From Publishers Weekly
In Thompson's fine 12th mystery set in turn-of-the-20th-century New York City (after 2009's Murder on Waverly Place), Det. Sgt. Frank Malloy investigates the murder of Nehemiah Wooten, who was bludgeoned with a loving cup Wooten won for sculling at Harvard more than 30 years earlier. A follower of Alexander Graham Bell's views on eugenics, Wooten was opposed to two deaf people getting married on the grounds that such unions would produce only deaf offspring, an attitude that earned him an enemy within his own home. Wooten's attractive 16-year-old daughter, Electra, who could not hear, was hoping to marry a deaf teacher. When Malloy visits Wooten's pregnant widow and her water breaks, he calls in midwife Sarah Brandt. Thanks to her access to the victim's household, Sarah proves invaluable in helping him uncover the killer. While the psychology of the crime is less complicated than some might prefer, Thompson does a solid job bringing the past to life. (June)
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From
Thompson's latest Gaslight Mystery finds police detective Frank Malloy investigating the murder of a wealthy businessman whose only daughter is deaf, just like Frank's son. Midwife Sarah Brandt becomes involved in the investigation when the wife of the victim goes into unexpected labor after hearing the news of her husband's death. The politics of deaf education play an important role in the story, as the daughter, educated only to read lips, was secretly learning sign language from an instructor at the New York Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, the same school attended by Malloy's young son. Thompson expertly weaves in details about the history of the era and the educational system without detracting from the well-paced and suspenseful story. Despite a potentially confusing plot with too many suspects, Frank and Sarah's investigation makes for a compelling and quick read with believable twists and a satisfying conclusion. Series fans will be thrilled with this latest entry; recommend to fans of the Molly Murphy mysteries. --Jessica Moyer