Nothing will strike fear in the heart of a romance reader faster than these two words:
Girl. Reporter.

It is a scientific fact that if you wander over into the Too Stupid To Live borough of Romancelandia, 60% of those heroines are girl reporters.

So it's a wonder that I impulsively downloaded Deception by Gaslight by Kate Belli many moons ago thanks to a Netgalley promo email (yes, another one). Even more shocking? I borderline loved this.

Genevieve Stewart is an heiress, her family members of the Astor 400. However, firmly on the shelf, she has been making her way in New York City as a reporter for the Globe newspaper. While part of the monied and privileged set, the Stewart family is rather eccentric and it was that eccentricity that led to Genevieve's broken engagement some years before. That lesson learned, she's a talented reporter, but being a woman, has been shoe-horned into insipid assignments. To break free? She's determined to track down the "Robin Hood of the Lower East Side" - a thief who has been stealing baubles from the wealthy, then sending letters to the Globe full of screeds against wealth and avarice.

While snooping around Five Points (I know, stay with me here...) she overhears some men talking about Robin Hood. Naturally she follows them and naturally she gets into a spot of trouble - but not before seeing a dead body lying in the alley and one of the men, whom she takes calling Mr. Pineapple Waistcoat, saves her bacon.

So naturally it's a teensy bit of a shock when, while attending a society ball, she sees none other than Mr. Pineapple Waistcoat, who turns out to be Daniel McCaffrey, heir to the vast Van Joost fortune. Daniel is impossibly handsome, and certainly his fortune makes him attractive to matchmaking mamas, but nobody knows his story. He spent his youth and most of his adult life over in England and from what people can piece together, he was not blood-related to Old Man Van Joost. No doubt about it, there's a story there and given that Genevieve met him in Five Points? She's convinced he's Robin Hood.

Daniel has little use for reporters and frankly dislikes the breed given how they hounded him after he inherited, but of course he's intrigued by Genevieve. "For reasons," he doesn't want her snooping around his life and she's like a dog with a bone on this Robin Hood thing. So he tries to throw her off by dangling another juicy morsel in front of her - that of a newly formed city housing commission looking into living conditions in the city's tenement buildings.

The author basically has three mysteries going at once in this book: 1) Daniel's past 2) Robin Hood and 3) political corruption. And once Genevieve starts sticking her nose into things, it doesn't take long for the bodies to start dropping and the danger to ramp up. In order to get to the bottom of things her and Daniel need to team up, which is a neat trick since he's not entirely convinced he can trust her with his various secrets.

Not gonna lie, the various mystery angles here did make for a disjointed read at times but Genevieve and Daniel make such a great team and have enough sexual tension to make this one sizzle. Firmly marketed as historical fiction, truly I cannot recommend this one enough to historical romance fans, albeit the Daniel / Genevieve romance is obviously going to carry out over for the next three books in the series.

The historical detail and world-building is pitch perfect, the author hitting all the high and low points of Gilded Age New York City excess and poverty. Plus all the secondary characters add something to the story, my favorites being Daniel's best friend, an impoverished British earl, and his new money society heiress fiancée, who is desperate to escape from under her mother's social climbing thumb.

The various mysteries get tied up at the end (we find out about Daniel's past, Robin Hood is unmasked, the political corruption plot is brought to light) but readers should be warned this one does end on a cliffhanger. The purpose of the cliffhanger is to lead the reader by the nose directly into starting Book 2, which definitely worked on me since I downloaded it and plan on starting it next.

Final Grade = B+

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of <i>Deception by Gaslight</i> in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

<h4 style="margin-top: 84px;">The Gist</h4>

<i>Deception by Gaslight</i> immerses readers in the gaslit streets of Victorian London, offering a compelling historical mystery that combines intricate plotting with a vividly depicted setting. In this atmospheric tale, Belli introduces us to Charles St. Clair, a detective with a keen mind and a penchant for uncovering the truth.

<h4>The Details</h4>

The strength of the novel lies in its evocative portrayal of Victorian London. Belli captures the essence of the era, from the gas lamps casting eerie shadows to the cobblestone streets echoing with secrets. The historical details are meticulously researched, providing a rich backdrop for the unfolding mystery.

The protagonist is a charismatic and enigmatic detective whose wit and intelligence drive the narrative. The cast of supporting characters adds depth to the story, each contributing to the complexity of the mystery at hand.

Belli weaves a tale of deception and intrigue, keeping readers guessing until the final pages. The plot is well-crafted, with twists and turns that maintain a sense of suspense. The author successfully blends the mystery elements with the historical setting, creating a narrative that feels both authentic and engaging.

