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A World’s End Bureau Victorian Mystery #4
The Stranger in the Asylum
Private investigators Lily Raynor and Felix Wilbraham have to hunt down an escapee from a French asylum, in this new, gripping World's End Bureau Victorian mystery from critically-acclaimed author Alys Clare. London, April 1882. When cool-headed Phyllida visits the World's End Investigation Bureau to offer a curious case concerning her fianc�, proprietor Lily Raynor is intrigued - and privately excited. For accepting the case means taking an unexpected trip abroad, to France. Phyllida's fianc�, Wilberforce, is currently in an asylum in Brittany, after a tragic incident which resulted in the death of his father. Did he kill him on purpose - or was it an accident? Wilberforce's innocence looks increasingly in doubt when another murder happens at the asylum - and the evidence points to Wilberforce being the culprit. Phyllida fears for Wilberforce's wellbeing, but she can't marry a murderer! With the engagement hanging in the balance, Phyllida wants to know the truth before it's too late. Lily and her assistant, Felix Wilbraham, journey to rural France to uncover the truth, but the case takes an unexpected turn when they discover that the accused man has escaped the asylum and is nowhere to be found. Soon the intrepid investigators are in over their heads with much greater and unexpected powers at play . . .
256 pages, Hardcover
First published February 6, 2024
19 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Alys Clare
46 books222 followersAlys Clare is the pen name used by Elizabeth Harris for the Hawkenlye series of historical mysteries.
Alys Clare is the pseudonym of a novelist with some 20 published works to her name. Brought up in the countryside close to where the Hawkenlye Novels are set, she went to school in Tonbridge and later studied archaeology at the University of Kent. She lives for part of the year in Brittany, in a remote cottage deep in an ancient landscape where many past inhabitants have left their mark; on her doorstep are relics that date from the stone circles and dolmens of the Neolithic to the commanderies, chapels and ancient tracks of those infamous warrior monks, the Knights Templar. In England, Alys's study overlooks a stretch of parkland which includes a valley with a little spring. The waters of this spring are similar in colour and taste to Tunbridge Wells's famous Chalybeat Spring, and it was this that prompted Alys's setting of her fictional Hawkenlye Abbey in the very spot where her own house now stands.
Alys Clare is the pseudonym of a novelist with some 20 published works to her name. Brought up in the countryside close to where the Hawkenlye Novels are set, she went to school in Tonbridge and later studied archaeology at the University of Kent. She lives for part of the year in Brittany, in a remote cottage deep in an ancient landscape where many past inhabitants have left their mark; on her doorstep are relics that date from the stone circles and dolmens of the Neolithic to the commanderies, chapels and ancient tracks of those infamous warrior monks, the Knights Templar. In England, Alys's study overlooks a stretch of parkland which includes a valley with a little spring. The waters of this spring are similar in colour and taste to Tunbridge Wells's famous Chalybeat Spring, and it was this that prompted Alys's setting of her fictional Hawkenlye Abbey in the very spot where her own house now stands.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 10, 2024
I have read all 3 of the prior books of the series, and this is my favorite and I give a strong 4* rating. The reason it's not higher is because the plot has a road trip basis, and I am not a fan of those. I like the characters and there is a minor recap of their history. It could be read as a stand-alone, but I think you would enjoy it more if you read the previous books. I liked the way the storyline is tied up at the end. There is no romance in the book (hints???? of things to come perhaps). Fun moment in the middle of the book where there is the Aha moment. Look forward to the next book.
January 6, 2024
The World's End Bureau Victorian mystery series is a favorite of mine, peopled with an unusual cast of characters who are all quite engaging and whose different skills are usefully complementary. This volume begins and ends in England, but takes place for the most part in France.
Lily Raynor, head of the World's End Bureau, has been asked to travel to France to look for a patient missing from an asylum. The request comes from missing man's fiancee, and she explains that he may or may not be responsible for two murders, and she wants him found so she can decide whether to continue their engagement. Meanwhile, Felix Wilbraham, the other member of the World's End Bureau, is already in France, having been notified of an unexpected inheritance.
The two join up and begin the hunt for the missing man—and quickly realize there are others also looking for him who would like to take Raynor and Wilbraham off the case, by killing them if necessary. Raynor and Wilbraham follow one lead after another, traveling from Paris to the French side of the Pyrenees and back again.
