Murder in the North End

Some really interesting characters are introduced to us in this installment of the Nell Sweeney mysteries, including an oversized brothel matron and a street rat with a good heart and a great deal of potential. None are more engaging, however, than our hero and heroine, together once again to rescue a friend from the hangman's noose. This slowly drawn love affair is TORTURE! But I love it, from the moment he shows up, quite unexpectedly, to the cliff-hanger ending. I didn't even pause this time before beginning the next book. The last book! Oh what will I do when there is no more Will and Nell?

It was definitely a treat to see Nell go back (in a way) to her Irish roots! The plot was well-constructed, though the pacing was a little slow, and the conclusion was satisfying. As with the previous books, what really shines is the interactions between Will and Nell, as they continue to dance around each other. I enjoyed this immensely, but if you're someone who gets frustrated with that sort of thing, take care! They also grow as individuals as well - the growth of Will, especially, over the course of the last few books as been a great to see, if not 100% believable. In this book, it's Nell's views of the world that get shaken a bit, and we see her mature and begin to rely on herself and her judgement more and more. The ending was show more especially gratifying and wonderful. A light, well-written read! show less