As much as I love Cozies set in modern settings, to me, there’s always something special about those set in a slightly more distant past. This might be because I have read so many of the “classic” era of Cozies – authors like Agatha Christie, who wrote about what was for her modern times, but is now most of a century past. So “historical” Cozies, those written more recently, still manage to bring a sense of familiar nostalgia to me regardless of when they were written.
Such is certainly the case with this week’s topic for my long running series of posts on the most popular and recommended Cozy series, as this week I will be discussing the first entry in Victoria Thompson‘s Gaslight Mystery Series, Murder on Astor Place. Set in New York City at the end of the 19th century, Murder on Astor Place has two sleuth protagonists – midwife Sarah Brandt and detective Sergeant Frank Malloy. When a young woman is found killed at a house where Sarah recently delivered a baby, Frank asks Sarah to look over the corpse on impulse. When Sarah realizes that the victim was related to an old acquaintance, she is drawn more fully into the case.
One particularly interesting note about this book is that it doesn’t go to the same lengths to whitewash the period that it deals with as much as other historical Cozies indulge in. Though the protagonists are both generally “good” people, they’re also both people of their setting, who are capable of working within a system that we would consider both corrupt and unethical. Frank is clearly competent at his job, but he’s also working toward becoming police captain in the same way as his predecessors have – by preparing a suitable bribe to ensure he gets the post – because that is the system as it was at the time. Also, as much as I love a modern Cozy, it can be nice to get away from the frequently “zany” occupants of a modern small-town setting for an admittedly grimmer set of city-dwellers. Likewise, the often-brutal methods of the police at the time are often mentioned or alluded to.
Another aspect I particularly appreciate is that despite the attention paid toward establishing the setting and characters, the novel gets to the actual murder very quickly. Many Cozies take a very long time to establish the characters and their relationships in the first novel of a series, but this can cause the actual mystery to suffer, making it feel more like an afterthought than the goal of the entire endeavor. Bringing the crime to the opening few chapters, rather than waiting to the midpoint of the novel, makes it feel more like a true mystery novel rather than a book that happens to include a mystery.
Murder on Astor Place provides a lot for a fan of Cozies, especially those who are looking for a change of pace from “modern Cozies” set in the sort of tourist-y settings that are most popular these days. However, it is significantly darker than many Cozies, so those looking for a lighter read might be advised to look elsewhere. That said, it is certainly worth the time of anyone who is looking for a more serious work that really focuses on the mystery. I very much recommend Murder on Astor Place – and the great news for those of you who are looking for a long series to read is that there are 25 books in Victoria Thompson’s Gaslight mystery series!
If you’re interested in seeing more highlights of some of the most recommended or popular Cozy Mystery authors/series, visit the Most Popular & Recommended Cozy Mystery Series page on my site.
Mary says
I love this series. It was actually one of the first series I tried out in this genre years ago and it remains a favorite. The earlier books are especially good. Sarah and Frank have a relationship that you enjoy watching develop.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Mary, it’s definitely a great series that I’m glad to be able to highlight.
Brigid A Ryan says
This has been one of my favorite series for a long time. The evolution of the characters has been wonderful. I look forward to the next adventure of Frank and Sarah.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Brigid, the characters certainly are a high point of the first novel!
Ellen Byron says
I LOVE historical cozies. Even though I don’t write them, I think it’s my favorite genre to read. And I love this series. I’ve read them all!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ellen, it’s always high praise when an author praises a series!
Cecile Fleetwood says
I absolutely adore Victoria Thompson’s Gaslight Mystery Series!!! I feel immersed in the time period when I read the books. I have actually bought the whole series except the most recent one but that will probably be my Chanukah gift to myself. I highly recommend this series!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Cecile, that definitely sounds like a gift worth opening up early!
QE3 says
I love this series. I haven’t read any in her new series yet.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
QE3, this series is definitely a good one! I haven’t read anything from the other series either, unfortunately.
Hanna says
I liked it very much and continued to read the rest of the books in the series
Yes, I, too, like to read books that take place in earlier time periods: Emily Brightwell’s Mrs. Jeffries series, Carola Dunn’s Daisy Dalrymple, Sara Rosett’s Olive Belgrave, Charles Finch’s Charles Lenox mysteries and Anne Perry’s Charlotte and Thomas Pitt’s and Monk’s mysteries among others.
I like it that they have to rely on their sense of observation and their personal experience and understanding human nature. In some the telephone has been added to later books. No cars, no cell phones, no DNA and in some fingerprinting is new.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Hanna, a nice historical setting can definitely be a great way to set a series apart, and the technology aspect certainly affects how a mystery can be solved as well.
Joan V. says
In the past, I have dabbled in reading this series. Although I enjoyed the books I read, I’d have to say that I take them in small amounts, mixing them in with contemporary settings. Please know these books are worth your time. Enjoy!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Joan, I can definitely see that being the case – mixing something more serious like this into other lighter works might be a good idea.
Carol says
Danna – thanks so much for writing about this series. It’s been on my list for years and I finally read the first one after you recommended it. I loved it and can’t wait to read the next one. I’m usually not a huge fan of historical cozies but this was great. I loved the period details of NYC and the pacing was flawless. Two unforgettable main characters make me excited to read the whole series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Carol, you’re very welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed the book – I try not to steer people wrong!
Suzie G says
Carol, I couldn’t agree more with regards to the pacing and the two main characters!
Suzie G says
I finished this 1st book last night. I reserved it from my library as soon as I read your review last Fall. I am soooo glad I did! What a terrific book! I very much enjoyed the ‘mystery’ of this Cozy! And I really liked the attention to detail. It painted a vivid picture of life in 19th century New York. Thanks again for recommending it!!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Suzie, I’m glad that you enjoyed it. I always love hearing when a reader connects with a new book because of these sort of blog posts.
Wendi White says
I just recently stumbled upon your blog and I love it! Your blog is how I found this wonderful series! I’m on #12 already 🙂
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Wendi, welcome, and I’m glad that the blog is helping you find new series!
Franny G says
Love Victoria Thompson’s books. She doesn’t write fast enough for me. I have read all the gaslight series. Thank you for writing these cozy mysteries lists. I follow them closely.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Franny, you’re very welcome! I’m glad to be able to help with the lists.