Murder in the Bowery

By: Victoria Thompson

Narrated by: Suzanne Toren

Length: 8 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

The national best-selling author of the Gaslight Mysteries returns with a case of murder in the field of higher learning in Victorian-era Manhattan.

Frank Malloy's latest client, Will, is searching for his brother, a newsboy named Freddie, who runs off as soon Will's name is mentioned - only to be found dead a short time later. A suspicious Frank tracks down Will, who spins a tale of lust and deceit involving a young society woman, Estelle Longacre.

Estelle's risky behavior took a fatal toll, but Frank can't be sure if the company she kept is to blame or if her own ruthless family had a hand in her death. Frank will need Sarah's help to discover if there is a connection between Estelle and Freddie's death. Together they must navigate an underground web of treachery to find answers.

©2017 Victoria Thompson (P)2017 Recorded Books

This series is aging well!

Sometimes authors have trouble keeping books in an ongoing series feeling fresh and engaging. But Victoria Thompson has done a nice job of bringing enough changes to the main characters that have kept them interesting in their own lives, used historical incidents that add thought-provoking details, and managed to have very unusual mysteries as well! A good accomplishment!

In this story, the year is 1899, and Frank Malloy, now married to Sarah, has opened his own detective agency, with his assistant Gino for help. He is visited by a man who claims to be looking for his brother—stating they became separated as young children when they were put on the orphan train to be sent out west for adoption. This however, is only the teaser that brings Frank into a far more complicated situation that will get him involved with some dangerous people, and lead him in very different directions than he anticipates. The story in part involves a newsboy strike, that did, in fact take place in that year, and brings focus to the plight of these children, many of whom lived on the streets. There is a related story of a family with a murdered daughter that forces Frank and Sarah to uncover many layers of family secrets.

The only troubling thing about this series, which I have really enjoyed, has been the strange narration. It has been very uneven (in different books)—ranging from terrible to pretty good. In general, it had been improving, but I don’t think this was her best performance. It didn’t stop my listening or enjoying the book, but I would have given more stars if not for that.

EXCELLENT. GOOD HISTORICAL MYSTERIES.

Enjoyable. I like that Frank Malloy is doing well in his private investigations. The team is working well together and helping to solve the murder. A very good continuation of the series. Suzanne Toren performed the characters well and it is easy to distinguish the different characters.

If you follow the series, this fits perfect!

Loved It! Hopefully another one is one the way. Perfect mix of mystery and storyline.

Love this Series

This series has a lot of wonderful historical information along with interesting characters and terrific mysteries. It is definitely worth your time.

Another awesome story

A lot of history touched on in this book and I always learn new things. I am entranced with this era and enjoy hearing about new inventions being introduced

This touch in some horrible truths that still happen today and is so sad

Could not figure it out until near end. Now on to the next!

Enjoyed!

Enjoyed the book very much. Well narrated, but Frank's voice didn't seem to match the character.

Interesting and new twists all along!

another great book. good storyline, engaging characters and disturbing truths blended into a hard to put down historical fiction.

Historically interesting

I have enjoyed all the books in the series. This particular book gave a historical glimpse into orphan trains and the strike by the newsboys.

best yet

I love this series, the reader is top drawer. I love the way the characters interact

Exceptional

Frank and Gino are hired to find a young boy in the heart of New York. What seems like a simple case with a potential happy ending quickly morphs into something more complicated that has them rubbing shoulders with a mob boss. I enjoyed all the historical tidbits added to this books such as the newsies on strike and the orphan trains. It is also nice having Frank and Sarah married and seeing how that dynamic helps them solve murder cases.