Molly squares her shoulders and heads to find Daniel’s ex-fiancee Arabella Norton, who claims she holds no ill will toward Daniel, though Molly suspects her family may. Molly continues poking her nose into Daniel’s personal and professional business and puts herself in a lot of danger for a man she claims to care not for. Does his imprisonment have anything to do with the recent deaths of local prostitutes or horse racing on Coney Island?

She gets help in an unexpected place from real life police matron Sabella Goodwin (who was eventually New York City’s first policewoman) and from Daniel’s friend, fighter Gentleman Jack, a character very gentle and naïve, almost simple, yet with a great deal of loyalty towards Jack. Molly’s neighbors, Sid and Gus, two modern day women, add more historic detail to the plot and good, fun foil to Molly’s more serious nature.

Turn of the century New York City is depicted realistically, the sights, sounds and especially the smells are very vivid and are contrasted with Arabella’s more genteel life further north on the island. Molly is an intrepid heroine, and loyal to a fault, especially where Daniel is concerned. A surprise at the end leaves readers knowing Molly is going to have to deal with Daniel, her feelings and their relationship once and for all and sooner rather than later.

The plot unfolds easily as Molly works between the contrasted Tombs, the Lower East Side, Coney Island and the rich upper Manhattan. Through this series, Molly has grown into an even better, stronger character and readers will look forward to more about her relationship with Daniel, which will more than likely include a few dead bodies. Historical mystery fans will enjoy this one.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry