Will Bert approaches Frank Malloy, asking for assistance in
locating his missing brother, Freddie. Will explains that he
and his brother Freddie were orphans who lived on New York streets,
selling newspapers for survival. They were taken in by the Children’s
Aid Society and became part of the Orphan Train to be adopted
by families in Minnesota. Will ended up owning a business years
later, while Freddie disappeared. Now Will wants to include
his brother in his newfound wealth.
Gino Donatelli, Frank’s associate, was with Frank’s
wife Sarah inspecting a house she wanted to convert into a home
for unwed mothers. During that visit, Gino spotted several newsboys
on strike. When Frank informs Gino of their new case, he remembers
the boys and searches locations where the newsboys congregate.
Meanwhile Frank checks out the Children’s Aid Society
and discovers that the Society has no record of the two boys.
Was Will Bert telling the truth?
Estelle Longacre, a young socialite, kept company with a dangerous
crowd and is found dead in the Bowery. Shortly thereafter, Freddie’s
body is found and Frank suspects the two deaths are connected,
but finding proof is another matter. Along the way, Frank makes
some startling discoveries.
Sarah and her children’s nanny, Maeve, get involved in
the case and the search for clues. The suspenseful plot held
me captive and, as usual, Gino and Maeve are captivating secondary
characters who added depth to this entrancing, fast-paced novel.
What I enjoyed most from this novel, however, is the expert
way Victoria Thompson weaves the history of Victorian New York
magically throughout this captivating mystery. All in all, Murder
in the Bowery is an exciting addition to the series, and one
not to be missed.
Reviewer Note: Deaf son of Frank Malloy. Edgar® Nominated
author Victoria Thompson also writes the Counterfeit
Lady Series set in early twentieth century New York City.
Reviews
of other titles in this series
Murder
on Astor Place #1 [review]
Murder on St Mark's Place #2 [review]
Murder on Lenox Hill #7 [review]
Murder on Sisters' Row #13 [review]
Murder on Fifth Avenue #14 [review]
Murder in Chelsea #15 [review]
Murder in Murray Hill #16 [review]
Murder on Amsterdam Avenue #17 [review]
Murder in the Bowery #20 [review]
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