Murder on Pleasant Avenue

Written by Victoria Thompson

Narrated by Suzanne Toren

When midwife Sarah and detective Frank Malloy’s friend and new partner Gino Donatelli is accused
of murder, Frank and Sarah must catch the killer to keep Gino alive, in this enthralling new novel in the
USA Today bestselling Gaslight Mystery series. …

A young woman is missing in the upper Manhattan neighborhood called Italian Harlem, and everyone knows
who’s responsible—the Black Hand, a notorious group known for terrorizing their own community with violence and
kidnappings. Gino and Frank set out to learn more about the disreputable gang and soon find a lead: a saloon-owning
gangster named Nunzio Esposito.

Gino hates that a fellow immigrant would stoop so low and decides to confront his wayward countryman. But
he quickly discovers the man can’t be reasoned with—because he’s been murdered. The police have only one suspect:
Gino Donatelli.

Frank and Sarah know Gino is no killer, but someone has pulled out all the stops to make it look like he is guilty.
They also must now face the Black Hand, who are honor bound to avenge the death of one of their own.

With evidence mounting against their friend and a group of bad guys out for blood, Sarah and Frank race to
unravel a treacherous plot before Gino’s time runs out. …

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: May 19, 2020
• ISBN: 9781980091370

Victoria Thompson

Victoria Thompson is the author of twenty bestselling historical romances. She is also the Edgar nominated author of the bestselling Gaslight Mystery Series, set in turn-of-the-century New York City and featuring midwife Sarah Brandt. She also contributed to the award winning writing textbook Many Genres/One Craft. A popular speaker, Victoria teaches in the Seton Hill University master's program in writing popular fiction. She lives in Central PA with her husband and a very spoiled little dog.Please visit Victoria Thompson’s www.victoriathompson.homestead.com to learn about new releases and discover old favorites!

Reviews for Murder on Pleasant Avenue

[auntie0nanuuq · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was a bit over the top: Italian women & children are being kidnapped by the local "Black Hand" and are returned after a ransom is paid.... Sarah & Frank Malloy, Gino Donatelli, & Maeve Smith all work together investigating different aspects of the crime.Then a woman volunteer from the neighborhood community house disappears & reappears it is assumed that she too has been a victim of the local thugs... When the "boss" is found dead in his love nest Gino is arrested for the crime; But when his wife is poisoned and Gino is kidnapped, things begin to heat up even more.It was obvious from the beginning who the murderer was... and the rescue of Gino was overdone & audacious.This was a fast & easy read, I think Thompson's earlier books were better written.

[romonko · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is book #23 in the Gaslight series. I have read all of them up to now, and I've enjoyed them all. The last couple of books were not as exciting and so much more predictable than books earlier in the series. In this one, all of the action takes place "off camera" so to speak. and the killings don't at first appear to be murder. It doesn't help that Ms. Thompson portrays the New York police in such a bad light either. They may have, in fact, been as corrupt as Ms. Thompson has pointed out, but it takes a lot out of the story when they don't even appear, even in a minor role. The books make it appear that Malloy, Sarah, Gino and Maeve, single-handedly solve all the major murders in the City. A little far-fetched. To add to my disappointment we only see Mrs Ellsworth briefly at the end and we don't see Sarah's mother at all. I don't like it when author's drop key characters without a murmur in latter parts of a series. Most disappointingly, there was no tension and suspense in this book. I had figured out what happened almost immediately. I think that this will be my last Gaslight mystery. I've gone as far as I can go with it now. By all means read the first 10 or 15 books in the series. I highly recommend them. Who knows, maybe you'll enjoy the later books too.

[delphimo_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

After reading other mystery writers, Victoria Thompson presents an interesting tale, but her writing structure is very one dimensional. The majority book rests on dialogue, and setting and characters fall to the wayside. Victoria Thompson depicts the Italian population of New York where each neighborhood highlights a different area in Italy. Again, the police only help certain citizens. I guess we are now returning to the distant past in police duties. The story follows kidnapping of women and children in hopes of ransom money from the relatives and the police are never involved. A settlement house portrays the work of civic minded souls that want to aid immigrants by teaching English and many other skills. As always, we see the position of women in society and what is expected of a lady. The book does not delve into psychology therefore the reading goes by quickly.

[lichre · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

As with all of Victoria Thompson books in her Gaslight Mystery series, Murder on Pleasant Avenue takes the reader back to the mid-1890s in New York City. I continue to learn a little bit of NYC policing history in this on-going series. It is a pleasure to be with Malloy, Sarah, Gino, and Maeve in another adventure. In this book Gino, is falsely (of course) accused of murder. How the truth is discovered takes many turns, and all of four of the main characters finding snippets of information in order to bring all of loose ends together. It is a captivating read. I highly recommend it.*I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway*

[gpangel_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Murder on Pleasant Avenue by Victoria Thompson is a 2020 Berkley publication.A nail- biting historical mystery and adventure!!Over the past couple of months, I have been fortunate to have several of my favorite mystery authors publish a new novel. I have found it quite comforting to touch base with familiar characters and landscapes, so the timing of this latest release couldn't have been better.In this 23rd installment of the Gaslight series, we get to know Gino Donatelli a little better- although not under the best of circumstances. Gino’s sister-in-law asks for help concerning a settlement house resident who appears to have gone missing, the main concern being the possibility the young woman may have been kidnapped by ‘The Black Hand’- a gang operating in Little Italy- East Harlem.As Frank and Gino begin their investigation, it becomes clear they need help from Sarah and Maeve while dealing with sensitive situations. But, in a horrible turn of events, Gino becomes a murder suspect, which lands him in jail. Not only that, he could be in grave danger. Can Frank find the real murderer before it’s too late?Victoria Thompson always provides the most interesting history in her books. Seriously, every novel is like a mini history lesson- and it is always fascinating! This story is no exception. I always find myself Googling something, curious to learn more. This installment shines a light on the 'Black Hand' gang, of which I knew practically nothing.As to the mystery, there are some tense moments of suspense, as the behavior of some of the characters becomes curiously erratic. It was an absorbing and puzzling situation. Naturally, I worried about Gino, who can be a bit stubborn.On a lighter note, I found myself grinning with delight over some key developments between the recurring characters and I'm betting fans of this series will be just as pleased as I am!Overall, I am impressed with how Thompson continues to keep this series fresh. Great characters, interesting history, and compelling mysteries- what’s not to love?

[kathy89_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I love this series. This time Gino and Maeve are leading the story involving the “Black Hand” and prejudices with Italian immigrants, the police and kidnapping for ransom. Gino is arrested for murdering the head of the Black Hand and Frank, Sarah and Maeve are desperate to prove he didn’t do it. Gino’s sister-in-law is there to help with translating since the close-knit Italian community is leery about talking to strangers. The murderer is not a surprise but it’s still a great story.