Lori’s Book Sense
Man is a true cop tale. It’s credible, extremely well written, and told by a
man who clearly knows what he’s talking about. Being a highly decorated member
of the Metropolitan Police Department has given the author the ability to give
this book the authenticity you don’t normally find in books of this type. The
detail that he provides when relating the struggles these man face each and
every day while trying to solve cases makes
you feel as if you’re sitting in the squad room with them, as if you’re
a part of the force yourself. His descriptive picture of life in DC is so vivid
that you might as well be walking by his side as he roams the streets of DC in
search of a killer. Each chapter is taut with suspense and expertly crafted. While
the action doesn’t speed down the track like a runaway train, the story will
suck you in and pull you along on a slow ride that you will thoroughly enjoy,
hoping it never ends. There better be more of Ezra Simeon in the future.
Malloy soon discovers that despite his social standing, the deceased—Chilton Devries—was no gentleman. In fact, he’s left behind his own unofficial club of sorts, populated by everyone who despised him. As he and Sarah sort through the suspects, it becomes clear to her that her father is evaluating more than the detective’s investigative abilities, and that, on a personal level, there is much more at stake for Malloy than discovering who revoked Devries’ membership—permanently.
Avenue is the 14th book in the Gaslight Mystery series (see Murder
on Astor Place, Murder on Sisters’ Row) featuring turn of the century mid-wife
Sarah Brandt and the Irish Catholic Frank Malloy who has caught her eye. With
each book, the feelings between Sarah & Frank continues to grow, and with
this latest installment, it appears that even Sarah’s father, Felix, is warming
up to the idea of the two of them getting together. It appears as if Felix is asking Frank to
investigate this case as not only a way to solve the mystery of his friend’s
murder, but also as a test of some sort. I have a feeling we will finally see
Sarah & Frank come together VERY soon. Victoria Thompson has the amazing
ability to bring the turn of the century to life with her accurate descriptions
of the way things were back then. From the horse drawn carriages used by the
upper-class to the struggles a mistress will face when she no longer has her
“protector,” the images of life in those times is vividly painted for the
reader in a way that makes us feel fully invested in the story. Murder on Fifth Avenue is a wonderfully told,
first-rate Victorian mystery.
Titanic is every bit as poignant as the original voyage. The author brings you
right aboard the ship with his extremely descriptive narrative, making you feel
as if you were sailing along with the characters. While I understand the route
the author took with the ending, I found it to be a little to perfect for me. I
would have preferred something a little less expected, but still found Titanic
2012 worth the trip. Titanic 2012 is an
emotional journey that will pit friend against friend, bring closure to some,
bring lovers together and possibly tear some apart.