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Lizzie Martin #9
The Old Rogue of Limehouse
Scotland Yard's Inspector Ben Ross and his wife Lizzie return in Ann Granger's gripping ninth Victorian mystery.
It is the summer of 1871 when Scotland Yard's Inspector Ben Ross pays a visit to Jacob Jacobus, the old rogue of infamous antiquarian, friend to villains and informer to the police. Ben hopes to glean information about any burglaries that might take place now that the wealthiest echelons of society are back in London for the Season.
Little does he realise that an audacious theft has already occurred - a priceless family heirloom, the Roxby emerald necklace, has been stolen from a dressing table in the Roxby residence, and the widowed Mrs Roxby is demanding its immediate return.
Ben's day gets worse when he and his wife Lizzie are interrupted that evening by the news that Jacob Jacobus has been found dead in his room with his throat slit from ear to ear ... Surely the two crimes cannot be connected? But with Ben's meticulous investigative skills and Lizzie's relentless curiosity, it is only a matter of time before the tragic truth is revealed . . .
It is the summer of 1871 when Scotland Yard's Inspector Ben Ross pays a visit to Jacob Jacobus, the old rogue of infamous antiquarian, friend to villains and informer to the police. Ben hopes to glean information about any burglaries that might take place now that the wealthiest echelons of society are back in London for the Season.
Little does he realise that an audacious theft has already occurred - a priceless family heirloom, the Roxby emerald necklace, has been stolen from a dressing table in the Roxby residence, and the widowed Mrs Roxby is demanding its immediate return.
Ben's day gets worse when he and his wife Lizzie are interrupted that evening by the news that Jacob Jacobus has been found dead in his room with his throat slit from ear to ear ... Surely the two crimes cannot be connected? But with Ben's meticulous investigative skills and Lizzie's relentless curiosity, it is only a matter of time before the tragic truth is revealed . . .
352 pages, Paperback
Published April 30, 2024
18 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Ann Granger
76 books301 followersAnn Granger attended the Northern Grammar School for Girls, and had thoughts about becoming a veterinarian, but discovered women were not accepted into vet schools because they were not believed to be strong enough. Instead she earned a Modern Languages degree at the University of London, where she first developed a desire to become a writer. worked in British embassies in various parts of the world. She met her husband, who was also working for the British Embassy, in Prague and together they received postings to places as far apart as Munich and Lusaka. They had two children.
Her first novels were historical romances published under the nom de plume Ann Hulme.
In 1991, Granger made the decision to switch to crime novels, saying, "Basically, there is only one plot in love stories: You can describe it in different ways, but you always come back to the subject of man and woman. Crime fiction opens up a world of possibilities for the writer. It lets you tackle deep and difficult issues." Her first crime novel, Say it with Poison, centred on the protagonists Meredith Mitchell, a consular clerk, and police officer Alan Markby. The book proved popular and Granger wrote 14 more Mitchell & Markby novels between 1991 and 2004.
Granger also wrote other crime novel series & in 2021, in recognition of thirty years of crime novels, Granger released a collection of eighteen short stories, Mystery in the Making.
On 24 September 2025, her publisher Headline announced that Granger had died at the age of 86
This autobiography was added to with information from Wikipedia & Encyclopedia.com.
Her first novels were historical romances published under the nom de plume Ann Hulme.
In 1991, Granger made the decision to switch to crime novels, saying, "Basically, there is only one plot in love stories: You can describe it in different ways, but you always come back to the subject of man and woman. Crime fiction opens up a world of possibilities for the writer. It lets you tackle deep and difficult issues." Her first crime novel, Say it with Poison, centred on the protagonists Meredith Mitchell, a consular clerk, and police officer Alan Markby. The book proved popular and Granger wrote 14 more Mitchell & Markby novels between 1991 and 2004.
Granger also wrote other crime novel series & in 2021, in recognition of thirty years of crime novels, Granger released a collection of eighteen short stories, Mystery in the Making.
On 24 September 2025, her publisher Headline announced that Granger had died at the age of 86
This autobiography was added to with information from Wikipedia & Encyclopedia.com.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 12, 2024
I never guess the murderer right ☹️
March 6, 2024
A bit slow to get into but very interesting and good resolve.
January 5, 2024
Quite fun. I enjoyed this story, the characters and the period.
July 23, 2023
It is 1871 and the London Season is in full swing. These are the months in which wealthy and well-born young ladies are introduced to fashionable society, which causes problems for Scotland Yard because it results in the theft of valuable jewellery that the young ladies wear.
Inspector Ben Ross has been instructed to pay a visit to Jacob Jacobus, an elderly resident of the rough area of Limehouse. Jacobus is an old rogue who is suspected of sometimes handling stolen goods, although he has never been caught. Occasionally, he will discreetly pass on snippets of information to the police, when the matter does not involve any of the professional thieves with whom he deals. Jacobus appears happy to welcome Ben to his tall, thin, four-roomed house, which is crammed with treasures, all of which Ben is welcome to examine, but Jacobus claims to have no information about any stolen jewellery. When leaving Jacobus’ house, Ben is surprised to encounter Daisy Smith, a woman he had met a few years ago when she was working as a prostitute. Now Daisy works at the public house next door to Jacobus’ house, both of the buildings are owned by Jacobus, as well as other property in the area. The landlord of the pub has a key to Jacobus’ house and lends it to any visitors that the old man wants to be admitted. Because Jacobus finds it hard to get around and very rarely goes outside, Daisy is paid to bring him his food and look after him.
When Ben returns to Scotland Yard, he finds that Superintendent Dunn is waiting for him impatiently. Mrs Charlotte Ruxby has come in person to report the theft of a magnificent emerald necklace that has been stolen from the dressing table of her young niece, Isabella Gray, at their Hampstead home. Ben thinks it was extraordinarily careless to have left such a valuable piece of jewellery lying around, which arouses his suspicions. Nevertheless, his initial assumption is that it is the work of a ‘ladder gang’, thieves who come from London to country houses just outside the city and use ladders to enter the bedrooms while all the residents are downstairs at dinner.
Mrs Ruxby is a domineering, demanding woman, and she is part of an extremely influential family. Ben assures her that he will go to her Hampstead house to examine the scene of the theft the next day. However, that evening, while Ben and his wife, Elizabeth, are eating their evening meal, Daisy Smith arrives in a distraught state to tell Ben that Jacobus has been murdered. Ben goes straight to Limehouse and confirms that Daisy’s story is true, Jacobus died still sitting in his chair, his throat was cut, and the room has been ransacked.
Ben is expected to head the two investigations, and soon discovers that both of them involve dysfunctional families. In the case of the stolen necklace, it seems that Mrs Ruxby and her companion, Miss Chalke, are both concealing something, while Isabella Grey is an eager advocate for her cousin, Harry Ruxby, the profligate son of the implacable head of the family firm, Jeremy Ruxby, who has refused to pay any more of his son’s debts. Although a hard-headed businessman, Jeremy Ruxby firmly believes in the family legend that the good luck and prosperity of the family depends on their possession of the necklace. The investigation into the murder of Jacob Jacobus takes an unexpected twist with the arrival of Jacobus’ estranged daughter, her husband and solicitor, who are very angry when they are denied immediate access to his house.
Ben’s wife, Elizabeth finds herself involved in both cases. At Ben’s request she visits Jacobus’ daughter at her hotel to keep her company while her husband formally identifies her father’s body. Elizabeth is also approached by Isabella Grey, who wishes to persuade her to convince Ben that Harry Ruxby is innocent, and later, Miss Chalke calls upon Elizabeth at home, but does not confide in her, although Elizabeth is sure she wishes to. While Elizabeth plays no active part in the investigations, her insights help Ben as he struggles to determine the truth.
There is no proof that the two cases are linked, especially as Ben is sure that Jacobus would not handle a necklace that was so dangerously distinctive. However, Ben has an instinct that there is a connection between the two cases and, as he works to solve them, tragedy strikes again.
The Old Rogue of Limehouse is the ninth book in the series featuring Ben and Elizabeth Ross. It is an intriguing book in an outstanding series and Elizabeth and Ben are engaging protagonists who have not forgotten that they worked hard to survive poverty and bereavement in order to reach their present comfortable situation, and who are always willing to help others. The plot is complex, and the period detail is excellent. The Old Rogue of Limehouse is a beautifully crafted page turner, which I recommend.
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Reviewer: Carol Westron
For Lizzie Sirett (Mystery People Group)
Inspector Ben Ross has been instructed to pay a visit to Jacob Jacobus, an elderly resident of the rough area of Limehouse. Jacobus is an old rogue who is suspected of sometimes handling stolen goods, although he has never been caught. Occasionally, he will discreetly pass on snippets of information to the police, when the matter does not involve any of the professional thieves with whom he deals. Jacobus appears happy to welcome Ben to his tall, thin, four-roomed house, which is crammed with treasures, all of which Ben is welcome to examine, but Jacobus claims to have no information about any stolen jewellery. When leaving Jacobus’ house, Ben is surprised to encounter Daisy Smith, a woman he had met a few years ago when she was working as a prostitute. Now Daisy works at the public house next door to Jacobus’ house, both of the buildings are owned by Jacobus, as well as other property in the area. The landlord of the pub has a key to Jacobus’ house and lends it to any visitors that the old man wants to be admitted. Because Jacobus finds it hard to get around and very rarely goes outside, Daisy is paid to bring him his food and look after him.
When Ben returns to Scotland Yard, he finds that Superintendent Dunn is waiting for him impatiently. Mrs Charlotte Ruxby has come in person to report the theft of a magnificent emerald necklace that has been stolen from the dressing table of her young niece, Isabella Gray, at their Hampstead home. Ben thinks it was extraordinarily careless to have left such a valuable piece of jewellery lying around, which arouses his suspicions. Nevertheless, his initial assumption is that it is the work of a ‘ladder gang’, thieves who come from London to country houses just outside the city and use ladders to enter the bedrooms while all the residents are downstairs at dinner.
Mrs Ruxby is a domineering, demanding woman, and she is part of an extremely influential family. Ben assures her that he will go to her Hampstead house to examine the scene of the theft the next day. However, that evening, while Ben and his wife, Elizabeth, are eating their evening meal, Daisy Smith arrives in a distraught state to tell Ben that Jacobus has been murdered. Ben goes straight to Limehouse and confirms that Daisy’s story is true, Jacobus died still sitting in his chair, his throat was cut, and the room has been ransacked.
Ben is expected to head the two investigations, and soon discovers that both of them involve dysfunctional families. In the case of the stolen necklace, it seems that Mrs Ruxby and her companion, Miss Chalke, are both concealing something, while Isabella Grey is an eager advocate for her cousin, Harry Ruxby, the profligate son of the implacable head of the family firm, Jeremy Ruxby, who has refused to pay any more of his son’s debts. Although a hard-headed businessman, Jeremy Ruxby firmly believes in the family legend that the good luck and prosperity of the family depends on their possession of the necklace. The investigation into the murder of Jacob Jacobus takes an unexpected twist with the arrival of Jacobus’ estranged daughter, her husband and solicitor, who are very angry when they are denied immediate access to his house.
Ben’s wife, Elizabeth finds herself involved in both cases. At Ben’s request she visits Jacobus’ daughter at her hotel to keep her company while her husband formally identifies her father’s body. Elizabeth is also approached by Isabella Grey, who wishes to persuade her to convince Ben that Harry Ruxby is innocent, and later, Miss Chalke calls upon Elizabeth at home, but does not confide in her, although Elizabeth is sure she wishes to. While Elizabeth plays no active part in the investigations, her insights help Ben as he struggles to determine the truth.
There is no proof that the two cases are linked, especially as Ben is sure that Jacobus would not handle a necklace that was so dangerously distinctive. However, Ben has an instinct that there is a connection between the two cases and, as he works to solve them, tragedy strikes again.
The Old Rogue of Limehouse is the ninth book in the series featuring Ben and Elizabeth Ross. It is an intriguing book in an outstanding series and Elizabeth and Ben are engaging protagonists who have not forgotten that they worked hard to survive poverty and bereavement in order to reach their present comfortable situation, and who are always willing to help others. The plot is complex, and the period detail is excellent. The Old Rogue of Limehouse is a beautifully crafted page turner, which I recommend.
------
Reviewer: Carol Westron
For Lizzie Sirett (Mystery People Group)
August 22, 2023
'The Old Rogue of Limehouse' is set in the summer of 1871. Queen Victoria is on the throne and William Gladstone is Prime Minister. Limehouse is a busy, polluted suburb east of central London close to the River Thames.
Inspector Ben Ross, stationed at Scotland Yard, is visiting Jacob Jacobus who claims to be a dealer in antiquities. The police strongly suspect he is a ‘fence’. A ‘fence’ is the middleperson between a thief and a buyer. A buyer who is not overly fussy about a property’s provenance.
Jacobus, when it suits him, divulges information to Scotland Yard about stolen items fenced by his competitors. He’s called the old rogue of Limestone by the Metropolitan police.
Ross was after information about the increasing number of house break-ins during The Season. The aristocracy and the wealthy launch their daughters into society hoping to snare a suitable husband, preferably one with a title. It necessitates the holding of a series of parties, balls and social gatherings with luxury possessions ostentatiously displayed.
Returning to The Yard, Ross is introduced by his superintendent to Mrs Charlotte Roxby who is reporting the theft of a priceless heirloom. The inspector is given the job of investigating the loss.
However, before he can visit Mrs Roxby at home, the gruesome death of the old rogue of Limestone is discovered.
Ann Granger’s latest cozy police procedural is adroitly crafted to challenge the reader’s deductive skills. Granger is an experienced novelist with an easy-to-read style. Ben and his wife, Lizzie Ross, take turns to be the narrator. It’s well-paced with characters that intrigue and a story that holds our interest.
October 26, 2024
Another period of history I enjoy novels set in. This one was good but maybe not as good as others and also, all the way through this series, I find myself comparing Ann Granger@s take on the stories and period with those of Anne Perry and her Inspector Pitt novels, which in my opinion are far better- sorry to those who may think the opposite! Its just that for me, these Ann Granger ones are almost too like the Inspector Pitt novels but nevertheless I did enjoy reading it
November 18, 2024
I really enjoy this series of Victorian mysteries by Ann Granger - they remind me of Anne Perry's two Victorian series, especially the Thomas and Charlotte Pitt novels. Charlotte and her sister used to get more actively involved in the investigations than Lizzie does. Lizzie reminds me more of the first Inspector Barnaby's wife, in Midsomer Murders, who kept accidentally stumbling on murders! Lizzie is more tangentially connected than Charlotte.
August 9, 2024
Inspector Ben Ross investigates some missing jewels from a wealthy family named Roxby. In limehouse an old rogue named Jacob Jacobson has been murdered in his abode. Throat cut from ear to ear.
As Ross investigates he comes to realise the two cases are inextricably linked. Murder, subterfuge and lies ensue.
Enjoyable read.
As Ross investigates he comes to realise the two cases are inextricably linked. Murder, subterfuge and lies ensue.
Enjoyable read.
May 2, 2025
4.5/5
It was better than the previous adventure of Ben Ross I read. The writing is still pleasant and the characters interesting, but the plot is more complexe in this book even though I am still not sure of why exactly the jewels disappeared but that's not the point.
I almost wished there was a little more drama at the end.
It was better than the previous adventure of Ben Ross I read. The writing is still pleasant and the characters interesting, but the plot is more complexe in this book even though I am still not sure of why exactly the jewels disappeared but that's not the point.
I almost wished there was a little more drama at the end.
August 13, 2023
Ann Granger delivers again…
I love reading Anne Granger’s mysteries. She does an excellent job of placing her characters in authentic settings. She is a fantastic storyteller and I always enjoy her books. I am already looking forward to her next Victorian mystery.
I love reading Anne Granger’s mysteries. She does an excellent job of placing her characters in authentic settings. She is a fantastic storyteller and I always enjoy her books. I am already looking forward to her next Victorian mystery.
February 21, 2024
An interesting whodunit set in Victorian times.
October 12, 2024
3.5 stars
January 17, 2025
Great little romp.
June 25, 2025
Villainy and skullduggery
July 15, 2025
I absolutely loved it! This was brilliant! I love this series! This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next one!
Read
July 31, 2025This is a brilliant series of books. The perfect blend of murder mystery and suspense. I shall definitely be on the look out for the next book.
August 23, 2025
Quite a good and enjoyable addition to the series, although plot was a little complex.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews