Book Review ~ Murder on Pleasant Avenue (Gaslight Mystery #23) by Victoria Thompson ~ @BerkleyMystery

Book Details:

Print Length: 332 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: April 28, 2020
Sold by: Penguin Group (USA) LLC
ASIN: B07VP1NZH8
Amazon

About the Book:

When Gino Donatelli is accused of a brutal murder, beloved sleuths Sarah and Frank Malloy have to catch a killer who is out to destroy their innocent friend's life in the latest installment of the national bestselling Gaslight mysteries.

A victim is found, brutally murdered and the police are certain they've caught the killer. Their only suspect: Gino Donatelli.

Frank and Sarah know Gino is innocent but the police have a one-track mind. Once Frank struck it rich and left their ranks taking Gino with him, there has been a simmering resentment in the department. And now, someone has pulled out all the stops to make it look like Gino is the only one who could have committed the crime.

With the clock ticking and evidence mounting against their friend, Sarah and Frank will try to unravel a treacherous plot before Gino is sent up the river for good.

My Review:

Even though there are 23 books in this series, Murder on Pleasant Avenue is only the second one I've had the chance to read. I don't usually start a series from anywhere but the beginning because I don't like to miss out on world building and character development. I can say, however, that not having read the majority of the previous books didn't detract from the story. There were things referenced that were unfamiliar to me but in no way caused me to be confused or lack understanding of the current goings-on in the book.

I enjoyed the story and found the mystery behind the kidnapping of women and children, and the accusations made against Gino, to be interesting and full of twists and turns. I enjoyed  trying to figure out who the real culprit was as I read along, since it's clear Gino wasn't the murderer. The path taken to solve the murder is filled with interesting characters, hidden agendas, lies, deceit, and sadness. I was constantly on edge as Frank and Sarah Malloy investigated the Murder on Pleasant Avenue.

I fully plan to go back and start this series from the beginning. I enjoyed Murder on Pleasant Avenue and look forward to properly meeting Sarah, Frank, and the rest of the cast.

I was given a copy of this book to read.

My Rating: