This is the 4th book in the Gilded Gotham series by Kate Belli.

I had really enjoyed the first 3 books and was eager to start the 4th, I have luckily been awarded an advance reader copy by Netgalley in exchange for my honest review so I could cut the waiting short.

As per the previous books, the characters are well thought out and the story is a page turner, the plot is pretty twisted with many unexpected events happening.

An arsonist, a kidnapper, someone from Daniel's past: I couldn't wait to have it all sorted out. It is like the gift that keeps giving.

Thanks again to the author and can't wait to see what happens on the next book!

Journalist Genevieve Stewart is preparing for her upcoming extravagant wedding to Daniel McCaffrey while also working on advancing society reform throughout New York City. When three seemingly unrelated fires—one at a boarding house and mission for Black women who’d moved to New York City from the South, another at a photographer’s studio in which Daniel almost loses his life, and a third at a midwife’s office that traps Genevieve in the basement alongside the proprietor’s dead body—Genevieve and Daniel try to find the common thread that ties all three together. After realizing that the arsonist is targeting supporters of social reform, they try to narrow down their list of suspects. When Genevieve goes missing, Daniel dedicates his every waking moment and resource into finding his fiancée. Meanwhile, Genevieve has to fight to make her way home so that she can expose the arsonist and his murderous cronies.

I am a huge fan of the Gilded Gotham series, and I think OPULENCE AND ASHES is a great addition to the series. The novel is full of suspense, red herrings, and plot twists. The numerous crimes—multiple arsons, murder, and attempted murders—keep the plot action packed. And the dual perspective allows the reader to experience the story through both Genevieve’s and Daniel’s eyes.

I highly recommend this novel—and the entire series—to everyone who enjoys historical mysteries.

This victorian mystery is absolutely wonderful. I was transported to a different time and I was vested in this story. I loved it!! This is the 4th book in the series and I am going to have to go and read the previous books!
I just reviewed Opulence and Ashes by Kate Belli. #OpulenceandAshes #NetGalley
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I really enjoyed the earlier ones in this series so eagerly requested this one from Netgalley and was not disappointed. It's hard to keep the attention in a series but I still found myself keen to see where this one went.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest opinion.

Mystery series with couples tend to follow a certain path. The couple meets, they sleuth, and they wind up together. While Genevieve Stewart and Daniel McCaffrey follow the path, their stories are full of suspense and surprises that make the Gilded Gotham books unique page-turners. What’s more, Kate Belli gives readers a mix of beautiful, heart-melting moments and action scenes that make you hold your breath while reading.

In this fourth book in the series, Genevieve and Daniel are weeks away from their wedding. They are excited to move into their new house and start married life. They're also content to let Genevieve’s mother see to the details of their society wedding and dedicate time to Daniel’s reform efforts and Genevieve’s newspaper job. A series of arson fires are connected to their work and they investigate. The beloved secondary characters assist. Genevieve’s brother Charles is especially charming. Some characters from the past appear as well. No spoilers here, but those characters from the past are stunning!

Two things I always notice and enjoy in this series are that the first chapter gives insight into the emotions of the main characters and Genevieve isn’t relegated to a “damsel in distress” role, often escaping danger through her own strength and determination. That’s not to say Daniel isn’t a protective partner - he’s a swoon-worthy character who is devoted to Genevieve.

This is one of my most eagerly awaited books for 2023 and though NetGalley provided the ARC, I already have a physical copy preordered. I’ll do my usual reread of the series to prepare for publication day in October.

The latest entry in Kate Belli’s gaslight series is my favorite so far. Genevieve and Daniel are preparing for their wedding when murder, arson, corruption, and a figure claiming to be from Daniel’s past intervene. The plot is excellent and keeps you turning pages, while the depth of the relationship between Genevieve and Daniel is lovely. I would strongly recommend reading the previous books to better get the context of key events and characters, and because they are excellent. The historical elements are well done, woven in seamlessly without being distracting. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest opinion.

Genevieve and her fiancee are working to improve lives in New York City when it appears they are suddenly being targeted. A tangles mess of clues appear to lead nowhere, but something must be done with their wedding just weeks away.