Murder in Morningside Heights by Victoria Thompson

Murder in Morningside Heights by Victoria Thompson ISBN-13: 9781101987087 Hardcover: 304 pages Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Released: May 3, 2016

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
Former police sergeant Frank Malloy and his wife, Sarah, adjust to life in New York high society as they investigate a death in the field of higher learning.

Abigail Northrup of Tarrytown, New York, was her parents’ pride and joy. After graduating from a prestigious women’s college in Morningside Heights, she took a job there as an instructor and shared a house with two other lady professors. She also joined the ranks of the New Women, ladies planning for a life without a husband in which they make their own decisions.

When the police declare her murder a random attack and refuse to investigate further, Abigail’s parents request Frank’s help. Yet difficulties arise as Frank, Gino, and Sarah learn that although Miss Northrup may have been an exemplary student and teacher, she lived in a world of secrets and lies.


My Review:
Murder in Morningside Heights is a historical mystery set in New York city in 1899. It's the nineteenth book in the series, but you don't need to read the previous novels to understand this one. This story didn't spoil the previous whodunits.

There was a nice level of historical detail regarding women's colleges. The main characters were nice people and had realistic reactions to events. Frank, Gino, and Sarah asked questions and followed up clues until they all fit together. I could guess whodunit from the clues. They seemed to point to a certain person fairly early on, but the implied motive felt too weak to inspire serial murder. The author's chosen murder scenario does work, yet I felt a little disappointed, especially since the only way they could prove their case was by getting whodunit to attack one of them.

There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting historical mystery.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.