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Leo Stanhope #4
The Blood Flower
'Don't be ordinary, Leo. Passion has its price.'
1883. Two young people have been killed near Portsmouth's docks. When journalist and amateur detective Leo Stanhope arrives, the police have already dismissed the victims as a 'molly-lad' and a misfit. As Leo begins to investigate, what he uncovers will lead him to the dangers of the Navy shipyard, the temptations of Portsmouth's underground nightlife - and even the family of his wife, Rosie.
But can he risk the people he loves for the sake of justice?
1883. Two young people have been killed near Portsmouth's docks. When journalist and amateur detective Leo Stanhope arrives, the police have already dismissed the victims as a 'molly-lad' and a misfit. As Leo begins to investigate, what he uncovers will lead him to the dangers of the Navy shipyard, the temptations of Portsmouth's underground nightlife - and even the family of his wife, Rosie.
But can he risk the people he loves for the sake of justice?
321 pages, Paperback
First published July 7, 2022
5 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Alex Reeve
8 books63 followersAlex Reeve was born in Twickenham and now lives in Marlow, Buckinghamshire with his wife and two sons. Having done many jobs, including working in a pub and teaching English as a foreign language in Paris, he is now a University lecturer and is working intermittently on a PhD. His debut novel The House on Half Moon Street, the first in a Victorian crime series featuring Leo Stanhope, will be published by Bloomsbury in 2018. Leo was born when Alex came across an article about transgender people in Victorian England, and he was amazed to see how little had changed.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 13, 2022
Alex Reeve's latest in his Victorian historical drama series is also the last featuring transgender journalist and amateur detective, Leo Stanhope, he and his wife Rosie, the children, Sam and Lillian, have arrived in Portsmouth by train, but this is no seaside holiday. For Rosie, it is a relief that Leo is staying with actor and painter Peregrine Black whilst she stays with her pregnant 'psychic' sister, Viola Broadman, and her dubious husband, Bill. Leo is there professionally as a science writer on the Daily Chronicle, his boss, TJ Whitford, providing expenses for him to write a story of murder, two young people have been killed by the docks with the same MO. Mickey Long, and an unidentified woman with a odd tattoo, have had their throats slit and their bodies posed in the same way, and the local policeman, Sergeant Dorling is keen to have the police, and himself in particular, portrayed positively in the London newspapers
Having learned from traumatic past experience, Leo wants to leave the investigation to the police, but when the police dismiss the victims as only ‘molly-lads’ and misfits, he feels honour bound to help. But what connects the two victims, a boy from the streets and the young woman? Working together with Rosie, Leo's marriage of convenience is to come under strain over issues they had not thought to address. He gets help in translating the dead woman's slavic dialect tattoo, from Jacob Kleiner in London via telegrams in which the two play a game of chess, this lead to the The Hippodrome, and a circus run by the powerful and ruthless Mr Quinton. Here Leo meets the talented black acrobat, Olga Brown aka Miss Lala, the dead woman identified as fellow performer, Natalia La Blanche. In a dangerous case that takes in the underground Papaver nightclub, a naval officer, Lieutenant Chastain, the beautiful and alluring Alice Morgan, Quintan's mistress, Leo hunts a killer, as he tries to work out what the blood flower is and the exact role it plays in the murders.
