Murder on Black Friday
4 Stars

Following the 1869 gold market crash, Dr. William Hewitt and Nell Sweeney investigate the apparent suicides of two prominent Bostonians. An examination of the bodies reveals that at least one was murdered, and the investigation into the suspicious death exposes the secrets that many would kill to keep hidden.

An intriguing mystery with one of the most contemptible victims I have come across in this genre. Although it is possible to figure out the culprit and motivation, the journey toward the revelations is very compelling, and Ryan is very adept at bringing her characters to life within a limited number of pages.

Nell and Will's relationship comes to a crossroad and each must make a choice that will change their lives forever. The strength of their feelings for each other is palpable, but the obstacles to their future are significant. It will be interesting to see the direction in which Ryan takes these characters.

In sum, a short yet enjoyable read and I am eager to accompany Nell on her next investigation. ( )

Not my favorite of the series. The plot was a bit scattered, and didn't completely hold my interest as it did in previous books. I think what kept me clutching the book till the end was (big surprise) Will and Nell. This book, I feel, focuses more on their growing relationship than it does on the mystery itself - which I was fine with, for the most part, though a tiny part of me wishes the mystery they were solving was as fascinating as their will-they/won't-they interactions. There were also parts where I would get summarily frustrated with Nell's views on divorce and religion - though I think that's a) a personal taste and b) somewhat supposed to be felt, as a modern reader. The end, however, was probably one of the sweetest scenes I have ever read between two characters, and the depth of emotion conveyed through the smallest of gestures was something I particularly loved. Definitely a good read, though not the best, mystery-wise. ( )

This one was not quite as good as the rest, although it was still pretty good (3.5 stars if I could). For one thing the relationships of the different characters weren't highlighted at all, which was one of the attractions in the previous books. And it bothered me that the pretense for investigating the mystery was very flimsy. As a result Nell and Will came off as nosy rather than clever. ( )

My favorite since book #1. ( )

Besides the first, I think this is my favourite so far. The romance aspect grows more intense and subsequently more complicated, particularly for Nell. This was the first mystery I knew the answer to before it was properly solved, but it was the revealing of all the elements that went into making it happen that really intrigued and surprised me. I'm learning to truly loath Harry Hewitt (as if I didn't have reason enough before) and to like Will all the better. All the little looks and hints and subtly dropped suggestions between he and Nell create a feeling of subtle and cloaked intensity that I appreciate in British literature of the era. ( )