Victoria Thompson is an American author of mystery novels set in the Gaslight Era of New York City. Her books feature a variety of characters, including private investigator Sarah Brandt, police detective Frank Malloy, and forensic scientist Anthony Bruno. Thompson's books have been praised for their historical accuracy, strong characters, and intricate plots. If you are a fan of Victorian mystery novels, the Victoria Thompson series is a must-read.
The Gaslight Mystery series is the most well-known of Thompson's works. The series follows private investigator Sarah Brandt as she solves crimes in New York City during the 1880s and 1890s. The series began with the publication of the novel Murder on Astor Place in 1994 and has since spawned more than twenty sequels. The Gaslight Mystery series has been adapted into a TV series called The Gilded Age.
In addition to the Gaslight Mystery series, Thompson has also written several other mystery series, including the Counterfeit Lady series, which follows professional forger Lillian Jefferson, and the Murder of the Month series, which features journalist Dido Kent.
victoria thompson books in order
Historical mysteries set in Gaslight Era New York City.
- Strong characters
- Intricate plots
- Well-researched historical details
- Multiple series and stand-alone novels
- Popular Gaslight Mystery series
- Sarah Brandt as private investigator
- Dido Kent as journalist
- Lillian Jefferson as professional forger
- Adapted into TV series The Gilded Age
Victoria Thompson's books are a delightful blend of history, mystery, and romance.
Strong characters
Victoria Thompson's books are populated with a cast of strong and memorable characters. Her protagonists are intelligent, resourceful, and determined, and they are always willing to fight for what they believe in. Thompson's secondary characters are also well-developed and play important roles in the stories.
- Sarah Brandt:
A private investigator who is intelligent, resourceful, and determined. She is also compassionate and empathetic, and she cares deeply about her clients.
- Frank Malloy:
A police detective who is Sarah's friend and occasional ally. He is a skilled investigator and a loyal friend.
- Anthony Bruno:
A forensic scientist who is an expert in the latest crime-solving techniques. He is also a kind and caring man who is always willing to help Sarah and Frank.
- Lillian Jefferson:
A professional forger who is brilliant and resourceful. She is also a loyal friend and a fierce protector of her loved ones.
These are just a few of the many strong characters that you will encounter in Victoria Thompson's books. Her characters are one of the things that makes her books so enjoyable to read.
Intricate plots
Victoria Thompson's books are known for their intricate plots. She weaves together multiple storylines and characters, and she keeps the reader guessing until the very end. Thompson's plots are always well-researched and historically accurate, and they are full of twists and turns.
One of the things that makes Thompson's plots so intricate is her use of red herrings. She is very skilled at misleading the reader, and she often plants clues that seem to point to one conclusion, only to reveal later that the true culprit is someone else. This keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, and it makes it impossible to put the book down.
Another thing that makes Thompson's plots so intricate is her use of foreshadowing. She often drops hints about what is going to happen later in the story, but she does it in a way that is subtle and easy to miss. This adds to the suspense of the story, and it makes the reader want to go back and reread the book to find all the clues that they missed the first time.
Thompson's intricate plots are one of the things that makes her books so enjoyable to read. She is a master of suspense, and she always keeps the reader guessing until the very end.
If you are looking for a mystery series with intricate plots and strong characters, then Victoria Thompson's books are the perfect choice for you.
Well-researched historical details
Victoria Thompson's books are set in the Gaslight Era of New York City, a time period that she has meticulously researched. She brings the city to life with her vivid descriptions of the streets, the buildings, and the people. Thompson also includes many fascinating details about the social and cultural history of the time period, such as the role of women in society, the rise of organized crime, and the political corruption that was rampant in the city.
Thompson's research is not limited to the big picture. She also includes many small details that add to the authenticity of her stories. For example, she often mentions the types of food that her characters eat, the clothes they wear, and the slang expressions that they use. This attention to detail helps to create a rich and immersive experience for the reader.
Thompson's well-researched historical details are one of the things that makes her books so enjoyable to read. She brings the past to life in a way that is both informative and entertaining.
Here are some specific examples of the well-researched historical details that you will find in Thompson's books:
- Descriptions of the different neighborhoods of New York City, including the bustling streets of the Lower East Side and the elegant mansions of Fifth Avenue.
- References to real-life events, such as the assassination of President James A. Garfield and the opening of the Brooklyn Bridge.
- Details about the social and cultural customs of the time period, such as the role of women in society and the popularity of attending the theater.
- Descriptions of the latest fashions and technologies, such as the появление of the electric light bulb and the first automobiles.
These are just a few examples of the many well-researched historical details that you will find in Victoria Thompson's books. Her books are a great way to learn about the Gaslight Era of New York City while also enjoying a thrilling mystery story.
Multiple series and stand-alone novels
Victoria Thompson has written multiple mystery series, as well as several stand-alone novels. This gives readers a variety of options to choose from, depending on their preferences.
- Gaslight Mystery series:
This is Thompson's most popular series, and it follows the adventures of private investigator Sarah Brandt. The series is set in New York City during the 1880s and 1890s, and it features a cast of strong characters and intricate plots.
- Counterfeit Lady series:
This series follows the adventures of professional forger Lillian Jefferson. Lillian uses her skills to help people who have been wronged by the law, and she often finds herself in dangerous situations.
- Murder of the Month series:
This series features journalist Dido Kent, who uses her skills to investigate murders and other crimes. Dido is a strong and independent woman, and she is always willing to fight for justice.
- Stand-alone novels:
Thompson has also written several stand-alone novels, including The Girl in the Picture and Murder on Fifth Avenue. These novels are set in different time periods and locations, and they feature a variety of characters and plots.
No matter what your preferences are, you are sure to find a Victoria Thompson book that you will enjoy. Her books are well-written and entertaining, and they offer a glimpse into the past that is both informative and enjoyable.
Popular Gaslight Mystery series
The Gaslight Mystery series is Victoria Thompson's most popular series, and it has won her a large and devoted following of readers. The series is set in New York City during the 1880s and 1890s, and it follows the adventures of private investigator Sarah Brandt.
Sarah Brandt is a strong and independent woman who is determined to make her way in a world that is dominated by men. She is intelligent, resourceful, and compassionate, and she is always willing to fight for justice. Sarah is also a master of disguise, and she often uses her skills to infiltrate dangerous and secretive organizations.
The Gaslight Mystery series is full of intricate plots, well-developed characters, and fascinating historical details. Thompson brings the Gaslight Era of New York City to life with her vivid descriptions of the streets, the buildings, and the people. She also includes many interesting details about the social and cultural history of the time period.
Here are some of the things that make the Gaslight Mystery series so popular:
- Strong and independent protagonist: Sarah Brandt is a role model for many readers. She is intelligent, resourceful, and determined, and she is always willing to fight for justice.
- Intricate plots: Thompson's plots are always well-crafted and engaging. She keeps the reader guessing until the very end.
- Well-developed characters: Thompson's characters are complex and believable. They are people that the reader can root for.
- Fascinating historical details: Thompson's books are a great way to learn about the Gaslight Era of New York City. She includes many interesting details about the social and cultural history of the time period.
If you are looking for a mystery series that is both entertaining and informative, then the Gaslight Mystery series is the perfect choice for you. Victoria Thompson's books are sure to keep you hooked from beginning to end.