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Charles Lenox Mysteries #6
A Death in the Small Hours
From the critically acclaimed author of A Beautiful Blue Death and A Burial at Sea comes an intriguing new mystery in what The New York Times calls "a beguiling series"
Charles Lenox is at the pinnacle of his political career and is a delighted new father. His days of regularly investigating the crimes of Victorian London now some years behind him, he plans a trip to his uncle's estate, Somerset, in the expectation of a few calm weeks to write an important speech. When he arrives in the quiet village of Plumley, however, what greets him is a series of strange vandalisms upon the local shops: broken windows, minor thefts, threatening scrawls.
Only when a far more serious crime is committed does he begin to understand the great stakes of those events, and the complex and sinister mind that is wreaking fear and suspicion in Plumley. Now, with his protege, John Dallington, at his side, the race is on for Lenox to find the culprit before he strikes again. And this time his victim may be someone that Lenox loves.
Charles Lenox is at the pinnacle of his political career and is a delighted new father. His days of regularly investigating the crimes of Victorian London now some years behind him, he plans a trip to his uncle's estate, Somerset, in the expectation of a few calm weeks to write an important speech. When he arrives in the quiet village of Plumley, however, what greets him is a series of strange vandalisms upon the local shops: broken windows, minor thefts, threatening scrawls.
Only when a far more serious crime is committed does he begin to understand the great stakes of those events, and the complex and sinister mind that is wreaking fear and suspicion in Plumley. Now, with his protege, John Dallington, at his side, the race is on for Lenox to find the culprit before he strikes again. And this time his victim may be someone that Lenox loves.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2012
640 people are currently reading
4286 people want to read
About the author
Charles Finch
39 books2,490 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads' database with this name. See this thread for more information.
My name is Charles Finch - welcome! I'm the author of the Charles Lenox series of historical mysteries, as well as a recent novel about expatriate life in Oxford, THE LAST ENCHANTMENTS. I also write book reviews for the New York Times, USA Today, and the Chicago Tribune and essays in many different places.
Like most people on this website, I'm a huge reader. My taste is all over the place, though I tend to really like literary and mystery fiction. Some of my favorite writers: George Orwell, Henry Green, Dick Francis, Anthony Trollope, David Lodge, PG Wodehouse, Bill Bryson, Roberto Bolano, Jonathan Franzen, Shirley Hazzard, Leo Tolstoy, AR Ammons, Philip Larkin, Edgar Bowers, Laurent Binet, Laurie Colwin, Jane Austen, Arthur Conan Doyle, Philip Roth, Henrik Ibsen, Geoff Dyer, the list could go forever...
A bit about myself: I was born in New York City, and since then I've lived all over the place, in America, England, France...at the moment I'm in Chicago, where I just recently moved. I spend most of my time here writing, reading, walking my dog, and trying not to let my ears freeze off.
You can find me on Facebook (facebook.com/charlesfinchauthor) where my reader are always giving fantastic book reviews, or Twitter (twitter.com/charlesfinch) which I don't like quite as much, though it's okay. I'll also try to blog here. Please let me know what I'm doing wrong, since I have remedial goodreads skills...
My name is Charles Finch - welcome! I'm the author of the Charles Lenox series of historical mysteries, as well as a recent novel about expatriate life in Oxford, THE LAST ENCHANTMENTS. I also write book reviews for the New York Times, USA Today, and the Chicago Tribune and essays in many different places.
Like most people on this website, I'm a huge reader. My taste is all over the place, though I tend to really like literary and mystery fiction. Some of my favorite writers: George Orwell, Henry Green, Dick Francis, Anthony Trollope, David Lodge, PG Wodehouse, Bill Bryson, Roberto Bolano, Jonathan Franzen, Shirley Hazzard, Leo Tolstoy, AR Ammons, Philip Larkin, Edgar Bowers, Laurent Binet, Laurie Colwin, Jane Austen, Arthur Conan Doyle, Philip Roth, Henrik Ibsen, Geoff Dyer, the list could go forever...
A bit about myself: I was born in New York City, and since then I've lived all over the place, in America, England, France...at the moment I'm in Chicago, where I just recently moved. I spend most of my time here writing, reading, walking my dog, and trying not to let my ears freeze off.
You can find me on Facebook (facebook.com/charlesfinchauthor) where my reader are always giving fantastic book reviews, or Twitter (twitter.com/charlesfinch) which I don't like quite as much, though it's okay. I'll also try to blog here. Please let me know what I'm doing wrong, since I have remedial goodreads skills...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 499 reviews
March 21, 2023
I have read Finch's later "prequil" books and very much enjoyed them. I have tried a couple of books from early in the series and they are not for me. I purchased this audio book, and the hero Charles sounds elderly and stuffy. It is crammed with details on how boring Charles found his political work and I AGREE...it's boring to read about also. The mystery was tepid, and I guessed with 3 hours of the book left. 2.5*
March 6, 2013
First Sentence: Charles Lenox sat in the study of his town house at Hampden Lane—that small, shop-lined street off Grosvenor Place where he had passed most of his adult life—and sifted through the papers that had accumulated upon his desk, as they would, inevitably, when one became a Member of Parliament.
