The Tumbling Girl

Variety Palace Mysteries #1

by Bridget Walsh

WINNER OF THE HWA DEBUT CROWN AWARD


SHORTLISTED FOR THE CWA JOHN CREASEY DAGGER AWARD


'Delicious dark and compelling' Essie Fox, author of The Fascination


'A wry, warm and proper rib-tickling slice of dirty Victorian gothic' Julia Crouch, author of The Daughters


'Neatly weds historical detail and quiet wit' Sunday Times


1876, Victorian London.


The feisty Minnie Ward is scraping a living as a scriptwriter for the Variety Palace Music Hall when the body of her best friend is found in a dingy riverside archway. Minnie is convinced she was murdered and teams up with dashing private detective Albert Easterbrook to find justice.


Together they navigate the streets of London, from high-class gentlemen's clubs to shady drinking dens. But as the bodies pile up, they must rely on one another if they're going to track down the killer-and make it out alive . . .

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Crime, Historical Mystery, Audiobook

343 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 23, 2023

About the author

I was born in London and now live in Norwich with my husband and two dogs. After a degree in English Literature, and a few abortive career choices, I found my home as an English teacher for 23 years. I completed my PhD in Victorian domestic murder at London University in 2009, but my fascination with Victorian crime never left me. In 2019 I completed the Creative Writing (Crime Fiction) MA at UEA where I was awarded the David Higham Scholarship and received the UEA Little, Brown Award for Crime Fiction. I am represented by Isobel Dixon at Blake Friedmann.

The Tumbling Girl, the first in a series of crime novels set in the 1870s and featuring an intrepid, working-class heroine and her somewhat posher sidekick, will be published by Gallic in 2023.

Reviews

[Beata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable historical fiction which has it all: likeable characters and villains, atmospheric presentation of London in the second half of the 19th century, the world of palaces of music and not only, and intresting intrigue which is solved by a duo likely to appear soon in Book 2. Add to this superb narration and you receive an audiobook that will keep your attention throughout. Highly recommended to fans of the genre.
I opted for five stars since this listen was what I was looking for at the particular moment and it never bored me. Plus, it is a promising debut!
*A big thank-you to Bridget Walsh, Bolinda Audio, and NetGalley for a free audiobook in exchange for my honest review.*

[Kate O'Shea · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Minnie Ward's fellow performer and friend, Rose, is found dead Minnie refuses to believe that Rose took her own life. She enlists the help of Albert Easterbrook, an ex-copper turned private detective. But as Albert and Minnie delve deeper into the underbelly of Victorian London they will uncover much more disturbing things than they were expecting, taking them into increasingly dangerous places.

The Tumbling Girl is the first in a series of novels by Bridget Walsh featuring Minnie and Albert. This first episode plumbs some quite creepy depths of the human psyche and there's some truly unnerving crimes going on.

I really enjoyed this novel. Both Minnie and Albert are extremely likeable characters. There isn't any melodrama or much romance, which I always find detracts from a good detective novel. Minnie is a strong female lead character but she's not the only one; women in Victorian times had to be tough to survive if they were without family or connections.

I am looking forward to reading The Innocents, the second episode in this series before the third part, The Spirit Guide, is published in April 2026.

Thankyou to Netgalley and Pushkin Vertigo for the advance review copy.

[tiana ♡]

pre-read notes:
I believe this is getting re-published? I received an ARC and I’m excited to check it out 🤭💚

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Rating: 3.5/5**

This was a pretty solid historical mystery overall: grisly murders set in the backdrop of Victorian London, (mostly) likeable characters with pretty good dialogue, and excellent narration by Jasmine Blackborow. However there were a few things I'd like to point out. For one, I just could not get over how inept Albert was at his job of private detecting on at least 2 separate occasions.

I'm referring to when he accepts a dinner invitation from Linton despite finding him a highly suspicious and possibly dangerous man, which ok fine, he was investigating a suspect and this was a necessary step in the process. But he then consumes everything he's given, finds the wine odd to the taste, proceeds to continue drinking it with no qualms whatsoever, and ends up heavily drugged as a result.

Who would've thought.

Also, the fact that he just kind of bursts into Linton's house with no plan and no weapon really irked me. What private detective - or any reasonable human being with even a modicum of self-preservation - consciously decides to confront a suspected killer with no means of self-defence??

