Oh, how I love a well written historical mystery with a generous amount of solid background research built into it. 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 reader's imagination without overwhelming the reader with excessive detail. This fifth installment in her Gilded Age Mystery series is perfectly balanced in this regard. We catch the glisten of faceted gems as they sparkle in their spectacular settings adorning the décolletage of New York City's grand dames. 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, with its drapes drawn closed, of a family in mourning. 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 an 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.

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

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

Death, Diamonds, And Deception is the fifth book in the Gilded Age Mystery series by Rosemary Simpson.

I really enjoy this series. Prudence and Geoffrey are well developed and work well together and look out for each other but, at the same time, aren’t overprotective. The writing seems to be accurate for the period(1889).

The story begins with the start of the New York season of society balls, and Prudence’s Aunt Gillian(Lady Rotherton) has arrived in New York City to be Prudence’s chaperone at this season’s balls. Prudence is sure that her aunt wants her to get married and wants to find the perfect gentleman for her to marry. But Prudence is delighted with her single life and enjoys working with Geoffrey in their Hunter and MacKenzie Investigative Law business. Prudence has convinced Geoffrey to be her escort to the Assembly Ball. Aunt Gillian is soon approached by William DeVries, who introduces her to his wife, Lena, wearing an exquisite diamond necklace adorned with diamonds that reputedly belonged to Marie Antonette. Aunt Gillian knows her gems and informs DeVries that some of the diamonds are paste. When DeVries learns that Prudence and Geoffrey do discreet investigations, he hires them to discover who had stolen the diamonds. As they begin their quest, a disreputable jeweler isDeVries murdered at his store. When the DeVries son’s valet is found hung and suspicion begins to appear that the theft was someone involved within the DeVries household, DeVries asks them to stop their investigation. They will privately continue their investigation.

The story is well-written and plotted. There were plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end.

I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in this exciting series to learn what might be ahead for Prudence and Geoffrey. ( )

When priceless diamonds are stolen socialite Prudence MacKenzie and colleague ex-Pinkerton investigator Geoffrey Hunter takes on the case. A series of mysterious deaths take place, which seem connected to the diamond theft.

Death, Diamonds and Deception is book 5 in A Gilded Age Mystery series by Rosemary Simpson, published by Kensington Publishing Corporation. The story is set in New York 1889 as famous and priceless diamonds are stolen and heiress Prudence MacKenzie and her colleague ex-Pinkerton investigator Geoffrey Hunter investigate the case.

Main character is late judge’s daughter Prudence MacKenzie. She is fiercely independent and not interested in the limitations of marriage. I enjoyed that, and hope such a woman existed in the Gilded Age.

Supporting character ex-Pinkerton investigator, Geoffrey Hunter has the nice guy role. I find it amusing how he pretends not to be romantically interested in Prudence. There is a sweet element of romance between Prudence and Geoffrey in the more quiet parts of the story, which adds interest to the story and what the ending might be.

This plot felt reminiscent of others I have read set in gilded age New York, but it stood out as it offered fascinating extra insight into the lives of the richest of Gilded Age New York. Historical facts were weaved into the expertly written story. It felt like I was a fly on the wall while learning more about diamonds. The story had an amusing, light vibe. I particularly enjoyed the parts describing the relationship between Prudence and her larger-than-life Aunt Gillian. Her character added a slightly surprising and unique element to the story as she did more than chaperone Prudence. Her title, wealth and formidable presence offered Prudence admission to establishments women would normally be unwelcome. Aunt Gillian was my favorite character and I thoroughly enjoyed when she interfered with Prudence’s questioning methods and generally meddled in her attempt at creating a professional life.

The characters felt real and relatable, particularly the hansom cab driver Danny Dennis who had insight into living conditions around Five Points. Descriptions of how life might have been in this part of the city were my least favorite of this story, but added an excellent dramatic effect.

I loved how loose ends were expertly tied together into a dramatic ending fit for a movie. This is the first I have read in this series and it worked perfectly as a standalone. The main characters and the hints to previous plots made me want to start from the beginning of the series and read up on the whole thing.
Anyone who enjoys stories set in Gilded Age and historical fiction is sure to love this one. As will fans of Rosemary Simpson. Similar authors to explore might be Kate Belli or Alyssa Maxwell.

Thank you to Kensington Publishing Corporation and NetGalley for this eARC which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

Conclusion: This is the entertaining story about a diamond theft in Gilded Age New York and a series of murders which seems to connect to it, and secrecy and cover ups within a prominent banker family are revealed. The perfect companion for an afternoon in front of the fire. ( )

Death, Diamonds, and Deception by Rosemary Simpson is a Historical Mystery is set in late 19th Century New York. This detective mystery series doesn’t have to be read in order to be enjoyed and each book is very distinctive. I do suggest reading every book because while there is continuity it is not the same story with variations. Ms. Simpson’s latest book has exciting action, priceless jewelry, thieves, mysterious deaths, secrets and thrills to the very end. If there is a moral to this story it could be summed up as ˋˋbe sure your sins will find you out´´ or the old adage ˋˋthey got their just desserts´´. A well woven story that will keep you wondering who did it, why and how it was done?
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars ( )

1870s, private-investigators, NYC, law-enforcement, friendship, family-dynamics, historical-fiction, historical-places-events, historical-research, historical-setting, prejudice*****

1879 Manhattan, New York.
Prudence, the daughter of a judge and independent woman, and Geoffrey, a former Pinkerton man, are Private Investigators (along with their secretary, an ex-NYPD cop, and others) are hired by a wealthy supercilious stock broker whose wife's elaborate Tiffany diamond necklace has been found to have had many of its diamonds replaced with paste. To top it all off, the person who actually discovered the theft was Prudence's visiting aristocratic and bossy aunt from London. The partners have only begun to investigate when the first murder occurs. There are more murders, a resentful NYPD detective, multiple family issues, alcoholic family members (the stuff about the gold cure and Swiss clinic seem well researched), red herrings, plot twists, and some really fascinating characters. I loved it for all that and more!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you! ( )