Sarah has solved many murders to the dismay of police sergeant Frank Malloy.  Sarah and Frank have become quite close in past years, but both hold back as Sarah still wonders what the truth is surrounding her husband’s death. Frank, out of respect for Sarah, has decided it’s time to learn what happened to Tom Brandt once and for all.  With Sarah’s permission, he begins tracing Tom’s last months and finds that all roads lead to the Sarah’s wealthy former neighborhood.  Frank continues his search as he cautions Sarah she may not like what he finds and as one of Sarah’s young charges puts herself in danger all for the love of Sarah.

 Murder on Bank Street wraps up the underlying mystery that has been plaguing – and holding Sarah back – throughout the series.  While Sarah has grieved for Tom and tried to move on, the uncertainty of what happened to him has always bothered her and kept her at a distance from people – Frank, her parents and former peers. 

Now, Sarah will be able to have complete closure where Tom is concerned and be able to move on with her life.  Frank is a caring man, willing to find the truth for Sarah, even if it means losing her forever.  The mystery is well plotted and deftly connects Sarah’s past with her present. 

Victoria Thompson sets the story in a turn-of-the century New York so accurate it is as if she lived during that time.  Murder on Bank Street is another engrossing story in a strong series that has a bright future for itself and its characters.                                                                       

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry