I really enjoyed this latest book in The Gilded Age Mystery Series. This series has been up and down for me, but I thought the plot line for this one was pretty good. There were some things that were hard to read about with the child trafficking, but nothing was described in too much detail. I really felt heartsick for those children as I was reading, and I liked that the author was able to invoke that much emotion from me.

Prudence once again did some reckless things that irritated me, this is mainly due to the fact that she takes some chances that I think she shouldn't take, by not letting anyone know what she is going to do. I get why she thinks she has to hide it, but it's still stupid of her. Also, she makes a really dumb mistake at one point that puts her in real danger, and it was so irritating. I want to think of her as a smart woman, and she supposedly is, but then she goes and makes this blunder and it ruins any credibility she has, and it just makes her seem silly, and then the men in her life seem justified for not wanting her to put herself in any sort of danger.

I was hoping for more relationship progress than what was actually in the book, but at least the series seems to be headed in that direction. There are also some random odd POV changes, like that of the dog and cat, and I still don't think the animals in this series behave like real animals would behave, but overall I liked this book and I do want to continue to read more of this series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with an ARC of this book.

One of my favorite series, this continues the characters arcs and stubbornness - just admit your feelings for each other already! This mystery was so incredibly creepy and gross - talk about the seedy underbelly of Gilded Age New York City! Exploring prostitution, sex trafficking and pedophilia all in one story as well as the first call of female law students - it's audacious and compelling. This is an author who understands her characters and this world really well and just put them into situations that they have figure their way out of. It is the sign of an author's confidence that she takes on a mystery this dark and keep the integrity of the ongoing storylines. However, as much as I loved it i really really need these characters to kiss right now. Please!

I've enjoyed this series, which manages to be both believably evocative of its time while also being fairly palatable to modern sensibilities. This latest volume was pretty riveting -- very Criminal Minds-esque. Already looking forward to the next installment!

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC copy for my review.

This book was sent to me by Netgalley electronically for review. It is historical fiction...I enjoyed the time period and the details...the protagonist is a likable character...a quick read for an afternoon of enjoyment. I look forward to more books by this author. That being said, the story moves somewhat slowly at times...However...read it...enjoy...

In the sixth book in this series set in Gilded Age New York, there’s a different tone to this one. The subject matter, with child abuse and trafficking is much heavier than the previous books. Then there’s also the possibly the partnership between Prudence and Geoffrey may be changing. The mystery starts off fairly simple but then it quickly becomes clear that there’s a deeper and more sinister plot ahead.

As always, Rosemary Simpson has done a fantastic job with historical details. Including cameos but real people. The writing as always if good, with several red herrings. I did think Prudence acted without thinking a little bit more in this book. That being said, I think her character overall is wonderful, an early feminist without going totally stereotypical. All in all, another good book even though it’s not my favorite in the series. I am looking forward to reading more adventures from Prudence and Geoffrey.

This is the 6th installment in a mystery series that I really enjoy.

Taking place in late 1800s NY, detective partners Prudence (a brilliant heiress who dreams of attending law school) and Geoffrey (an ex-Pinkerton southern gentleman) search for a brother/sister who have been living on the streets and are being hunted. In the process, they uncover a horrific sexual fetish private club who kidnap young girls with certain characteristics.

I love both this author’s well-drawn characters (especially the intrepid, fearless Prudence) and her well-thought-out plots. And I’ll also add that she doesn’t shy away from seedy, uncomfortable and dark subject matter (sexual/physical/psychological abuse).

My only regret was the quick insert and exit of a new and interesting secondary character that I really liked. I understood the reasoning for his departure even though I still hold out hope that he might return at a later date.

Wonderful read.

My thanks to #NetGalley , #KensingtonBooks and #RosemarySimpson for providing me the free early arc of #TheDeadCryJustice for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

I'm having mixed feelings about Rosemary Simpson's The Dead Cry Justice. It's the first of her mysteries I've read, and I found the cast of characters quite appealing: a judge's daughter turned private investigator, several former Pinkerton agents, a few individuals whose backgrounds are still mysterious, even though the series is up to its sixth volume, and a gang of street children who are the equivalent of Holmes' Baker Street Irregulars. I would be quite happy to spend more time with them by moving both backwards and forwards in this series.

But... (you knew there'd be a "but" didn't you?) the mystery in this particular title pushed the limits of what I want to read as entertainment. It's not a spoiler to say that The Dead Cry Justice revolves around the abuse suffered by street children during New York's gilded age. But the particular nature of that abuse made finishing this title a challenge for me. I'm hoping that if I go back and look over the other volumes in this series that I'll be able to find some that don't leave me teetering on that brink of discomfort. I want to spend more time with these characters—but only if I can do so on my own terms.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.

