The Gods of Gotham

By: Lyndsay Faye

Narrated by: Steven Boyer

Length: 12 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

It is 1845. New York City forms its first police force. The great potato famine hits Ireland. These two seemingly disparate events will change New York City. Forever.

Timothy Wilde tends bar near the Exchange, fantasizing about the day he has enough money to win the girl of his dreams. But when his dreams literally incinerate in a fire devastating downtown Manhattan, he finds himself disfigured, unemployed, and homeless. His older brother obtains Timothy a job in the newly minted NYPD, but he is highly skeptical of this new "police force". And he is less than thrilled that his new beat is the notoriously down-and-out Sixth Ward - at the border of Five Points, the world's most notorious slum.

One night, while making his rounds, Wilde literally runs into a little slip of a girl - a girl not more than 10 years old - dashing through the dark in her nightshift... covered head to toe in blood.

Timothy knows he should take the girl to the House of Refuge, yet he can't bring himself to abandon her. Instead, he takes her home, where she spins wild stories, claiming that dozens of bodies are buried in the forest north of 23rd Street. Timothy isn't sure whether to believe her or not, but, as the truth unfolds, the reluctant copper star finds himself engaged in a battle for justice that nearly costs him his brother, his romantic obsession, and his own life.

©2012 Lyndsay Faye (P)2012 Penguin Audio

History Comes to Life

If you could sum up The Gods of Gotham in three words, what would they be?

Exciting, Bold, Suspenseful

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the way the author created the sights, smells and personalities of New York in the 1840's. The city was a character in this book.

What does Steven Boyer bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His reading created the characters. His voices for all characters were believable and they were a very diverse group!

If you could rename The Gods of Gotham, what would you call it?

Murder and mayhem in old New York.

Any additional comments?

I really liked this book. It was a great story and also an excellent recreation of a time and place. The characters were real and their motivations were believable.

Lush writing, excellent mystery

Set in 1840s New York City, this book is full of lush descriptions, a fascinating collection of characters, and it’s beautifully written. Difficult topics (child prostitution, serial killing, racial and ethnic prejudice) abound, but it’s all in the context of the newly-created police department. On top of all that, the mystery is excellent.

The audiobook was narrated by Steven Boyer, and I had my doubts about his delivery after the first few chapters. However, he redeemed himself with entertaining accents and his pace was quick but clear. Plus, the use of the local cant (slang) constantly reminded me of Nathan Fillion’s Captain Mal in “Serenity,” which was a nice visual.

I highly recommend this to all historical novel and historical mystery readers.

Flash NYC Story 1845

This book reminded me how much I love Historical Fiction! Set in 1845 during one of the many low periods for Irish Immigrants and the beginning of New York Coppers.

Good new entry; I hope there are more

A good tale with lots of interesting detail on New York at an interesting point in its history. The main character is likable and plausible and the history of the beginnings of the NYC police force are fun.

Time stops when you listen.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Unwanted children are dying in the whorehouses of New York.The chaos of a newly fromed police department in the city of New York. It's gritty, yet has a heart.

What other book might you compare The Gods of Gotham to and why?

Genre wise, it's pretty similar to Letters from a Murder by John Matthews.

Which character – as performed by Steven Boyer – was your favorite?

Bird, a 10 year-old, who has seen and done too much in her short life, ensnares you with her quick wit and her ability to spin a lie. Her interactions with Timothy Wilde are nothing short of enthralling. Her tragic circumstances help Timothy come to terms with his own, and while she is still a child, he treats her as an adult. Their first encounter is wrought with suspicion; Bird wanting a safe-heaven, and Timothy needing the truth. Their relationship evolves to being more than a cop/witness, but to a big brother/little sister type relationship. Their scenes together are my favorite.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Without spoiling it, but it was a Timothy and Miss Underhill come to an understanding. *wink wink*

Any additional comments?

Steven Boyer's narration as Timothy Wilde sets you at ease, as you follow the first days of the establishment of the NYPD. Wilde is soft spoken and mild manner, but the tension rises as he wades through the depth and depravity of the city.

Excellent historical yarn

This mystery takes place in the New York of 150 years ago. The time and place leap off the page and you are drawn into a terrible crime. Well written, well read, the story also resonates with current issues in the United States and in many countries in the Western World. Immigration or refugees with religious beliefs that run contrary to supposed 'god given' rights of the fine democracy. Will definitely be reading another by Lyndsay Faye !

Good listen.

Good listen. narrator did a great job. there needs to be more historical events like Caleb Carr puts into his novels buy all in all worth the time.

What a difference a book makes...

I was not kind in my review of Ms Faye's first book, but whatever faults I found with "Dust and Shadow" have been rectified in this 2nd book. The characters are well developed, the storyline is masterful in suspense, and it is a historical piece of pure delight. Enjoyed it IMMENSELY. and highly recommend it!!!

Slipped right into New York 1845

One of the better historical fictions I've read. Fine crime story reinforced the historical perspective.

Phenomenal performance

The narrator, Steven Boyer, is what made this story live for me. I’m sure if I had read it normally I would have been just as captivated, but his performance gave each character their own voice (literally) and brought them to life. Along with that the author, Lyndsay Faye, did a phenomenal job of keeping you as confused as the main character, Tim. You’re doubting as much as he is which is the core of a good mystery. Definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys being on the edge, as well as some historical fiction. Took me a while to pick up on the lingo of the mid-1800’s, but Lyndsay did a great job to keep it slow and steady explaining things as she went along. Can’t wait to finish the series.