Walsh also has this tendency of really expounding on certain steps of the investigation to the point where it becomes slightly tedious. I love a good exposition scene in a mystery novel as much as anyone, but not when it's practically slapped in our faces with no subtlety whatsoever.

That being said, The Tumbling Girl was still an entertaining read - I'd definitely recommend the audiobook as Blackborow does a fantastic job with all the voices - and I'll be on the lookout for the next book in the series The Innocents.

[mikaela (spinebreaker) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't even comprehend how much I really enjoyed this. Great mystery, great characters, GREAT twist and a setup for a second book that has me drooling

[Lesley Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 as this entertaining and immersive read got a little too ‘anatomical’ for me at times.

[Jill Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very fun and engaging read, and a marvelous beginning to what I hope will be a plentiful series. Walsh has done a fantastic job creating a cast of characters that are endearing, fun, funny, and so believable they almost jump off the page. She has also clearly done her research. The world-building is wonderfully detailed, throwing the reader headfirst into a world of Victoriana that is descriptive enough to foster a magical sense of displacement while reading. 

I found myself lost in the story from the opening lines. There is not only a tale of mystery and murder here, but a really lovely consideration of the importance of the families we build for ourselves as we make our way in the world. I found the relationships to really resonate as realistic and powerful backdrops to the action. This is particularly true of Min's interactions with the two oh-so-different main men in her life, Albie and Tansie, who are each presented as hard-bitten but with a secret heart of gold and definite soft spots for the delightfully feisty Min...

I loved learning about the historical theaters and performances, and enjoyed the way the layers of Victorian society were teased out. But what I most loved was the way Min refused to be buttonholed or tied to the roles that her society wanted women to play. I described her as feisty and it is the truest word for her - she has sass and heart and compassion and refuses to give up on seeking justice for her murdered friend. She's a lovely character and I cannot wait to see more of her!

Thanks to Meryl Zegerek Public Relations and the author for my obligation-free review copy.

[Yamini · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, in the Variety Mystery Series, this is your introduction to a brand new mystery series set up in Victorian times - London. With a discovery of a gruesome body at the Palace Music Hall, Minnie decides to entrust the task of finding the murderer to a private detective. Only she can't help but get involved in the investigations as the pile of bodies keeps rising higher.

A detective story following Victorian London timelines has the setup to swoop you off your feet. The descriptions of all those grand places and small alleys set you in the perfect mood. I did enjoy reading a few characters but most of the time I found it hard to be fond of any characters. Some of them were simply existing, without any significant roles. Would have enjoyed it more if the historical aspects were also translated into the dialogues and profiles of the characters too.

It was an overall fine read, but I would rather tag it as a detective mystery than a historical fiction as those aspects are only present in landscape descriptions.

Genre: #mystery #detective
Rating: 3/5 ⭐️

[thevampireslibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

*In this review I use victorian slang because I have been waiting for the day  my extensive knowledge of this would come in handy, I am just Mad as Hops
about it*
.
.
Agatha Christie but make it sexy and gothic, I absolutley adored this! Its the first book in a mystery series set in London in the Victorian era, the cast of characters was fantastic, especially our main gal Minnie, her chuckaboo is found brutally murdered and she enlists the help of a private detective to help find justice, together they navigate London, but as the bodies pile up, they must rely on one another if they’re going to track down the killer and make it out alive . . .the murders are quite gruesome and you're brusquely swept into the seedy underbelly of London, don't go getting the morbs though, the writing is incredibly witty which I found paired with the mystery/murder elements added an almost raunchy feel, it became a bit of a  Nanty Narking, if you enjoy classic who done it's with lots of twists you should pick this one up! I'm looking forward to the next book! Thankyou so much to gallic books for the copy!

[Sarah]

Dnf @ 70%
My god. I wanted to like this book so bad. It had everything I could ask for- Victorian gothic, hot detective, fun female protagonist. The cover is beautiful. But it DRAGGEEDD. For being so short I really thought I would fly through this but I dreaded picking it up and finally just released myself from finishing it.
It’s well researched for sure, but seemed choppy, one moment we were here then the chapter is 3 pages and then we’re here and he’s confessing his love but why? Nothing happened? And by the point I’m at the mystery hasn’t budged even though they’re been everywhere and done everything. Just not satisfying for me. I think the content is definitely there, but not laid out in a way that is working for a novel. I might just not be in the spot to read this atm so I’ll try again a different time.

[Peter Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the narration, demonstrated a great range of voices and had the working-class ones like Minnie down to a tee. Also had the intangible sense that she was enjoying what she was doing.

