Murder on St. Nicholas Avenue: A Gaslight Mystery

Characters who previously played supporting roles take center stage in Thompson’s workmanlike 18th mystery set in gaslight-era New York City (after 2015’s Murder on Amsterdam Avenue). With series leads Frank and Sarah Malloy away on their honeymoon, their nursemaid, Maeve Smith, agrees to help Mrs. O’Neill, a friend of Frank’s mother. Mrs. O’Neill’s married daughter, Una, has been charged with killing her husband, Mr. Pollack, after she was found cradling his bludgeoned corpse in their Harlem home. Of course, Mrs. O’Neill is sure her daughter is innocent. When Maeve goes to the Pollacks’ home to see if there are any resources to pay for Una’s defense, she’s dumbfounded to find thousands of dollars in cash in a hidden safe. Police officer Gino Donatelli, who’s sweet on Maeve, provides some welcome assistance. Series fans will enjoy seeing Maeve and Gino in action, though others should be prepared for routine plotting. [em]Agent: Nancy Yost, Nancy Yost Literary Agency. (Nov.) [/em]