Review - A Death in Chelsea

This is a new historical mystery series.  I reviewed the first in the series, Murder in Belgravia (click here) a few months ago and now I am sharing my thoughts on the second novel in the series.

Author: Lynn Brittney

Copyright: March 2020 (Crooked Lane Books) 336 pgs

Series: 2nd in Mayfair 100 Mysteries

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Mystery, Historical Police Procedural

Main Character: Chief Inspector Beech, head of a special task force

Setting: 1915, London

Obtained Through: Library

Cover blurb:  "In the dark days of World War I, an aristocrat's suspicious suicide propels a one-of-a-kind crime-fighting team into a sordid world of blackmail, betrayal, and tragic secrets.

When the phone rings at the Mayfair 100 exchange, the news is rarely good, and this time is no exception. The Duchess of Penhere's daughter, notorious society gossip queen Lady Adeline Treborne, has been found dead in her room in what appears to be a suicide--but her family suspects foul play.

The secret Mayfair team of amateur female detectives has been restlessly awaiting their next case, and this will prove one of their thorniest. When Dr. Caroline Allardyce performs an autopsy, she is able to conclusively prove that the woman was murdered. Lady Treborne had made many enemies through her vicious gossip column, so there's no shortage of suspects.

Supported by a cadre of professional police officers, the Mayfair women launch their investigation, but there's much more to this case than meets the eye. As they venture into a world that lays bare London high life at its lowest, the team soon begins to comprehend the danger at hand--and how this tangled web of treachery could ensnare anyone who gets too close."

Chief Inspector Peter Beech is an openminded police detective who has the vision of women aiding the police and heads up the unique team.  Victoria is a female lawyer who at one point had been "dating" Beech, but that ended and now they attempt working together.  Caroline is the female doctor on the team.  She is waiting for Beech to see her as more than a friend, but just may be ready to move on.  

Rigsby is the younger male of the team and the handsome one that women seem to flutter eyelashes at despite a scar from the war.  Tollman is an older and grizzled policeman that knows more about the goings on in London and who to talk to than most anybody else alive.  Tollman takes Rigsby under his wing and begins mentoring him.  Lady Maud is Victoria's mother and provides a large house as the team's headquarters.  Billy's mom, Elsie, and his Aunt Sissy provide some comic relief and are gems in the story.  We have the addition of Mabel Summersby, a pharmacist who works with Caroline and gets into the forensic side of the investigation.  

This proved a complicated and twisting investigation that kept my attention glued to the pages.  The ensemble cast each working the investigation from different angles made the pacing a steady driving force.  The climax is tense with a standoff and quite realistic.  The wrap-up shows the team bonding and ties up all the threads wonderfully.  

I have to say that Ms. Brittney is setting a high bar in this series.  The books are rich in period detail, the characters are all layered and engaging, the plots are just intricate enough without losing the reader, and the writing weaves it all effortlessly together for an engaging and memorable book.  If you enjoy historical mysteries, then this series is a must read.

Rating: Near Perfect - A must read , buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend. 

Review - Murder In Belgravia

This is the first in a new historical mystery series and I wanted to start at the beginning. 

"A high-profile murder propels a unique crime-fighting team into the dark environs of London’s underworld—and on a terrifying quest to track a ruthless killer."  Find out what I thought of this new series in the historical mystery genre.

Author: Lynn Brittney

Copyright: March 2019 (Crooked Lane Books) 282 pgs

Series: 1st in Mayfair 100 Mysteries

Sensuality: TW domestic abuse and child prostitution discussed

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical police with amateur sleuths

Main Character: Chief Inspector Beech, head of a special task force
Setting: 1915, London
Obtained Through: Publisher via Netgalley for honest review
Book Blurb: "London, 1915. As World War I engulfs Europe, a special task force is formed in the affluent Mayfair district to tackle the city’s thorniest crimes against women. When the bobbies and Scotland Yard come up short, there’s only one telephone number to dial: Mayfair 100.
An aristocrat has been murdered, and his wife, a witness and possible suspect, will only talk to a woman. With the blessing of London’s Chief Commissioner, Chief Inspector Beech, a young man invalided out of the war, assembles a crew of sharp, intrepid, and well-educated women to investigate. But to get at the truth, Beech, Victoria, Caroline, Rigsby, and Tollman will venture into the the city’s seedy underbelly, a world where murder is only the first in a litany of evils." 
Trigger warning, the initial setup for the murder is the victim having brutally attacked his pregnant wife and all appearances make it seem she or her maid killed the brute.  First impressions prove to be wrong and it gets complicated from there.
Chief Inspector Peter Beech is an openminded police detective who has the vision of women aiding the police and heads up the unique team.  Victoria is a female lawyer who at one point had been "dating" Beech, but that ended and now they attempt working together.  Caroline is the female doctor on the team.  She is waiting for Beech to see her as more than a friend.  Rigsby is the younger male of the team and the handsome one that women seem to flutter eyelashes at despite a scar from the war.  Tollman is an older and grizzled policeman that knows more about the goings on in London and who to talk to than most anybody else alive.  Tollman takes Rigsby under his wing and begins mentoring him.  Lady Maud is Victoria's mother and provides a large house as the team's headquarters.  Billy Rigby's mom, Elsie, and his Aunt Sissy provide some comic relief and are gems in the story.  
The setting of London provided a sad and seedy backdrop punctuated with brief moments in society houses.  This does have a grittier side with some subject matter, but it also displays compassion (particularly Tillman and Rigby) for those struggling.  There isn't gore, but some harsh realities of life at that time presented with sensitivity.  Also, the first world war with air attacks from Zeppelins and the tensions of the suffragette movement pepper throughout the story.  The British Suffragettes were more confrontational than in America.
Figuring out the who-done-it isn't easy and information is revealed throughout the investigation in order to get any idea of what took place the fateful night of the murder.  The women are aware of their limitations within society in general but in dangerous situations as well.  There are a few subplots at work in the story that keep the pace moving and interest up.  
The killer reveal was rather cut and dry as the police on the team close in on guilty parties, but it still provided a twist or two that made it satisfying.  The wrap-up was heartwarming and paved the way for the team to continue for another case.
I love this new series.  If you like the Sebastian St Cyr series but want something a little less grim, this is for you!  It is just a bit "gritty" without being gory or explicit and had some comedic lighter moments as well.  It does acknowledge the grim realities of life and crime.  The characters are well done and there are layers to their exchanges that make the story rich and memorable.  This leaves plenty of room over the series for the characters to develop and surprise the reader.  The mystery was complex enough to get my interest and keep it throughout.  
Rating:  Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list 

Review - Study in Scarlet Women

Sherry Thomas is an acclaimed romance author - regularly receiving starred reviews from trade publications. She is also a two-time winner of Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA® Award.  

It is a supreme challenge to come up with a new angle for a Sherlock novel, let alone pull any new attempt off successfully.  Ms. Thomas has ventured out from the romance genre and devised and brilliant angle - that Sherlock was actually a woman and she used different methods to conceal it, the stories written by sidekick Watson being only one trick.

Author: Sherry Thomas

Copyright: Oct 2016 (Berkley) 336 pgs

Series: 1st in Lady Sherlock Mystery series

Sensuality: Mild - Adult topics discussed

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Amateur Sleuth

Main Characters: Charlotte Holmes, disgraced upper class woman who creates the Sherlock Holmes identity

Setting: 1886, Devonshire and London England

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

From the cover: "With her inquisitive mind, Charlotte Holmes has never felt comfortable with the demureness expected of the fairer sex in upper class society. But even she never thought that she would become a social pariah, an outcast fending for herself on the mean streets of London.

When the city is struck by a trio of unexpected deaths and suspicion falls on her sister and her father, Charlotte is desperate to find the true culprits and clear the family name. She’ll have help from friends new and old—a kind-hearted widow, a police inspector, and a man who has long loved her.

But in the end, it will be up to Charlotte, under the assumed name Sherlock Holmes, to challenge society’s expectations and match wits against an unseen mastermind."

Charlotte Holmes is blond, pretty, feminine, and too smart to be accepted easily in society. Olivia is her loving sister who knows her better than any other. Mrs. John Watson, a retired stage actress initially employs Charlotte as a ladies' companion but quickly becomes her sidekick. Lord Ingram Ashburton, a long time friend and first love, is the go-between for "Sherlock" and a police inspector.  Inspector Robert Treadles is a fan of Sherlock and his advice on several cases, but the case of three society deaths makes him want to consult with Sherlock in person.

In 1886 women were still expected to marry and produce children and weren't considered suited for deep thought or much past a simple painting and playing the piano. Into this setting Charlotte hits the scene with a whip sharp intellect, little desire for domesticity, and little regard for societal mores limiting her.  The setting is the era and it's impact that fashions a lovely - even cherubic looking woman - into the legendary Sherlock. 

The plot is mainly the making of Sherlock with a tantalizing murder mystery to show us how Charlotte deducts and leads the police while maintaining her cover as Sherlock.  The murder is clever and likely wouldn't have been uncovered or even suspected as a murder, if it weren't for Charlotte.  The pacing picks up once Charlotte finds Watson, so the beginning sets the stage.

You likely know how I love a suspenseful killer confrontation, but this was a killer reveal that explains the three deaths and the understanding is such a twist that it serves as it's own suspense.  The wrap-up introduces the re-imagined Moriarty that promises more twists on the established Sherlock mythos.  

This story is pure genius.  Charlotte is so counter to the image of Sherlock and yet it works beautifully.  I feel as though Ms. Thomas, to whom English is a second language, was born to write this and it will be her crowning character and series.

Rating:  Near Perfect - Couldn't put it down. Buy two copies, one for you and one for a friend. 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I have written and published my first cozy mystery - Iced (Resort to Murder #1) by Avery Daniels is on pre-sale for a whopping low price of .99. This low price will be for a limited time only.  The official release day is May 31st. 

ICED
Julienne has her ideal job as an event planner at a prestigious resort. During a luncheon event she coordinated, a renowned celebrity pastor is killed next to the buffet. All eyes turn to her as the suspect. If she wants to stay out of jail or even keep her job, Julienne needs all the help she can get to solve the crime. 

She has her work cut out for her with a vengeful high school rival now reporter, the public demanding she be fired, plus family who knows what's best for her, and a boyfriend who doesn't understand her. She turns to friends and a new ally to uncover who wanted to put the pastor on ice. 

Julienne goes undercover and investigates a local swingers group as she follows the trail of clues before they go cold. Can she gather enough suspects and motives to convince the police to her widen their investigation? Can she do it before the killer sets his murderous sights on her? Will her personal life ever be as simple as unveiling a murderer?

Preorder the kindle edition for .99 (click here.)  
Print book and audio is due shortly, I will include link then.


Oh, and if you have a blog and would like to do a spotlight or a review, just leave me a comment.

Review - Where the Dead Lie

I have been following this series since the sixth book in the series and became an instant fan.  I have even been going back and picking up the first books.  I have reviewed When Falcons Fall (click here), Who Buries the Dead (click here), Why Kings Confess" (click here), "What Darkness Brings" (click here), "When Maidens Mourn" (click here), and "Where Shadows Dance" (click here).  We were also honored to interview C.S. Harris (click here.)  As a side note, I also reviewed a modern thriller, The Archangel Project (click here) by this author under the pen name CS Graham.  Let's see how the series is doing now that we are into the twelfth book.

Author: CS Harris

Copyright: April 2017 (Berkley) 347 pgs

Series: 12th in Sebastian St. Cyr Mystery series

Sensuality:  Serial killer subject matter, children victims

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Detective

Main Characters: Sebastian St. Cyr (Viscount Devlin) a veteran of the Peninsula wars with Napoleon and a nobleman.

Setting: 1813, London England

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

From book cover: "London, 1813. Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, is no stranger to the dark side of the city, but he’s never seen anything like this: the brutalized body of a fifteen-year-old boy dumped into a makeshift grave on the grounds of an abandoned factory.

One of London’s many homeless children, Benji Thatcher was abducted and tortured before his murder—and his younger sister is still missing. Few in authority care about a street urchin’s fate, but Sebastian refuses to let this killer go unpunished.

Uncovering a disturbing pattern of missing children, Sebastian is drawn into a shadowy, sadistic world. As he follows a grim trail that leads from the writings of the debauched Marquis de Sade to the city’s most notorious brothels, he comes to a horrifying realization: someone from society’s upper echelon is preying upon the city’s most vulnerable. And though dark, powerful forces are moving against him, Sebastian will risk his reputation and his life to keep more innocents from harm..."

We have Sebastian and new wife Hero front and center again.  But Hero is dealing with emotional upheaval with her seriously ill mother and can't assist in the investigation. Sebastian, newly a father, takes this case particularly personal as his heart breaks for these unfortunate street children meeting evil ends. Sebastian faces emotional issues with his father too.  

Gibson, Sebastian's dear friend who essentially performs the duties of a medical examiner, joins the cast again still fighting his personal demons.  Hero's father Jarvis is somehow involved - even if it's the possibility that he could know the killer's identity but doesn't divulge it for his own manipulations, which causes tension to build even further with Sebastian.  They seem to be building to an explosive show-down at some point.  Tom is especially at risk because he fits the profile of the abducted children and Sebastian tries to keep him safely at home, which Tom takes offence to being excluded.  Homeless former soldier Rory Inchbald and street kid Toby Dancing are just a few of the many sad people Sebastian interviews.  Then there are the people who try to aid the street children Reverend Filby and Icarus Cantrell.  Cantrell, aka The Professor, is considered a fence for stolen items and is the breakout character in this novel.

The subject matter is a bit darker than the usual with many atmospheric touches to ratchet the tension rather than dwell on details of the killings.  Abandoned factories, back alleys, brothels that cater to more sadistic tastes, and so forth are the myriad of settings.  

The plot exposes the calloused side of society towards the defenseless without being preachy. I do have to say that the multiple visits to the same suspects seemed (IMHO) to slow the action a bit.  The climax was filled with tension and danger, a real nail-biter.  This particular story leaves the reader with a threat close to Sebastian's family that will no doubt be carried into the next book.  

This addition to the series is a little darker than prior books in the series.  But I didn't feel it was gruesome rather enough to get a sense of the torture done.  That said, because the victims are children I am giving a trigger warning.  This book in the series shows considerable emotional changes for both Sebastian and Hero, a seemingly impossible to solve serial killer, and dark brooding settings.  I feel it is a well crafted story although rather somber.

Rating:  Excellent - Loved it, it had a good grip on me! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list

 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

My first cozy mystery ever Iced (Resort to Murder #1) by Avery Daniels is on pre-sale for a whopping low price of .99. This low price will be for a limited time only.  The official release day is May 31st. 

ICED

Julienne has her ideal job as an event planner at a prestigious resort. During a luncheon event she coordinated, a renowned celebrity pastor is killed next to the buffet. All eyes turn to her as the suspect. If she wants to stay out of jail or even keep her job, Julienne needs all the help she can get to solve the crime. 

She has her work cut out for her with a vengeful high school rival now reporter, the public demanding she be fired, plus family who knows what's best for her, and a boyfriend who doesn't understand her. She turns to friends and a new ally to uncover who wanted to put the pastor on ice. 

Julienne goes undercover and investigates a local swingers group as she follows the trail of clues before they go cold. Can she gather enough suspects and motives to convince the police to her widen their investigation? Can she do it before the killer sets his murderous sights on her? Will her personal life ever be as simple as unveiling a murderer?

Preorder the kindle edition (click here.)
Print book is due shortly, I will include link then.

Oh, and if you have a blog and would like to do a spotlight or a review, just leave me a comment.

Review - Secret of White Rose

Today I review a historical mystery featuring 1906 New York and the turbulent times of wealth disparity that erupted into violence.  "Stefanie Pintoff is the Edgar® award-winning author of a mystery series where early criminal science meets the dark side of old New York."

If you are looking for the Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop, it is the post just prior to this one - just scroll down. 

Author: Stephanie Pintoff

Copyright: May 2011 (Minotaur) 384 pgs

Series: 3rd in Detective Ziele Investigations

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Police Procedural

Main Character:  Detective Simon Ziele 

Setting: 1906, New York

Obtained Through: LibraryThing for an honest review

The book opens with Simon Ziele being hustled to a murder scene out of his jurisdication by criminologist Alistair Sinclair.  Alistair had gone to law school with murder victim, Judge Hugo Jackson.  Since Judge Jackson was presiding over the trial of an anarchist Al Drayson his murder is the highest priority.  Drayson planted a bomb to kill industrialsit Andrew Carnegie but ended up killing five innocent people including a child.  The media has whipped the city into high tension and the murder is ratcheting up the tension.  The widow of Judge Jackson insists that Simon be on the case since Alistair wants him.

The widow's demands puts Simon on the bad side of Police Commissioner Theodore Bingham (a historical person who really did command the New York Police from 1906 to 1909.)  Commissioner Bingham rules with a dictatorial style and insists that the anarchists will all be brought to justice for the judge's death.  But Simon and Alistair uncover a secret code in a sheet of music at the crime scene (along with a white rose) which clearly shows it is revenge against the judge.  More murders occur and Simon gets increasingly frustrated as it becomes clear that Alistair is keeping vital information to himself. Then the Commissioner wants to use Simon's tragic past to get to the anarchists.  Both Alistair and Simon are in danger and there are some tense moments.

Simon Ziele is a meaty character with a sad past that has forged his sense of justice while having the compassion to understand it isn't always clear cut in crime.  Simon must face his past and the ghosts that live there during the story which shows how deeply he still hurts.  He is dating Alistair's daughter-in-law (a young widower) Isabella.  His relationship with her is an ever present reminder of her social status and his lack of status. Isabella is great, I immediately liked her as a smart and capable woman who understands Simon well.  Alistair is single minded and privileged and this story shows he is shaken to his core during this case.  Alistair is an interesting character that at turns would draw me in and then make me mad.

The story was a bit slow to grab hold of me.  It took a few chapters before the elements all meshed and I was compelled to read it at every opportunity.  It seemed to pick up speed the further I got into the story.  By the end I didn't want to leave Detective Simon Ziele's world - which is a sign it really came alive for me.  It showed the seamy side of New York's streets, crime, and dirty politics against the backdrop of China Town and the Waldorf Astoria, from the "tombs" where prisoners are kept to the luxury homes of judges it displays NY and all her sides.

The plot was good with several elements coming together.  The climax was gripping and there were several exciting tense scenes that were nicely done.  All story lines were wrapped up well.  I had not read the two prior books in this series and I had no problem picking up significant backstory.  This novel is a little more "real" without being gruesome which I appreciated.   If you enjoy historical mysteries with a little bit of grit this book will please you.

Mystery & Crime Fiction Blog Carnival July 2010

Welcome to the July 5, 2010 edition of mystery and crime fiction blog carnival.  I hope all the U.S. readers had a safe and enjoyable 4th.  

Police Procedural Book Review
 

KerrieS presents Review: THE SILENCE OF THE RAIN, Luiz Alfredo Garcia-Roza, saying, "Set in Rio de Janeiro, translated from Portuguese, the first novel in the Inspector Espinosa series."

KerrieS presents Review: THE WHITE GALLOWS, Rob Kitchin, saying, "reminds me a lot of Susan Hill, Pauline Rowson, and Charles Todd. If you like any of them, then I think you'll like this."

Private Investigator Book Review
 

  Ms. Smarty Pants presents The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler, saying Philip Marlowe gets it done.

Amateur Sleuth book Review

Musings of the Book Goddes gives us The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting.
 
ArtSeblic give us Trojan Gold (aVicky Bliss mystery) by Elizabeth Peters.

Cozy Mystery Book Review

Lori's Reading Corner gives us Chapter and Hearse by Lorna Barrett.

Thriller/Suspense Fiction Book Review
 

KerrieS presents THURSDAY NIGHT WIDOWS, Claudio Pineiro. She shares "Every Thursday night Teresa Scaglia's husband and three friends got together at the Scaglia's house to have dinner, play cards, and drink. For a long time it had been traditional for the wives to go to the cinema. Teresa Scaglia arrives home to find her husband and two of his friends dead at the bottom of their pool. "

Sandra at Musings of a Book Addict gives us Unseen by Nancy Bush.

Author Interview
 

 No submissions

Writing Tips and Advice
 

Writer Sense gives us World-Builing, Creating a Caste/Hierarchy.   

Writer Sense gives us Elements of Fiction - Foreshadowing. 

     

Book Review - Murder on Lexington Avenue

Author: Victoria Thompson


Copyright: June 2010 (Berkley); 326 pgs

Series: #12 in The Gaslight Mysteries

Sensuality: Victorian mild

Mystery sub-genre: Historical Police Procedural/Amateur Sleuth

Main Character: Det. Sgt. Frank Malloy & Midwife Sarah Brandt

Setting: turn-of-the-20th-century New York City

Obtained book through: Publisher for an honest review

The book starts with Det. Sgt. Frank Malloy being called to investigate the murder scene of a wealthy man in his office.  He was beat on the head with a trophy cup.  The victim, Nehemiah Wooten, has a deaf daughter and thus Det. Malloy is on the case since his son is deaf.  What Malloy finds is that there is a split among attitudes towards the deaf and Mr. Wooten was a disciple of Alexander Graham Bell who put forth his belief that deaf people bred deaf people (Eugenics) thus they should be forced to learn lip reading and not sign language (which would engcourage they keep company with other deaf people).  Therefore Mr. Wooten had sent his daughter to a school to learn lip reading - but she had defied her father and paid to be taught sign language...and now wanted to marry her deaf sign teacher!  Then Mr. Malloy stumbles upon the victim's wife is pregnant from the partner's son.  Which allows the midwife Sarah Brandt to enter the household and snoop for him.  The people who had motive to kill the iron handed Nehemiah Wooten are adding up and Sarah is in the household investigating while Malloy runs down other leads.
 
The story grabbed my attention immediately and I hated leaving it.  I sailed through the middle hardly able to wait for what was coming.  The plot may not be highly complex but it is told well - invoking your emotions and pulling you into the drama.  The issues surrounding the deaf community play a part of the murderous web and are surprising and illuminating.  The cast of potential killers rang from the deaf daughter, Electra, the son Leander, the teacher who taught Electra to sign, the partner, and the partner's son and even the wife.

Mrs. Wooten had risen to her feet, and Frank saw that the girl's appearance had shattered her calm.  Suddenly, she looked almost frightened.  "Electra, go to your room.  I'll explain later."
 
Electra.  The deaf girl.  That explained her odd-sounding voice. 
 
"Annie said something happened to Father," she was saying.  "Tell me!"
 
...Frank knew that the students at the Lexington Avenue School could speech-read.  He wasn't sure how difficult it was for them to do, so he spoke slowly and distinctly, just in case.  "Your father was murdered."
 
She frowned, her lovely brow wrinkling in confusion.  She turned back to her mother.  "Murdered?" she asked.
 
'Yes," Mrs Wooten said with great reluctance.  "Your father is dead."
 
Electra obsorbed the news for a second.  Frank waited, expecting an explosion of of tears, but none of the emotions playing across her face was grief.  The one she finally settled on looked very much like satisfaction, and then she lifter her pert little chin and said, "Good."

Sarah and Det. Malloy are enjoyable characters who clearly are attracted to each other in a delightful way.  Malloy respects Sarah and her opinions that she shares, enjoys discussing the case with her and bouncing ideas back and forth.  They both "light up" when the other is around.  I enjoyed them and their banter that borders on flirting.
 
There is a subplot of Sarah's adopted daughter starting to recall some traumatic memories that has me hooked to find out how that develops.  But I must be honest that I would have liked to see Malloy's deaf son take more of a spotlight and Malloy himself make an effort to learn sign language more.  There is a lack of scene development that could have added more period awareness and made the story come more alive.  At times I could have forgotten it was the early 1900s because of the lacking details - which is such a shame.
 
The climax has a victorian style chase scene with a tense confrontation and a twist.  The wrap up with Sarah and Malloy promises more to come in their simmering relationship to keep readers coming back. 
 
If you enjoy historical mysteries I think you will like this one.

Review - Murder In Paradise

Thursday I provided a teaser about this and I finished on the plane flying home today.  I am happy to be home and glad to finish the book so I can share it with you.  I was quiet surprised while waiting for my connecting flight that the gentleman reading right across from me at the gate handed me his book when he was finished.  Reading people are the BEST! 

Author: Alanna Knight

Copyright: October, 2009 (Allison & Busby); 374 pgs

Series: #14 in The Inspector Faro Mysteries

Sensuality: Some mild references

Mystery sub-genre: British Police Procedural

Main Character: Inspector Jeremy Faro

Setting: 1860 Kent countryside

Obtained book through: LibraryThing
 
 
 
The novel is comprised almost entirely from a flashback of Inspector Faro of one of the darkest moments of his career - the chase of the notorious Macheath, a murderer and cunning jewel thief.  He has been sent, seemingly as punishment from a petty superior, alone to chase Macheath.  Upon arriving in town Faro finds an old school chum is living with several famous artists at the Red House and insists that Faro be a guest.  His old school chum, Erland, confides that he is ecstatic with his upcoming wedding and Faro simply must stay and attend. 
 
When Faro is introduced to Erland's fiance, he recognises her instantly as the woman who got away with poisoning a lover a few years prior.  This aspect of the story embellishes on a historical account of Madeleine Smith who had received a "Not Proven" verdict in a highly publicized trial of that time (referred to as Victorian Scotland's trial of the century) .  Speculation of her guilt or innocence still surrounds her today and the trial was considered very risque for that time.  When Faro learns that a wealthy acquaintance has recently proposed to Lena (aka Madeleine) the situation is far too similar to the motive for the last lover's death and Faro is undecided while he watches a drama unfold around his chum Erland.
 
Close on the heals of Faro arriving in town, a manor house has a minor break-in that Faro believes was actually Macheath gathering some supplies while he is on the run.  But the maid at the manor house goes missing and the local towns people are unconcerned since she had a "loose" reputation.  Is Macheath still around or has he long since moved on?  How does the missing maid figure in?  What about the pot-shot at Faro one morning? 

Changing the subject he said quickly, "You get along very well with Lena."
 
She nodded.  "I do indeed.   She is my best friend.  From the moment she arrived with Erland.  I would do anything for her.  She is a wonderful person, so kind and understanding with everyone."
 
They were no longer alone in the garden.  A lot of unseen activity nearby indicated the gardeners were approaching.
 
A group of hooded figures came into view.  Sacking over their heads and shoulders, protection from the weather and doubtless the falling apples they gathered, transformed them into medieval figures from an ancient pastoral tapestry, a picture of harmony in keeping with their surroundings as they toured the gardens with their wheelbarrows.

There are some interesting characters in the story, the seemingly moody loner in a cabin adjoining the manor house's property, or the local constable who is the epitome of small town police with nothing more than an occasional drunk for experience, to the colorful and eclectic assortment of people at Red House.  Faro himself comes across as fallible and young, with a few missteps here and there, but a decent bloke trying to determine the best course in confusing circumstances.  The characters are all well done - except perhaps Macheath who you only know by reputation for the most part.
 

The setting of Red House is also a case of incorporating some more specific history into the story - Red House truly does exist and was an artist's bohemian getaway with William Morris and the Pre-Raphaelites in residence.  It provides a great setting, lending some gothic touches to the tale as well as some authenticity.  It makes the tale of Inspector Faro seem a bit more real.

 
The writing style is modern but reminiscent of Victorian times with an emphasis on a running narrative and less on action scenes. This is a difficult point - some love this style and others hate it. It takes me awhile to get into the story but once I have adapted to it I can enjoy it. That was the case here as well - it took awhile for me to be enveloped in the story. This writing style can easily feel slow, and it certainly did feel slow.

 
It isn't until the last few chapters that things really start cooking, as though the various ingredients had simmered long enough and everything was coming to a boil at once.  There was a surprise element that really doesn't surface until late even though slightly hinted at earlier on - but I felt a little blindsided by that development.  Was it literary cheating - you will have to read it to decide for yourself.  As historical police procedurals go, I enjoyed it and will probably read another in the Faro series - but to be honest, it wasn't in my favorites list either.
 
If you enjoy Victorian mysteries this may be just what you are looking for, but if you crave more modern or spicy tales this may not sustain you.