The future of Hunter and MacKenzie Investigative Law may be in jeopardy—Geoffrey Hunter is slowly recovering from a near-fatal shooting and Prudence MacKenzie has been invited to be one of the first women to be welcomed into New York University's Law School. While debating her next step, Prudence gets caught up in a new investigation as she tries to help two badly mistreated children. The sexually abused teenage girl has been permanently made up to look like a fancy, porcelain doll and her younger brother is determined to protect her from further abuse. Despite multiple people trying to help them, the two children flee into the teeming slums of New York City. While searching for the children, Prudence, Geoffrey, and their associates search the city from the elite private clubs to the brothels. They are trying to stay one step ahead of the person hunting the children, but their investigation leads Prudence straight into the fiend's clutches and puts her at risk of becoming the next human doll in one of New York's most elite and depraved secret clubs.

As usual, Rosemary Simpson brings to life the gilded era of New York City through her detailed descriptions. She also incorporates some real-life/well-known people into Prudence's and Geoffrey's investigation—including Jay Gould, Jacob Riis, and Nellie Bly. The subject matter (sex-trafficking and child abuse) will be disturbing for some readers, and it makes this novel darker/heavier than the previous novels. Overall, it was an interesting story, and the plot kept moving at a steady pace. I appreciate the various points of view and how they give the reader a fuller perspective of what is going on overall. Prudence is evolving into a very strong character, but she still has her flaws. Geoffrey is also allowing her more headway into conducing her own investigations. That being said, he is still very protective of her as she is still naïve and has a tendency to accidentally get herself into serious trouble. Their personal relationship also seems to have moved on to a new level, and I'm excited to see what happens with them in the next novel.

New York during the Gilded Age was brutal for everyone but the mega-rich. This novel brings the class disparity into sharp relief and the fact that child sex trafficking has been with us right here in the States for a while.

The plot starts simple and gets more complicated as the reader learns more. Two young boys that look a lot like the Prudence's sandwich thief are murdered and it's clear the kids are being hunted. I was drawn in and became invested in the two children fast which kept me reading.

The killer confrontation is hair raising and puts both Prudence and Geoffrey in danger. The wrap-up paves the way for some changes for Prudence.

I haven't read any of the prior books in this series, this was my first foray and I didn't feel lost at all. The subject matter is weighty and serious, similar to the Sebastian St. Cyr series. Other than a more clinical description here and there, there are no graphic depictions. Jacob Riis was a social reformer photographer and journalist Nellie Bly are actual historical figures which brings depth to the investigation. This was well written, the characters well developed, the investigation doled out clues for the reader at a good pace. I recommend. I may go back to the beginning to see how Prudence and Geoffrey's relationship started.

Rating: Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.

Rosemary Simpson's Gilded Age mysteries are one of my favorite series to read. I very much enjoy the developing relationship between Prudence and Geoffrey. A well done mystery with a dash of romance. I look forward to the next book!

Rosemary Simpson's Gilded Age mysteries are amongst my favorite series! Prudence MacKenzie is being recruited by NYU University to be one of their first female law students. Before she can decide, she rescues a sick child living on the streets. The story leads her and Geoffrey Hunter, who is still recovering from injuries incurred during their last case, into a secret society that preys on children. They find themselves in serious danger while trying to rescue these lost children and bring their captors to justice. The evolution of Prudence and Geoffrey's personal relationship is a fascinating element in each of the books. This particular story was heart wrenching but so well done! I look forward to the next book! Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of #TheDeadCryJustice.

triggers, trafficking, trauma, true-horror, family-dynamics, family, friendship, historical-novel, historical-figures, historical-places-events, historical-research, Jacob Riis, brothels, NYC, 1890s, abduction, suspense, law-enforcement, ex-Pinkerton, class-consciousness, refuge, therapy-dog, misogyny, investigators, investigation*****

This is a tough read because such things still happen to victims of trafficking everywhere in the world.
A stolen sandwich leads the investigative pair of Hunter (the ex-Pinkerton) and MacKenzie (wealthy daughter of a prominent former judge) Investigative Law on the trail of some very vile men with the help of their usual inventive assistants plus a wealthy police inspector with an agenda much like theirs. Along the way we meet the intrepid journalist Nelly Bly (10 Days in a Madhouse), Jacob Riis (photographer who exposed life in the tenements in *The Golden Age*), the daughter of Jay Gould, the Quaker Refuge in the notorious 5 Points, and even a prominent brothel keeper. And how could one forget the disgusting misogynist law professor at NYU Law School? We not only learn about depravity, but quite a lot about the very expensive Fashion Dolls of the day. The plot has a lot of suspense and moves along irregularly (but that's a good thing) with lots of twists and red herrings. All of the characters are clear and engaging. Very well done.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you.

