The Sugar House: A Tess Monaghan Novel

by Laura Lippman
The Sugar House: A Tess Monaghan Novel cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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  • ID: 10706
  • Added: 2026-02-02
  • Updated: 2026-02-10
  • ISBN: 9780062403254
  • Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
  • Published: 2016-04-19
  • Reviews: 4

In 'The Sugar House,' Tess Monaghan, a seasoned private investigator, takes on a case that challenges her instincts and skills. When Ruthie Dembrow asks Tess to investigate the murder of her brother, Henry, who was convicted of killing a teenage runaway, Tess is drawn into a complex web of mystery. Henry's death in prison is initially unsurprising, but the fact that his victim was a 'Jane Doe' piques Tess's curiosity. How could someone escape all modern identity nets? Tess's search leads her through Baltimore's diverse neighborhoods, from the exclusive Inner Harbor to the seedy Locust Point. Her investigation takes a deadly turn when she uncovers the true identity of the runaway, revealing a series of fresh corpses and sinister secrets. /n/n Tess's journey is not just about solving a murder but also about understanding the darker side of her city. The 'Sugar House' metaphorically represents places that appear safe and sweet on the outside but hide dangerous truths. As Tess digs deeper, she faces increasingly perilous situations, turning her hunt into a fight for survival. The novel blends intricate plotting with vivid character development, showcasing Lippman's mastery of the mystery genre.

Reviews
BooksRun · 2026-02-02
excellent 5.00

This is a fantastic story with great twists and surprises that make it unputdownable. The reviewer highly recommends it.

The reviewer is extremely enthusiastic about this book, describing it as fantastic with great twists and surprises that keep the reader hooked. They couldn't put it down, which is a strong endorsement. The reviewer also mentions that the author, Laura Lippman, has done it again, suggesting that this is another excellent addition to her body of work. The overall tone is highly positive, making it clear that this is a book worth reading for fans of the genre.

Quick quotes

    This is a great one! Read this book. It is a fantastic story with great twists and surprises.

    I could not put this book down.

    Laura does it again.

Barnes & Noble · 2026-02-02
positive 4.50

The mystery is fascinating with many red herrings and false trails that keep readers engaged until the end. The plot is compelling and answers all the questions.

The reviewer highlights the fascinating nature of the mystery, which is filled with red herrings and false trails that keep readers on their toes. This element of suspense is what makes the novel so compelling, as it continually challenges the reader to piece together the clues. The plot is well-crafted, ensuring that all questions are answered by the end, providing a satisfying conclusion. The reviewer's enthusiasm for the book is evident, making it a strong recommendation for fans of mystery novels.

Quick quotes

    The fascinating mystery contains many red herrings and false trails that compel readers to continue the novel until the plot answers all the questions.

    A compelling and satisfying conclusion.

    The plot is well-crafted.

The Storygraph · 2026-02-02
mixed 3.00

The mystery is engaging but also disturbing, with a strong use of setting that enhances the story. The plot is decent but somewhat disappointing.

The reviewer found the mystery to be engaging and kept them guessing, which is always a plus in a crime novel. The setting is particularly well-utilised, adding depth to the story. However, they also found it somewhat disturbing and ultimately disappointing, suggesting that while the book has its strengths, it doesn't fully deliver on its potential. The reviewer appreciates the effort put into the setting, which they imagine would be even better if experienced firsthand. Overall, it's a mixed bag with some compelling elements but also some letdowns.

Quick quotes

    A decent mystery that kept me guessing, but it was also somewhat disturbing and disappointing.

    A nice use of setting which I imagine would be even better if ...

    The plot is decent but somewhat disappointing.

Amazon · 2023-01-01
good 4.00

This is a good book with a compelling mystery that kept the reviewer engaged. The story is well-told and enjoyable.

The reviewer found this book to be a good read, particularly praising the compelling mystery that kept them engaged. They enjoyed the way the story was told, finding it both entertaining and satisfying. The reviewer appreciated the author's ability to craft a mystery that was both intriguing and enjoyable to follow.

Quick quotes

    Good book

    Customer Reviews, 4.7 out of 5 stars 35Reviews

    I enjoyed this book very much.

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