Charles Lenox, Victorian gentleman, former private investigator, is now married, a new father and a Member of Parliament. He has been given the huge honor of giving the upcoming session’s opening speech. To prepare, he takes the family off for a few quiet weeks at his uncle’s estate in Somerset. The stay is less restful than planned when he is asked to help investigate a couple strange cases of vandalism. Calm is truly shattered when a murder occurs.
Mr. Finch does an wonderful job of conveying the Victorian period of 1874 through details of social customs, such as soul-caking, and the formality of speech…”It’s an eligible sort of room” Even though Jane Austen wrote during the Regency Period, Finch’s voice has a very similar feel to it. The historical details are seamlessly woven into the story and provide a look at the changes wrought by the Reform Act of 1832. Yet, in spite of a conversation related to the appropriate sherry, the story is not exclusively set in the drawing room of a wealthy. Finch incorporates people and places of every level of the social strata, from large cities to a small village, and to the back-alley taverns of the lost.
The character, Charles, is intelligent and a good judge of the best way in which to approach various suspects. He respects the new scientific and procedural methods now being used by the police. However, he fears they’re relying too much on those methods and becoming less flexible and intuitive. He cares about those around him, particularly John Dallington, a young man he trained in investigation who became lost to drink. I also appreciated that he questions his new role in politics and admits to missing his old role as an investigator. It’s that introspectiveness that makes him a very human character.
The plot is very solid, in spite of a couple completely unnecessary portents. There’s good suspense and a break-neck ride I particularly liked. What I most appreciated was that you know the outcome of each of the characters; good, bad and peripheral.
“A Death in the Small Hours” is a near-excellent (points off for the portents) read and a likewise wonderful series whose characters have grown and developed with each book.
A DEATH IN THE SMALL HOURS (Hist/Mys-Charles Lenox-England-1874) – VG+
Finch, Charles
Minotaur Books, 2012
Charles Lenox, Victorian gentleman, former private investigator, is now married, a new father and a Member of Parliament. He has been given the huge honor of giving the upcoming session’s opening speech. To prepare, he takes the family off for a few quiet weeks at his uncle’s estate in Somerset. The stay is less restful than planned when he is asked to help investigate a couple strange cases of vandalism. Calm is truly shattered when a murder occurs.
Mr. Finch does an wonderful job of conveying the Victorian period of 1874 through details of social customs, such as soul-caking, and the formality of speech…”It’s an eligible sort of room” Even though Jane Austen wrote during the Regency Period, Finch’s voice has a very similar feel to it. The historical details are seamlessly woven into the story and provide a look at the changes wrought by the Reform Act of 1832. Yet, in spite of a conversation related to the appropriate sherry, the story is not exclusively set in the drawing room of a wealthy. Finch incorporates people and places of every level of the social strata, from large cities to a small village, and to the back-alley taverns of the lost.
The character, Charles, is intelligent and a good judge of the best way in which to approach various suspects. He respects the new scientific and procedural methods now being used by the police. However, he fears they’re relying too much on those methods and becoming less flexible and intuitive. He cares about those around him, particularly John Dallington, a young man he trained in investigation who became lost to drink. I also appreciated that he questions his new role in politics and admits to missing his old role as an investigator. It’s that introspectiveness that makes him a very human character.
The plot is very solid, in spite of a couple completely unnecessary portents. There’s good suspense and a break-neck ride I particularly liked. What I most appreciated was that you know the outcome of each of the characters; good, bad and peripheral.
“A Death in the Small Hours” is a near-excellent (points off for the portents) read and a likewise wonderful series whose characters have grown and developed with each book.
A DEATH IN THE SMALL HOURS (Hist/Mys-Charles Lenox-England-1874) – VG+
Finch, Charles
Minotaur Books, 2012
August 17, 2014
I think the mystery in this book is my favorit part of the series, so far. I loved the setting, out in the country at Uncle Freddy's estate. Charles had been elected to give the opening speach in Parliament when it started up, and Charles spent time writing his speach in between trying to solve the robberies and then a murder that happens in the small town near his Uncles's estate. He was much more the detective in this one, and much more active - riding each day and taking long walks around the countryside persuing clues and intereviewing people. I missed Graham - he had stayed in London, but baby Sopie was too cute. It was interesting how Lady Jane and Charles both tiptoed around trying not to make the Nanny upset. How they gave her so much power over the baby.
There was a cricket match played and I loved hearing about the long standing fued between in the little town over which pub would win and who had the best batters. The wives of the players all came together to provide food and tea - gallons of it for the players when the first team finally batted out. I did not understand it all, but it was fun to listen to.