There is an interesting mystery at the heart of this novel that involves a wild mix of characters, but the primary action focuses on the journey to, in, and from France. I admit that I grew somewhat tired of repeated rounds of our-heroes-escape-to-x-only-to-find-their-nemeses-still-in-pursuit. Chase scenes can be exciting, but they can't really carry a novel.
If you like historical mysteries, I strongly recommend the World's End Bureau series, but I would suggest starting with one of the three previous volumes. The Stranger in the Asylum will make more satisfying reading once you've come to know the characters a bit better.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
Lily Raynor, head of the World's End Bureau, has been asked to travel to France to look for a patient missing from an asylum. The request comes from missing man's fiancee, and she explains that he may or may not be responsible for two murders, and she wants him found so she can decide whether to continue their engagement. Meanwhile, Felix Wilbraham, the other member of the World's End Bureau, is already in France, having been notified of an unexpected inheritance.
The two join up and begin the hunt for the missing man—and quickly realize there are others also looking for him who would like to take Raynor and Wilbraham off the case, by killing them if necessary. Raynor and Wilbraham follow one lead after another, traveling from Paris to the French side of the Pyrenees and back again.
There is an interesting mystery at the heart of this novel that involves a wild mix of characters, but the primary action focuses on the journey to, in, and from France. I admit that I grew somewhat tired of repeated rounds of our-heroes-escape-to-x-only-to-find-their-nemeses-still-in-pursuit. Chase scenes can be exciting, but they can't really carry a novel.
If you like historical mysteries, I strongly recommend the World's End Bureau series, but I would suggest starting with one of the three previous volumes. The Stranger in the Asylum will make more satisfying reading once you've come to know the characters a bit better.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
February 3, 2024
A close call for the World’s End Bureau!
Ex nurse Lily Raynor’s detective prowesses continue to grow as she takes on another case for the World’s End Bureau, the enquiry agency she’s started.
Lily’s been asked to try and prove the innocence, or guilt, of Phyllida Westwood’s ex fiancé, Wilberforce Chibb. Chibb is currently residing in an asylum in Paimpont, Brittany. He's accused of murdering his father and is now an inmate of that institution. Phyllida wants the truth.
Lily’s assistant, Felix Wilbraham, has been in Paris tying up some loose ends about an inheritance left to him by his former lover Solange Devaux Moncontour. It had been withheld by the family solicitors. (Some of Felix’s past coming to light. Hmm!)
Lily telephones Felix to have him stay in Paris and meet her.
Their investigations take them into that Breton asylum, rescuing Will the young man whose been condemned for a murder he possibly hasn’t committed. They flee up to the Pyrenees, into Switzerland, back to Paris trekking unknown trails, and onto England all the time being relentlessly pursued by English and German intelligence organizations. Gun toting secret agents not withstanding, they finally make it to England. Always their pursuers seem to be if not one step ahead, then close on their heels?!
An intriguing and dark, bordering on the Gothic mystery, that smacks of plots, counter plots, and hidden secrets.
A Severn House ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
Ex nurse Lily Raynor’s detective prowesses continue to grow as she takes on another case for the World’s End Bureau, the enquiry agency she’s started.
Lily’s been asked to try and prove the innocence, or guilt, of Phyllida Westwood’s ex fiancé, Wilberforce Chibb. Chibb is currently residing in an asylum in Paimpont, Brittany. He's accused of murdering his father and is now an inmate of that institution. Phyllida wants the truth.
Lily’s assistant, Felix Wilbraham, has been in Paris tying up some loose ends about an inheritance left to him by his former lover Solange Devaux Moncontour. It had been withheld by the family solicitors. (Some of Felix’s past coming to light. Hmm!)
Lily telephones Felix to have him stay in Paris and meet her.
Their investigations take them into that Breton asylum, rescuing Will the young man whose been condemned for a murder he possibly hasn’t committed. They flee up to the Pyrenees, into Switzerland, back to Paris trekking unknown trails, and onto England all the time being relentlessly pursued by English and German intelligence organizations. Gun toting secret agents not withstanding, they finally make it to England. Always their pursuers seem to be if not one step ahead, then close on their heels?!
An intriguing and dark, bordering on the Gothic mystery, that smacks of plots, counter plots, and hidden secrets.
A Severn House ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
February 5, 2024
Another interesting outing for Lily Raynor, owner of World's End Bureau, and her associate, Felix Wilbraham. This time the duo's case takes them to western France in search of an inmate of an asylum for the mentally disturbed.
