Cover Image: Deception by Gaslight

Deception by Gaslight

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Member Reviews

Genevieve isn’t like the other society ladies. She is a tenacious reporter who works hard to get her story. When she goes after the man called Robin Hood, it is more complicated than it seems at first. This book is a mystery that kept me guessing until the end.

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This book was wonderful! I cannot wait for Kate Belli to write another book. It was fast paced, the characters were likeable and the mystery was creative.

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I received this book in exchange for an honest review. You can purchase your copy here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083RYQWZ8/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
The book begins in February 1888 Genevieve had turned down an alley and a man in a pineapple embroidered waistcoat landed in front of her. She had been tailing some men who suddenly were cornering her. She introduces herself by her pen name, Polly Palmer and tells them that she is a journalist with the New York City Globe and wants to know about Robin Hood. Genevieve stumbles upon way more than she bargains for with a corpse. We are taken on the adventure of Genevieve trying to solve the case of Robin Hood.
I found this book very British and dated. If you are into historical novels, this is a great read! I would say this is Sherlock Holmes meets Goodfellas.

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When I say I have tried multiple times to read this, believe me, I tried. There is nothing wrong with this book, it just simply is not for me and I had zero interest in reading any further. Let me just say though that the idea of a woman reporter trying to solve a string of robberies in the late 1800's is an awesome idea. Just not my cup of tea right now.

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I loved this story! The chemistry between Genevieve and Daniel is sparkling. The double story line of Robin Hood and the murder mysteries kept me turning pages. I was a bit disappointed at the ending, but thrilled to see this is the first in a series. I can't wait to read more.

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In 1888, the midst of the Gilded Age, Genevieve Stewart is both part of the ‘Astor 400’, the wealthiest upper echelons of New York society, and not. Finding the endless whirl of society unfulfilling and the suggested life path of marrying another of the Astor 400 unpalatable, she becomes, with her eccentric but wealthy family’s backing, a journalist. And at the beginning of the book, she is on the trail of the elusive ‘Robin Hood’, a jewel thief targeting the rich and allegedly, sharing their spoils with the poor, when she runs afoul of a gang of street toughs. Rescued by a stranger, she is astounded to encounter him in a ballroom a few days later and discover him to be Daniel McCaffrey, a millionaire who inherited his wealth in unusual circumstances.

With the instincts of a born journalist, Genevieve senses a story and Daniel finds that he can’t just leave her to blunder into a potential minefield, with the rich and powerful willing to kill to maintain secrecy around shady dealings.

A mystery with a side of fairly slow-build romance, this is excellently written and feels very authentic to the period. There was an intriguing twist in the identity of Robin Hood - and his reasons for stealing weren’t at all what I expected - and then an odd time-jump of a year right at the end of the book, before an event which leaves the narrative on a cliffhanger and sets up for what is presumably intended to be a series featuring Genevieve and Daniel as the main characters. I hope we get to see more of Esmie and Rupert in the next book as I was fascinated by the pair of them, both flawed as they were.

Five stars for an authentic-feeling Gilded Age mystery with a likable heroine and an intriguing hero.

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1888 New York City is full of its prejudices and traditions. Genevieve is an unusual case. Her family rich and part of the upper crust, fully support her journalistic ambitions - absolutely different to the rest of tradition encrusted New York society and she finds herself in the middle of the story of the decade.

A modern day Robin Hood robbing from the rich and distributing to the poor. When a change in the scenario of murder enters the scene Genevieve begins to suspect that either Robin Hood has become a murderer as well, or there is someone working on the theme to get their own dirty work done.

Meeting up with Daniel who is her first suspect of being Robin Hood, uncovers a world of corruption both in the mayor's office as well as with local police. Daniel in turn trying desperately to protect both Genevieve and a friend very dear to him, is caught in the middle of a gang war which erupts over both the corruption enquiries which makes a number of people uncomfortable and the quest to find Robin Hood by Genevieve.

Well written, very descriptive of the era and setting which was a story in itself this was a very good read.

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Deception by Gaslight by Kate Belli
Gilded Gotham Mystery #1

Mixed feelings on this one. I enjoyed the beginning…great introduction…then enjoyed the next scene, too, but for some reason I was not hooked enough to read every word. That said, I did skim quickly because I wanted to find out what would happen. I had the sense of watching a movie set in the period while also remembering books I read long ago that were of that era. Why I wasn’t invested in the characters might have had to do with Genevieve, in her mid-twenties, being at times incautious and actually making dangerous life-threatening decisions while chasing a story.

The writing flowed and descriptions appealed to all five senses giving a good feel for the time, clothing, etc. and I felt that I was there in some scenes. In some ways the story read like a penny dreadful and in others…not quite.

There were murders, thefts, news stories to follow, social issues relevant to the times, newsworthy happenings, stories given to men that Genevieve wanted, and a bit of romance. I am not sure how I feel about this book and though I didn’t read word for word might give book two a chance to see what Genevieve and Daniel get up to and whether or not their relationship will develop.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane for the ARC – This is my honest review.

2 for my interest in the story
3 it is in the middle
4 Stars as I believe it has merit and will appeal to more readers than it doesn’t appeal to

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Deception by Gaslight is the first book in the series where the main character is a young woman-reporter. Genevieve Stewart comes from Astor 400 family but her parents and her upbringing served a very good base for her to become an independent woman right at the end of the nineteenth century New York.

Genevieve is welcome at any high society events. She is friends or relations with every who's who in the NY and... She is lonely, outsider and jilted bride. A very volatile mix if you add brains, curiosity and persistence to the character.

And Genevieve meets her match in elusive heir Daniel McCaffrey. Nobody knows him. Nobody knows why and how he inherited. But everybody wants to be his friend. Do they, really?

Deception by Gaslight is not a clea cut murder mystery but still a very interesting whodunit. Yes, there are deaths by unnatural means and there is blood, quite a bit of it. There are gunshots, burglaries and fights. But is not a simple case of murder. It's a very complicated labyrinth of power and shady dealings where money is all that matters.

Genevieve and Daniel uncover the tip and sides of huge iceberg, get themselves in danger and peculiar spots. They even ruin reputations theirs on of other people. But it all ends well... as well as it could... in the end.

Deception by Gaslight has a happy ending with a pause. Yes, there will be more.

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An excellent historical mystery, highly entertaining and well written.
I loved the well researched and vivid historical background, the interesting and fleshed out characters and the solid mystery that kept me guessing.
I can't wait to read another book by this author, this one is highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

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So I received this ARC from NetGalley and Crooked Lane books. It was a very fun story with a lot going on. It reminded me of The Alienist tv show... dark, love interests, guy from the wrong side of the tracks with new money... it was really a solid 3.5 stars but I couldn’t drop it. Those that like a simple plot with no twists and turns, keep moving, this mystery takes you on a journey for sure!

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Genevieve Stewart was a reporter at the Globe in New York in 1888 where a devious thief dubbed Robin Hood was stealing from the high society’s wealthy and giving to those less privileged. She was determined to uncover the perpetrator, and as such was following a group of men to interview them. But the narrow, dead end alley was suddenly making her wish she’d been a little more sensible. The body she spied on the ground horrified her; the danger she was in terrified her. But the help of a stranger – a good looking one – saw her escape with her life.

The high society ball that Genevieve attended was one she attended under sufferance. But it was her spotting of the stranger who had rescued her, but who looked completely different, which had her thoughts immediately tying the two together. Was she in the same room as Robin Hood? Genevieve was determined to find out. When it seemed the thief had escalated to murder, her shock came with confusion. What was going on? Someone out there didn’t want the truth to come out – there was far too much at stake…

Deception by Gaslight is the 1st in A Gilded Gotham Mystery series by Kate Belli, set in New York in the late 1800s and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The pace was electric, the characters – from nefarious gangs to high class society women – were excellently portrayed. I found Genevieve and Daniel to be tough and independent, both being hard to trust because of events from their pasts. A great start to a new series that I’ll be happy to continue with. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my diital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

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Deception by Gaslight is the first book in the Gilded Gotham Mystery series by Kate Belli. And what a fun start it was! If the following installments are as exciting as this one, I hope this series will run for a long time to come.

In 1888 Gilded Age New York, a jewel thief is hitting the homes of the Astor 400 (also know as "rich people"). He's writing to newspapers claiming to be stealing from the rich and giving to the poor, so he's being called Robin Hood. Genevieve Stewart, a young woman from a peculiar family that's part of the Astor 400, is bucking tradition and making her own way as a newspaper reporter. While following the Robin Hood story she roams the dark dangerous streets and sees a murder victim. When it appears she is going to be accosted by men who were following her, she is saved by a handsome neighborhood tough. A few days later at a party, she meets wealthy Daniel McCaffrey...who just happens to be the tough who helped her in the dangerous Five Points neighborhood! Genevieve believes Daniel may be Robin Hood. However, when there are two more murders, she can't believe that Daniel killed anyone. The two become partners in the search for the truth.

This was truly an entertaining story. The mystery concerning street gangs, thefts, murders, dirty cops and poor housing conditions was exciting, but the characters really made the book. Genevieve grew up in a wealthy family but wasn't content to spend her time flitting from party to party. She wanted to be a real reporter and was getting tired of being given stories about flower shows or best babies. She was hoping the Robin Hood story would be her big break. Daniel was a total mystery, even more interesting than the murders here. He grew up poor but inherited a fortune. Why? What happened to his sister Maggie? There was just so much to learn about him! Genevieve and Daniel were very drawn to each other, and I hope to see their relationship grow. The supporting characters were all well drawn, especially Daniel's best friend Rupert and Tommy Meade, gang boss. The story was complete and didn't end on a cliffhanger, but the epilogue did! Ms. Belli, please hurry up to I can find out what happened!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed were entirely my own.

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Deception By Gaslight is the first book in the A Gilded Gotham Mystery series by Kate Beli.

This book’s setting is the winter of 1888 and the middle of the Gilded era in New York City.

Genevieve Stewart is a reporter for the NewYork City Globe. Genevieve is getting tired of covering society balls and cutest baby contests. Genevieve is sure getting one big story; the editor will assign her to more newsworthy stories. One day she hears of some society matrons have been robbed of their valuable jewels and that the thief has sent letters citing these people’s misdoings and signing them Robin Hood.

Genevieve has gone to the Lower East Side’s seedier part and hears three men discussing the Robin Hood exploits and starts to follow them. She soon finds that they have led her to Bottle Alley and confront her. They begin to threaten her, but one of the men, who Genevieve has named Mr. Pineapple Waistcoat, calls off the other two. She asks him for information on this Robin Hood, and he suggests she leave well enough alone and for her safety should leave the area.

A few days later, Genevieve is attending a society ball and spots Mr. Pineapple Waistcoat sporting a very nice tux. She asks a friend who he is and finds out he is Daniel McCaffrey. They have a couple of dances, and Genevieve continues to try to get him to discuss whether he is Robin Hood.

Very little is know about Daniel, and he likes it that way. The only thing learned about Daniel is that he had been the sole heir to VanJoost fortune.

Finally, after being followed by Genevieve, Daniel asks to have dinner with him. Still not trusting each other, they agree to work together to determine the identity of Robin Hood. They will soon find themselves in political corruption, tenement housing reform, and paper corporations.

I love historical mysteries, and this was no exception. I find it very interesting to read about how people lived and socialized then. The book is well-written and plotted. I found the characters well-developed, engaging, and believable. There were plenty of red herrings in the story that kept me guessing until the end.

I will be watching for the next book to see what Genevieve and Daniel will be up to next and if there will be a chance of romance for the two.

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of Deception by Gaslight (A Gilded Gotham Mystery) by Kate Belli from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in order to read and give an honest review.

