This was a perfect entertainment read during quarantine for Covid 19. As I started it, I thought it might be a sort of regency romance updated to the Gilded Age in New York, but it was more. It's a good mystery. Who is robbing wealthy folks of their jewels? The robberies have recently escalated into murder. Genevieve wants answers because the victims are among her friends and acquaintances. Also, as an aspiring journalist, she wants the scoop. Mysterious Daniel comes into her life very early in the book, and yes, romance is a factor. The plot twists and turns, surprising me several times.
I like this novel well enough that I did a little research. Because it's so expertly written, it's a little hard to believe this is the novelist's first publication, but apparently that's true. Also it's meant to be the first in a series. Hurray! I'll be looking for the second one.

I thoroughly enjoyed this new entry in the popular genre of period mysteries. All the elements of a good suspense story are present - an entertaining setting of New York City in the late 1880s when society is quickly changing; a fesity main character who is forging her own rebellious life as a young and untested reporter; and a mysterious and handsome man who is navigating immense and unexpected wealth and a hardscrabble gangs of New York youth. Readers will enjoy this well written, fast-paced story and will hope that it is the first of many adventures to come.

It is a really nice not so bloody crime novel.
Set in New York at a time where Women got to two options.
Get married, or get married.
The heroine in this book, the daughter of a wealthy family was close befor becoming a wife but got stood up in front of the alther and decided to become a journalist instead.
So she caught up on a story of a robber who called himself Robin Hood.
Stealfrom the rich, give to the poor.
And there the fun begins.
Our heroine stumbles upon a conspiracy in the highest ranks of the city and meets a very handsome millionaire with whome she starts to investigate.

It is a nice book, not to cruesome with well written characters.

And I liked the ending because we may see a little bit more of Genie and Dani Boy.

Thanks for giving me the chance to read this book.

Deception by Gaslight is a cosy mystery novel, although it is not one in which there appears no violence. Indeed, there are moments of brutality that a prospective reader must be aware of, but they are neither gruesome nor gratuitous in nature.

It is a fast paced book is set in the late 1888 in the growing metropolis of New York, making it set in the Victoria era, a period of history that is close enough to be well known and yet far enough away to make the time seem murky in our collective consciousness.

We are introduced to the main characters almost immediately. We see the well-heeled socialite Genevieve stumbling into a dangerous situation and the enigmatically dressed Daniel who saves her from certain ruin, but not before she witnesses the unsavoury sight of a decomposing body at the end of the alleyway.
Genevieve and Daniel both move in what is known as the Astor 400, which was a list of the best that New York society has to offer during the Gilded Age. The so-called list was published in The New York Times on February 16th, 1892, making both characters well respected and much fawned over.

Genevieve is considered at advanced age of 26 to be a probable old maid, stood up at the aisle by her fiancé because her mother had been arrested for protesting for the rights of women to vote and she now, with the blessing of her forward thinking parents, concentrates on building a career as a journalist. Daniel, with his questionable past which queried just why he was made the unrelated heir to an affluent socialite and his vast fortune, with his penchant to shift his living arrangements from America to Europe on a regular basis and has shown no known interest in the opposite sex. Of course, it goes without saying that this does not run true for the course of the whole novel, which an enjoyable love story brewing underneath the mystery between the two main characters as they search for clues to solve the puzzle that was befuddling society. At large is a thief who openly markets himself as Robin Hood is stealing items of great worth from the rich and purporting to give the proceeds to the poor after explaining his crimes in letters that are sent to Genevieve’s newspaper, making him a local folk hero with the teaming masses of New York. But this is not the only mystery that Genevieve and Daniel find themselves trying to unravel as a shadowy paper company seems to be undermining the said goal of the city of better housing for the poor under the veneer of respectability.

The characters are drawn well enough over the course of the novel to make them engaging and likeable, but also left open enough to expect new information revealed further in novels yet to be written, which the reader can gauge the likelihood of to be strong with the final chapter alluding to the next mystery that will be tackled by the unlikely heroes. The story is well written and enjoyable, It does not require great detective skills to work out where the mystery is leading, but that doesn’t take away from the pleasure of reading the novel.

Originally I wondered if the gaslight in the title was a reference to the actual gas-light of that era, or was a story about being gaslighted. Either way, I knew it was a story that I would be intrigued by, not to mention it having a terrific cover.

Set in the times of the Astor 400, which was a fun fact to learn about and look up on the Internet, Genevieve Stewart is a young journalist attempting to track down information about the famed Robin Hood – a jewel thief who has been stealing from the wealthy. During her hunt for information she runs across a handsome Daniel McCaffrey and he immediately becomes a potential suspect or a potential romantic interest. Inbetween times of journalist pursuit she also is a welcome addition to the high society parties and balls since her family is also included in the Astor 400 list. As Genevieve continues tracking down her story, she finds that additional deaths may be related, but what is worse is that Daniel, whom she has started getting close to, may be the culprit.

There are books that you enjoy, but slow read and then there are books that you can’t read fast enough. This was the latter because it was just so likeable. The writing was quick and flowing and there always seemed to be something to keep me interested – be it the investigative work and the danger it brings, the balls, or the potential romance. There truly was never a dull moment. I did, however, wonder about some of the choices Genevieve makes concerning her safety. There are times in the book where you want to go “No! That doesn’t sound like a smart idea considering what has been going on,” but it never kept me from enjoying the overall story. The very, very end also felt a little Hollywood-ish and while I was emotionally satisfied, I also knew that logically it probably would not have happened that way.

Recommended for those who enjoy the 1880 American Gilded Age era society stories, and light reads with fast-paced action and story that includes a dash of romance.
Rating: 4.5

Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy and opportunity to provide an honest review.

3.5 out of 5 stars.

A fast paced murder mystery, a cat and mouse-esque relationship and a righteous thief bind this story together.

However, there were at times quite a lot of moments that were just high society scenes that didn't lend itself to the plot at all. I felt that some of the side characters could have played bigger roles or had more depth to them.

I did enjoy the dynamic between the two main characters however, and enjoyed the journalistic side.

While not the most original of plots I did enjoy reading this light cozy. I love the era...the Gilded Age of NY and this author does a great job describing it and keeping events and characters true to the period. A little mystery, a little romance....all in all time well spent. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy for review.

Deception by Gaslight is the first in a new series by Kate Belli. Genevieve Stewart is trying to make a career for herself as a reporter due to her failed engagement and no marriage prospects due to her eccentric family. The novel begins with Genevieve trying to investigate the new Robin Hood that is stealing from the rich and giving to the poor but the story evolves into something more sinister than just thefts. I enjoyed the story of Genevieve and Daniel and the two POV's through out. I was really was rooting for them but then ending left me irritated and frustrated just because they wanted to lead into the next story.

I was provided with an electronic ARC through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Really enjoyed reading this book. Good characters and very well written. I enjoyed the story and didn't guess "whodunnit" which is a nice change as its sometimes obvious from the beginning. Would read more by this author and think it would be good to have more books featuring characters from this novel.

Glittering jewels and jewel thieves and murder. Deception by Gaslight is a mystery with a small dash of romance. The first in a forthcoming series, this novel sets up the sleuthing team and the complex backgrounds of the characters. Guinevere and Daniel are amusing together and I truly enjoyed their clashes and banter as well as the side characters, but the mystery was less captivating for me. I was looking for more character development alongside the mystery. I didn’t realize this was going to be a series at first, so the next book will probably provide what I was missing. Now that the world and characters are established, I will easily dive back into the story as the writing is well-done.

For fans of Tasha Alexander, Deanna Raybourne, and Laurie R. King.

Thanks to Netgalley & Crooked Lane Books for my review copy.

Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for sharing an advanced reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

The story begins in New York in the winter of 1888 when a "Robin Hood" begins stealing jewels from the wealthy and giving to the poor. Genevieve is a 26 year old reporter hoping to investigate but as a woman is struggling to be given the assignment. While checking out some information in a rough part of town she "meets" Daniel in the midst of some shady happenings. They encounter each other just days later at a major ball, discovering neither is who they appeared to be at first.

It's a mostly enjoyable mystery novel with good chemistry between the lead characters and a bit of murder and mayhem added into the mix. I really liked the story a lot and found myself reading late into the night to find out what happens. I look forward to reading more by the writer.

I give this 3.5 stars.

New York, 1888: At twenty-six, Genevieve Stewart is a single woman due to a failed engagement and who was born to a wealthy family. As such, she is part of New York society, but is trying to make a name for herself as a journalist. She follows a lead on the notorious “Robin Hood” –a thief who is going after the wealthiest members of society. Her ambition leads her into one of the roughest parts of the city where she meets Daniel—a rich man who grew up in the poorest neighborhood. She thinks he is the thief and trails him doggedly. Unfortunately, her investigation leads her into serious trouble—and an intriguing partnership to find the thief—and the murderer who is framing him. The story has a lot of details as to what life was like in 1888 NYC. From the rich and powerful and their lavish parties, to the working poor, living in the slums.

What I liked: The world building. Though light on some sensory details (what did the slums smell like compared to Genevieve’s uptown neighborhood?), there is enough richness of background to embed you in the story. I liked Genevieve and her family. They are “society” but in an unconventional way. I loved Esmie and how she eventually finds herself. And I liked the scene in Genevieve’s friend’s home when she faces two men, one of whom is Robin Hood, and shows how well she can aim a gun! Loved this scene.

What I didn’t like: I wasn’t especially fond of the fact that the ultimate bad guy didn’t get his, but… from what I saw in the “ending” there is more to come so I assume he’ll get his sometime. And, although the mystery in this book is solved, there were enough loose ends left dangling that you know there will be more adventures for Genevieve.

