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Charles Lenox Mysteries #12
The Hidden City: A Charles Lenox Mystery
Against the vividly drawn backdrop of Victorian London, amateur sleuth Charles Lenox must unlock a mystery concealed in the architecture of the city itself, in this new novel from acclaimed author Charles Finch.
It's 1879, and Lenox is convalescing from the violent events of his last investigation. But a desperate letter from an old servant forces him to pick up the trail of a cold the murder of an apothecary seven years before, whose only clue is an odd emblem carved into the doorway of the building where the man was killed. When Lenox finds a similar mark at the site of another murder, he begins to piece together a hidden pattern which leads him into the corridors of Parliament, the slums of East London, and ultimately the very heart of the British upper class.
At the same time, Lenox must contend with the complexities of his personal a surprising tension with his steadfast wife, Lady Jane, over her public support of the early movement for women's suffrage; the arrival of Angela Lenox, a mysterious young cousin from India, with an unexpected companion; the dizzying ascent of his brother, Sir Edmund Lenox, to one of the highest political posts in the land; the growing family of his young partners in detection, Polly and Dallington; and the return of the problems that have long bedeviled one of his closest friends, the dashing Scottish physician Thomas McConnell.
Featuring a beloved cast of characters, a top-notch puzzle, and Finch's trademark humor and richness of historical detail, The Hidden City is a novel by a master at the top of his form.
"Over time, [James] Langton has perfected the transitions between Lenox's aristocratic way of speaking and working-class British accents."— AudioFile on An Extravagant Death
"[James] Langton excels at upper-class accents, delivering all the insouciance and flair of the privileged.... He makes the thefts, kidnapping, and murder a delicious puzzle for the struggling young detective and for listeners, as well."— AudioFile on The Vanishing Man
A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books.
It's 1879, and Lenox is convalescing from the violent events of his last investigation. But a desperate letter from an old servant forces him to pick up the trail of a cold the murder of an apothecary seven years before, whose only clue is an odd emblem carved into the doorway of the building where the man was killed. When Lenox finds a similar mark at the site of another murder, he begins to piece together a hidden pattern which leads him into the corridors of Parliament, the slums of East London, and ultimately the very heart of the British upper class.
At the same time, Lenox must contend with the complexities of his personal a surprising tension with his steadfast wife, Lady Jane, over her public support of the early movement for women's suffrage; the arrival of Angela Lenox, a mysterious young cousin from India, with an unexpected companion; the dizzying ascent of his brother, Sir Edmund Lenox, to one of the highest political posts in the land; the growing family of his young partners in detection, Polly and Dallington; and the return of the problems that have long bedeviled one of his closest friends, the dashing Scottish physician Thomas McConnell.
Featuring a beloved cast of characters, a top-notch puzzle, and Finch's trademark humor and richness of historical detail, The Hidden City is a novel by a master at the top of his form.
"Over time, [James] Langton has perfected the transitions between Lenox's aristocratic way of speaking and working-class British accents."— AudioFile on An Extravagant Death
"[James] Langton excels at upper-class accents, delivering all the insouciance and flair of the privileged.... He makes the thefts, kidnapping, and murder a delicious puzzle for the struggling young detective and for listeners, as well."— AudioFile on The Vanishing Man
A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books.
Audible Audio
First published May 6, 2025
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About the author
Charles Finch
37 books2,471 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 255 reviews
March 9, 2025
ARC for review. To be published November 4, 2025.
3 stars
The year is 1879 and our hero Charles Lenox is in the midst of a long recovery from a brutal stabbing in Newport, Rhode Island, U.S.A (those heinous Americans! And, darn it, I missed that one. Since this is listed as the tenth in the Lenox series I think I may have read all the others, save that one.) A letter from an old servant reaches him during his recuperation (I pause to note that I believe this may be the only book so far in which Charles does not comment (internally) on his use of an old….toast holder(?) to organize his letters. Was this written by an impostor? But I digress.) and she puts him on the trail of an old murder case which, to be honest, is very, very dull. And that’s even with a super secret villain’s mark and a worthy scoundrel. Don’t you just love a worthy scoundrel?
What is good about the book? Everything else. The life among the rich, moneyed and royal-adjacent in 1879 London. Lady Jane has taken up the suffrage movement! Quelle horror! Lenox’s cousin (but think niece) and her companion show up from India, the cousin to be Lenox’s ward. The Lenoxes throw a big party which I could have read at least another chapter about (friends, I would have read a chapter about what everyone was wearing, the menu and what the floral arrangements looked like, so don’t mind me. Note to author: definitely include the menu next time. Everyone loves that.) There are things going on with friends, the detective agency…just life. And I loved all those parts. These things are why I will keep on reading these books. I just hope for a better crime next time!
Recommended for all the above reasons if you’ve read and enjoyed the series before, but if you haven’t, this isn’t the best entry and you would be well fixed to k ow the rest of the characters first. In fact, start with the first in the series and enjoy!
Edited to add: 12th. It’s the 12th in the series, meaning I have missed two and, more troublingly (is that a word? Should be.) I, apparently, cannot read. I would likely enjoy books more if I could.