Of course, nothing is simple or straightforward. Lily and Felix find the asylum but find that their person of interest has escaped, leaving them very few clues as to where he has flown. The case has many a twist--some of which I figured out beforehand.
I really enjoyed the whole road-trip aspect of their search. Lily is forced to rely on Felix quite a bit, as he speaks French and she doesn't. This subtle change in their power dynamic was fun to watch. And is there the tiniest hint of Lily developing romantic feelings for Felix?? We shall have to wait for the next book to see what the author has in store for Lily and Felix...
This series is one of my 'must-read' ones. I will be on hand for the next book.
Of course, nothing is simple or straightforward. Lily and Felix find the asylum but find that their person of interest has escaped, leaving them very few clues as to where he has flown. The case has many a twist--some of which I figured out beforehand.
I really enjoyed the whole road-trip aspect of their search. Lily is forced to rely on Felix quite a bit, as he speaks French and she doesn't. This subtle change in their power dynamic was fun to watch. And is there the tiniest hint of Lily developing romantic feelings for Felix?? We shall have to wait for the next book to see what the author has in store for Lily and Felix...
This series is one of my 'must-read' ones. I will be on hand for the next book.
February 7, 2024
The Stranger in the Asylum marks a return to the World’s End Bureau, a detective agency run by Lily Raynor in late 19th century London, with her assistant Felix Wilbraham. I’ve enjoyed this series in the past and looked forward to this episode. A lot happens! Before the actual case begins, we learn a lot about Felix that opens up his story considerably. While he is away from the office, in France, a young woman arrives at the World’s End office to engage Lily’s services.
It appears that her fiancé, Wilberforce, accused of having killed his father by pushing him down stairs after slashing him, has escaped to France. Then, after he was found, he was placed in an asylum there where he has become implicated in another murder. Is this true? If so, the engagement must end. Lily is intrigued with the idea of traveling to France and the convenient coincidence that Felix is already there makes this an easy decision.
From there, the action ensues. And there is a lot. In fact, so much happens that it becomes an action adventure at times. There is a higher level of action and plot complexity than in prior episodes, perhaps straining credibility at times but not readability or enjoyment. For I did enjoy this episode and recommend this book and the series.
Thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for an eARC of this book. This review is my own.
It appears that her fiancé, Wilberforce, accused of having killed his father by pushing him down stairs after slashing him, has escaped to France. Then, after he was found, he was placed in an asylum there where he has become implicated in another murder. Is this true? If so, the engagement must end. Lily is intrigued with the idea of traveling to France and the convenient coincidence that Felix is already there makes this an easy decision.
From there, the action ensues. And there is a lot. In fact, so much happens that it becomes an action adventure at times. There is a higher level of action and plot complexity than in prior episodes, perhaps straining credibility at times but not readability or enjoyment. For I did enjoy this episode and recommend this book and the series.
Thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for an eARC of this book. This review is my own.
November 10, 2023
What an epic race this was! We have a young man who has escaped from an asylum after being accused of murdering a friend (who might be an important person), a sleuthing couple that is becoming more enamored with each other by the day, and a race around France as the three are pursued by villains who seem to know their every move. Even if you didn't already know Lily and Felix, you'd find the chase entertaining. Knowing their backgrounds, this adventure taps into each of their skills in a satisfying way. What's more, they are together for almost the entire book (something that doesn't always happen in this series).
The present-tense, omniscient narration of this series has never been more interesting than in this story. I loved seeing a glimpse of the playboy Felix used to be in his recollections of previous time sin France and enjoyed his affectionate observations of Lily as she navigated the treacherous paths they took as they fled the villains. I also appreciated the insight into Lily's mindset as they tried to maintain her composure as they encountered obstacles.
All of the books in this series are a little dark, but despite the sinister characters after them and the deaths they witnessed during their story, this was a delightful installment. I look forward to seeing what happens with Lily and Felix next!
The present-tense, omniscient narration of this series has never been more interesting than in this story. I loved seeing a glimpse of the playboy Felix used to be in his recollections of previous time sin France and enjoyed his affectionate observations of Lily as she navigated the treacherous paths they took as they fled the villains. I also appreciated the insight into Lily's mindset as they tried to maintain her composure as they encountered obstacles.