The failure of the authorities to investigate the death of a performer, Rose a young acrobat from the local variety theatre, merely chalking it down as a suicide is a clear indication of the attitudes prevalent at the time. Some would argue that for some, like prostitutes they are not much better this century. Friend Minnie and Rose’s mother are determined to prove that it was a case of murder, but what can two women do in this man’s world. They enlist the help of a private detective, in this case Albert is a true gentleman detective, a loner who reluctant to find Minnie inserting herself into his investigation. He’s a soft-hearted truth seeker with a lot to learn about backstage life but Minnie is the perfect guide and along the way they both learn important things about themselves and each other.

Albert comes from a family of wealth and influence. He proves to be a disappointment to them when he decides to be a policeman, prompting as much opprobrium for this choice as he might if he came from a family of crooks. After some years of service in the force, he leaves to become a consulting detective. From a business point of view, he is too much of a soft touch, failing to charge the going rate, so it is a good job he has private funds to fall back on. His housekeeper Mrs Burn helps to keep him focused as well as seeing to his household needs and giving advice and imparting wisdom. It is she who warns him about letting opportunities slip through his fingers.

Minnie is a kind-hearted young woman who hides it under tough carapace thanks to a torrid upbringing and formative years, that ultimately led to a life on stage. No longer performing herself, she writes material for other performers, such as songs and sketches, as well being an unpaid de facto second in command to ‘Tansie’ (Mr Tansford) the owner of the Variety Palace Theatre.

Being the first novel in a planned series there is a fair degree of scene setting and background to be absorbed, but much of this has been cleverly absorbed into the storyline. Here we discover the motivation behind Albert’s career choice and the reasons why Minnie ended up on the stage only to eventually give it up.

The setting in the variety theatre is a stroke of genius as it provides great opportunity to change the narrative flow with interludes. These shows were incredibly popular and offered true variety even dipping into the territory of the other contemporary entertainment of the circus freak show. So, a one-legged dancer and the Mexican boneless wonder can easily be incorporated into the bill and moments of great levity are provided by a true cheeky monkey.

The investigation is involved and quite twisty as suspects are eliminated. Naturally expect surprises, shocks and a little theatrical deception. A key aspect is a stanhope, a piece of jewellery that hides a viewer for an enclosed microscopic photograph of a loved one. A true piece of Victorian ingenuity.

The principal motivation is the exercise of power. Power that becomes drug like, with a bigger fixed needed each time, which means bigger risks, but also the smug sense of satisfaction knowing that you are going to get away with it.

The writing is upbeat and the story skips along nicely. The dialogue is great, with Minnie getting some fabulous cutting remarks in, I think it is this that makes it work so well as an audiobook.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

1876, Victorian London. Minnie Ward, the feisty scriptwriter for the Variety Palace Music Hall, is devastated when her best friend is found brutally murdered. She enlists the help of private detective Albert Easterbrook, who already has his hands full trying to catch the notorious Hairpin Killer. But Minnie can't help getting involved in the investigation, and as the bodies begin to pile up, Albert's burgeoning feelings for his amateur partner start to interfere...

The Tumbling Girl is the first in a Victorian mystery series, and I’m definitely looking forward to the second. The story and characters are quite engaging, and there are surprises right up to the end. The audiobook narrator, Jasmine Blackborow, did an excellent job as well.

*This review is based on the audiobook provided by NetGalley and @Bolindaaudio in exchange for an honest review.

[Tilly Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating 4.5.

Historical crime fans, you are in for a TREAT with this one! Not only does it have one of the most beautiful covers, it’s also utterly brilliant 👏

This was so evocative of Victorian London (yes, I was there ok, don’t make a big deal about it) and I was completely wrapped up in Walsh’s writing and characters. Absolutely shipping Minnie and Albert from now onwards 🫶 It’s a pretty gruesome story with a fair bit of bloodshed and body parts, so maybe not for the faint hearted, but it’s SO worth it if you can stomach that. Albert is this giant softie, balanced perfectly by feisty Minnie, and together they make a brilliant crime-fighting duo - I just can’t wait for the next instalment now given that ending 😲 Definitely one to watch!

[k · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Victorian London’s West End, Minnie sets off to find the truth about what happened to her friend whose death was ruled a suicide. Minnie partners up with Albert, a handsome detective, to scour the city for answers. When more bodies are being found around the city, Minnie starts to realize that things may not be as they seem & starts to question that people close to her might be hiding things.

