[2021] DNF'd at 60% This was just a slog, with not particularly interesting characters and a plot that wasn't especially gripping. A cis male author writing a first person trans man perspective was awkward and did feel forced a lot of time (meaning situations were contrived for our hero to agonise over their gender identity) which kind of flies in the face of the author's intent to have a character who just happens to be trans. The murder victim is also the girlfriend of our hero and whether the hero is trans or not, murdering a "hooker with a heart of gold" character to give them motivation is as trite as it gets. Struggling to continue, I looked over some other reviews and saw the upcoming rape scene is not something I want to deal with at all so it's time to DNF. On the plus side it makes me want to seek out some own voices trans fiction instead. ( )

Rond 1880 gaat in Londen de transgendere assistent-lijkschouwer Leo Stanhope op zoek naar de moordenaar van zijn geliefde, de prostituee Maria ( )

This is the first novel for author Alex Reeve, but it reads like it's from the pen of an established writer, less surprising when you realize that he is "an academic, specializing in novels set in Victorian England but written later."

The main character, Leo, is a trans man at a time when to be so is not only scorned, but criminal. He falls in love with a young prostitute and hopes to make a life with her; those hopes are crushed when she is found dead of a savage blow to the head. Leo is prostrate with grief, and at first is accused of the crime himself, but then becomes determined to find out who is responsible. His search leads him through the back alleys, the fetid docks, and the more prosperous streets of London, and subjects him to vicious violence.

Leo is a very sympathetic character, and the other characters are also well-drawn and believable. The ending is something of a surprise without feeling rushed or unbelievable.

I enjoyed the book very much and look forward to the upcoming installments in what is promised to be a series featuring Leo Stanhope. ( )

A gripping Victorian murder mystery with a difference!

This is a fabulous read with some fantastic and intriguing characters. The leading protagonist is very realistic, likeable and sympathetically drawn. It’s beautifully and evocatively written. There’s a good sense of time and place, so easy to visualise. There are plenty of twists and turns with the odd red herring. The plot is engaging and fast paced, it drew me in immediately. I couldn’t wait to read the next chapter. What more can be said!

A thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining story.

Many thanks to Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this book. ( )