Ilene R. (planteater) reviewed on 3/26/2010 + 10 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

I'm not usually a mystery reader, so I don't know how Thompson stacks up to other mystery writers. I read this book because it takes place in the neighborhood where I live, because I love reading historical depictions of NYC, and because the main character is a midwife. All of those aspects were interesting. The "mystery" itself was fine - I didn't guess who did it (well not until near the end), nor did I find the solution completely implausible, though it was more, shall we say extreme, than I thought it would be. The writing was a bit clunky at times; for example, Thompson goes to pains to point out social mores which were of tremendous importance at the time but which have now become completely extinct. These details are necessary for the setting of the book, but I wonder if they could have been presented a bit more gracefully. Overall, however, I thought it was a satisfying, enjoyable read, with a vivid depiction of Manhattan, and the people who lived there, in the late 1800's. Although The Alienist is characterized by far more elaborate writing, if you liked the setting and themes of that book, you will probably enjoy this one.

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