Crooked in His Ways

A Lightner and Law Mystery

By: S. M. Goodwin

Narrated by: Rupert Degas

Albert Beauchamp disappeared just before Christmas in 1856. When he reappears more than a year later, he's in several pieces, packed in salt in a shipping crate in New Orleans. NYC inspectors Jasper Lightner and his partner, Hieronymus Law, are called in to investigate - but the further they dig into the wealthy financier's background, the dirtier the story gets.

On the surface, Beauchamp had a lot of friends. But, as they discover, each had a good reason to hate him. Beauchamp's last will and testament - stashed away in a safety deposit box, along with a king's ransom in jewels - yields few clues, but Jasper and Hy discover something even more valuable: a little black book filled with names, dates, and a cache of damning details.

Following a trail of leads that reaches back to the early 1840s, the detectives uncover a sordid litany of high society scandals that still threatens the city's moneyed establishment. And the shadowy figure who knows their dirtiest secrets re-emerges with a devious new plan that goes far beyond simple blackmail. The dark shadows grow longer as Jasper and Hy close in on the truth - and a killer lies in wait for his ultimate prey.

©2021 S. M. Goodwin (P)2021 Dreamscape Media, LLC

One of the BEST series I have ever read.

As a voracious reader or listener I can honestly say this is one of the best series I have read. While it certainly can be read as a stand alone novel, do yourself the favor or reading the first in the series Absence of Mercy. Reading that first will really enable you to see the amazing character and plot development by the author. Full of plot twists and turns, and I am sure more than historically accurate portrayals of Tammany Hall New York, it also educates the reader of the circumstances of the rest of the world at that time. Thinking of the characters and their lives long after the story is over is a sign of a great book to me. These characters are unforgettable. I can hardly wait to read the next book in the series. The ending which I will not give away is amazing and perfect. It was difficult to put this story down the whole way through it.

A delightful bonus and one which can make or break the listening to a book is the wonderful narrator. Is there no accent this man can produce and produce well? The listener's reality that it is read by one man is suspended and you are sure there are many narrators. Such a delight to listen to. I have learned that no matter how great a book blurb and reviews are to listen to a sample of the book. Some are ones you can not listen to because of the narrator, Not Mr. Degas, and for that I am thankful.

I only hope S.M. Goodwin continues to write this series for many years.

Sherlock comes to America, but better!

What an awesome listen/read! the Narrator is top three all time. his range with the characters is awesome. I listen to about 100+ books a year and this is top 5 for this year.....loved the first book in the series and the second did not disappoint....can't wait for the next one.

😍😍😍

LOVE IT!!! JUST AS AMAZING AS BOOK ONE!!! I can't wait for book 3! 😁

Great book

Smartly written book with a great narration. My only gripe is the way in which the book was written. Sometimes it seemed like i was reading just a bunch of dialogue scenes stringed together with nothing much going on between them. Anyway, i highly recommend it. I'm a bit sad there is no third book in the series to immerse myself in.