However, some readers might find the pacing a bit uneven. Additionally, while the mystery is satisfyingly resolved, some may anticipate a more robust exploration of certain character motivations.

<h4>The Verdict</h4>

Overall, <i>Deception by Gaslight</i> is a commendable historical mystery that transports readers to a bygone era. Kate Belli's storytelling captures the essence of Victorian London, providing a compelling backdrop for a cleverly plotted detective tale.

It's been ages since I've read a Victorian era mystery and this was such a great read. Love that I've found a new author.

Genevieve and Daniel meet in a dark alley with a dead body. What brings them both to this location? Does it involve the Robin Hood of New York City, or is it just a coincidence. The rich are robbed, but who does it? Why are rich being murdered. Great edition to the historical mystery genre.
Goodreads

An exciting historical mystery for fans of Deanna Raybourn or Katharine Schellman! The historical details were so interesting and intricate, and I loved the main characters. More please!

The gilded age of 1888 New York is ruled by the Astor 400--the wealthiest families who influence the social and political set up of the city. Genevieve Stewart, a journalist whose family is part of the famed 400, is on a hunt to discover the identity of a jewel thief dubbed Robin Hood who is robbing from these families and helping the poor. In her chase she discovers a dead body in the dangerous Five Points neighbourhood. Saved by the handsome and mysterious Daniel McCaffrey when her life is threatened whom she meets again at an Astor 400 ball, she wonders if Daniel is the elusive Robin Hood and is determined to prove so. However, when a few more murders take place of prominent members of the 400 society, Genevieve suspects a much more sinister plot is afoot than just mere robbery and although still doubtful about Daniel, teams up with him to get to the bottom of it.

This is the first book in the Gilded Gotham Mystery series and judging by this book looks to be a promising series. It's well written and I already love both the protagonists. There is a hint of a sub plot too dealing with Daniel's lost siblings and I hope it is developed further as it looks interesting.

I received an e-Arc of the book from the publisher Crooked Lane Books, the author Kate Belli via NetGalley.

An excellent mystery with a hint of romance. I loved the interplay between Genevieve and Daniel and I'm really looking forward to reading another adventure with these two. I love mysteries set during the gilded age and this series has been added to my list to keep reading. The author paid good attention to historical detail and this set the scene very well for the reader. I could almost imagine myself there alongside Genevieve as she traipsed around town and dark alleys on her journalistic endeavours. I enjoyed this book immensely.

A take on the Robin Hood story in the end of the 19th century New York City. Genevieve is making her way as a reporter, a hard road for that time period. As she is looking into this Robin Hood story, she finds more than she bargained for with a dead body. Daniel shows up as a partner in crime as it were for Genevieve's investigation, but is it possible he could be both Robin Hood and the killer? There are a lot of ins and outs to the story, but definitely a good start to what I hope is a series.

This was billed as a mystery, but for the first 40% of the book, I was almost positive I had mis-remembered the blurb and it was a romance. I was looking forward to a HEA. Then, people started dying and I went back and read the blurb and it's a mystery, sort of. More of thriller, sort of? At which point my hopes of a HEA payoff went down the drain but it was too late for me to really get into the mystery. If this book had picked a lane, this would have been a good book, but the back and forth drove me nuts. Also, and it's a nitpick, there are three important characters with E names and it was really hard to tell them apart. Overall, a big "Meh" on this one.

Genevieve is rich and part of the Astor 400 set. When she encounters a murder victim and then is rescued by a neighbourhood ruffian it is with surprise that she meets the same man again at a society ball. Could he be the Robin Hood?
A fabulous historical mystery that is beautifully descriptive of New York and is written with a solid plot and great characters.

Everything from the setting to the couple involved, this book included all of the things I look for in a good read. I was fascinated right from the start and had trouble putting it down or thinking of anything else when I did have to walk away from it.

4/5 stars

What a delightful read!

Set in a gilded-age New York, Kate Belli’s debut novel follows the story of Genevieve Stewart, a woman in her mid-twenties who tries to create a path of her own when society expects her to marry and build a family. Once Genevieve had thought that was what she wanted for her too but this was before she had her wedding canceled, before she had become a reporter.

Before Robin Hood has started to frighten the city.

Now Genevieve needs to find who’s behind the moniker and the theft all over the high-society in order to solidify her career. It’s in one of the investigation excursions that the reporter will meet Daniel McCaffrey, one of the most eligible bachelors who owns an enviable fortune. It certainly wouldn’t be strange for their path to cross but never in Five Points, one of the neighborhoods of impoverished immigrants. Never in an alley where another man lays dead.