...the mystery plot itself although slow to build, definitely does not disappoint...

Set in New York in 1888, journalist Genevieve Stewart is desperately looking to make a name for herself at her current paper the Globe. Genevieve relegated to writing about Baby Shows and the minor events of high society, she just can't seem to get taken seriously as a journalist when an elusive jewel thief dubbed "Robin Hood" starts making an appearance, robbing from the ‘Astor 400’, the cream of the crop of New York society seems to be just the story she has been looking for. 

Although herself on the outskirts of the Astor 400 after her activist Mother creates a stir and a planned marriage to another member ends, she has found herself often ignored and pitied among high society.  Trying to make a name for herself she begins to use her connections to try and get the 'Robin Hood' story, the scoop of the century.  While in a seedy area of the city pursuing a lead, she is accosted by ruffians and rescued begrudgingly by a handsome stranger, Danny, only to learn Daniel McCaffrey is part of the Astor 400. Convinced that Daniel is in fact Robin Hood she sets her sites to get to the truth, but instead gets herself in the middle of murder, mayhem, and corruption at the highest levels.

Clever, complex, and very well-written, this book keeps the reader turning the pages. The author creates interesting, dynamic, and real characters who although flawed, are likeable and well developed.  I loved Genevieve's strong and intelligent personality, as well as the clever banter that occurs between her and Daniel. The mystery plot itself although slow to build, definitely does not disappoint.  With twists and turns, this book keeps you guessing to the very satisfying end although it does leave a cliffhanger in the epilogue. I'm now a fan of Kate Belli and certainly looking forward to reading future books in this series!

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This Gilded Age mystery series is off to a great start. Set in New York City in 1888 it has well plotted mystery with a Robin Hood theme combined with a killer piling up the bodies. The setting runs from glitter and Mrs. Astor's famous 400 to the gritty Lower East Side. The jewel thefts get the attention of Genevieve Stewart, daughter of a rich but very eccentric family. She may be in the 400 circle but she doesn't really fit in. Her dream is to become a serious newspaper reporter but finds herself writing nothing but fluff pieces. If she can unravel the jewel theft cases and write a great story then it might lead to more, serious, stories.
Certain that she knows who the thief is - Daniel McCaffrey - she sets out to prove it only to find herself faced with a killer and a budding partnership with Daniel as they team up to catch the killer. The chemistry between them works well, the various friends and family are well developed and the puzzle satisfying to the very end. Genevieve is my favorite kind of character, one who is strong enough to buck the system and not let high society lock her in a conventional life. I hope this series has a long run.
My thanks to the publisher, Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

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In a world of luxe and glamour, Genevieve Stewart uncovers a string of robberies and murders. Stewart, being a reporter, decides to follow her lead. Risky and thrilling, "Deception by Gaslight" by Kate Belli is an excellent read.

I absolutely love the setting of this book: New York in 1888. For some reason, it feels like a magical time to be alive. If you're rich. And if you're not, life is the slums. Genevieve grew up in upperclass society, but her walls are quickly shattered as she discovers a story of a robin hood type character stealing from her friends and giving to the poor. Immediately you can sense the class struggle, but the murders add an extra layer of mystery.

I love how strong Genevieve's character is. She works hard and she's willing to go the extra mile. She does research, but she isn't afraid to get out in the streets and get her hands dirty for her story. She doesn't back down, doesn't quit, and isn't easily shaken. Even in the face of death, Genevieve is ultimately calm and considering her next move.

>I gave this book 4 stars. I simply couldn't put it down. I got so wrapped up in this New York world that I had to know what was going to happen next. That and the amplification with the murders really tipped me over from enjoying to obsessed.

Thanks NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review! This book comes out today, October 6th, be sure to check it out!

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Book Info
Hardcover, 327 pages
Expected publication: October 6th 2020 by Crooked Lane Books
ISBN 164385464X (ISBN13: 9781643854649)
Edition Language English
Series A Gilded Gotham Mystery #1
Other Editions None found
Source:Netgalley EARC Buy book from Amazon B&N
BOOK BLURB

Glittering Gilded-Age New York holds its lavish charms--and a litany of deadly sins--as intrepid reporter Genevieve Stewart uncovers a trail of corruption and murder.

As a chill sets in on New York City in the winter of 1888, a jewel thief dubbed the "Robin Hood of the Lower East Side" has been stealing from the city's wealthiest and giving to the poor. Genevieve Stewart--a young woman whose family is part of Mrs. Astor's famed 400 but who has forged a life of her own as a reporter--decides to chase the story, but gets more than she bargained for: a murder victim sprawled in a dark alley in the dangerous Five Points neighborhood.

A handsome neighborhood tough comes to her rescue--but when she encounters the same man at a glamorous ball a few nights later, she realizes he's society scion Daniel McCaffrey. Could this be her Robin Hood? When two more murders rock the Knickerbocker world, it becomes apparent that something much more sinister is afoot than a few stolen diamond necklaces. Genevieve is determined to prove that Daniel is Robin Hood--but she's loath to believe he is a killer as well. From the glittering lights of Fifth Avenue to the sordid back alleys of Five Points, the truth is just one murder away.

My Thoughts


As mysteries go this one is an intriguing start to a new-to-me authors series.

Set in a time when people who were wealthy set themselves apart from the common man and at the same time found ways to enjoy slumming as well as forge power alliances with some of the more questionable characters.

Actual thugs for lack of a better description.

Genevieve Stewart and Daniel McCaffrey are thrown together in their mutual quest for the identity of Robin Hood, a quest that leads the pair into dangerous situations at times while also bringing them closer together.

However as the pair grow closer to the truth their danger escalates ever more rapidly, at one point Genevieve finds out first hand just how much while Daniel deals with fallout from his past and also long ago associates whose current agenda bodes ill for New Yorks future.

The combination of danger, intrigue, mystery and romance blends well in this story and I am very happy to say also hooked me into wanting more time with these characters.

Especially since it ended the way it did.

[EArc from Netgalley]

On every book read as soon as it is done and written up for review it is posted on Goodreads and Netgalley, once released then posted on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles as well.

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Deception by Gaslight by Kate Belli
Publication Date: October 6, 2020
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Description from NetGalley...
“As a chill sets in on New York City in the winter of 1888, a jewel thief dubbed the "Robin Hood of the Lower East Side" has been stealing from the city's wealthiest and giving to the poor. Genevieve Stewart--a young woman whose family is part of Mrs. Astor's famed 400 but who has forged a life of her own as a reporter--decides to chase the story, but gets more than she bargained for: a murder victim sprawled in a dark alley in the dangerous Five Points neighborhood.

A handsome neighborhood tough comes to her rescue--but when she encounters the same man at a glamorous ball a few nights later, she realizes he's society scion Daniel McCaffrey. Could this be her Robin Hood? When two more murders rock the Knickerbocker world, it becomes apparent that something much more sinister is afoot than a few stolen diamond necklaces. Genevieve is determined to prove that Daniel is Robin Hood--but she's loath to believe he is a killer as well. From the glittering lights of Fifth Avenue to the sordid back alleys of Five Points, the truth is just one murder away.”
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Thank you to @NetGalley @crookedlanebooks for the digital ARC in return for my honest review.
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My thoughts...
This is a debut novel from Kate Belli, and the first book in her “A Gilded Gotham”mystery series. The story started off in action mode and a dead body. So that made it promising to me. The characters were interesting and likeable. I really am not a fan of reading about people who jumps to conclusion and then mopes about how they were wronged. There was a bit in here where that happened and I skimmed it. I liked the male and female protagonists were quite equal in their respective roles. I liked that the other supporting characters were not stereotypical of the time. Overall, an interesting read that leaves you on a cliffhanger, but it was a cliffhanger that was preparing you for the next mystery.

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A mystery thriller that you can't put down until you are finished, great characters though a little stereotypical. I recommend for all mystery fans.

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