Another surprise ending, and not the one I had thought all along. Even a little temper shown by Lady Jane. McConnell and his wife Toto have been seperated again, but we did not get to see much of them. Even John Dallington was mostly missing.
I am looking forward to hearing the next story. So much has happened over the last four years. Where is it all going to go?
There was a cricket match played and I loved hearing about the long standing fued between in the little town over which pub would win and who had the best batters. The wives of the players all came together to provide food and tea - gallons of it for the players when the first team finally batted out. I did not understand it all, but it was fun to listen to.
Another surprise ending, and not the one I had thought all along. Even a little temper shown by Lady Jane. McConnell and his wife Toto have been seperated again, but we did not get to see much of them. Even John Dallington was mostly missing.
I am looking forward to hearing the next story. So much has happened over the last four years. Where is it all going to go?
January 9, 2013
Didn't enjoy this book as much as previous books. There is a continuing theme that the main character misses his detective work but continues down the path of Parliament because he feels he owes it to his friend, family and country. Sometimes I get impatient with the character. He's rich and a gentleman; and he has a gift he is squandering. It feels like he is constantly in mourning for 'what used to be.'
This overshadowed the plot for me and I was disappointed that in the end he elected to continue down the path he has created based on the expectations of others.
This overshadowed the plot for me and I was disappointed that in the end he elected to continue down the path he has created based on the expectations of others.
March 27, 2020
If you enjoy smartly written historical mysteries, then the Charles Lenox Mystery series may be just the one for you. Finch writes prose exquisitely with an eye to every detail. It is a pleasure reading his scenic descriptions as much as delving into the details of the mysteries themselves. The banter among characters is absolutely delightful and it eases the tension of the grizzly parts of the stories.
This sixth book in series follows shortly in time after the conclusion of book five. It appears to be early fall of 1874, London and Somerset, U.K. Charles has been asked to open the speeches of Parliament at their upcoming session. It's a tremendous honor for this rising member. His older brother Edmund recommends heading to the country to allow Charles to focus without distraction on the writing of his speech. As it happens, their Uncle Frederick, of their mother's side of the family, had invited Charles, his wife and infant daughter to join him at his Everley country estate in Somerset. Within a postscript on the invitation, Uncle Frederick, as an enticement (knowing of Charles' passion for detective work), asks Charles to consider looking into acts of vandalism occurring in the nearby village of Plumbley. Now, how could Charles say no to that? So, it was off to Somerset they went, with nursemaid in tow.
Surely, the mystery in this book is not just about the vandalism in Plumbley, you may ask. As it happens, a murder does occur on the village green, which may or may not be related to the other crimes. Protagonist Charles Lenox is in his element. He had sorely missed his old profession of being a discrete private detective, as Parliament holds all of his attention these days. Here was an opportunity laid at his feet to refresh his deductive skills and do what he loved to do.
This was a most enjoyable read and I eagerly look forward to reading the next book in series, "An Old Betrayal".
This sixth book in series follows shortly in time after the conclusion of book five. It appears to be early fall of 1874, London and Somerset, U.K. Charles has been asked to open the speeches of Parliament at their upcoming session. It's a tremendous honor for this rising member. His older brother Edmund recommends heading to the country to allow Charles to focus without distraction on the writing of his speech. As it happens, their Uncle Frederick, of their mother's side of the family, had invited Charles, his wife and infant daughter to join him at his Everley country estate in Somerset. Within a postscript on the invitation, Uncle Frederick, as an enticement (knowing of Charles' passion for detective work), asks Charles to consider looking into acts of vandalism occurring in the nearby village of Plumbley. Now, how could Charles say no to that? So, it was off to Somerset they went, with nursemaid in tow.
Surely, the mystery in this book is not just about the vandalism in Plumbley, you may ask. As it happens, a murder does occur on the village green, which may or may not be related to the other crimes. Protagonist Charles Lenox is in his element. He had sorely missed his old profession of being a discrete private detective, as Parliament holds all of his attention these days. Here was an opportunity laid at his feet to refresh his deductive skills and do what he loved to do.
This was a most enjoyable read and I eagerly look forward to reading the next book in series, "An Old Betrayal".
August 1, 2013
www.shelfnotes.com
Dear Reader,
I was thoroughly charmed by this quintessentially English book. I don’t often read books which are part of a series, particularly not books which are several into a series, but this mystery novel stood quite well on its own. Apart from a few allusions which I believe were inserted for the series’ loyal followers, I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything by starting on book six of the Charles Lenox mysteries.
Perhaps that had to do with the setting of the book, which took place largely away from Lenox’s London home. I enjoyed the English countryside mystery novel; the whole thing recalled to me the feeling I had when reading The Hound of the Baskervilles. I enjoyed the small town characters which Finch painted in vivid colors. Everyone had a strikingly unique personality, while also being quite immersed in village life.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was, oddly, the relationship which Lenox had with Sadie. Who was Sadie, you ask? Why, his cousin’s horse, of course! Seriously, though, you could tell Finch had a fondness for Sadie as he wrote quite at length about her. And she was, in many ways, one of the heroes of the story!