Reeve brings this atmospheric and riveting historical series to a thrilling end, and the flawed Leo is the undoubted star and highlight, providing a social and political commentary of the issue in this particular period of history. It is barely surprising that he is angry when his true identity is divulged to others, the dangers this poses to him and the threat to his life cannot be understated, whilst other prejudices are illustrated with the entrenched racism and hostility directed towards Olga Brown, despite her remarkable abilities. I have really loved this brilliant series, and will miss it now it has ended. This is a gripping read, packed with intrigue, suspense and tension, inhabited with characters I have come to love, such as Rosie, pharmacy owner, Alfie, and his daughter, Constance, and Jacob. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
Having learned from traumatic past experience, Leo wants to leave the investigation to the police, but when the police dismiss the victims as only ‘molly-lads’ and misfits, he feels honour bound to help. But what connects the two victims, a boy from the streets and the young woman? Working together with Rosie, Leo's marriage of convenience is to come under strain over issues they had not thought to address. He gets help in translating the dead woman's slavic dialect tattoo, from Jacob Kleiner in London via telegrams in which the two play a game of chess, this lead to the The Hippodrome, and a circus run by the powerful and ruthless Mr Quinton. Here Leo meets the talented black acrobat, Olga Brown aka Miss Lala, the dead woman identified as fellow performer, Natalia La Blanche. In a dangerous case that takes in the underground Papaver nightclub, a naval officer, Lieutenant Chastain, the beautiful and alluring Alice Morgan, Quintan's mistress, Leo hunts a killer, as he tries to work out what the blood flower is and the exact role it plays in the murders.
Reeve brings this atmospheric and riveting historical series to a thrilling end, and the flawed Leo is the undoubted star and highlight, providing a social and political commentary of the issue in this particular period of history. It is barely surprising that he is angry when his true identity is divulged to others, the dangers this poses to him and the threat to his life cannot be understated, whilst other prejudices are illustrated with the entrenched racism and hostility directed towards Olga Brown, despite her remarkable abilities. I have really loved this brilliant series, and will miss it now it has ended. This is a gripping read, packed with intrigue, suspense and tension, inhabited with characters I have come to love, such as Rosie, pharmacy owner, Alfie, and his daughter, Constance, and Jacob. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
May 2, 2023
This is the last Leo Stanhope novel, and gosh, that makes me sad. I think this might be my favourite of the novels too. The story follows a friend of Leo who lives at the seaside reporting a murder to him, and, as an important (ish) London journalist, he arrives to investigate. It is soon realised that the murder relates to the quest for the supernatural Blood Flower, but apart from being mystical, nobody knows what it even is.
The book takes twists and turns and is wonderfully atmospheric as the story unfolds. I feel like these books transport me to Victorian England. I can smell the steam from the train, feel the roar of the circus, and imagine the beach lined up with bathing machines. For a clever chap, Leo makes some bad decisions, but I find I am always rooting for him and it makes for a very exciting book. Alex Reeve has a way of transporting you to the past, it is magical and I can’t wait to see what he writes next.
The book takes twists and turns and is wonderfully atmospheric as the story unfolds. I feel like these books transport me to Victorian England. I can smell the steam from the train, feel the roar of the circus, and imagine the beach lined up with bathing machines. For a clever chap, Leo makes some bad decisions, but I find I am always rooting for him and it makes for a very exciting book. Alex Reeve has a way of transporting you to the past, it is magical and I can’t wait to see what he writes next.
August 19, 2022
The Blood Flower is the fourth book – and sadly, the last – in Alex Reeve’s Leo Stanhope mystery series. I’ve been following this series since the first book was published and am sorry there won’t be any more to look forward to, but the author has stated that he has achieved what he set out to achieve with these novels and is ready to move on to other things.
The four novels in this series all work as standalone mysteries, but if you want to get to know Leo properly and understand his history and relationships with the other characters, I would recommend starting with The House on Half-Moon Street and reading the books in order if you can.
In The Blood Flower, set in the late Victorian period, Leo and his wife, Rosie, are heading for the south coast of England, where Leo, in his position of journalist with a London newspaper, has been asked to cover a murder case in Portsmouth. Rosie’s sister, Viola, happens to live in Portsmouth with her husband and Leo is looking forward to seeing them for the first time – but Rosie seems strangely reluctant for him to meet his in-laws. He doesn’t have too much time to wonder about this, however, because work must come first and soon Leo is being updated by the local police on the deaths of two young people, both found by the Portsmouth docks with their throats slit.
