Actually a nicely written series involving an Irish female immigrant made good, turned PI.
Lorraine T. (mysterylover) reviewed Murder in a Mill Town (Gilded Age, Bk 2) on + 318 more book reviews
Nell helps some poor Irish find what happened to their daughter, who happened to work in the Hewitt's mill. I've enjoyed all of this series and this story is no exception.
It took a little to get into it but all in all a great mystery!
Living in the Gilded Age of 1868 Boston, young Irish immigrant Nell Sweeny may not have much, but she does possess both a keen mind and a brave heart. As goveness to the wealthy Hewitt family, she finds plenty of opportunities to use both - especially when the seamy side of society shows itself...
Like the others in this series you can't wait to get tothe end.
Cathy C. (cathyskye) -
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Still Life with Murder, but this second-- while good-- just isn't as dynamic as its predecessor. The mystery itself is tissue paper thin, and even with some misdirection added, the killer is rather obvious. As I kept reading, it became clear to me that Murder in a Mill Town isn't really about the mystery, it's about the growing relationship between Nell and Will and about Nell's past. A few of her secrets were revealed in Still Life with Murder, but there are plenty more to share in this one.
Will continues to be a fascinating character and is every bit as flawed as Nell-- but in a completely different way. Both are brave and smart and possess a dry wit. They certainly showcase Ryan's skill in rich, nuanced characterization. These two definitely will not have a smooth trip to any sort of relationship, and not just because they come from such different backgrounds. Two people in particular are going to cause them problems every step of the way, and it will be very interesting to see what develops in future books. I only hope that those future books have stronger mysteries to solve.
Will continues to be a fascinating character and is every bit as flawed as Nell-- but in a completely different way. Both are brave and smart and possess a dry wit. They certainly showcase Ryan's skill in rich, nuanced characterization. These two definitely will not have a smooth trip to any sort of relationship, and not just because they come from such different backgrounds. Two people in particular are going to cause them problems every step of the way, and it will be very interesting to see what develops in future books. I only hope that those future books have stronger mysteries to solve.
The lowborn Fallons haven't come to the Hewitt household for a handout, they've come for help-the kind of help only Nell Sweeny can give. Thier wayward daughter, Bridget, is missing, and they don't know if she's gone off with her brute of a boyfriend or if she's met a bad end. Now, as Nell traces Bridget's path through the dangerous backally parts of town, she finds herslef caught in a scandalous scheme of lies and money, and what she knows may just be the death of her...
Beverly H. (GainesvilleGirl) -
One of the most interesting parts of this series is the time period. I enjoy the descriptions of the city of Boston and its surrounding locale. Having been born and raised in the area it's fascinating to me to read of what it was like back then. I think P.B.Ryan handles it very well. I liked the first book in this series more, but that might be because it was fresh and new to me. What a delight it was! However this one, the 2nd, is very close to being as good in my opinion. Ryan continues giving us details of the blooming romance between Nell and Will, however flawed it may be. But she introduces new characters who are also very interesting. The murders are gruesome, the search for knowledge of the killer is exciting, and the ending, with full disclosure of the reasons behind the murders, is satisfying. Although I guessed who the killer was a while before the revelation, I didn't feel cheated. There was still much to learn about this person. All in all, I truly enjoyed the book, and am looking forward to reading the third, hoping that it will be as good a read as the first two.
What am I going to do when this series is over? Now, this is a crazy thing to be worrying about when I've just finished the second of the six novels in this series. This author is offering something unique in the world of reading -- an intelligent, resourceful, likable heroine who avoids the common problems of lots of heroines (immaturity, clinginess or other irritating character flaws).
Nell has a difficult past that she is hiding in order to keep her job as a governess in a wealthy Boston home. She's not proud of what she's done but she tries to learn from her previous mistakes and soldier on with life. Her Achilles heel is Will Hewitt. She doesn't realize how much he means to her and what a wonderful fit they are together. When they are together, they are magic. They don't do much but their interactions are significant to them both.
All the characters seem to be well-rounded so that the reader understands why they have acted in a certain way. In this story, Duncan Sweeny makes an appearance and we learn more about Nell's previous life. The fact that the author is parceling Nell's information out slowly only adds to the reader's fascination with Nell and the Hewitts.Â
Gilded Age Mystery
1. Still Life with Murder (2003)
**2. Murder in a Mill Town (2004)
3.Death on Beacon Hill (2005)
4. Murder on Black Friday (2005)Â
5.Murder in the North End (2006)
6. A Bucket of Ashes (2007)
Nell has a difficult past that she is hiding in order to keep her job as a governess in a wealthy Boston home. She's not proud of what she's done but she tries to learn from her previous mistakes and soldier on with life. Her Achilles heel is Will Hewitt. She doesn't realize how much he means to her and what a wonderful fit they are together. When they are together, they are magic. They don't do much but their interactions are significant to them both.
All the characters seem to be well-rounded so that the reader understands why they have acted in a certain way. In this story, Duncan Sweeny makes an appearance and we learn more about Nell's previous life. The fact that the author is parceling Nell's information out slowly only adds to the reader's fascination with Nell and the Hewitts.Â
Gilded Age Mystery
1. Still Life with Murder (2003)
**2. Murder in a Mill Town (2004)
3.Death on Beacon Hill (2005)
4. Murder on Black Friday (2005)Â
5.Murder in the North End (2006)
6. A Bucket of Ashes (2007)
