Historical Fiction

Just as Charles Lenox is preparing for his first days in Parliament, an acquaintance asks him to investigate the deadly assault on one of his footmen. Charles is sinking his teeth into this dilemma (over the objections of his new bride), when said acquaintance suddenly changes course and demands that Charles leave it all to the Yard. Naturally, this does nothing to diminish his interest. A good entry in this Victorian amateur sleuth series. I had a notion fairly early who wielded the brick, but the details didn't all fall into place until just as the light was dawning on Charles...and that's the way I like my detective fiction. ( )

Just returned from his honeymoon and ready to begin his new career as a member of Parliament, Charles Lenox looks into a footman's murder. Knowing his time will be limited due to his duties as a public servant, he involves his protege John Dallington in the investigation. Charles comes up with a solution to the problem of two butlers by having his own come to work for him in his new role. I suspected the perpetrator almost from the beginning, but the author did probably develop enough other options to distract many readers from the solution. I listened to the audiobook read by one of my favorite narrators, James Langton. ( )

I am loving this series more and more with each book of it I read. It is smart; at times - humorous, and always a wonderfully researched, written and constructed mystery with lots of red herrings.

As for characters, the main ones are well developed throughout the series and little nicks in their armor become exposed over the course of time. The characters are as real humans which elicits empathy from, at least, this reader. In this story, the lisping bishop (a minor character) was amusing and it may be a bit sacrilegious for some. For this anglo-catholic, a little poke at the Church of England wass a delight. If you cannot laugh at yourself, then who can?

New readers may ask, "Should I start at the beginning of this series or wade in mid-stream?" Frankly, if you are just now considering diving into this series, I would recommend starting with the three prequels. They really set the stage for the series and provided good solid background for the various characters. ( )

Back from his honeymoon, Charles Lenox is asked to look into the murder of footman Frederick Clarke. He undertakes the case along with his protege John Dallington. The McConnell's baby is finally born, causing both Charles and his wife to consider possibly adding to their own family. There was a lot more politics in this book as Charles takes his position in Parliament. I wouldn't have minded if there was a purpose, but none of the political threads were followed to any conclusion. Still, I enjoyed it and will look forward to the next in the series. ( )