Learning the true identity of the murderer in the middle of the book really threw me for a loop; I am so used to detective stories which present the Big Reveal, and thus the denouement. And yet this story felt like it should have been finished halfway through! However, Finch wasn’t nearly done yet. And I thought that wonderful, because there WAS so much more to reveal - many small mysteries played themselves out during the rest of the book (and some big ones, as well!).
All in all, a very enjoyable diversion of a book. Highly recommended for those who are Sherlock Holmes fans. Oh, and there is nothing, absolutely nothing, scary about this book. Not in the least. (For those who might shy from spooky murder mysteries.) It’s all quite pleasant and civil and upbeat! Despite the murder...
Yours,
Arianna
Dear Reader,
I was thoroughly charmed by this quintessentially English book. I don’t often read books which are part of a series, particularly not books which are several into a series, but this mystery novel stood quite well on its own. Apart from a few allusions which I believe were inserted for the series’ loyal followers, I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything by starting on book six of the Charles Lenox mysteries.
Perhaps that had to do with the setting of the book, which took place largely away from Lenox’s London home. I enjoyed the English countryside mystery novel; the whole thing recalled to me the feeling I had when reading The Hound of the Baskervilles. I enjoyed the small town characters which Finch painted in vivid colors. Everyone had a strikingly unique personality, while also being quite immersed in village life.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was, oddly, the relationship which Lenox had with Sadie. Who was Sadie, you ask? Why, his cousin’s horse, of course! Seriously, though, you could tell Finch had a fondness for Sadie as he wrote quite at length about her. And she was, in many ways, one of the heroes of the story!
Learning the true identity of the murderer in the middle of the book really threw me for a loop; I am so used to detective stories which present the Big Reveal, and thus the denouement. And yet this story felt like it should have been finished halfway through! However, Finch wasn’t nearly done yet. And I thought that wonderful, because there WAS so much more to reveal - many small mysteries played themselves out during the rest of the book (and some big ones, as well!).
All in all, a very enjoyable diversion of a book. Highly recommended for those who are Sherlock Holmes fans. Oh, and there is nothing, absolutely nothing, scary about this book. Not in the least. (For those who might shy from spooky murder mysteries.) It’s all quite pleasant and civil and upbeat! Despite the murder...
Yours,
Arianna
September 14, 2014
I remain a fan of this unique detective series featuring a culture and a hero that has absolutely nothing to do with my experiences as a Black man in America. The hero of these mystery novels is Charles Lenox ... member of Parliament in England's Victorian era. This particular episode has our hero in one of his favorite childhood estates (...think Downton Abbey setting...) trying to get some quiet time to right an important speech and trying to solve a local village series of crimes that ends up resulting in murder, kidnapping and other villainy.
Goes without saying that our hero finds a way to solve the mystery. And that probably explains why I enjoy the series so much. The plots are intriguing and keep you turning the pages to see what happens. Also, when you read a series you become connected to the various recurring characters ... and we see more development of some of these characters.
Finally, the biggest thing I got from this book? It explained the European game of 'cricket'. I've NEVER understood that game until reading this book. I guess I may actually watch a cricket match (are they called matches?) one day. Adding it to my bucket list!
I recommend this book if you enjoy mystery ... or if you enjoy learning more about Victorian era in England ... or if you wonder what the heck is up with that cricket game!
Goes without saying that our hero finds a way to solve the mystery. And that probably explains why I enjoy the series so much. The plots are intriguing and keep you turning the pages to see what happens. Also, when you read a series you become connected to the various recurring characters ... and we see more development of some of these characters.
Finally, the biggest thing I got from this book? It explained the European game of 'cricket'. I've NEVER understood that game until reading this book. I guess I may actually watch a cricket match (are they called matches?) one day. Adding it to my bucket list!
I recommend this book if you enjoy mystery ... or if you enjoy learning more about Victorian era in England ... or if you wonder what the heck is up with that cricket game!
December 1, 2022
Really enjoyed but slow pacing.
August 5, 2018
After the lead up in this book, I was wondering if Charles, Jane, et al, had to leave town because they ran out of scones!!
This is another great mystery starring everyone's favorite MP, Charles Lenox. He has to go out of town to prepare a speech - apparently all the other MPs show up at his house with ideas to go in the speech - and, of course, murder ensues. What's a retired (semi) detective to do?
So, off he goes to Somerset, complete with wife, infant daughter, 2 dogs, a governess, and probably a a ladies maid and a valet (who knows)?
This is another great mystery starring everyone's favorite MP, Charles Lenox. He has to go out of town to prepare a speech - apparently all the other MPs show up at his house with ideas to go in the speech - and, of course, murder ensues. What's a retired (semi) detective to do?
So, off he goes to Somerset, complete with wife, infant daughter, 2 dogs, a governess, and probably a a ladies maid and a valet (who knows)?
March 9, 2022
Really two and a half stars. The mystery wasn't all that interesting. This series is more of a Cozy Mystery, where the lives of the main characters is the focus and the mystery is just incidental.
November 21, 2016
Charles and Lady Jane spend some time away from London and Parliament. They are in Somerset with Charles' cousin Freddy.
This was a scrumptious adventure, filled with precise traditions, town peoples' foibles, all kinds of vandalism and misplaced loot or evidence. And yet it was at the same time, extremely warm. The Lenox baby daughter, Sophia, making it even more so. Adjusting to a baby, little quarrels, and the conflicts of work. Even in the the Victorian period, the town versus country argument also enticing to the answers. Or who gets more time- the family or the career?
This series was somewhat cozy and I thought super mild, possibly overly so? But the more I've read of it, the better I like it. Not so much simplicity in parsing to both the best of family or community, but rather that point is set in the primary. Secondary being the mystery angle or crux of oppositions or "the worst"- the criminal, cruel or merely non-fit for their own purposes or enhancements.
This #6 was entirely enjoyable, it never dragged. And the length was needed, because there are really duo plots and layers of reveal beyond the original crimes. So many tidbits I never knew told along the way. Like the tradition of leaving buns wrapped in brown paper sealed with black wax, left in the pews for the villagers upon the funeral service of a lord or master of the manor/lodge. And the magistrate/ judge structure for the small towns. Who was held for inquiry or trial and for what. Especially for the local teenage "bad" boys! Consequence- the sentences of punishments for their expensive pranks or foolishness? Send them out to muck the gardens! And who is second in command as a kind of under sheriff? Of course the head gardener.
I'll be reading more of these, for sure. Charles and Jane really fit for the era. They are Victorians.
This was a scrumptious adventure, filled with precise traditions, town peoples' foibles, all kinds of vandalism and misplaced loot or evidence. And yet it was at the same time, extremely warm. The Lenox baby daughter, Sophia, making it even more so. Adjusting to a baby, little quarrels, and the conflicts of work. Even in the the Victorian period, the town versus country argument also enticing to the answers. Or who gets more time- the family or the career?
This series was somewhat cozy and I thought super mild, possibly overly so? But the more I've read of it, the better I like it. Not so much simplicity in parsing to both the best of family or community, but rather that point is set in the primary. Secondary being the mystery angle or crux of oppositions or "the worst"- the criminal, cruel or merely non-fit for their own purposes or enhancements.
This #6 was entirely enjoyable, it never dragged. And the length was needed, because there are really duo plots and layers of reveal beyond the original crimes. So many tidbits I never knew told along the way. Like the tradition of leaving buns wrapped in brown paper sealed with black wax, left in the pews for the villagers upon the funeral service of a lord or master of the manor/lodge. And the magistrate/ judge structure for the small towns. Who was held for inquiry or trial and for what. Especially for the local teenage "bad" boys! Consequence- the sentences of punishments for their expensive pranks or foolishness? Send them out to muck the gardens! And who is second in command as a kind of under sheriff? Of course the head gardener.
I'll be reading more of these, for sure. Charles and Jane really fit for the era. They are Victorians.
December 17, 2012
I enjoy this series a lot. It got off to a great start, but one or two in the middle were a little weaker. The one before this was better, and this one is back to being as good as the original. The character development is stronger in this one than in the weaker ones. In this story, Charles Lenox's political career is taking off, and to escape from London for a while, he visits a relative out in the country. While there, he gets pulled into a local mystery, which turn, ultimately, into murder. One of my complaints of the earlier books in this series is that the character development of the women in particular was very weak. In this book, the women come more to life, and participate in life more. I would still enjoy seeing them engage their minds more. Women of that era did, in fact, do so. Look at Queen Victoria herself! One of my favorite women of history is Jane Adams. She was certainly no angry feminist, but she was a thoughtful, informed woman who engaged her husband intellectually, as well as emotionally. Lady Jane appears to be of a similar mindset, and yet, all she does is plan parties and ask her husband if he is feeling alright. I would like to see this author expand and grow his female characters. His male characters tend to be well-rounded. I find this is a frequent problem with many male authors, though not all. They tend to not understand women, or how their minds work. Even women in that gentler time, had active and inquisitive brains.
June 9, 2018
This was another intriguing mystery for Charles Lenox. He is asked to deliver the opening speech for the House of Commons. While he struggles to determine what he wants to say, he receives an invitation to visit his Uncle in the country. He decides that would be the perfect place to relax and clear his mind for his speech writing. However, once he arrives, he finds there have been strange vandalisms that then lead to murder. Charles is able to put together all of the random pieces to find the connection. I enjoyed meeting the character of his Uncle, and perhaps he will show up a little more in the future. However, as I've mentioned in previous reviews, I miss some of the previous characters. This did not really include Graham, or even his best friend Thomas. But, still interesting characters and good mystery.
March 16, 2025
I was introduced to this series several years ago when our local book group read one of these books, and I've enjoyed it ever since.
I like the relationship between Charles and Jane. Their strengths and weaknesses complement each other, so they work well together as a team. In this book, they're away from London, out in the country, but many of the series regulars still put in appearances, although we didn't see as much of some of them as I would have liked. A rash of new characters is introduced to fill the void, and I was hard-pressed to decide whether some of them were worth caring about or trusting. Turns out, that skepticism was spot on.
There was a murder in the story, although it took a long time to get there. I wasn't surprised to learn that the murder was related to the acts of vandalism that Charles had been called to investigate. The victim was well-liked, so there weren't many suspects to consider until Charles learned more about the goings-on in the village. I was not surprised when the killer was revealed, nor at the motive, but there were a few twists that I didn't quite expect.
I have most of the remaining books from this series in my audio library, and I'm eager to listen to the next book to see if my suspicions about Charles' career path prove to be correct :)
I like the relationship between Charles and Jane. Their strengths and weaknesses complement each other, so they work well together as a team. In this book, they're away from London, out in the country, but many of the series regulars still put in appearances, although we didn't see as much of some of them as I would have liked. A rash of new characters is introduced to fill the void, and I was hard-pressed to decide whether some of them were worth caring about or trusting. Turns out, that skepticism was spot on.
There was a murder in the story, although it took a long time to get there. I wasn't surprised to learn that the murder was related to the acts of vandalism that Charles had been called to investigate. The victim was well-liked, so there weren't many suspects to consider until Charles learned more about the goings-on in the village. I was not surprised when the killer was revealed, nor at the motive, but there were a few twists that I didn't quite expect.
I have most of the remaining books from this series in my audio library, and I'm eager to listen to the next book to see if my suspicions about Charles' career path prove to be correct :)
March 16, 2018
As in so many other stylized period mysteries, the atmosphere takes precedence over the crime and its resolution, and I'm fine with that. But it is nothing out of the ordinary, just a way to pass the time pleasantly.
Sometimes the prose sounded awkward - not so much out of period as displaying an unaccustomed word usage or grammar. Was that also a stylistic effect, I wonder? It made me trip over the sentences, anyway, and that spoiled the fun a little.
Sometimes the prose sounded awkward - not so much out of period as displaying an unaccustomed word usage or grammar. Was that also a stylistic effect, I wonder? It made me trip over the sentences, anyway, and that spoiled the fun a little.
July 13, 2022
Set in 1871, Charles is now a respected member of Parliament, but still finds time for detective work, or shall I say, murders seem to find him. What a strange way of doing business--Parliament starts work around dinner time and goes on late into the night. When the mystery is "solved" with two hours left in the audiobook, you know there must be more going on than just the apparant crime.
Also, I really like the narrator of these books...so very, very British. The voice really fits the time period.
Also, I really like the narrator of these books...so very, very British. The voice really fits the time period.
January 31, 2024
Ratings:
Writing 4
Story line 4
Characters 4
Impact 3
Overall rating 3.75
Writing 4
Story line 4
Characters 4
Impact 3
Overall rating 3.75
October 1, 2021
Charles Lenox had made great progress in his Parliamentary career--this sixth book in the series finds him preparing for the great honor of giving the opening speech to begin the newest session of Parliament. But he finds himself inundated with visits by his fellow members and it begins to look like he'll never get a moment's peace to write his speech. Fortunately, his uncle, Frederick Ponsonby, has sent a message inviting Charles and his family to his house in the quiet village of Plumbley. There's a small matter of disturbing vandalism going on and he hopes that Charles will be able to spare a bit of time to investigate. Things soon become more serious and Charles finds himself investigating the murder of a young constable in the wee hours of the night. What do the symbols left from the vandals mean? And what about the cryptic message found on Weston's body? Whose horses were tied up in the woods? And why did the vandals find it necessary to kill the young policeman? Once Charles can answer these questions, he'll be able to put a name to the killer.
Finch gives readers another delightful Victorian mystery. This one has plenty of twists and turns and interesting undercurrents running through the small village and countryside. I was pleased to know that I had spotted part of one of the twists. I noticed that [redacted] was acting a bit oddly and thought they might be involved in some way--but I definitely didn't expect the extent of their involvement. Kudos to Finch for keeping me guessing. I also enjoyed Finch being more actively involved in the detection this time around, though I must repeat my earlier complaint about time spent on his Parliament business. I honestly don't care for him being split in his activities and if the mysteries don't particularly involve Parliament or government officials then I don't see the point of dragging him into politics or, rather, dragging the politics into his stories. I applaud the character's interest in the poor and highlighting their conditions, but considering the story as a piece of detective fiction--the condition of the poor has no relevance whatsoever to the mystery involved. The man is a gifted investigator; I wish we could just let him get on with the job he's good at.
But the mystery is a good one and makes for a quite enjoyable read. ★★★ and 1/2 [rounded up]
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permissions before reposting portions of review. Thanks.
Finch gives readers another delightful Victorian mystery. This one has plenty of twists and turns and interesting undercurrents running through the small village and countryside. I was pleased to know that I had spotted part of one of the twists. I noticed that [redacted] was acting a bit oddly and thought they might be involved in some way--but I definitely didn't expect the extent of their involvement. Kudos to Finch for keeping me guessing. I also enjoyed Finch being more actively involved in the detection this time around, though I must repeat my earlier complaint about time spent on his Parliament business. I honestly don't care for him being split in his activities and if the mysteries don't particularly involve Parliament or government officials then I don't see the point of dragging him into politics or, rather, dragging the politics into his stories. I applaud the character's interest in the poor and highlighting their conditions, but considering the story as a piece of detective fiction--the condition of the poor has no relevance whatsoever to the mystery involved. The man is a gifted investigator; I wish we could just let him get on with the job he's good at.
But the mystery is a good one and makes for a quite enjoyable read. ★★★ and 1/2 [rounded up]
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permissions before reposting portions of review. Thanks.
July 16, 2014
In this installment of the series, time has jumped forward a bit and Lennox is now a proud father, loving husband, settled MP and mentor to John Dallington's amateur detecting. He feels very blessed, but yet he can't help looking at John Dallington with envy as the younger man pursues his amateur detecting and Scotland Yard calls Dallington now. Politics is a career that he does from duty, but detecting was his true vocation. He muses quietly about his life now and looks back on other times.
Then things change when Charles is given the task to write the opening speech for the House. Accepting his Uncle Freddie's invitation, Charles moves the family to Freddie's estate in the country where he can work with no distractions. Freddie offers Lennox a very welcome distraction when he presents him with a series of perplexing vandalisms in the village which escalate to murder. The case has turned dangerous and Charles with the help of the local police and John Dallington work hard to find the solution. Things turn fast and furious as the villains feel Lennox drawing ever closer, but there are also a few domestic surprises too.
Like most books in the series, the story meanders along gently as through the set up and early investigation, but then takes off near the end to a more furious pace before settling into a satisfying denouement. The mystery is set well against the backdrop of rural England and balanced well against the ongoing story of Lennox's private life that include the always welcome recurring secondary characters and some new characters to love too. I enjoyed putting my mind to they mystery and was happy to figured out a great deal of it, but I still got some delightful surprises with some of the twists.
All in all, it was an engaging read and leads me eagerly forward to the next book in the series.
Then things change when Charles is given the task to write the opening speech for the House. Accepting his Uncle Freddie's invitation, Charles moves the family to Freddie's estate in the country where he can work with no distractions. Freddie offers Lennox a very welcome distraction when he presents him with a series of perplexing vandalisms in the village which escalate to murder. The case has turned dangerous and Charles with the help of the local police and John Dallington work hard to find the solution. Things turn fast and furious as the villains feel Lennox drawing ever closer, but there are also a few domestic surprises too.
Like most books in the series, the story meanders along gently as through the set up and early investigation, but then takes off near the end to a more furious pace before settling into a satisfying denouement. The mystery is set well against the backdrop of rural England and balanced well against the ongoing story of Lennox's private life that include the always welcome recurring secondary characters and some new characters to love too. I enjoyed putting my mind to they mystery and was happy to figured out a great deal of it, but I still got some delightful surprises with some of the twists.
All in all, it was an engaging read and leads me eagerly forward to the next book in the series.
November 18, 2014
The lead character, Charles Lenox, is faced with a seemingly harmless bit of village tomfoolery that turns deadly. His unraveling of the mystery, while effectively managed, is not what made me keep turning the pages.
Lenox's sedate world of upper-class English Victorian privilege, his loving, uncomplicated relationship with his wife, his secure social status, his success in Parliament, his untroubled state of mind and his oft-stated complete satisfaction with every aspect of his life, should add up to be the very definition of a stuffy snore of a fellow! But I like him.
Where are his inner conflict, demons, or anger? No where! In fact, his deep enjoyment of the simple pleasure, like a tottering octogenarian, of tea and more tea and yet more tea by a warm hearth, warms me too instead of boring me.
I recommend Finch's hero as a welcome and refreshing respite from the anti-social, glowering, desperate, unloved, driven heroes of so much of mystery fiction.
Lenox's sedate world of upper-class English Victorian privilege, his loving, uncomplicated relationship with his wife, his secure social status, his success in Parliament, his untroubled state of mind and his oft-stated complete satisfaction with every aspect of his life, should add up to be the very definition of a stuffy snore of a fellow! But I like him.
Where are his inner conflict, demons, or anger? No where! In fact, his deep enjoyment of the simple pleasure, like a tottering octogenarian, of tea and more tea and yet more tea by a warm hearth, warms me too instead of boring me.
