3.5 stars

It’s the late 19th century in New York City. Prudence and Geoffrey run an investigation business. An opera singer, Claire, comes to them to ask them to investigate her twin sister’s (Catherine’s) death. Her sister, also an opera singer, was married to Aaron who seemed to keep her from her family and, by his request, she had stopped performing/singing. Catherine had just had a baby and they are now both dead. Aaron remarried very quickly after their deaths, and now Prudence and Geoffrey worry about his new wife, Ethel (who is pregnant).

This continues to be an enjoyable series. I love that a woman is doing much of the investigating. Apparently there were a few women investigators with the famous Pinkerton investigation agency at the time, as well. The story didn’t grip me as much as the first two in the series did, but it did ramp up a bit toward the end. Definitely still enjoying it enough to continue the series. I didn’t mention it in my description, but Aaron had a photographer come take a post-mortem photograph of Catherine and their baby; I did know this happened, but only because of the Nicole Kidman movie “The Others” from the late 90s?, so that wasn’t a surprise. ( )

This series has the dark background of the Victorian/Gilded Age. I loved the first one but this one was even better. Prudence has great instincts and doesn't give up. ( )

This series is set in and around the Gilded Age in New York City. This particular book is set in the early spring of 1889. Prudence and Geoffrey's investigative business is going very well when a young opera singer comes to their office. She asks them to investigate the death of her twin sister and her infant daughter. Claire has been out of the country with her work, and wasn't informed of her twin's death so missed the funeral. She is sure that Catherine's and her niece's death were murder, and she knows that Catherine's ne'er-do-well husband killed them. When Prudence and Geoffrey start investigating they find a whole nest of vipers and Aaron Sorenson is right in the middle of them. At great danger to themselves, but especially to Prudence, they try to bring this very heartless killer to justice. I like these Gilded Age mysteries. They are quite well-written, and the plot always grabs me. This book is the third in the series, and with each book I like the two protagonists more and more. They also have a very interesting group of friends who help them in their investigations too. Josiah, their assistant, is a treasure, but there are lots more, not the least of which is Mr. Washington, the very ugly but very determined carriage horse who takes his master Danny all through the streets of New York. Danny's host of street urchins and his contacts throughout the city help Prudence and Geoffrey out of more than one sticky situation in every book. This is a very enjoyable series that is very grounded in its period, (late 19 century). And there is always more than enough edge-of-your-seat action to keep you flying through the pages. ( )

Prudence and Geoffrey are asked to investigate a possible murder of a mother and child. Very difficult to do in this time period. But, with the help of a postmortem photograph (yes this really was a thing to do!) they are hot on the murderer’s tail!

I have not read any of the other books in this series. This is a stand alone novel with just a few references to the previous books. The only thing, I would like to know more of Prudence’s past so, I must go back and read up! She is one interesting lady. She lets nothing stop her. I enjoy a tough woman and Prudence is definitely ALL THAT!

I am fascinated by all the deductions this group of investigators have to make. There is no modern day techniques and this crew really has to use their brains. This reads like a Sherlock Holmes tale. And the postmortem photo! Wow! Did not know people actually hired a photographer to take pictures of the dead, IN POSES!

As I said, this story reads like a Sherlock Holmes tale, which means it is a little slow in places. It is more deduction than action. But, I was enthralled with all the speculation and historical references.

I received this novel from Kinsington via Netgalley for a honest review ( )

Oh how I love a well written historical mystery with just the right amount of solid background research. It adds interesting detail to the story without allowing the story to be bogged down by it. Author Rosemary Simpson has the balance of this down to a science and entertains the reader with lots of interesting historical facts of 1889 New York City which engages the readers imagination without overwhelming the reader with excessive detail. This third installment in her Gilded Age Mystery series is perfectly balance in this regard. We hear the rustle of the ladies' gowns as they sidle down a darkened hallway or the muted sound of horse hooves on the straw strewn cobblestone resulting in muted street noise outside a home of a family in mourning, with its drapes drawn closed. The vignettes are richly described and transport the reader to another time and place.

Certainly Ms. Simpson's fine turn of phrase drew me into the book and her strong female protagonist, Prudence (daughter schooled in law by her father, a judge) held my interest as she put forth an image of a feisty, bright and fearless women in a age where such character was extraordinary. Prudence and her partner, Geoffrey run an investigative law firm. He is a southern gentleman schooled in law and a former Pinkerton man. There's a bit of a spark between them as he tries to steer her away from seemingly dangerous situations but Prudence will have none of it and that's what he so admires about her. She's an independent woman with a strong mind of her own, an admirable trait and simultaneously vexing to Geoffrey.

Their services are called upon by Claire Buchanan, the twin of a woman who had given birth to a daughter, both of whom succumbed to death shortly after the birth. Claire believes strongly that at least the death of her hale and hearty sister could not have been a natural one and wants the investigative team to dig up the dirt on her ne'er do well brother-in-law. Claire is convinced that he's behind her sister's death. And so, the investigation begins and an engaging tale unfolds.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and do look forward to reading more stories by this gifted author.

I am grateful to author Rosemary Simpson, Kensington Publishing Corp. and Netgalley for having provided a free e-copy of this book. Their generosity, however, did not influence this review - the words of which are mine alone. ( )