Gaslight Mysteries Books In Order

Publication Order of Gaslight Mystery Books

Victoria Thompson’s Gaslight Mysteries Series is every murder mystery, thriller lover’s paradise. From the get go the Gaslight Mysteries Series has racked up significant commendation and recommendation from all kinds of readers and from all over as a resounding hit.

The Gaslight Mysteries Series starts with Murder Astor Place, and in so doing introduces us to the protagonist. Already, the series takes a different spin on murder mystery novels, set in turn early 20th century New York the protagonist is neither male, nor cliché on the contrary, she is Sarah Brandt, a mid-wife.

Sarah Brandt in the First Gaslight Mysteries Series

Readers will enjoy Sarah as a character as she is neither clumsy nor needy as some writers tend to portray female protagonists. However that does not mean that she is without her own vulnerabilities. In fact in a complex character dichotomy it appears that her vulnerabilities and strength stem from the same place, namely the fact the she was widowed on account of a violent crime in which her husband was killed at a young age in the grand scheme of things. Nonetheless, she is resilient and independent at a time when women were expected to depend on males, whether their husbands or those interested in using them merely for sexual favours. Sarah is a no nonsense woman who has found fulfillment by serving her community as a midwife and it is during the execution of those duties that she briefly encounters the murder victim a young teen with a very perturbed look on her face.

The discovery that the girl had died motivated Sarah to meet Sergeant Frank Malloy of the New Yord Police Department who has been assigned to the case. Because of Sarah’s help what would turn out to be a major breakthrough, namely that the girl was pregnant is discovered. It didn’t take long for Sarah to find out that the world is a very small place as she had connections so to speak to the murder victim.

In what is undoubtedly uncharacteristic of any family in the situation, the victim’s family does not want to investigate the death and the reader is left to find it whether it is because she was an unwed mother or some other scandalous factor. Through the investigation, bits and pieces about Sarah’s background is revealed and she starts to grow on the reader who may have frowned upon her character at first especially in relation to how she interacts with Sergeant Malloy because she is relatable. Like many she is at odds with her family following a tragic event to that end, whether she makes amends with them or not, speaks to many readers. On the other, those readers who cannot imagine not having a close relationship with their family will earn for her to get that reconnection and how that plays out will be of interest. It is also exceedingly obvious that Sarah is not a selfish person and has a truly big heart. The way she inserts herself into the investigation to help is nothing short of heroic although there are times she makes the same mistakes the reader will in thinking she has it figured out, only to stumble on a scintillating plot twist that will leave your mind boggled.

Sarah Brandt in the Second Gaslight Mysteries Series

The reader will undoubtedly see more of the strength of character with which Sarah Brandt is imbued when she insists on investigating the deaths of charity girls although the NYPD refused to do so initially because of the perception of these women as mere trinket prostitutes. These women were in fact unmarried immigrants women who desired more than the hard life of a married woman. It can be envisaged that the feminists reading this book may draw parallels to how women who choose to do as they please with their own bodies are treated by the police force when they become victims of violent crimes.

Continuing the story-line from the first book, Sarah calls on Sergeant Malloy who obliges to assist her and we learn a few heartbreaking facts about Sergeant Malloy and the challenges he has in his own family. Whilst there is no explicit and rapid development of a romantic relationship between the two, it is not difficult to envisage such as scenario as the series continues. In fact the more we learn about these two characters the more the reader will feel as though they are in fact a very good match for each other.

Gaslight Mysteries Series and Social Commentary

Through the Gaslight Mysteries Series, New York and history lovers will appreciate that Thompson is faithful to history throughout history, a commendable element of the story that many writers, even more experienced than her tend to falter on. Moreover, the historical facts are not presented in a haphazard or ad hoc manner. Thompson speaks to historical facts that make the story come alive and seem real. For instance, there is mention of Teddy Roosevelt and the NYPD reforms he put in place, which of course affected how the NYPD executed their job the reader will see its import in light of how the charity girls’ case is initially handle. She also makes reference to Coney Island in its Heyday which creates a lighter atmosphere in tense moments. The author also makes reference to poignant developments in the American family and the space the female occupied in society. At that time it appears that it was a common practice for the wealthy families of American women to try to get them to marry English men, albeit that the latter were sometimes poor so as to have a “titled lady” in the family. Whilst it may be said that the societal perspective on these things have evolved, we are still in a place where society overtly and covertly perpetuates the idea that no matter what a woman has or achieves, her validity still comes from the male. The intuitive reader will pick up on these historical motifs which will make the reading more interesting and enjoyable.

We definitely urge all readers to get onto the Gaslight Myseries Series Wagon.

One Response to “Gaslight Mysteries”

1. carol davis: 1 month ago

   These books have been a God send for me since my husband died three years ago. At 76 years old its just me and my cat in my grief, and picking up one of her books(I own them all) takes me to a place I love-so thank you!!

   Reply