Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Pearls and Poison by Erin Lindsey Narrator: Barrie Kreinik
Series: Rose Gallagher #4
Published by Tantor Audio on December 2, 2025
Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction
Length: 10 hours, 49 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
Rose is back and this time she’s flying solo as she investigates criminal paranormal activity in Gilded Age New York City.
Murder in Manhattan
Fully fledged Pinkerton agent Rose Gallagher has just caught her first solo case. Stolen jewels and suspicious deaths in a building on Pearl Street with supernatural markings in the wall are right up her alley. But without her partner, Thomas—whose abrupt departure still hurts her bruised heart—Rose fears she might not be up to the challenge. Especially when the investigation takes a deadly turn . . .
Attending a high society séance hosted by a psychic of dubious repute should have been nothing more than a great opportunity to gather clues. And yet Rose finds herself being followed, her dear friend is brutally attacked, and her mother’s life is threatened. With her loved ones in danger, can Rose stop the killer before their sinister scheme claims another victim?
I have enjoyed this author in the fantasy realm and now her works of historical mysteries with magic, which is akin to fantasy, just not quite as far back in history? The Rose Gallagher series is set in New York City at the time of Roosevelt, part of the gilded age which is charming but also so class oriented. I would read these books in order as there is much to learn about Rose and the other characters and the magic of the world. The next paragraph is all spoilers from the earlier books to catch up to present.
View Spoiler »
Pearls and Poison finds Rose working alone in New York City as Thomas left for San Francisco suddenly. Rose isn’t sure where to get her cases, what to charge, how to file expenses. She also hasn’t confided in her Mum about her job and her boarder, Pietro.
Nonetheless, when Sergeant Chapman brings her a case with murders. They have been labeled as suicide but he and some victim’s family members believe they are not suicide. She stumbles along with her friends, and Thomas’ friend. She ends up in terrible danger.
The beginning seemed a bit slow or scattered, or maybe I was slow since the last book was 5 years ago! Rose had to figure out how to work on her own and develop allies. The best assistance came from the Wangs and Nikola Tesla. They are characters well known to the series. Rose builds a smart circle she can trust.  It’s an interesting case with mediums and alchemy.  I’ll be interested to see how things go in a new case where she has more of a foundation.
Narration:
I’ve enjoyed this narrator before. The voices felt appropriate for the different classes of characters. Both the male and female voices were comfortable and kept me in the story. I listened at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Erin Lindsey
Erin Lindsey is on a quest to write the perfect summer vacation novel, with just the right blend of action, heartbreak, and triumph. The Bloodbound series is her first effort. She divides her time between Brookyn, NY and Calgary, Alberta. She also writes fantasy mysteries as E.L. Tettensor.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 25-Audio
- 25-COYER
Five years is a long time between books! Glad you enjoyed it anyway.
Thanks Tammy. It set the stage for more installments if she writes them.
I would enjoy these! Lovely review Anne.
Thank you! I felt a little out of the loop after 5 years but you could read them all together now.
The last book was five years ago? That’s a long stretch! I like the cover and the time period of the setting.
yes I thought the series was ended. Now we will see what happens next.
Good that you have notes from the series! Great review, Anne💜
Thanks Jonetta. It’s an interesting little series.
This sounds like a nice series. I’d have to re-read the other book if 5 years had passed, I have a bad memory.
yes it’s very hard when that much time passes between books.
Hehehe I may not or may have looked at the spoiler. hehehe
I always read the spoilers!