Love the main character and the descriptions of San Francisco in the late 19th Century. But having a major plot point be a sex club located in a church basement -- how did that location get authorized, and what happens during Sunday School? -- strained the suspension of my disbelief. But I'm willing to put this down as debut-novel-itis and try the next one.

This book had been well recommended, and I was looking forward to it. Unfortunately, it has been difficult to hang in there with it. I'm about half finished, and would drop it if my "I paid for it so I'll finish it" mentality would let me. The protagonist is preachy and self-righteous. I can't decide if her total lack of charm is due to the writing or the narration, but Sarah Woolsen is an arrogant man-hating prig. And actually, only a couple women receive the Sarah Woolsen Seal of Approval. The rest are too weak, colorless, and submissive, in her estimation. Most of he men, so far, are portrayed as boorish or boring. (Honestly, men aren't really all that bad! Some of them are downright wonderful!!) Yes, this was before suffrage, etc., but does it have to be hammered home over and over again in such a forthright "up on a soap-box fashion"? Constant interjections of moral/social pronouncements are artificlal, reeking of "holier-than-thou" attitude.
If you are a listener with an agenda similar to Sarah Woolsen's you'll love this book. It will give you lots of chances to stand up, cheer, reach for the nearest meat cleaver, and poise yourself to implant it in the head of the first man who walks by...poor unfortunate soul. If you are seeking a "cozy" mystery with a charming quality, look elsewhere.
The Narration is labored. The narrator tries hard to do all the men's voices, but honestly, a more straightforward style would be preferable. After a little while, the male voices all sound the same. Instead of adding to the story, it gets to be a huge distraction. And the narrator's inflections make Sarah that much more unlikeable.
I realize my review is not politically correct, but I would rather hear a great story than be PC. It is not my desire to be a downer, but Sarah started it first!
Only 4 more hours to go...Sigh

hard to tell if I liked the story b/c found reader too annoying

What a treat. I love good dialog and great language. Add to that a well constructed mystery and you've got some great entertainment. Then there's Anna Fields, the narrator. Ms. Fields is talented at creating the characters voices, both male and female. I've found myself searching for books where she is the reader. I'm now listening to the Russian Hill Murders by Tallman. The only bad news is that the next Sara Woolson hasn't been written yet.

This is a delightful book. While I usually like more contemporary settings for my mysteries, having this book set in a "more civilized" time was really enjoyable. Sarah Woolson is a woman before her time, aspiring to a man's job in a man's world. It's a reminder that there was a time when "women's rights" were a novelty. Thankfully, the author avoided stereotypically portraying the men as stupid and the women as strong and all knowing. Indeed, the characters are believable and well distinguished. The plot is nicely paced and nothing important is given away before its time. Best of all, Anna Fields is in top form. She reads this with great enthusiasm and sounds like she really enjoyed herself. Her characterizations are phenomenal!