When Sergeant Dorling dismisses the two victims as misfits and outcasts and seems more concerned with how Leo is planning to portray the police in his newspaper article, Leo knows that if the murderer is going to be brought to justice he will have to solve the mystery himself. His investigations lead him to the notorious Papaver nightclub and a circus at the New Hippodrome theatre in search of the mysterious Blood Flower which seems to have played a part in both murders. But Leo has a secret of his own: he was born and raised as Charlotte Pritchard, before leaving his old life behind to live as the man he knows he really is. Only his closest friends know he is transgender, but if this information falls into the wrong hands he could find himself in serious danger.
I think this is the best book in the series; I enjoyed it even more than the last one, The Butcher of Berner Street. The Portsmouth setting makes a nice change from the Victorian London of the previous three books and Alex Reeve brings it vividly to life, with a contrast between the tourist areas with their colourful beach huts, bathing machines and shops selling postcards, and the darker side of the city which is where most of the story is played out. It was good to meet some of Leo’s old friends again – the actor Peregrine Black; Alfie the pharmacist and his young daughter, Constance; the elderly Jacob and his wife, Lilya – but moving the action away from London also allows Leo to meet lots of new people. Of the new characters, one I found particularly interesting was Olga Brown, or Miss La La, a black acrobat from Prussia and a real historical figure (her portrait was painted by Edgar Degas).
Leo himself continues to be a very likeable and engaging narrator, liable to make mistakes or say and do the wrong thing, but that only makes him feel more human. His transgender status is just one part of who he is and never really dominates the story; this, like the other books in the series, is a mystery novel first and foremost and the mystery is always at the centre of the plot. It’s quite a complex one and there are some interesting twists and turns towards the end as we discover what the Blood Flower is and who was responsible for the murders. Once the mystery was solved, I was sorry to have to say goodbye to Leo and his friends but I respect the author’s decision to move on and will be interested to see what he writes next!
The four novels in this series all work as standalone mysteries, but if you want to get to know Leo properly and understand his history and relationships with the other characters, I would recommend starting with The House on Half-Moon Street and reading the books in order if you can.
In The Blood Flower, set in the late Victorian period, Leo and his wife, Rosie, are heading for the south coast of England, where Leo, in his position of journalist with a London newspaper, has been asked to cover a murder case in Portsmouth. Rosie’s sister, Viola, happens to live in Portsmouth with her husband and Leo is looking forward to seeing them for the first time – but Rosie seems strangely reluctant for him to meet his in-laws. He doesn’t have too much time to wonder about this, however, because work must come first and soon Leo is being updated by the local police on the deaths of two young people, both found by the Portsmouth docks with their throats slit.
When Sergeant Dorling dismisses the two victims as misfits and outcasts and seems more concerned with how Leo is planning to portray the police in his newspaper article, Leo knows that if the murderer is going to be brought to justice he will have to solve the mystery himself. His investigations lead him to the notorious Papaver nightclub and a circus at the New Hippodrome theatre in search of the mysterious Blood Flower which seems to have played a part in both murders. But Leo has a secret of his own: he was born and raised as Charlotte Pritchard, before leaving his old life behind to live as the man he knows he really is. Only his closest friends know he is transgender, but if this information falls into the wrong hands he could find himself in serious danger.
I think this is the best book in the series; I enjoyed it even more than the last one, The Butcher of Berner Street. The Portsmouth setting makes a nice change from the Victorian London of the previous three books and Alex Reeve brings it vividly to life, with a contrast between the tourist areas with their colourful beach huts, bathing machines and shops selling postcards, and the darker side of the city which is where most of the story is played out. It was good to meet some of Leo’s old friends again – the actor Peregrine Black; Alfie the pharmacist and his young daughter, Constance; the elderly Jacob and his wife, Lilya – but moving the action away from London also allows Leo to meet lots of new people. Of the new characters, one I found particularly interesting was Olga Brown, or Miss La La, a black acrobat from Prussia and a real historical figure (her portrait was painted by Edgar Degas).
Leo himself continues to be a very likeable and engaging narrator, liable to make mistakes or say and do the wrong thing, but that only makes him feel more human. His transgender status is just one part of who he is and never really dominates the story; this, like the other books in the series, is a mystery novel first and foremost and the mystery is always at the centre of the plot. It’s quite a complex one and there are some interesting twists and turns towards the end as we discover what the Blood Flower is and who was responsible for the murders. Once the mystery was solved, I was sorry to have to say goodbye to Leo and his friends but I respect the author’s decision to move on and will be interested to see what he writes next!
