
brother’s wife.
I came to this series late and
binged most of the early stories. I’m a
little bummed now that I’m up to date and need to wait with everyone for the
next installment. I highly recommend
this series. For all historical and/or mysteries. It is a lovely police
procedural, set in a time when forensics isn’t as sophisticated as it is
today. Just the same, a good detective
can follow the clues.
5 STAMPS
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