I really enjoyed this story. I actually surprised myself by liking it more than I thought I would. The characters are wonderful. Very well rounded. The mystery is suspenseful. The setting is glittering. AND THAT TWIST?! Well done. I can’t wait to read the next book!

The reason I’m giving this book 4 stars is because I couldn’t really get over how bad Albert is at being a detective. There were multiple times while reading that I just couldn’t believe some of the things he did. It definitely made me question him, and not in a good way. I was begging him to just use his brain.

Other than that, really, really enjoyable and I WOULD recommend this to my friends!

[Luke Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book, I felt really immersed in Victorian London and the author did a great job of bringing it to life. The mystery was a bit lacking however, I can’t put my finger on what it needed but it just didn’t grip me enough for feel satisfying learning new pieces of the puzzle. I found the characters really interesting I just wasn’t at all invested in the romance which is a shame. I’lo still likely read the second book in the series I just hope it delivers a little bit more than this one.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not expecting to love this as much as I did but omg this had me INVESTED! I could not have predicted the direction this murder mystery went in, but it was so impressive, each twist and turn genuinely making me gasp. But my favourite thing by far were Minnie and Albert’s characters, their relationship with each other (this slow burn AHHHHHH), and the whole cast of secondary characters. I will absolutely be continuing this series.

(The ending has me absolutely devastated/gobsmacked/traumatised, and I absolutely need to know what happens next)

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a Variety Palace mystery, and it caught my eye at my local library because the Victorian era is one of my favourites for historical mysteries.

I liked this book - I found myself escaping into Victorian London while I was reading. There were some likeable characters, and it was a lot of fun to read. There was an entertaining feel about it, most likely because the setting involves entertainment and the protagonist is an entertainer.

I would read something else by this author.

[Nicky Mottram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio version of this book. A great listen, the storyline kept you guessing , the main characters were great and would love to see their characters grow.
The narrator was brilliant and bought the characters to life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bolinda audio for the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Rebecca Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly descriptive but still fast paced and exciting. The twists and turns were unexpected throughout the whole book, with so many characters to love and hate and back again all at the same time! Loved it.

[Amy Polk · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.8* Such a great read - fun characters, Victorian-era setting; and a murder mystery with just enough gore factor to engage from start to finish. Wonderful writing, and a very artistic book cover. I am excited to anticipate the next adventures of Minnie & Albert, and the sinister encounter they may have, as suggested from the twist ending in this first of a series. Loved it from beginning to end!

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars really. Probably 5 but I have grumpy Covid and got too tired.
Gruesome murders, interesting historical flavour. Lots of yelling don’t go in there while reading. And hints.
Thanks for the gift Davina

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed traveling back in time in this page turner, murder mystery that bring the streets of London alive.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great beginning to a series. The characters were good, there were no blatant anachronisms, and the plot was interesting. And a great twist at the end. I'm excited to read the next book.

[PJ McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book I randomly selected at the library. It was fast paced and had many twists and turns.

[Davida Chazan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oops, I forgot to put the link to my review of this book up here. This was a very good start to what seems like an interesting series. http://tcl-bookreviews.com/2024/04/08...

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe a 4.5

[Paula Hess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Takes place in 1876 Victorian. Murder mystery with loads of murders and suspense. And that ending. Looking forward to a # 2 in the series.

[Emma Boylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Combines my love of historical and crime fiction perfectly.

[Timothy Grubbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Victorian murder mystery involving stage performers, private clubs, and assorted personal secrets…

The Tumbling Girl by Bridget Walsh is a debut mystery novel and the first in the “Variety Palace” series.

Minnie is a writer and producer for a music hall who finds out one of their top acts has gone missing. It’s unfortunate when she turns up dead…supposedly from a suicide.

Albert is an ex-copper turned private detective in his effort to help the “lower classes”, but he’s also a bit of a sap who doesn’t charge as much as she should. Still, he’s well known enough that he’s asked to look into the alleged suicide of a local acrobat by her mother (as well as Minnie her best friend).

The detective and the music hall girl find themselves drawn into an over complicated plot that crosses different strata of Victorian society.

I wasn’t a huge fan of how the mystery was handled or the final resolution…but I liked the characters and world (and the potential future mysteries the author introduces that I might get to see more about).

Worth checking out for the eye catching cover alone…

[Donna Lodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cannot wait for the next one....