Daniel McCaffrey has always been a mystery to the people around him, or at least the rich ones. No one knows where he came from nor why he was the one to inherit the enormous fortune of Van Hoost. All of this is a secret he’s not willing to share with anyone, including the nosey reporter who thinks he has something to do with Robin Hood.

It’s only when the thefts turn to murder, Genevieve and Daniel will have to decide to join forces or to see how far they can go by themselves.

“Deception by Gaslight” was an emotional rollercoaster for me but the aftermath was wonderful. At first, I was super excited by the first encounter of the protagonists since it was clear that the chemistry was there right away. Then the chapters started to get a little bit longer and my mind was spinning with surnames and all kinds of details (but these were on me because I really find the writing incredible). When I got halfway through the book things got amazingly intriguing and I truly couldn’t put the book down until I reached the end.

(And what a way to end, my dear friends, I need book two like RIGHT NOW)

Belli was capable of developing mystery, delightful balls, lovely dialogues, and perfect hints of romance while never leaving the orchestration of the main plot behind. I’m really in love with the protagonists and all the other secondary characters. It is a reading that is going to keep you guessing until the end.

I loved it!!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Hooray for a gem of a historical mystery.

Deception by Gaslight was fun, engaging, and rife with atmosphere.

This is a slow burn to be sure, but I found the pacing perfect for the story. The mystery is multi-layered and well-crafted, and the author did well in resolving the meat of it but still leaving us something (perhaps in the form of an adversary still at large) to propel us into the next book of what I hope will be a continued series.

Belli has painted an evocative portrait of Gilded Age New York, showcasing both the Haves of The 400 and The Have-Nots of Five Points. Or in other form of one very important character, both at once.

And it’s in the characters that the novel really finds its success. The plot is solid enough for a historical mystery and the aforementioned atmosphere well-rendered, but what really grips the reader in this one are the far better than average for the genre characters. Daniel and Genevieve are good leads, but it’s the others—their families, their friends, their acquaintances, and even their enemies—that really make the story feel so full.

The final confrontation is a bit cartoonish, but the rest of the book more than makes up for this one slightly cringey scene.

I hope the sequel isn’t too long in coming. I’m eager to spend more time in this world.

For fans of Amanda Quick's regency novels, but no paranormal elements in this mystery. In post civil war New York City life is one big party for the wealthy and disgraced by the tenement housing of the poverty. Into this mix comes a thief, titillating the public with stories of the misdeeds of the people he is stealing from....but has he stepped up to murder? One enterprising reporter sets to find out, but will she betray the trust of those around her? The only weakness in this story is the conclusion which could have been stronger. I can't wait to read more of this series.

Thanks to Crooked Lane Books, the author and Netgallley for an Advance Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book set in the Gilded Age in New York. Genevieve is a reporter for the Globe and, although she seems to get stuck with stories about babies and flower shows, she has potential. She is also part of the Astor 400, the wealthiest families in New York. Although her parents are unconventional, they are one of the oldest families in New York and are always at the centre of society.
When a Robin Hood-like burglar starts robbing the rich Genevieve is sure she can find out his identity. And with the help of the extremely handsome Daniel MCaffrey, another wealthy businessman, becomes entangled in the mystery. I am hooked. Can't wait for the next one.

Mini Review: I love Historical Mysteries (They are my favorite type of mystery novel, though I have plenty of Contemporary favorites, too!), so I knew I had to request this one! It was a good mystery, which I won't say more about, for fear of spoiling people about the plot. If you think this Adult Historical Mystery sounds good, I would recommend trying it!

I never got the chance to read this one before it was archived, but the idea behind it is so promising! I'm truly grateful for the publisher giving me a chance to read it, and will be looking for a physical copy in my local bookstore.

Deception by Gaslight is an entertainingly sweet historical crime novel. There's a great mix of history and atmosphere perfect for fans of romance, mystery and historical fiction.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This is a perfectly sweet little historical crime novel. It will be a huge hit with folks who like old fashioned romances and whodunnits. There's a great mix of history and atmosphere. I was kind of bored throughout it, but it will be a great hit for its target audience.

Deception by Gaslight is glittering golden age mystery, featuring an intrepid journalist seeking more than just covering socialite events. They mystery was intriguing, and I loved all the noir plots that make a classic mystery from gangs, jewels thieves, high society balls. I really enjoyed Genevieve our journalist turning sleuth her desire to seek more for herself and independence where women still had to be in the cupboard. I also enjoyed Daniel as well. His toughness hiding something more underneath. Overall, Deception by Gaslight is a promising book to a new mystery series.