Six months into the founding of the NYPD, its most unlikely and most talented officer, Timothy Wilde, thinks he’s well-versed in the city’s dark activities – until he learns of its gruesome underworld. Lies and corruption are ruled by “petty thieves” who specialize in the pursuit of freedom. Northerners of color left their homes, disguised themselves as slaves, and sold them to the South for plantation property.

The abolitionist Timothy was appalled by these cannibals. But in 1846, enslaving wasn’t just legal – it was also law enforcement.

When beautiful and frightened Lucy Adams staggered into Timothy’s office to report a robbery and was asked what had been stolen, she replied, “My family.” Her search for a half-sister and half-brother will plunge Timothy and feral brother Valentine into a world where police complicity and savage politics, and corpses appear in the most shocking places. Timothy finds himself caught between authority and principle, desperate to protect his only brother and unravel the puzzle before all he cares about is gone.

I really love this trio! Author Lyndsay Faye has a great writing style, develops great character depth, and writes a very detailed, vivid narrative that gives readers a true sense of life in New York City in mid-1800s. You’ll feel like you’re really there, living the life the characters are a part of. Fast paced and sometimes very witty dialogue keeps the story going.

I vaguely know the history of NYC’s first police officers, the “Copper Stars”, from which we got the police nickname ‘The Police’. The trilogy explores their history in depth, giving the reader an understanding of a tumultuous time politically and culturally that made the formation of an organized police force virtually impossible. body. But you don’t have to be a fan of “police stories” to be captivated by the excellent storytelling in this book.

The main character, Timothy Wilde, is a wonderful character that the reader quickly picks up on, and can easily identify with feelings of loneliness, disappointment with life’s turning points, and sometimes feelings of isolation. established when a man seems to be fighting against all difficulties.

I liked this book as much as the first one. The story itself is amazing and I also enjoyed hearing about life in 1840s New York City. My favorite character in the book is Valentine and the narrator does a great job with his voice. I absolutely love the relationship between Timothy and Valentine. There are many interesting characters in the book. I also find the historical context really interesting as it relates to what was going on leading up to the Civil War.
The end of the book is also satisfying. I am looking forward to another book in this series!

• Seven for a Secret

• By: Lyndsay Faye