Murder on Lenox Hill

Sarah Brandt is a midwife who often works in the tenements of turn-of-the-last-century New York. One night she is summoned by the wealthy Linton family to confirm the fear they have that their teenage daughter is pregnant. They don't understand how it could be possible since their daughter is mentally still a child herself and has never been left alone. When Sarah questions the young girl she denies that any man has ever “hurt her”. Sarah asks Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy to help her investigate how this situation is possible. The investigation leads to few suspects with the exception of Mr. Linton himself and the minister of their church, Reverend Oliver Upchurch. In a continuing story line Malloy continues his investigation show more into the cold case murder of Sarah's husband, Dr. Tom Brandt.

I really enjoy this series. The author does a wonderful job of presenting turn of the century life and the social structure of the time. Her characters are well developed, even if one has not read the previous books in the series. You feel the emotions of the characters and the situations are realistically handled. There are a couple of twists that enhance the story, but the characters are the main focus. show less

I'm pacing myself on these mysteries (two a month) so I’m back again and will be back once more this month...loving Victoria Thompson's Gaslight Mysteries. Sarah and Frank are still sparring affectionately as they deal with two serious mysteries - the (1) unexplained pregnancy of a mentally challenged teenager who has the emotional and intellectual development of a five-year-old. The young girl is never out of her parents’ sight so the mystery first points to the only male in the household (her father) or the Minister in their Church. It is soon apparent, however, that neither could have committed the rape; but, while searching, (2) Sarah and Frank learn to their horror that the congregation's young fatherless boys are possibly show more being abused by the Minister under the guise of his "special" care. There is, of course, also death under suspicious circumstances somewhere along the line (not the murder by gossip, proposed early in the novel, but rather death by gossip), lots of suspects, and strengthening ties between the two main protagonists under the disapproving eyes of Frank’s acerbic mother and the sniggering chuckles of his co-workers.

Frank (a widower) has proven himself to be a capable detective – a diamond in the rough, so to speak. He would probably have accepted “rewards” to do his job and to stay in line with his fellow policemen but now, hooked up with Sarah (a widow), his honest and diligent nature shines through. Sarah is a midwife – independent both financially and in spirit – although she comes from one of the richest and most prominent families in late 1890’s NYC. She champions the poor, the downtrodden, and especially women, never faltering in her diligence, despite her parents’ disapproval of her occupation (women of her station and breeding don’t work and should pretend to be empty-headed stepford wives, acting strictly according to Hoyle, er, Emily Post). She is relentless in her pursuit of justice – and the amiable (did I say that?) Frank is more than happy to tag along and follow her lead (did I actually say that?).

By book seven she has now changed Frank’s life forever, introducing him to his son’s full potential despite the physical disabilities he suffered at birth, while, in the meantime bringing a foundling child into her own life and home. Frank, forever in her debt, has been secretly working the cold case of her husband’s murder….I can’t wait to read #8 (already borrowed), but first I have to finish The 10,000 Doors of January before it self-returns to the library. show less

Murder on Lenox Hill
4 Stars

The plot of this particular installment is a little different with two separate yet related mysteries that touch on several dark and sinister secrets. While the culprits and motivations are easy to figure out, it is, nevertheless, entertaining to follow along as Sarah Brandt and Frank Malloy uncover the clues.

Sarah and Malloy's relationship continues its slow but, but there are indications that Sarah is beginning to come to terms with the loss of her husband. It is clear, however, that nothing will happen until Tom Brandt's murder is solved.

Speaking of which, the ongoing investigation into his death takes an interesting turn and reveals some fascinating insights into the perceptions of the female psyche show more during the time period.

In sum, another enjoyable addition to the series and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. show less

Murder on Lenox Hill begins with a rather unusual midwifery all for Sarah Brandt, and comes full circle to a form of sexuality that all civilized people will find appalling, leading to a tragic, if still satisfactory, conclusion. As seems typical for this series, the mysteries aren't very mysterious, but the path to the conclusion is a satisfying narrative that entertains from beginning to end. And, for once, Brandt's propensity for putting herself in very stupid situations is missing. Recommended for fans of the Gaslight Mysteries.

Widowed mid-wife and policeman friend investigate the pregnancy of 15 yr old wealthy sheltered mentally challenged girl. This leads them to a church run by a morally corrupt minister who has fooled his congregation. Interesting characterization between the two main characters. I've become a fan of these period genteel murder mysteries.

Im listening to them in order, because the two main characters make them thoroughly enjoyable. Thompson does a superb job of setting the atmosphere of late 19th century manhatten. On to number 8.

Sarah Brandt is a midwife to the poor. So imagine her surprise when she gets called to the home of the Linton's in the affluent section of Lenox Hill. She can't image what it is they want to see her for. Soon enough she finds out that their impaired daughter is pregnant - and they have no clue how it could happen. She is never out of their sight. With their permission, Sarah contacts Frank and together they try and find out how this young girl became in the family way. Little did they know the horrible truth they would come to find out about a beloved minister. What turns into a case of rape quickly becomes a quest to find a murderer. Once again the tension exists between Sarah & Frank. Frank's mother still can't stand Sarah. He also show more continues on in search of Sarah's husbands killer. Brian has entered a school for the deaf and is learning sign language. And Sarah has "adopted" Aggie from the mission as well as hired Maeve as her nanny. I love this series. I enjoy watching the characters grow as the story progresses and hope one day Sarah and Frank can find their way to one another :) show less