April 18, 2024
"If my experience has taught me anything, it was that injustice was the natural way of the world and could come upon us any minute, any second, without warning or purpose"
Wise words from our much loved, main protagonist, Leo Stanhope, but coming from him, also highly ironic, because he never really seems to learn anything from his vast experience!
In this latest instalment, his naivety and pessimism assault our senses from the very off and instead of appreciating a nice wee working holiday on the south coast, he's moaning and complaining about having to leave his beloved London for Portsmouth. Where not even meeting his friend, Peregrine Black and the promise of a juicy murder, which should be like catnip to a journalist, can assuage his melancholy at the trip.
However, as the story unfolds and the layers are peeled back and unfurled, we're transported back to Victorian Portsmouth with all the unbridled authenticity that we've come to love and expect from an Alex Reeve, Leo Stanhope novel.
As ever shining a light on a mix of put upon minorities and highlighting the disparity of class and social structures and the ever present misery of abject poverty is as always, extremely prevalent.
We’re introduced to Leo’s in laws, Rose’s sister and brother-in-law. This is much to Rose’s chagrin, because she is somewhat embarrassed by her sister Viola’s belief that she is a medium and can communicate with the dead, leading to Rose being reticent to let Leo spend much time in their company, which in turn of course, has Leo mistakenly thinking that Rose is embarrassed by him, all fueled by his already pessimistic and paranoid personality.
This does, however, lead to some rather amusing exchanges and scenes, particularly during a séance!
We also discover that the police are as ignorant, incompetent and corrupt in Portsmouth as they are in London, which would lead Leo and Rose to deduce that corruption in the police is endemically institutionalized rather than a few localized
”bad apples”.
I was devastated to read in the author's notes at the end of the book, that this is the final book in the series! Noooo! It really feels like no time at all has passed since I first started reading ”The House On Half Moon Street”, the books have simply just flown by and this news really felt like a big hard kick in the nuts, a devastating blow indeed!
I had hoped, even although I knew this to be the last, that it was only ”so far” and that eventually down the line, we'd have Leo crossing swords with Jack The Ripper! At the very least encompassing something like the movie ”Summer Of Sam” did with its lead character Richie in relation to Son of Sam killer David Berkowitz, where Leo, living his best life, has the Ripper murders buzzing and slashing away in the background.
I'm completely gutted by this unfortunate information and truly find myself in a state of mourning, as the Leo Stanhope series has been a revelation, a surprisingly wonderful gem and although Leo could be hair pullingly infuriating at times, it’s been a total and utter delight and a consummate pleasure!
I love Leo and I certainly hope the author has a rethink and decides on a resurrection!
Wise words from our much loved, main protagonist, Leo Stanhope, but coming from him, also highly ironic, because he never really seems to learn anything from his vast experience!
In this latest instalment, his naivety and pessimism assault our senses from the very off and instead of appreciating a nice wee working holiday on the south coast, he's moaning and complaining about having to leave his beloved London for Portsmouth. Where not even meeting his friend, Peregrine Black and the promise of a juicy murder, which should be like catnip to a journalist, can assuage his melancholy at the trip.
However, as the story unfolds and the layers are peeled back and unfurled, we're transported back to Victorian Portsmouth with all the unbridled authenticity that we've come to love and expect from an Alex Reeve, Leo Stanhope novel.
As ever shining a light on a mix of put upon minorities and highlighting the disparity of class and social structures and the ever present misery of abject poverty is as always, extremely prevalent.
We’re introduced to Leo’s in laws, Rose’s sister and brother-in-law. This is much to Rose’s chagrin, because she is somewhat embarrassed by her sister Viola’s belief that she is a medium and can communicate with the dead, leading to Rose being reticent to let Leo spend much time in their company, which in turn of course, has Leo mistakenly thinking that Rose is embarrassed by him, all fueled by his already pessimistic and paranoid personality.