All of the books in this series are a little dark, but despite the sinister characters after them and the deaths they witnessed during their story, this was a delightful installment. I look forward to seeing what happens with Lily and Felix next!
December 1, 2023
I enjoyed Felix and Lily spending their time together on this adventure as I enjoy the ambiguity of the relationship. This one was a bit of a road trip- namely a mini tour of France. This is definitely my favourite of Alys Clare’s several series. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.
October 15, 2025
I'm enjoying a re-acquaintance with Clare's series, starting with this series, which I first started reading four years ago. I am hopeful there will soon be another volume in this series with Lily & Felix and these Victorian mysteries, since this is currently the final volume.
I intend to also return to Clare's Gabriel Taverner series, since I see there are now two more volumes published in that series since I read the last available one when I was reading them.
I intend to also return to Clare's Gabriel Taverner series, since I see there are now two more volumes published in that series since I read the last available one when I was reading them.
October 29, 2023
The latest in the World’s End Bureau mystery series is a departure in both location and trajectory of some characters’ personal lives. It is also thoroughly enjoyable and well-written as all of the earlier books. Lily and Felix are enmeshed in a dangerous case that soon appears much more political and serious than it first seemed. They find themselves being chased through France, and the sense of danger and adventure threads through the whole book. Lily and Felix are such strong, well drawn characters that’s it’s a pleasure to see them working together so well. The twists and turns keep coming until a satisfying conclusion. I will very much look forward to the next book, in part of the potential personal development. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 14, 2023
I came across this author recently after checking out one of their books from my local library, so I was interested in reading something else by them.
This was a historical mystery set in Paris, and I got along with it quite well. I thought the author did a good job of creating an atmosphere. I was expecting a dark atmosphere, maybe with Gothic undertones, and this wasn't that exactly, but there was definitely an atmosphere that I could escape into, and I warmed to the characters in the author's chosen setting. I think I liked this book slightly more than the previous one I read, and based on this, I will be trying some more books by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
This was a historical mystery set in Paris, and I got along with it quite well. I thought the author did a good job of creating an atmosphere. I was expecting a dark atmosphere, maybe with Gothic undertones, and this wasn't that exactly, but there was definitely an atmosphere that I could escape into, and I warmed to the characters in the author's chosen setting. I think I liked this book slightly more than the previous one I read, and based on this, I will be trying some more books by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
January 9, 2024
1883 Felix Wilbraham is in Paris collecting a windfall from the will of a past lover while back in London Lily has a new case. The fiance of Wilberforce Chibb, who has been committed to a French asylum for murder, wants Lily to determine if he is innocent, so that they can marry, or not. Soon Lily and Felix are united and set off to Paimpont Asylum. But Wilberforce has escaped. Can they find him and prove his innocence.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its very likeable main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its very likeable main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and Severn House Publishers for an advance copy of The Stranger in the Asylum, the fourth novel to feature Lily Raynor and Felix Wilbraham of the World’s End Investigation Bureau, set in 1882.
Phyllida Westwood asks Lily for help with her fiancé, Wilberforce Chibb, who is currently languishing in an asylum in Brittany under suspicion of murdering his father and now under suspicion of a second murder in the asylum. She wants to know one way or the other about his guilt or innocence. Lily and Felix travel to rural Brittany only to discover that Wilberforce escaped two weeks earlier.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Stranger in the Asylum, which is an adventure packed trip through Western and Southern France with a fairly, I want to say exotic, but conspiracy laden is probably better, motive. This motive is not revealed until the denouement and it takes some swallowing, but why should it, when conspiracy theories dominate the internet?
The novel is mostly told from Lily’s point of view with Felix chipping in as appropriate. She is the bureau owner, but they seem more like a partnership now with Felix turning into an incredibly resourceful young man with a smart head on his shoulders. Lily tends to be the practical, strategic one. There is a hint of unrequited romance about them as both have stronger feelings for each other than they are prepared to admit. It will be interesting to see where the author takes that.
The plot is non stop action as they attempt to find Wilberforce and dodge death as they do. There are plenty of hikes and train journeys always with a sense of tension at the danger they are in and puzzlement at why this should be. It’s exciting and, at times, breathtaking as they escape one perilous situation after another. I must admit I found it a bonus to have a fair grasp of French geography as I think otherwise all their stops and plans would have passed me by.