If you like cozy historical mysteries, I do recommend this book. Though I found it a bit slow at first, by the middle/end, I couldn’t put it down. It will keep you turning the pages, even though it's not a real heart pounding story. I look forward to more adventures with Genevieve and Daniel.

A historical fiction in the winter of 1888, with thefts, murder, corruption in high places and an investigative pair of a journalist and a society scion. I like historical fiction for their freshness and background information. This book has the former but lacks the latter. The unravelling of the suspense could have been better. An enjoyable read for fans of this genre.

WHile some parts of this book were fun to read, others became very tedious and I found myself wanting to skip ahead. I didn't, sticking it out to the end.

Deception by Gaslight takes place in NY at the turn of the twentieth century. Protagonist Genevive Stewart is from a wealthy if unconventional family. She works at a news paper as the only woman on staff. During this time a great many of the NY 400 families are being robbed by someone the press has dubbed ROBIN HOOD. As soon as I read that my mind immediately went to the MGM musical Robin and the Seven Hoods.

The hero is a wealthy man who may or may not be RobinHood and Genevive is determined to find out if he is. Plot points appear, diverge, and the two are thrown together more times than not. A plot about tenement housing issues gets these two "working" together to unearth a sinister plot.

There are a couple of murders, more robberies, and the identity of Robin Hood is revealed towards the end. Who it is is almost laughable.

For a debut novel this one is well written and I thoroughly enjoyed the main character of Genevive. The ending hints at this being a series, so that's something to look forward to.

It's winter 1888 NYC. Genevieve Stewart is young woman born to one of the city's wealthiest families. After a failed engagement, she becomes a journalist, determined to make a name for herself. Following a lead on the biggest story in the city, "Robin Hood". She finds herself in a 5 Points alley, late at night with a body and 3 terrifying men. When 2 of them threaten her, the 3rd, a very handsome young man, comes to her rescue. A few night later, while attending a ball, who does she see across the room, but the man who saved her that night in the alley, Daniel McCaffery. After confronting him about his reasons for being in one of the worst parts of the city, these 2 unlikely allies will try to uncover the mysteries behind "Robin Hood" and the number of bodies that are turning up in his wake.

So starts Deception by Gaslight. I'm fairly new to reading Historic Mysteries. I usually go more for Adventure Thrillers. I asked to review this book because I liked what I read in the blurb. A young headstrong woman, in an age when women were not meant to make their own way, is determined to live her life on her own terms. Even if it means finding herself in a bit of trouble now and then. This book doesn't disappoint.

The story has a lot of details as to what life was like in 1888 NYC. From the rich and powerful and their lavish parties, to the working poor, living in the slums.

If you like Historic Mysteries, (or even Cozy Mysteries) I would highly recommend this book. It will keep you turning the pages, even though it's not a real heart pounding story. I hope this is the beginning of a series for these 2 characters. I'd definitely be interested in reading more of their exploits together. A really good read.

Deception By Gaslight is a wonderfully written novel with characters worth rooting for. I honestly couldn’t put the book down. Genevieve and Daniel make a great sleuthing pair. I loved the setting of the story, taking place in New York City in the late 1800s. The author’s attention to detail is amazing and made me feel like I was actually in the ballroom or the back alleys of the city.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a dash of romance added in

"Deception by Gaslight" managed to be quite the surprise for me. I hadn't read anything by Kate Belli and the large majority of the historical fiction I've read lately was a bit of a let down. I was rather wary of tackling a historical mystery in light of that. This book managed to blow me away. I enjoyed it far more than I expected I would. I'm definitely going to read more from Kate Belli in the future.

I haven't read many historical mysteries lately but the synopsis of this one sounded intriguing. This time period is fascinating and Kate is an interesting character. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author. I received an e-book from NetGalley in return for an unbiased review.

This was a really good historical mystery. It was extremely well written, and I felt I could relate to the characters and their stories. Chapters flowed nicely making it a nice enjoyable cozy read. I highly recommend both this author and series.

Genevieve Stewart is from a prominent but eccentric family. After a broken engagement she wants to prove herself as a reporter. She begins to investigate a thief styling himself as “Robin Hood” for the NYC Globe newspaper.

Through her investigations she meets Daniel McCaffrey. He is the mysterious heir to the Van Joost fortune with a questionable background who just happens to be at all the crime scenes.

But “Robin Hood” goes beyond simply robbing from the rich and giving to the poor. Dead bodies begin to appear with the robberies and Genevieve can help but suspect Daniel.

The attraction and secrets between Genevieve and Daniel begin to mount. Can they trust each other before they become targets themselves?

An impressive debut novel. Kate Belli has created so many characters to work with for subsequent books for a series. I became invested in the main characters. As well as in Daniel’s friend Rupert and Genevieve’s friends Callie and Eliza. The backdrop of NYC corruption in the late 1800’s is compelling too.

P.S. Beautiful cover

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC