Once again amateur sleuths Charles, Lord Sheridan, and his Lady wife Kate are involved in dramatic investigations into unexplained deaths, this time on The Lizard where Guglielmo Marconi is conducting experiments with his new wireless equipment.
In addition to the two deaths, both of which were of people who were associated with the Marconi project, there is a longer standing enquiry into the death of a little girl, and while Charles spends most of his time on the former, Kate looks more deeply into the latter so their paths often take different courses.
There are plenty of locals who object to Marconi working in the area and some of them, quite naturally come under suspicion, but in addition there are various visitors and seemingly shady characters in the wings who also arouse much interest. One of the visitors is Sir Oliver Lodge, who, in addition to having an interest in a rival wireless development, is also there to see if, in his role of physic investigator, he can throw any light on the death of the young girl, whose mother is involved in an affair with a mysterious stranger who is supposedly sailing in the area.
The local constabulary get involved but Constable Tom Deane appears not very bright and he is ever willing to be led by Charles, who flits about The Lizard peninsula, which is admirably described, both in his motor car, which attracts local criticism for despoiling the local beauty, and by horse and cart. And when a royal visit is announced, it becomes critical for the matter to be sorted out before the Prince and Princess of Wales arrive.
Fortunately Charles manages to do just that, with the splendid help of his wife. And as the issues unravel, it becomes clear that the two mysteries are interlinked so that the conclusion of the tale is satisfactory to everyone.
'Death on the Lizard' is a worthy addition to 'The Victorian Mystery Series' but, alas, it is the final one of 12 ... fortunately I have a number of others yet to read - and to acquire!