This does, however, lead to some rather amusing exchanges and scenes, particularly during a séance!
We also discover that the police are as ignorant, incompetent and corrupt in Portsmouth as they are in London, which would lead Leo and Rose to deduce that corruption in the police is endemically institutionalized rather than a few localized
”bad apples”.
I was devastated to read in the author's notes at the end of the book, that this is the final book in the series! Noooo! It really feels like no time at all has passed since I first started reading ”The House On Half Moon Street”, the books have simply just flown by and this news really felt like a big hard kick in the nuts, a devastating blow indeed!
I had hoped, even although I knew this to be the last, that it was only ”so far” and that eventually down the line, we'd have Leo crossing swords with Jack The Ripper! At the very least encompassing something like the movie ”Summer Of Sam” did with its lead character Richie in relation to Son of Sam killer David Berkowitz, where Leo, living his best life, has the Ripper murders buzzing and slashing away in the background.
I'm completely gutted by this unfortunate information and truly find myself in a state of mourning, as the Leo Stanhope series has been a revelation, a surprisingly wonderful gem and although Leo could be hair pullingly infuriating at times, it’s been a total and utter delight and a consummate pleasure!
I love Leo and I certainly hope the author has a rethink and decides on a resurrection!
July 12, 2022
This book is the 4th in this brilliant series, starring the rather interesting Leo Stanhope. He has a bit (understatement) of a backstory and past so you might want to, and it's always best practice to, start from book one and read in order. They have all been cracking books so...
Anyway... I was very excited when I read the synopsis for this book as it transpires that Leo is coming to my hometown! Although, having now read the book I think it probably won't score very highly on the "Come to Pompey" tourist guide scale, picturing said city in a rather smelly and downtrodden (in places) light. But I guess it's as accurate as it was then...
Anyway... Leo is called there to cover a death for his paper. I say for the paper, also for himself to investigate, it soon transpires... being an amateur detective of some note (past books must be read).
It also gives Rosie, who travels with him, time with her sister as she lives in the city with her own husband. Rosie is a bit reluctant for Leo to meet his in-laws and we see why later in the book so I won't spoil things.
Suffice to say, Leo gets embroiled in more than he bargains for when he starts to investigate, even getting in bother with the Navy. As per usual he comes across a whole host of interesting and intriguing characters - right from the off. Some who help, other hinder, all adding value and colour to the proceedings.
But here's the sad part... This is Leo's last book. His last adventure. And that really does make me sad as I really have enjoyed my time with him throughout the four books. I wish it wasn't so and I am really going to miss him, Rosie and all the other series characters I have met along the way...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Anyway... I was very excited when I read the synopsis for this book as it transpires that Leo is coming to my hometown! Although, having now read the book I think it probably won't score very highly on the "Come to Pompey" tourist guide scale, picturing said city in a rather smelly and downtrodden (in places) light. But I guess it's as accurate as it was then...
Anyway... Leo is called there to cover a death for his paper. I say for the paper, also for himself to investigate, it soon transpires... being an amateur detective of some note (past books must be read).
It also gives Rosie, who travels with him, time with her sister as she lives in the city with her own husband. Rosie is a bit reluctant for Leo to meet his in-laws and we see why later in the book so I won't spoil things.
Suffice to say, Leo gets embroiled in more than he bargains for when he starts to investigate, even getting in bother with the Navy. As per usual he comes across a whole host of interesting and intriguing characters - right from the off. Some who help, other hinder, all adding value and colour to the proceedings.
But here's the sad part... This is Leo's last book. His last adventure. And that really does make me sad as I really have enjoyed my time with him throughout the four books. I wish it wasn't so and I am really going to miss him, Rosie and all the other series characters I have met along the way...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
July 9, 2022
This is the fourth and final book in the historical mystery series featuring Leo Stanhope. Leo and his wife Rosie travel to Portsmouth and become embroiled in the investigation of a double murder.