I recommend Finch's hero as a welcome and refreshing respite from the anti-social, glowering, desperate, unloved, driven heroes of so much of mystery fiction.
March 9, 2016
Charles Lenox is now a well-regarded member of Parliament, and has just been asked to deliver the keynote address at the opening of Parliament, an extremely great honor. When his uncle Frederick invites him to Everley to look into some reports of vandalism in the village, Lenox and his wife jump at the chance of a few days in the country. Lenox knows that he will be able to concentrate on writing his speech away from the hustle and bustle of London. Of course, the village vandalism is the just the tip of the iceberg, and before long a villager is murdered. As is the case in previous books, Lenox manages to untangle quite a web of deceit and criminal activity. Throughout the book, Lenox is also wrestling within himself; he knows he is an effective legislator but his heart is in the detective work he has largely given up. I'm looking forward to the next in the series as I think a decision may be looming.
September 18, 2019
5 Stars. So enjoyable. Partly a darn good murder mystery and partly, the daily life of a progressive English parliamentarian in the 1870s. Charles Lenox enjoys his life as an MP but he begins to yearn for his past life as a private detective; he misses the excitement. He still likes to dabble in recent cases at meetings with his former junior. Lenox receives the honour of giving the government's Opening Address to follow the Queen's Speech from the Throne (Victoria had been sovereign for over three decades by this time). Off to his uncle's estate to prepare for the important parliamentary event. But ominous things begin to occur: vandalism and then murder. Both parts of the story are enjoyable, not the least is the way an MP with some influence operated more than a century ago within parliament and his political party. (spring 2017)
February 19, 2013
I want half stars!!! This is one of a series of books about Englishman Charles Lennox, now a member of Parliament and a new father. I have not read any of the others in the series, but might check out the library for one. It was a pleasant read about Victorian England after the Queen's jublilee. Charles would be someone my mother would have liked; the plot holds twists and turns. The characters are never evil, but some are bad and many are humorous. If you're a fan of gentle English myteries, this is a book for you.
June 2, 2013
It isn't often that I give a series book five stars, but this one, the latest in a very good series, is exceptional. One thing I love about this series is that the main characters change and grow from book to book. This particular one rates a five because the emotional lives of the characters are so well drawn, sincere and heartfelt. The reader truly cares about them and has such hopes for them too.
July 2, 2013
Comforting, elegant, tasteful. More about the evolution of Charles' comfortable life than about the mystery at this point. Captures becoming a parent very aptly. Flawed, as a mystery, yes, especially with the handling of Dallington, but I enjoy the characters and their goodness, which is pleasant and not saccharine. I suspect the next in the series will be more vigorous, one has the sense this is a respite of sorts for the author.
March 10, 2014
Another great book about gentleman and member of Parliament Charles Lennox, whose real calling is detective work. The crime is of course solved, but then suddenly it is not, and the book is a cliffhanger to the end. All of this is painted against the backdrop of Victorian England, including the rich, the poor, city scenes and country vistas. This is the sixth book in the series and all are richly entertaining.
April 11, 2013
I enoyed this mystery set in Victorian England and the aging dectective very much. The characters are charming and the small village of Pemberley, the main setting, and its inhabitants are delightful. Thank you Judy for lending it to me.
March 10, 2019
I listened to this in one day. I'm in love with this series and Charles Lenox!
March 10, 2024
More like 3.5. I still love this series, but I wasn’t quite as riveted to this one as I have been to other books in the series.
December 7, 2018
Well. This one was interesting.
I had some of it figured out early on; the one character was just "too" suspicious in my opinion, to be just a red herring. But most of it was a total and complete surprise and was very enjoyable to watch unfold. I could have done without the whole cricket match [I don't know ANYTHING about cricket and this was not helpful in remedying that LOL], but for the most part, I truly enjoyed this book.
I do think that the author is setting us up for a big shake up in Charles' life; he is dissatisfied with political life - something he has has always wanted, but never realized just what it entailed and now that he is there, well, he feels empty. I have a feeling we will be seeing him leave parliament and go back to solving mysteries with Dallington [WHO needs to get his head out of his backside and grow up!! Absinthe parties indeed!]
Very good read and I cannot wait to dive into the next one!!
I had some of it figured out early on; the one character was just "too" suspicious in my opinion, to be just a red herring. But most of it was a total and complete surprise and was very enjoyable to watch unfold. I could have done without the whole cricket match [I don't know ANYTHING about cricket and this was not helpful in remedying that LOL], but for the most part, I truly enjoyed this book.
I do think that the author is setting us up for a big shake up in Charles' life; he is dissatisfied with political life - something he has has always wanted, but never realized just what it entailed and now that he is there, well, he feels empty. I have a feeling we will be seeing him leave parliament and go back to solving mysteries with Dallington [WHO needs to get his head out of his backside and grow up!! Absinthe parties indeed!]
Very good read and I cannot wait to dive into the next one!!
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