One evening, Sarah, a midwife in late 19th century New York, is called to a boardinghouse to deliver the owner’s baby. A guest walks in during the delivery, and for an instant, Sarah thinks she recognizes her and calls out a name, startling the young woman. The guest leaves, and Sarah spends the next several hours delivering the baby. When she returns later to check on mother and child, she is surprised to learn that the young female guest has been murdered. Sarah becomes drawn into the investigation as she discovers a connection to the victim and her family, and though outside forces attempt to thwart the investigation, Sarah feels a personal compulsion to carry on and find the killer.
Historical mysteries have an extra layer of intrigue since all contemporary means of solving a crime are not available, and Murder on Astor Place has this with the added twist of a corrupt New York Police Department that was still attempting to rid itself of those unsavory practices. This story is a quick and light mystery that begins the Gaslight Mystery series. Recommended for cozy mystery fans, and especially readers of the Maisie Dobbs series.