Still Life with Murder

Nell Sweeney Mystery, Book 1

By: P.B. Ryan

Narrated by: Leigh Ryan

Boston, 1868: The dawn of the Gilded Age, an era of burgeoning commerce and invention, of unimaginable new fortunes and lavish excess—for some. Born into dismal poverty, young Nell Sweeney scratches by on her wits and little else until fortune blesses her with a position as nursery governess to the fabulously wealthy Hewitts. But she soon learns that ugly secrets lurk beneath the surface of their gold-plated world.

The Hewitts’ eldest son, William, a former Union Army battle surgeon and the black sheep of the family, was reported to have died three years before in a notorious Confederate prison camp. But one snowy February afternoon, his parents learn that he is, in fact, still alive—and in jail for having murdered a man while intoxicated on opium. Infuriated by his son’s deception and convinced of his guilt, August Hewitt forbids his wife from coming to Will’s aid, so she begs Nell to help exonerate him. Nell finds that she must delve into the kind of dark and treacherous underworld she thought she’d left far behind if she is to unearth the truth before the hangman’s noose tightens around William Hewitt’s throat.

©2003 Patricia Burford Ryan (P)2014 Patricia Burford Ryan

Critic reviews

"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 best-selling author, Barbara Hambly)

"P.B. Ryan makes a stunning debut with Still Life With Murder...I can't wait for the next installment." (Best-selling 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)

Excellent

What a fantastic book. The Plot was excellent and it kept me engrossed. I was hoping for more information or wrap up on the main characters.

Smart, fascinating female lead!

What did you love best about Still Life with Murder?

I loved Nell, and how Leigh Ryan voiced her. What a strong, fun protagonist to have in a historical mystery. You really get on her side immediately, and stay with her for the whole ride.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Absolutely! I usually try and figure out a mystery as it goes, but I was genuinely surprised! Will struck a chord with me, and he balanced out Nell's personality perfectly. What a pair!

Which character – as performed by Leigh Ryan – was your favorite?

Hands down, Nell! But she voiced many great characters including a little girl, an irish police officer, and a brooding english drug addict.

Any additional comments?

What an excellent listen, with an ending that got my heart racing. Looking forward to the next in the series!

Still life

Very intriguing story but it left too many loose ends. Is there a sequel I am very interested.

I love Nell Sweeney!

I read this book in print when it was first released, and was excited to listen to the audio book now that it's finally available. The story is great and the characters quite likable, but the narration by newcomer Leigh Ryan is fantastic. I enjoyed her use of different voices for the characters - sometimes that can be annoying, but in this book it works well! The book grabs you from the beginning and doesn't let up until it's over. I can't wait for the remaining books in this six-book series to be released!

Great start to the series!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I already have! Listened to the book in the car, and it was a wonderful story.

What did you like best about this story?

I really loved the setting. The world of gilded age Boston was so clear and fascinating. Great characters, compelling story.

Have you listened to any of Leigh Ryan’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't, but I'm looking forward to listening to the next book in the series. She's got a lovely voice, very easy to listen to.