Reformed gangster Jack Robinson is working hard to bolster his image in Gilded Age New York City society as he prepares to become a new father. But when Hayden Norcross, the man who nearly ruined his wife, is shot in cold blood, Jack knows the police will soon come knocking on his door. Frank Malloy has to agree—things don’t look good for Jack. But surely a man as unlikeable as Hayden had more than a few enemies. And it’s soon clear that plenty of the upper echelon as well as the denizens of the most squalid areas of the city seem to have hated him.
Sarah and Frank have their work cut out for them. As the daughter of the elite Decker family, Sarah has access to the social circles Hayden frequented, and the more she learns about his horrific treatment of women, the more disturbed she becomes. And as Frank investigates, he finds that Hayden had a host of unsavory habits that may have hastened his demise. But who finally killed him? Sarah and Frank must put the pieces together quickly before time runs out and Jack’s hard-won new life and family are ripped apart.
Frank and Sarah are investigating the murder of the son of one of the wealthy, Knickerbocker families of New York City. Jack Robinson, from a previous book, is concerned that the police might look at him for the murder because Hayden raped his wife. Frank and Sara are fond of Jocelyn and Frank Robinson. They agree to investigate the murder, to protect them from a scandal.
Murder On Wall Street, the twenty-fourth book in this series, is a fun look back at the early 19th century. Frank and Sarah are comfortable in their marriage. The in-laws are happy for Sarah and Frank and love when they are included in one of Frank’s investigations. The idea that “motor cars” is only a passing fancy makes me smile. Imagine how wonderful it is to get from place to place at 12 mph.
The mystery is a challenge. All the clues point to Hayden’s use of opium and prostitutes. The more that Frank and Sarah learn about Hayden’s activities, the more they are sure that Hayden crossed a member of the criminal underground. Frank and Gino are busy interviewing criminals, while Sarah and her mother, Mrs. Decker use their connections to the elite to get gossip.
I’m very happy for the chance to spend time with Frank, Sarah, and company on a new adventure. Frank and Sarah always work a case together, but Frank is much better at asking for Sarah’s help even if he does worry when she gets in dangerous situations. They are a great team.
Gino and Maeve are working on their relationship. These two are always good for a laugh. I love when Gino pulls his brothers into a case. Gino’s mom is a good, old-fashion, Italian mother. She puts the fear of God in her boys, and Maeve too.
I am finding a new love for the Deckers. When the series began, I could not understand how parents could be so cruel to their child. Now they are in Sarah’s life, and supporting here. Felix Decker is taking Frank to his club and other locations where NYC elite socialize. He proudly announces that Frank is his son-in-law. How he has changed and developed over this series. I love seeing Felix and Elizabeth with the grandchildren.
Murder on Wall Street includes many characters from previous stories. It was fun to see how they are doing. Frank’s mother adds her two sense to the investigation whenever she can. Mrs. Ellsworth is back with her superstitions and predictions. Great fun!
I suspected the murderer about halfway through the story, and that is Okay. It was entertaining to follow along with Frank and Sarah to see if I was right. I love the ending. The mystery is not one that I would call “high suspense.” It was enjoyable. I recommend this book and the series to mystery lovers. The history is educational; another good reason to grab this book. A great read.
4 STARS
No comments:
Post a Comment