The Stranger in the Asylum is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Phyllida Westwood asks Lily for help with her fiancé, Wilberforce Chibb, who is currently languishing in an asylum in Brittany under suspicion of murdering his father and now under suspicion of a second murder in the asylum. She wants to know one way or the other about his guilt or innocence. Lily and Felix travel to rural Brittany only to discover that Wilberforce escaped two weeks earlier.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Stranger in the Asylum, which is an adventure packed trip through Western and Southern France with a fairly, I want to say exotic, but conspiracy laden is probably better, motive. This motive is not revealed until the denouement and it takes some swallowing, but why should it, when conspiracy theories dominate the internet?
The novel is mostly told from Lily’s point of view with Felix chipping in as appropriate. She is the bureau owner, but they seem more like a partnership now with Felix turning into an incredibly resourceful young man with a smart head on his shoulders. Lily tends to be the practical, strategic one. There is a hint of unrequited romance about them as both have stronger feelings for each other than they are prepared to admit. It will be interesting to see where the author takes that.
The plot is non stop action as they attempt to find Wilberforce and dodge death as they do. There are plenty of hikes and train journeys always with a sense of tension at the danger they are in and puzzlement at why this should be. It’s exciting and, at times, breathtaking as they escape one perilous situation after another. I must admit I found it a bonus to have a fair grasp of French geography as I think otherwise all their stops and plans would have passed me by.
The Stranger in the Asylum is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
August 20, 2025
Two Solitary Inmates
Felix, after inheritaging a small fortune from his lover, Solange, is living a good life in Paris. Meanwhile, As the proprietor of the World End's Bureau, LIly Raynor is hired by young man's fiancee, Wilberforce, to prove his innocence of two murders. Wilberforce is being held in an asylum in France. Lily telegraphs Felix to stay in France so that together they can prove the young man's innocence. When Lily and Felix arrive at the asylum, they discover Wilberforce has escaped. This, a complicated chase begins. Lily and Felix versus a mysterious couple and a couple of men in dark coats who are all chasing Wilberforce. There are many hair-raising scenes during the chase. The conclusion presents some surprising and contradictory information that may explain why Wilberforce was framed.
Felix, after inheritaging a small fortune from his lover, Solange, is living a good life in Paris. Meanwhile, As the proprietor of the World End's Bureau, LIly Raynor is hired by young man's fiancee, Wilberforce, to prove his innocence of two murders. Wilberforce is being held in an asylum in France. Lily telegraphs Felix to stay in France so that together they can prove the young man's innocence. When Lily and Felix arrive at the asylum, they discover Wilberforce has escaped. This, a complicated chase begins. Lily and Felix versus a mysterious couple and a couple of men in dark coats who are all chasing Wilberforce. There are many hair-raising scenes during the chase. The conclusion presents some surprising and contradictory information that may explain why Wilberforce was framed.
March 10, 2024
read this book as intro to the series.
Found that not reading the previous didn't take away from the story.
Called a mysteryt, but really a victorian international thriller.
the duo travel around France chasing after Wilbur, who somehow manages to get aound France
with no money and the authorities after him.
The real mystery is why people want Wilbur dead.
The duo only spends a little time at the asylum, so the title is misleading.
the reason for the interests in Louis is revealed in the end and by someone else.
kind of unsatisfying ending
That said the character were enjoyable, but seems to be headed to a romance as most series with female and male leads tend to go. would rather have some originality.
Found that not reading the previous didn't take away from the story.
Called a mysteryt, but really a victorian international thriller.
the duo travel around France chasing after Wilbur, who somehow manages to get aound France
with no money and the authorities after him.
The real mystery is why people want Wilbur dead.
The duo only spends a little time at the asylum, so the title is misleading.
the reason for the interests in Louis is revealed in the end and by someone else.
kind of unsatisfying ending
That said the character were enjoyable, but seems to be headed to a romance as most series with female and male leads tend to go. would rather have some originality.
March 23, 2024
Not crazy abt this one. In her first two bks, I liked her deliberate style but it made me a little antsy in the third. In this one, she's being very repetitive in stressing how mentally in synch Felix and Lily are and "deliberate" has turned draggy. The resolution to the mystery was very hard to follow (and I am not exactly a stranger to the ins and outs of English royal marriages) and felt awfully forced. Especially after having been dragged over and around the Pyrenees w/Lily, Felix and the poor guy they were seeking to get to the Big Reveal, I was disappointed to find that there was really no point to the hike or to this case.
