Thursday, July 17, 2014

Murder on Astor Place - The Friday 56 and Book Beginnings on Friday

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I enjoy a variety of genres--romance, mystery, women's fiction, and anything else that catches my fancy. Recently, I read MURDER ON ASTOR PLACE, the first novel in the 15-book Gaslight Mystery series. The story features midwife Sarah Brandt and police detective Frank Malloy, and it's set in turn-of-the-century New York City. Author Victoria Thompson's description of the tenements, mansions, police station, streets, and sounds and smells of the city are vivid. I also enjoyed her portrayal of the lifestyles of the upper and lower classes of society. Most importantly, the plot kept me reading. 

 I'll definitely be reading more of the books in this series!

 BOOK BEGINNING:
At first Sarah thought the tinkling of the bell was part of her dream. It sounded so sweet and soothing, and she was following it across a sunlit meadow, as if it were a golden butterfly. But then the pounding started, and she knew this wasn't a dream at all.

 THE FRIDAY 56 (from 56% on my Kindle):
"It wouldn't be the first time a reluctant woman has been persuaded to marry a man she wouldn't otherwise choose. He ruins her and makes her believe no other man will ever have her. And if she conceives a child, she has no choice but to accept him."

 Genre: Historical Mystery
Length: 287 Pages
Amazon Link: Murder on Astor Place
Author Website:  Victoria Thompson

Goodreads Synopsis:
As a midwife in turn-of-the-century New York, Sarah Brandt has seen pain and joy. Now she will work for something more--a search for justice--in a case of murder involving one of New York's richest families.                                               
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Anyone can participate in Book Beginnings on Friday and 
The Friday 56. 

   Click here to connect to other Book Beginnings on Friday posts  
   (sponsored by Rose City Reader)

   Find other Friday 56 bloggers here (sponsored by Freda's Voice) 

                           

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38 comments:

  1. Anne@HeadFullofBooksJuly 17, 2014 at 9:01 PM

    The page 56 quote was almost the story of my life. I dated an abusive boy in college and he would always tell me that he was the best I was going to get, that no one else would want me. Then, eventually and thankfully, he DUMPED me. It took a while but I recovered. Ugh.

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    1. Sandra NachlingerJuly 17, 2014 at 9:29 PM

      I can see how that would be difficult to get over, but GOOD RIDDANCE! I think you dodged a bullet. Thank you for stopping by to read my blog post and for taking the time to leave a comment.

      Delete
  2. jacquieJuly 18, 2014 at 5:10 AM

    Oh this sounds like a really good one Sandy! I love the historical aspect

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    1. Sandra NachlingerJuly 18, 2014 at 12:00 PM

      Me too. Although I never enjoyed my history classes in school, now I'm fascinated by certain eras. The turn of the century is one of them.

      Delete
  3. Catherine @ Book Club LibrarianJuly 18, 2014 at 5:11 AM

    I've read 3-4 books in this series and must get back to it. I enjoy both the historic portrait and characters in this series.

    My Friday post: http://www.bookclublibrarian.com/2014/07/friday-focus-friday-56-book-beginnings_18.html

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    1. Sandra NachlingerJuly 18, 2014 at 12:01 PM

      I can imagine reading all the books in this series, one after the other, but I don't have time right now. Maybe in a couple of months ?

      Delete
  4. Juli RahelJuly 18, 2014 at 5:20 AM

    Oh God, if I knew a series had 15 books already out I don't know whether I'd dare start it. Both the Beginning and the F56 are really intense but I like that the main character is a woman and turn-of-the-century New York sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing :) I hope you have a great weekend!
    My Friday post
    Juli @ Universe in Words

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    1. Sandra NachlingerJuly 18, 2014 at 8:02 AM

      I started reading this book because I was interested in the midwife character. It's a good story, and I'm sure I'll read more books in the series in the future (even though knowing there are fifteen is intimidating to me too!)

      Delete
  5. Katherine PJuly 18, 2014 at 6:22 AM

    I have one or two of these but haven't picked them up yet. I love the excerpts so I may have to move these up a bit. I think I might have this very book. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Sandra NachlingerJuly 18, 2014 at 10:42 AM

      I hope you enjoy this one. I'm looking forward to reading more in the series.

      Delete
  6. Kathy MartinJuly 18, 2014 at 7:00 AM

    This sounds good. Someone else I visited had a teaser from a later book in the series which also intrigued me. Happy reading!

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    1. Sandra NachlingerJuly 18, 2014 at 10:44 AM

      I saw that post too. What a coincidence! I posted about the first book in the series and she posted about the most recent. I didn't realize there were 15 books in total until I started assembling today's post.

      Delete
  7. Laurel-Rain SnowJuly 18, 2014 at 7:06 AM

    Oh, I can so relate to the story of men who berate and abuse their women until they feel grateful to have them....I have seen it over and over in my social work career.

    This story sounds compelling...thanks for sharing!

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    1. Sandra NachlingerJuly 18, 2014 at 10:47 AM

      Since this story takes place in the early 1900s, the women they are talking about in the Page 56 excerpt were especially vulnerable because of the mores of society. As a midwife, the main character saw a lot of joy and a lot of sorrow.

      Delete
  8. AnonymousJuly 18, 2014 at 7:33 AM

    That's horrible to marry someone you despise or are made to marry. I recognize this series. I would like to get to it.

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    1. Sandra NachlingerJuly 18, 2014 at 12:03 PM

      At that time in history, a woman was "ruined" if she had sex outside of marriage. That's what the Friday56 is about.

      Delete
  9. Linda aka Crafty GardenerJuly 18, 2014 at 9:00 AM

    I just finished this book too. I've read many others in the series and was pleased to find a copy of the very first one. I hope you continue reading the series as it is very good.

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    1. Sandra NachlingerJuly 18, 2014 at 12:03 PM

      Based on this first book, I'll definitely read more.

      Delete
  10. YvonneJuly 18, 2014 at 9:25 AM

    I have wanted to read this series for the longest time. I have them in my TBR and it sounds really good.

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    1. Sandra NachlingerJuly 18, 2014 at 12:04 PM

      Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment. I hope you enjoy this series.

      Delete
  11. AmberBugJuly 18, 2014 at 10:48 AM

    How terrible of a reality that really was back then. I love historical fiction, it gives you the chance to empathize with characters that hold our past... reading a history book can never give you those feelings.

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  12. MichelleJuly 18, 2014 at 10:50 AM

    I just learned about the Gaslight Mysteries earlier today. They sound like a great read and another good series to have on my bookshelf.

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  13. Flossie Benton RogersJuly 18, 2014 at 11:58 AM

    I admire authors who write historicals. This one and yours have gone on my TBR. By the way, I love your site's tagline!

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    1. Sandra NachlingerJuly 18, 2014 at 11:59 AM

      Thanks a million, Flossie! I hope you enjoy both books.

      Delete
  14. Claudia {Sparrowhawk}July 18, 2014 at 12:41 PM

    The book beginning grabs my attention; the book sounds oppressive! I hope there is light and happiness at the end of the story; enjoy your read Sandra and have a wonderful weekend :)

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  15. AnonymousJuly 18, 2014 at 12:45 PM

    I like the sound of tinkling bells. Seems like a pleasant dream.

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    1. Sandra NachlingerJuly 18, 2014 at 5:31 PM

      That does sound like a lovely dream, doesn't it? Too bad it was interrupted by pounding on her door.

      Delete
  16. DNAPLJuly 18, 2014 at 3:22 PM

    I loved this series - though I had no idea it was at 15 now. I remember waiting impatiently for the next one to come out - at some point the wait must have outlasted my memory. I have to see where I left off.

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  17. UnknownJuly 18, 2014 at 4:58 PM

    I'm thankful I wasn't living in that time. I'd be too strong willed and be avoided. Probably remain single!

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  18. fredamansJuly 18, 2014 at 5:59 PM

    Sadly some men are still that way.

    Happy weekend!

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  19. AnonymousJuly 18, 2014 at 7:07 PM

    Unfortunately, this still happens these days. It's a shame indeed.

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  20. ElizabethJuly 18, 2014 at 7:56 PM

    Sounds quite good. I like to hear about the upper crust sometimes.

    Thanks for sharing and for stopping by my blog earlier.

    Happy reading weekend.

    Elizabeth
    Silver's Reviews
    My Book Beginnings

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  21. AnonymousJuly 19, 2014 at 12:41 AM

    I love historical fiction novels, so I'll be sure to give this one a try. Thanks for sharing!

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  22. AnonymousJuly 19, 2014 at 11:17 AM

    That poor woman, still happens these days, though :(

    My BB and 56 :) 

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  23. guiltlessreaderJuly 19, 2014 at 1:07 PM

    This is a new series for me. Since I love my mysteries, I will check out this series! :)

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  24. BeaJuly 23, 2014 at 6:39 AM

    Love the 56 quote, so true. I'm not familiar with this series but I like the sound of it.

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