The subject matter in this sixth installment of the Gilded Age Mystery series is heavy. Like, disturbingly heavy. Yet Rosemary Simpson is such a gifted storyteller that she makes it palatable. There are just enough POVs to make things fresh, but as always, the real draw is Prudence. She has evolved into a strong, admirable, early feminist, but without being aggressive or becoming a caricature. I feel that Prudence and Geoffrey have so many more stories to tell - I hope we may continue to read them!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Dead Cry Justice was a bit of a disappointment to me. I guess I expected it to have romance in it, but there was none at all. I wouldn't call it a mystery, although the group of people in it are searching for answers concerning two children, and they stumble across a whole underworld that they must solve. Very strange world.
It was a detailed story that leads you all over the streets of New York, and leaves you with a happy ending of sorts, it just wasn't what I had hoped for.

It all began with the swift theft of a package of sandwiches.........

Rosemary Simpson takes us back into the Gilded Age in 1890, once again, in New York City. She paints a panoramic view of a lush park setting in which Prudence MacKenzie sits enjoying the warmth of the afternoon sun. Alongside her is her Golden Retriever, Blossom, equally at rest near her feet. Blossom is aware that a package of tasty sandwiches is within reach on that bench. But it's not Blossom who is guilty of coveting that little bundle. Within seconds, a pair of hands grabs the sandwiches and runs off toward New York University.

But know one thing........Prudence is up for a chase. She's the daughter of the late Judge MacKenzie and part owner of a detective agency run with Geoffrey Hunter, an ex Pinkerton agent and an attorney in investigative law. Prudence is eyeing a limited slot finally allowing women to enter the New York Law School. And aside from all this........a fast pair of feet and determination trumps all.

Our little thief darts into the basement of the university with Prudence seconds behind him. And it's here that she comes across two unfortunate children, Bella and Zander, who are in dire straits. Prudence manages to get the children to the Quaker House of Healing run by Dr. Charity Sloan. The children remain silent. By morning, they've escaped.

Prudence will use her hard-nosed skills to try and locate the escapees. What she comes upon is the reality of life on the seedier streets of New York City. Doors are slammed in her face and no one wishes to discuss what really goes on in private clubs and brothels. But once you've been introduced to Prudence MacKenzie, you know that quitting doesn't dare strike a shadow near her.

Rosemary Simpson's Gilded Age Mysteries are not just to entertain her readers. Each book in the series is lined with impeccable research into the historical facts of the time. She'll also include renowned individuals of the day as part of the storyline. Although the weight of the story deals with the kidnapping and exploitation of young girls and women, you can count on Simpson to bring the elements full circle into the solid interventions of both individuals and organizations who've realized that stepping forward is a true commitment to humanity.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Kensington Publishers and to Rosemary Simpson for the opportunity.

Prudence MacKenzie, an heiress turned sleuth and daughter of a former New York judge, is weighing her options now that New York University has decided to admit women to its law school. Before she can make a decision, a street urchin steals Prudence’s sandwich, leading to a chase through the park and and into a basemen where Prudence discovers a badly beaten young girl. This leads to the discovery of other orphans and to a search for their tormentors.

In “The Dead Cry Justice”, the 6th installment in the Gilded Age Mysteries, Rosemary Simpson offers us a very satisfying read. I have not read the others in the series, but this one stands on its own, with background on the characters from other stories included seamlessly here.

This is a timely tale of abused children and the search to res them. Prudence is a likeable character. She and the other characters are well written, the period is vividly described, and the dialogue genuine and believable. All in all, an excellent choice for mystery lovers.

I received an advance copy from the publisher and Net Galley in exchange for my opinion.

The Dead Cry Justice by Rosemary Simpson is the sixth book in her Gilded Age series, which has gotten progressively stronger with each novel. The characters are well-drawn, and I enjoy reading about Josiah, Danny, Ned, and the others as much as I do Prudence and Geoffrey.

After a street urchin grabs Prudence's lunch, she and her partner are plunged into a case where young women are being kidnapped and forced into a bizarre niche of prostitution. Prudence has also been offered a place in the first class to admit women to study law, now that women may be admitted to the bar in New York. She puts her potential law career on hold to track down the men behind the kidnappings. Geoffrey is struggling to recover from his near-fatal shooting during their last case, and trying to balance his desire to protect Prudence with her desire to be treated as an equal partner.

Prudence, however, acts most imprudently in this latest offering, and seems to do so for no better reason other to put her in jeopardy so that she can be rescued. It felt a bit like Simpson wrote herself into a corner, and the only way she could get the detectives to solve the case was to have Prudence be in peril. It was a bit disappointing.

3 out of 5 stars

I received an advance copy from Kensington and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.