Search - Murder on Washington Square (Gaslight, Bk 4)

Excellent mystery in a great series. Sarah's neighbor's son is accused of murdering a young woman and the investigation and character development in this book are sheer delight. A few clues were dropped too often, IMHO, but were still subtle enough to keep a bit of doubt in the mind.

This is the 4th book in Victoria Thompson's Gaslight Mysteries series. Midwife Sarah Brandt is shocked to learn that her mild-mannered neighbor Nelson Ellsworth may have impregnated a young woman (Anna) living in a nearby rooming house. She never figured Nelson to be one to have a secret affair. Nelson's concern over the Anna's well-being leads him to bring Sarah to check on the young woman's condition, but she refuses to allow Sarah near her. The next day, Anna is found murdered in the nearby park, and Nelson is the number 1 suspect. Sarah feels compelled to help prove Nelson's innocence because she owes her life to his elderly mother (see book #2 for that). She brings Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy in on the case. Together, they end up discovering that Anna has many secrets hiding in her closet.

From the beginning of this series, there has been an undeniable attraction between Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy and midwife Sarah Brandt and in this book we FINALLY get a small glimpse into what could be if they would just put their inhibitions aside (again, it's a SMALL glimpse, but those of us who want to see them together will be happy for it). We also see more of Malloy's relationship with his son, Brian.

The fourth in the Gaslight series, Murder on Washington Square, brings midwife Sarah Brandt together again with Det. Frank Malloy when her neighbor's son is accused of murder. These books just get better and better. Thompson brings the 1890's New York City to life and her characters are strong, colorful and alive. The relationship between Malloy and Sarah continues to evolve and the banter between the two is classic. They are just starting to realize they may be attracted to one another, but the difference in their classes doesn't allow for feelings. The author portrays the etiquette of the day, with finesse and it's amazing to see how life was lived back then.
The story was wonderful and had a bit of a twist at the end, although I did figure out the killer before the end of the story. All told, another winner from Victoria Thompson!

Hammers the plight of women in the time period till she drives the point home but a simple mystery with a good resolution

Another good addition to this series.

This is a great series.