jjares reviewed on 9/20/2019 + 3413 more book reviews

These stories are stand-alone novels but because of the changes in the relationships between characters, it is best to read them in order.  Nell's friend, Colin Cook, a state constable is being hunted for killing a man in the North End.  Because this is such a dangerous section of London, Will Hewitt won't let Nell search for clues to find the real killer by herself.  They are developing into a fascinating pair of sleuths.

The author has her finger on the pulse of London in the late 1860s and early 1870s.  Her descriptions make the odors and sounds of this immigrant slum area come alive.  It is clear that the Irish immigrants are not afforded any respect from the people of Boston.

The real joy is this book is the continuing development of the characters and the thorny dilemmas they must face.  The romance is very understated.  Nell can't get a divorce without destroying her life and Will knows he cannot maintain his distance from Nell, as he has promised.  What are they to do?   
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) 
** 5.Murder in the North End (2006)
6. A Bucket of Ashes (2007)  

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