This is the only book in the series I have read so I had no previous bond to the characters. Although Leo has quite a back story, I didn't feel as though, not having read the earlier books, detracted in any way from my enjoyment of this book. The characters grew on me as the story progressed.
It was a light and entertaining read. The plot was interesting with plenty of twists.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
This is the only book in the series I have read so I had no previous bond to the characters. Although Leo has quite a back story, I didn't feel as though, not having read the earlier books, detracted in any way from my enjoyment of this book. The characters grew on me as the story progressed.
It was a light and entertaining read. The plot was interesting with plenty of twists.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
October 13, 2023
Definitely my favourite of the four books because it has slightly more focus on Leo's gender and sexuality as issues.
In the past I felt. that these things were slightly tempered in for a mainstream audience.
I would have liked to see much more physical attraction and romantic love between Leo and Rosie. There is obviously an immense bond and affection between them - but there is no hint of any heat or attraction in the way that there is between another woman here, and one in a previous book. In fact, in one instance Rosie says that Leo is like her Brother.
In the past I felt. that these things were slightly tempered in for a mainstream audience.
I would have liked to see much more physical attraction and romantic love between Leo and Rosie. There is obviously an immense bond and affection between them - but there is no hint of any heat or attraction in the way that there is between another woman here, and one in a previous book. In fact, in one instance Rosie says that Leo is like her Brother.
July 24, 2022
I was glad to catch up with Leo and sad to say goodbye. It's another entertaining, brilliant, and well thought novel that kept me hooked.
I loved Leo, a well rounderd and relatable character.
The historical background and the setting are vivid, the mystery solid, the characters fleshed out.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I loved Leo, a well rounderd and relatable character.
The historical background and the setting are vivid, the mystery solid, the characters fleshed out.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
April 15, 2025
it was fine mostly, it only really picked up at the end. But, i loved Leo very much. As a trans person it felt nice to read not about being trans but about a character who just so happened to be trans going about his day, solving mysteries and what not.
being transgender is not always sunshine and rainbows and so it is so nice to just live, just to be
being transgender is not always sunshine and rainbows and so it is so nice to just live, just to be
May 24, 2023
I have put off reading the fourth book in the Stanhope series as it is the last. I have enjoyed each mystery and the charming characters involved. Most of all I love the ability the author has to transport the audience back to Victorian London. Thank you Alex Reeve.
July 17, 2023
with a 1/2 only because I like Leo !!!
This was the least favourite for me as I found it TOO PREDICTABLE !!!
But much credit to AR for creative such an innovative protagonist as Leo !!!!
What's next by this author ?......
This was the least favourite for me as I found it TOO PREDICTABLE !!!
But much credit to AR for creative such an innovative protagonist as Leo !!!!
What's next by this author ?......
October 3, 2023
I enjoyed the change of setting to portsmouth and the naval connection. Theatre, circus, seances and molly clubs all added to the mix and the pursuit of the blood flower was worthy of sherlock holmes. Sad to see Leo go, but fully understand the reasons.
July 27, 2024
Solid period murder mystery with plenty of evocative prose grounding it in a very specific setting of victorian portsmouth. The central mystery is less important to the overall piece than the characters' inner lives. It was a fun, if slightly forgettable read.
August 7, 2024
The protagonist Leo is a frustrating character, in turn both insightful and blind. I was happy to follow him on this journey throughout the series, although I do think there were some loose ends that should have been more completely tied up.
August 27, 2023
Set in Portsmouth near where I live this was a fun outing for Leo Stanhope, and, I am sorry to find, the last in this series of four.
February 28, 2024
The last in the Leo Stanhope series, plenty of adventure and atmosphere.
April 4, 2024
The best since the first in the series. Sorry to read that it'll be the last. Leo's story has been fascinating and thought provoking.
July 16, 2024
I probably messed up by inadvertently picking up the last one in the series as the first one to read, but I really enjoyed this. the first 100 pages took me a while to get into but I assume that it would have been a little more gripping if I got the backstory from the previous books, which I am now quite likely to read.
January 12, 2025
Last of the series. Fast paced and quite enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews