Ratings4
Average rating3.8
Returning from a continental honeymoon with his lifelong friend and new wife, Lady Jane Grey, Charles Lenox is asked by a colleague in Parliament to consult in the murder of a footman, bludgeoned to death with a brick. His investigation uncovers both unsettling facts about the family he served and a strange, second identity that the footman himself cultivated. Going into the boxing clubs and public houses, the Mayfair mansions and servants’ quarter of Victorian London, Lenox gradually realizes that an old friend may be implicated in the footman’s death. Soon a suspect is arrested, but Lenox has his doubts. Desperately trying to balance the opening of Parliament and what he feels sure is a dark secret, he soon discovers that the killer is someone shockingly innocuous—who may be prepared to spill blood again, even a detective’s. In Detective Lenox, Lady Grey, and their circle of close associates, Charles Finch has created a cast of inviting, flesh-andblood characters. His evolving series, with its keen eye for period detail and razor-sharp plotting, offers readers an unparalleled brand of charm, sophistication, and suspense.
Featured Series
8 primary books9 released booksCharles Lenox Mysteries is a 9-book series with 8 primary works first released in 2007 with contributions by Charles Finch and James Langton. The next book is scheduled for release on 5/6/2025.
Reviews with the most likes.
Charles Finch both adds layers to his characters, and takes away the spotlight some in this next addition to his Charles Lenox series. The most interesting aspects revolved around Lenox having to reconcile his new marriage, position in Parliament, and life changes of close friends with his ongoing need to be an amateur detective. Unfortunately, I didn't feel these were fleshed out as much as I would have liked.
Also, I find it more difficult to sympathize with the characters, primarily due to their aristocratic position in Victorian England. The most powerful moment comes when a character challenges Lenox on this very point.
I enjoyed it, but didn't find myself as engaged as I had with previous books in this series. Still, worth reading.