Thompson (Murder on Amsterdam Avenue) rewards fans of her long-running 19th-century-set series with an "extra" Christmas story filled with some of the secondary characters. Since Frank and Sarah Malloy are away on their honeymoon in Europe, nanny Maeve offers to aid Mrs. O'Neill, who shows up at the Malloy residence seeking help for her daughter Una, who has been arrested for killing her husband. With some assistance from policeman Gino and Sarah's parents, Maeve investigates the murder and soon unearths more of the victim's secrets. VERDICT This is a fantastic historical with a wonderfully plucky amateur female sleuth. Fans of Rhys Bowen's "Molly -Murphy" mysteries and Anne Perry's "Thomas Pitt" books will especially enjoy. Melissa DeWild is Director, BookOps, Brooklyn Public Library and New York Public Library. She is a 2014 LJ Mover & Shaker © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Characters who previously played supporting roles take center stage in Thompson's workmanlike 18th mystery set in gaslight-era New York City (after 2015's Murder on Amsterdam Avenue). With series leads Frank and Sarah Malloy away on their honeymoon, their nursemaid, Maeve Smith, agrees to help Mrs. O'Neill, a friend of Frank's mother. Mrs. O'Neill's married daughter, Una, has been charged with killing her husband, Mr. Pollack, after she was found cradling his bludgeoned corpse in their Harlem home. Of course, Mrs. O'Neill is sure her daughter is innocent. When Maeve goes to the Pollacks' home to see if there are any resources to pay for Una's defense, she's dumbfounded to find thousands of dollars in cash in a hidden safe. Police officer Gino Donatelli, who's sweet on Maeve, provides some welcome assistance. Series fans will enjoy seeing Maeve and Gino in action, though others should be prepared for routine plotting. Agent: Nancy Yost, Nancy Yost Literary Agency. (Nov.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.