Murder on Black Friday (Nell Sweeney Mystery Series, Book 4)

Book #3 of P.B. Ryan’s bestselling Nell Sweeney historical mystery series. Boston governess Nell Sweeney and Dr. Will Hewitt investigate the deaths of a notorious actress and her Irish maid. Originally published by Berkley Prime Crime.

At the discovery of the body of beautiful actress Virginia Kimball, with her maid lying dead beside her, Boston can talk of nothing else. The police, corrupt and paid to look the other way, determine Virginia found her maid stealing from her and they traded fatal shots. No mention is made of the mysterious Red Book, which Virginia used to supplement her income with a little blackmail on the side. Sick at the slander that says his niece murdered Virginia Kimball, Brady, a driver for the wealthy Hewitts, asks Nell Sweeney to investigate her death. Nell, governess to the Hewitt’s adopted child, has had success solving murders in the past. With the encouragement of her employer, Nell tries to clear Brady’s niece, with the help of the Hewitt’s black sheep son, Will.Nell pokes into the indiscretions of Boston high-ranking men, while they are determined to block her investigations. Running into the harsh prejudice against the Irish makes Nell more resolved to uncover the killer. Death on Beacon Hill continues Ms. Ryan’s excellent Nell Sweeney series. The rich characterization and her strong evocation of place, coupled with a well-plotted tale, make for a rich story. Add a clever conclusion and Ms. Ryan delivers a fascinating read. Fresh Fiction

More praise for Death on Beacon Hill:

“I decided to start the year off with my favorite mystery series. The mystery itself—what really happened that afternoon at Mrs. Kimball’s and who killed her and her maid—kept me guessing....Highly recommend the series.” Babbling Book Reviews

“[Nell is] intelligent and has a strong sense of justice....She only takes action after careful consideration, never rushing to throw herself in harm’s way....They mystery consists of several layers, and is constructed quite well....It’s clear from the beginning that things are not as they seem; this serves to keep the reader interested in ferreting out the clues alongside Nell. I’m looking forward to another installment.” The Romance Reader’s Connection

“Cleverly plotted addition to this excellent series.” Fresh Fiction

Book #5 of P.B. Ryan’s bestselling historical mystery series. Governess Nell Sweeney and Dr. Will Hewitt infiltrate the worst neighborhood in Boston to keep Detective Colin Cook from being framed for murder. Originally published by Berkley Prime Crime.

Summary: Colin Cook was the only officer in the city’s Detective Bureau not to be found guilty of corruption and to escape being demoted or fired. But now he is a fugitive, wanted for killing a petty criminal in Boston’s North End, and the police believe Nell knows where the Irish cop is hiding. Nell doesn’t know where Colin is, nor does she believe her friend is capable of murder. To prove his innocence, she descends into the seedy and dangerous slums of the North End to look into the matter. Nell isn’t afraid of her fellow immigrants in the neighborhood, but Dr. Will Hewitt has his doubts—and he won’t let her conduct the investigation alone.

Comments: The Hewitts have gone to the Cape for their annual summer retreat, but Nell has remained in Boston to clear Detective Cook’s name. The odious, and disgraced, ex-detective Charles Skinner is sure that Nell is conspiring to keep him hidden, and he has threatened Nell. This doesn’t weaken her resolve to help her friend, but it puts her in danger. Before she gets far in the investigation, Will shows up and offers to help her—and protect her from Skinner. Will has returned from Shanghai, having realized that it’s too easy to give in to temptation. He would rather not lose his hard-won battle against opium addiction, or lose Nell’s regard, by returning to old habits. But nothing has changed for him in Boston, so Will is still in the same predicament he was before—in love with a woman he can’t have. He has two job offers to contemplate while helping Nell clear Cook’s name: take the five year teaching contract at Harvard, or go to France at President Grant’s request. Something has changed, though. Nell has begun to question her devotion to the Catholic Church. Will’s words to her at Gracie’s birthday party, the previous year, have affected her more than he knows—that it would be the Church, not God, turning its back on her if she was excommunicated. For the first time, Nell is willing to pursue a divorce. The ending is even more heart breaking than the previous book.
Favorite Quote:
“You befriended me when I needed a friend, you saved me when I needed a savior. Your presence in my life has shone a light upon my soul that will never be extinguished. For that precious gift, I shall be forever in your debt.”—Will’s note to Nell
Babbling Book Reviews

More praise for Murder in the North End:

“It’s always a good day when a new Nell Sweeney book arrives.” CA Reviews

“Plucky Nell and her helpmate Will are well developed characters who are likeable and smart. The cast of supporting characters in this book is colorful and well drawn, making the book an easy read. All of the books in this series are enjoyable; Murder in the North End is no exception. P.B. Ryan has made a successful transition from romance to mystery novels and I eagerly await the next Gilded Age mystery.” Cozy Library

“Murder in the North End is a light read that you can cozy up to on a cold winter night in your easy chair by the fire...” MyShelf.com

Book #6 of P.B. Ryan’s bestselling historical mystery series. Governess Nell Sweeney and wounded battle surgeon Will Hewitt reunite on Cape Cod to investigate the death of Nell’s long-lost brother. Originally published by Berkley Prime Crime.

Summary: Nell has proven herself a model governess in the years she’s worked for the Hewitts. But now a terrible secret from her past—and the lurking suspicion that she might be carrying Will Hewitt’s child—threaten to rob her of everything for which she has worked so hard.

Comments: Nell has a lot on her plate. Her only surviving sibling, Jamie, is dead. He was a fugitive, wanted for the murder of Susannah Cunningham. Also occupying her mind is that fact that she’s pregnant with Will’s baby and Will is in France. In the previous book, the American ambassador asked President Grant for an experienced battle surgeon, and Will was offered the job. Nell even begins to question whether Will—rootless vagabond, cardsharp, and recovering addict—can ever truly settle down. He didn’t take the teaching job, which he loved. Nell knows he went to France for her sake. However, with a child’s future in question, Nell can’t help but wonder. Regardless of what she thinks of Will, the fact she needs a divorce first, and soon, remains. With so much uncertainty in her future, it is a small relief to know that her mentor and former lover, Dr. Greaves is offering her so much support. He knows that Nell is pregnant and that her heart belongs to Will, even as she questions his reliability...
Favorite Quotes:
“The only reason you feel unworthy of that award is that you’re mired in your old notion of yourself as flawed and undeserving. Frankly, I’m beginning to find that refrain fairly tedious.”
“I’ve never known you to be quiet the pitiless shrew. I find it captivating.”
—Nell, Will
Babbling Book Reviews

Praise for A Bucket of Ashes:

“As always, the author excels at setting the scene, evoking the time and place by use of the day-to-day details as well as historical events... This has been a gorgeously written series, populated with unique and unforgettable characters. I’m truly sorry to see it end, and will, no doubt, be re-reading these keepers.” CA Reviews

“Ryan’s historical atmosphere is spot on. It’s a memorable look into the Gilded Age. I can’t help but recommend this series to those who enjoy cozy type historical mystery series.” MyShelf.com

“P.B. Ryan writes a heartwarming mystery that capture the ambivalence of the rich on the east coast five years after the civil war ended.” Genre Go Round Reviews

Book #2 of P.B. Ryan’s acclaimed historical mystery series (Book #1 is Still Life With Murder). Murder in a Mill Town was a finalist for the Mary Higgins Clark Award. Boston governess Nell Sweeney and her employer’s morphine-addicted son, Dr. Will Hewitt, investigate a young woman’s disappearance. Originally published by Berkley Prime Crime.

Former pickpocket Nell Sweeney reinvented herself and found a position as governess to wealthy Viola Hewitt’s daughter Grace. When Viola needs help locating two missing people, she turns to Nell. Working with Viola’s son Will, an opium addict who knows his way around the back alleys and gambling dens, Nell finds the two murdered, and all evidence points to Will’s brother Harry as the killer. While attempting to clear Harry’s name, Nell and Will walk straight into the villain’s lair. Ryan creates characters you care about and a plot that holds your interest as you try to unmask the killer. Lively and intriguing, this is a fast-paced, wonderful read. Romantic Times BookReviews

More praise for Murder in a Mill Town:

“Nell is one of the strongest, most honorable, and dearest heroines to grace the pages of an amateur sleuth novel....P.B. Ryan knows how to write a tale that will grip and keep readers’ interest throughout the novel.” Midwest Book Reviews

“I love this series. After finishing the book, I had to go back and re-read scenes and I even pulled out the first book to re-read much of Nell and Will’s many conversations again.” Babbling Book Reviews

“The saga style of Catherine Cookson meets the ‘Victorian vices’ world of Anne Perry in this popular whodunit. Much thought and research has gone into making the two faces of mid 19th century Boston come to life, whether the gilded world of the Hewitts or the grubby back streets of the underworld.” MyShelf.com

“Ms. Ryan excels in her ability to show her characters’ complexities....Add the rich historical detail and readers have an excellent historical mystery with an intriguing heroine.” The Best Reviews

“Nell is an interesting and unique character....The mystery itself is done quite well, with clues pointing to various suspects, and an unexpected resolution....I hope to see much more of Nell in future books.” The Romance Reader’s Connection

“1868 Boston is well portrayed in this series...an enjoyable story...There is no trace of Colonnade Row in what is now Boston’s downtown shopping area, and Charlestown is but a shell of the prosperous city that existed there in the nineteenth century, but this book brings them back into existence.” Reviewing the Evidence

Book #1 of P.B. Ryan’s bestselling historical mystery series featuring Boston governess Nell Sweeney and opium-smoking former battle surgeon Will Hewitt. Long thought to have died during the Civil War, Will is arrested for murder, and it's up to Nell to prove his innocence. Originally published by Berkley Prime Crime.

“A beautiful combination of entertaining characters, minute historical research, and a powerful evocation of time and place. I’m very glad there will be more to come.” New York Times bestselling author Barbara Hambly

“P.B. Ryan makes a stunning debut with Still Life With Murder...I can’t wait for the next installment.” Bestselling author Victoria Thompson

“If you like fast moving, accurately drawn, historical mysteries, you won’t go wrong by trying Still Life With Murder.” Reviewing the Evidence

“Still Life With Murder is sheer perfection... gripping... powerful... unforgettable...You’ll know you’ve read one hell of a story after you turn the last page!” Reader to Reader Reviews

"This is the first book in the acclaimed Gilded Age Mysteries series, and has many things to recommend it... a tidy package of well-drawn characters, lively story and historical verisimilitude." MyShelf.com

“...a highly entertaining book with a well-drawn pair of characters who have both sparkling chemistry and conversation. I’m looking forward to more Nell Sweeney mysteries.” All About Romance

“With its rich sense of place and time and a crisp, intelligent plot, readers will speed through this tale and be clamoring for more.” Bestselling author Earlene Fowler

“Utterly absorbing. Vividly alive characters in a setting so clearly portrayed that one could step right into it. A very clever plot in which each clue is clearly offered and yet the identity of the murderer is a complete surprise.” Roberta Gellis

“This debut mystery is a winner, with a feisty heroine, a colorful historical backdrop and a strong mystery rife with complexities. An ideal blend of history and mystery.” Romantic Times BookReviews