January 9, 2024
This is book 4 in a mystery series, but I had not read the first 3 books, nor do I think you need to in order to enjoy this novel.
Set in 1882 London and France, it follows two private investigators trying to find an escape from a French asylum. I enjoyed the beginning and the end, but the middle dragged on and on. It felt very much like a Scooby Doo chase seen that went on for too long. That being said, if you like a good cat and mouse chase, you would enjoy this. Also, if you are familiar with France’s geoyou might find it enjoyable.
Set in 1882 London and France, it follows two private investigators trying to find an escape from a French asylum. I enjoyed the beginning and the end, but the middle dragged on and on. It felt very much like a Scooby Doo chase seen that went on for too long. That being said, if you like a good cat and mouse chase, you would enjoy this. Also, if you are familiar with France’s geoyou might find it enjoyable.
June 28, 2024
3+ because I really like this series especially the house with offices, rental to the little ballerina, and Mrs Clapper. However, this time the case take Lily and Felix on a transportation tour of France, every train, wagon and walking trip described in detail as well as every mountain, field, house, waterway, ruin and food. Skimmible, but the mystery and the rumor were quite good and interesting.
They made it home and the conclusion was satisfying.
They made it home and the conclusion was satisfying.
January 29, 2024
A fast-paced, mystery with a dark somewhat gothic undertone. This is basically a road trip through France with excitement and danger along the way. Well crafted characters and a great plot make for a great read, I have liked all this series so far and can't wait for the next. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 6, 2024
A twisty and engaging historical mystery that kept me reading. I thoroughly enjoyed the 4th installment in this series.
There's changes in the life of some characters, there's a complex plot full of twists.
Gothic and entertaining, a solid plot that I enjoyed
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
There's changes in the life of some characters, there's a complex plot full of twists.
Gothic and entertaining, a solid plot that I enjoyed
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
March 31, 2024
The author throws Lily and Felix into a thrilling chase around France, with descriptions so vivid I want to use this book as a travel guide.
The annoyingly mysterious Tamaz only appears briefly, thank goodness. Lily may finally be starting to realize some of Felix's better qualities, but I remain unconvinced of any romantic spark between them.
The annoyingly mysterious Tamaz only appears briefly, thank goodness. Lily may finally be starting to realize some of Felix's better qualities, but I remain unconvinced of any romantic spark between them.
January 31, 2025
This one is too much Perils of Pauline. Add to that the abused trope of the mystery man's heritage and it only deserves an average.
Lily and Felix have to go to France to help a problematic man accused of murder who escaped an asylum. People are trying to kill the guy. Why? Basically a romp through France with too much danger.
Lily and Felix have to go to France to help a problematic man accused of murder who escaped an asylum. People are trying to kill the guy. Why? Basically a romp through France with too much danger.
January 31, 2024
I enjoy this series. I like the characters and the setting. This time they traveled outside of England.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review. I look forward to more.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review. I look forward to more.
March 14, 2024
In this latest instalment Lily Raynor is employed by Phyllida to find her missing fiance. She and Felix travel to France to uncover the truth. All is not what it appears and the success of the task puts them in danger.
Read
April 19, 2024I think I like this one best so far. This was probably due to the fact that this time, Lily and Felix travel and solve a case together rather than each going off on their own and solving their own case. That was a nice change of pace; one I hope will be continued.
July 21, 2024
Reminiscent of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries (which are favorites of mine) and very well done. This was my first World's End Bureau and I'm sorry that I started at #4. I will have to go back and read #1 through #3.
October 28, 2024
Interesting and full of adventure!
This was a good read, and one that will keep readers interested. It had a bit of a slow start, but then picked up, and captured my attention. I will have to go back and read the other books and see if that changes my thoughts on this one.
This was a good read, and one that will keep readers interested. It had a bit of a slow start, but then picked up, and captured my attention. I will have to go back and read the other books and see if that changes my thoughts on this one.
January 8, 2025
Paris, 1882 - Felix Wilbraham reveals more of his back story; then, suddenly, he and his employer, Miss Lily Raynor of the World’s End Bureau, are catapulted into a spine-tingling adventure in the heart of France … fortunately, he speaks French … delightful …
February 16, 2024
Truly engaging and well written with a great plot. But, Felix seems to be taking the lead as the more experienced detective and not just with the language issue. What's with that?
March 25, 2024
Good story; good development of recurring characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews