by Cathy Cash Spellman
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
A brutal murder.
A heinous secret.
A deadly conspiracy.The brutal murder of the little old lady next door puts FitzHugh Donovan on the case. A retired New York City Police Chief, he knows a cover-up when he sees one and his Irish Cop conscience can't let that happen.
Now, Fitz, his family and his quirky band of Bleecker Street Irregulars are ensnared in the bizarre secret the woman died to protect.
Is this a cold case turned hot again, or an unspeakable conspiracy that could alter the course of history?
Fitz doesn't yet know how high the stakes are, that failure isn't an option, and that the little old lady was so much more than she appeared. But he's trying to keep everyone alive long enough to find out.
Characters you’ll care about, dark shocking secrets, and disturbing similarities to today’s political scene, will keep you turning pages to an ending you won’t see comin
I was drawn to A Murder on Jane Street by Cathy Cash Spellman by the door on the cover (I will share more on that in another post) and upon reading the synopsis dove in. Historical conspiracies, murder and a quirky gang led by a former NYPD kept me flipping the pages of this tantalizing thriller.
Spellman’s story is a blending of genres, part cozy, part conspiracy theory, part murder-mystery with lots of suspense, political plots and more. Told in multiple POVs, she introduces us to retired New York City Police Chief FitzHugh Donovan. Fitz owns a bookstore and lives in a brownstone with his daughter and granddaughter.
When Mrs. W, Fitz’s 90-something neighbor tells him she needs him to come collect something that she thinks they’ve found her. He arrives to find her dead, and the home tossed. The poor woman has been tortured but apparently she didn’t give up her secrets because Fitz discovers diaries and more hidden in his front bush… and so our begins our mystery.
Fitz enlists the help of his daughter Maeve, who has the Irish gift of sight and a group of friends who form the Bleecker Street Irregulars. They meet at the bookstore and discuss the journals as they uncover the secrets Mrs. W kept. Secrets involving WWII and Hitler himself. Secrets others will kill to keep hidden.
Clever twists, scientific implications, far-reaching conspiracies that touch all aspects of the government, power and more. It was an engaging tale with plenty of danger as those in the know sought to keep these secrets from coming to light.
I loved the motley crew of the Bleecker Street Irregulars. (BSIs) Each brought their own talent and resources to the table. We also have a romance that was served on the side and felt genuine. While I felt the multiple POVs kept me from knowing any one individual, the author did a good job of forming a bond between them. I am looking forward to getting to know them more.
The ending wrapped up with some closure and let us know there would be more mysteries to solve. I look forward to the next book in the series, A Murder on Mott Street, with the Donovan family and BSIs.
A Murder on Jane Street by Cathy Cash Spellman delivered a tantalizingly murder mystery. #NewRelease #Mystery #BleeckerStreetIrregulars Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Anne - Books of My Heart
This also sounds fun. Wonderful review.
lisa thomson
I like that door too, Kim. I’m curious now what you’ll be saying about it. This looks like a book I would thoroughly enjoy.
Ethan
That cover is so tantalizing, and the plot only adds to my interest. I’m instantly endeared to the detective who owns a book store. That’s the kind of guy I would trust!
Melissa (Books and Things)
I need to pick up one thriller this year. Curious about the historical aspects. Yep, I’m intrigued!
sjhigbee
This one sounds engrossing – thank you for a cracking review.
Stormi Johnson
This sound right up my alley and there is always something about a closed door on a cover that makes you want to know what secrets are hiding inside! 🙂
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
I love everything about this – the blurb, your comments, the cover – all the pieces! This sounds fantastic and definitely like something I need!
Mary Kirkland
That sounds like a good mystery.
Carla
I love your review Kimberly. The cover made me say Oooooo, as soon as I saw it. The blurb and your review hooked me. Off to find this one, this mystery seems to be right up my alley.
Melliane
Oh that’s nice! Mystery books are always great and this one looks perfect for that!
Jenea's Book Obsession
Murder, mystery and suspense, count me in! I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it, I can certainly see why.
Lindsi
I’m starting to dip my toes in this genre, because I do love a good twist, but suspense makes me anxious! I feel like I can’t breathe until I know what happens, haha. Slow and steady, right? I’m happy this one was a hit for you! Can’t wait to see what it is about doors…
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? ?