Author: Lyndsay Faye

Publisher: Amy Einhorn Books/Putnam (New York). 464 pp.

Type of work: Novel

Time: 1846

Locale: New York City, New York

In mid-19th century New York, young policeman Timothy Wilde faces a perplexing mystery when a woman discovers her family has vanished.

Seven for a Secret, the sequel to Lyndsay Faye's acclaimed Gods of Gotham, immerses readers in the tumult and intrigue of 1840s New York City. The novel revives the compelling Wilde brothers, Timothy and Valentine, as they navigate a landscape rife with corruption, noble intentions, and the looming specter of civil strife. In this era, the city becomes a microcosm for the national tensions that will eventually ignite the Civil War.

Setting the Stage

The story unfolds six months after the events of Gods of Gotham. Valentine Wilde has positioned himself as a rising star within the Democratic Party, amassing influence that often leaves his brother Timothy in awe, albeit reluctantly. Meanwhile, Timothy, a former bartender with his own personal scars, has grown into his role as one of the "copper stars"—a term for New York's police officers, distinguished by their eight-pointed badges—and is gaining recognition for his work.

A Disturbing Case

The narrative takes a chilling turn with the introduction of Lucy Wright Adams, an affluent African American woman desperate for help. She implores Timothy to investigate the disappearance of her sister Delia and nephew Jonas. Lucy's plea exposes Timothy to the dark realities of Northern slave catchers, entangling him in a perilous struggle against the inhumane practice.

The Complexity of Justice

Driven by outrage, Timothy embarks on his investigation, only to find New York City's stance on slavery fraught with contradictions. While publicly opposing slavery, many citizens remain ambivalent about the slave catchers who wield legal authority. The law allows the abduction of free African Americans, who are falsely labeled as fugitives and sold into Southern bondage, leaving Timothy to battle both legal and illicit forces.

Political Intrigues

Timothy is disillusioned to learn that both his brother Valentine and Police Chief George Washington Matsell, despite opposing slavery, are hesitant to confront the kidnappings directly. Valentine elucidates the political landscape, revealing how advocating for abolition could alienate impoverished Irish immigrants reliant on scarce job opportunities, heightening tensions. Matsell graphically demonstrates the intertwined economies of North and South, underscoring the dire consequences of potential conflict, which gives Timothy pause as he envisions a divided nation.

The Depth of Returning Characters

Faye's sequel delights in reviving familiar faces, each with their own vibrant stories. Madam Silkie Marsh, with her sinister charm, continues to weave her web of intrigue, while Bird Daly's relationship with Timothy reveals deeper layers of his character. Julius Carpenter joins Timothy in his mission for justice, and Elena Boehm, the devoted landlady, provides a semblance of comfort and concern. Meanwhile, Mercy Underhill's letters from afar keep her presence alive in Timothy's thoughts, feeding the emotional undercurrents of the story.

The Evolution of Timothy Wilde

While in Gods of Gotham Timothy may have seemed overshadowed by Valentine, Seven for a Secret sees him emerge as a fully realized protagonist. Valentine's audacious personality remains captivating, yet Faye deepens Timothy's character, granting him agency and complexity. Timothy's introspective nature, akin to G.K. Chesterton's Father Brown, makes him an empathetic listener and confidant, qualities that prove invaluable in his detective work.

Lyndsay Faye's Influence

A talented actress and author, Faye brings her dramatic flair to the page, crafting a vivid narrative in Seven for a Secret . Her experience shines through in the book’s compelling portrayal of the bond between...