5/5 stars: This is the newest entry Belli's Historical Mystery that's set in Gilded-Age New York. Belli's not only written incredibly complex and likable characters. Additionally, I love how Belli features not only the glitz and glamour of the 500 but also explores the experiences of other social classes living in the city, through the main character's backstories and the eclectic cast of side characters. Most importantly, Belli's mystery plot’s well balanced with plenty of clues, red herrings and suspects that you'll be left guessing the whodunit 'til the last page. Sensitive topics are touched on, take care and CWs. This is the fourth book in the Gilded Gotham Mystery series, to start at the beginning pick up [b:Deception by Gaslight|50498680|Deception by Gaslight (A Gilded Gotham Mystery, #1)|Kate Belli|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1579116737l/50498680._SY75_.jpg|75473359].

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

Somewhere between 4&5 stars.
Very good book, had my full attention the entire time. I feel like Genevieve was a bit of an idiot in not trusting her instinct at crucial moments, but don’t we all second guess ourselves sometimes?
I hope there’s another one to come

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance electronic copy. My opinions are my own.

Genevieve and Daniel are finally engaged! As their wedding approaches in 1890, they've decided to use their wealth and social sway for good. Genevieve continues her work as a society (and sometimes investigative) journalist, while Daniel works with an investigative photographer Dagmar Hansen to expose societal ills. But when one suspicious fire becomes a series of them, Genevieve disappears in the course of her investigations and Daniel desperately tears the city apart to find her.

I can't get enough of Genevieve and Daniel! And what a dramatic exploration of a LOT of social injustices of the day (many of which continue to this day, as do the prejudices that reinforce them): poverty, reproductive health and contraception, mental health, and unjust incarceration. This was a vivid and heavy one. Lots of triggers here (see below). It was helpful to have mentions of key events from previous books, which honestly serves to reminds me of all the trauma-inducing events they’ve been through. It’s a wonder they are still sane! As a reader I want to suspend reality and believe that all these things can happen to the same two people, while ALSO getting a glimpse into two realistic people in the very-real past. But it’s hard to have both. I can't wait to get my hands on the final version so I can read the historical notes--I can see Nelly Bly, Madame Restell, and others like them being serious inspiration for this one!

Triggers: abuse, abuse of disabled/neurodivergent/ chronically mentally ill, arson, murder, sexual abuse, self-harm

Genevieve and Daniel are finally engaged! As their wedding approaches in 1890, they've decided to use their wealth and social sway for good. Genevieve continues her work as a society (and sometimes investigative) journalist, while Daniel works with an investigative photographer Dagmar Hansen to expose societal ills. But when one suspicious fire becomes a series of them, Genevieve disappears in the course of her investigations and Daniel desperately tears the city apart to find her.

I can't get enough of Genevieve and Daniel! And what a dramatic exploration of a LOT of social injustices of the day (many of which continue to this day, as do the prejudices that reinforce them): poverty, reproductive health and contraception, mental health, and unjust incarceration. This was a vivid and heavy one. Lots of triggers here (see below). It was helpful to have mentions of key events from previous books, which honestly serves to reminds me of all the trauma-inducing events they’ve been through. It’s a wonder they are still sane! As a reader I want to suspend reality and believe that all these things can happen to the same two people, while ALSO getting a glimpse into two realistic people in the very-real past. But it’s hard to have both. I can't wait to get my hands on the final version so I can read the historical notes--I can see Nelly Bly, Madame Restell, and others like them being serious inspiration for this one!

Triggers: abuse, abuse of disabled/neurodivergent/ chronically mentally ill, arson, murder, sexual abuse, self-harm

Opulence and Ashes is the 4th book in Kate Belli’s Gilded Gotham historical mystery series. It was quite the ride as main characters Genevieve and Daniel prepare for their upcoming marriage while also trying to investigate a series of arson’s around the city—including the mansion they are in process of building. When Genevieve goes missing, Daniel must determine what happens to her before it is too late.

I am so glad that we finally get to see Daniel and Genevieve together in this one! And I was on the edge of my seat the entire time with the mystery. Belli manages to make two plot devices I don’t normally enjoy

Spoiler

(the return of the long lost relative and the forced internment in an asylum)

into a story I could not put down. I am glad we see Daniel and Genevieve happily together by the end but I hope there are more stories for them in the future!

Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the e-ARC; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Genevieve and Daniel are preparing for their wedding when they find themselves in the midst of a series of fires that threaten much they hold dear. With some new characters introduced, this is a thrilling and somewhat nerve wrecking journey to find the arsonist who has also claimed lives.

Fourth in the Gilded Gotham historical mystery series, this one centers on wedding planning for Genevieve (a society journalist) and Daniel (a rags-to-riches philanthropist), at least when they’re not investigating suspicious fires, a murder, the appearance of a long-lost relative and a horrifying imprisonment…lots going on here.

I’ve been enjoying this series as it’s progressed and found this one to be a good addition to the continuing story. I like both Genevieve and Daniel as characters and especially enjoy the inclusion of specifically women’s issues during this period and place (1890s New York). I’ve found each book well written and always look forward to the next.

My thanks to the author, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing the free early arc of Opulence and Ashes for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

I had to marinate on this one for a couple days after finishing. This one was definitely darker and a little bit more sad than previous books. It definitely had a heaviness to it, which felt different than the previous installments. I still love the characters and the world this is set in and if there are any other books, I will always pick them up because I just really love Daniel and Genevieve. I’m curious to see how life as a married. couple changes them. I did love the discussion about contraception that was in the book. I hope to see more of them and this is a great author.