3 stars
The year is 1879 and our hero Charles Lenox is in the midst of a long recovery from a brutal stabbing in Newport, Rhode Island, U.S.A (those heinous Americans! And, darn it, I missed that one. Since this is listed as the tenth in the Lenox series I think I may have read all the others, save that one.) A letter from an old servant reaches him during his recuperation (I pause to note that I believe this may be the only book so far in which Charles does not comment (internally) on his use of an old….toast holder(?) to organize his letters. Was this written by an impostor? But I digress.) and she puts him on the trail of an old murder case which, to be honest, is very, very dull. And that’s even with a super secret villain’s mark and a worthy scoundrel. Don’t you just love a worthy scoundrel?
What is good about the book? Everything else. The life among the rich, moneyed and royal-adjacent in 1879 London. Lady Jane has taken up the suffrage movement! Quelle horror! Lenox’s cousin (but think niece) and her companion show up from India, the cousin to be Lenox’s ward. The Lenoxes throw a big party which I could have read at least another chapter about (friends, I would have read a chapter about what everyone was wearing, the menu and what the floral arrangements looked like, so don’t mind me. Note to author: definitely include the menu next time. Everyone loves that.) There are things going on with friends, the detective agency…just life. And I loved all those parts. These things are why I will keep on reading these books. I just hope for a better crime next time!
Recommended for all the above reasons if you’ve read and enjoyed the series before, but if you haven’t, this isn’t the best entry and you would be well fixed to k ow the rest of the characters first. In fact, start with the first in the series and enjoy!
Edited to add: 12th. It’s the 12th in the series, meaning I have missed two and, more troublingly (is that a word? Should be.) I, apparently, cannot read. I would likely enjoy books more if I could.
January 3, 2025
The Hidden City is a gripping Victorian mystery with a murder to solve and a sharp sleuth on the case. Incorporating the women’s suffrage and a wife who is determined to fight for women’s rights brought such a powerful element to this book that I truly enjoyed. Finch transports readers to Victorian London with his evocative description while his clever pen brings unexpected twists and turns with a mystery that will have you turning the pages late into the night.
December 2, 2025
4⭐️ This is the 12th in the series about Detective Charles Lenox set in Victorian England. My first in this series. I did really enjoy it and feel if I’d read the previous works it might have earned 5 ⭐️ from me.
I was immersed in all the sights and customs of London of the times. The MC Charles is just back from the US where he was seriously injured by a suspect and still recovering. I liked his wife Jane, heavily involved in the women’s suffragist movement, his Parliament member brother Edmund, and his wards, cousin Angela and her friend Sari.
Much of the story is spent with Lenox trying to solve a cold case murder. The investigation takes us to some of the seedier spots of London at the time, the inns and wharfs and shops. I felt like I was right there with the fog and mist and snow.
Well written and fascinating, I will be looking to read more in the series!
Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur books Publishers for the eARC in exchange for my honest review
I was immersed in all the sights and customs of London of the times. The MC Charles is just back from the US where he was seriously injured by a suspect and still recovering. I liked his wife Jane, heavily involved in the women’s suffragist movement, his Parliament member brother Edmund, and his wards, cousin Angela and her friend Sari.
Much of the story is spent with Lenox trying to solve a cold case murder. The investigation takes us to some of the seedier spots of London at the time, the inns and wharfs and shops. I felt like I was right there with the fog and mist and snow.
Well written and fascinating, I will be looking to read more in the series!
Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur books Publishers for the eARC in exchange for my honest review
September 27, 2025
I love this series and will reread it soon! Lenox and his lovely wife, Lady Jane are quite memorable. The adventures and investigations are quite descriptive. I always learn quite a bit of history from these books. The mystery had a unique plot. Highly recommend!
I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you, NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you, NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
November 6, 2025
I received a copy for review purposes. All opinions are honest and mine alone.
Charles is back from America but definitely not yet himself. He’s still quite painful from being stabbed and his mental and emotional status is also in need of rehabilitation. He’s begun working with a Swedish gym expert called “Sven”; all conjured images apply! Sven is loved and hated equally by Lennox, as he drives Charles to eat better, rest, exercise properly and then rewards him with a glorious massage.
THE HIDDEN CITY is a meandering story; much slower than the usual fare offered by author, Charles Finch, in this enjoyable, Historical Mystery series. Altho’ this is volume 15 in the series, it stands alone rather well. The Lenox household grows by two with the introduction of Charles’ cousin, Angela, and her lifelong companion, Sari. These young ladies have a storyline of their own that I would have liked much more of. Infusing the family with young blood and ideas was a good path for the series.
Another new idea brought to life is Lady Jane and her not so quiet foray into politics. She and her closest friends are supporting the Suffrage movement and raising quite a stir in the Lenox family’s social circle. It’s excellent fun to see Lady Jane in a lead role for a few chapters. This is another storyline I wanted much more from.
Unfortunately, that leaves the actual mystery that Charles is trying to solve. Well, there are actually a few of them tangled together all circling around a neighborhood and a poorly attended cold case. Mrs. Huggins, Charles’ old house keeper, needs his help which brings Lenox into the dark underground of Victorian England. Finding the proper answer will give readers a very interesting look into early naturopathic medicine via apothecaries. The FDA isn’t perfect but it is necessary! While it was good to visit with Mrs. Huggins and get to see some of the younger detectives in Lenox’s office work at solving crimes, the pacing was painfully slow at times and I found myself skimming for important details or looking for the storylines that were more interesting.
Well written, if a bit draggy at times, THE HIDDEN CITY is a good read for fans of Historical Mysteries, Cozy Mysteries or Victorian Fiction📚
Read and Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC, with thanks
Charles is back from America but definitely not yet himself. He’s still quite painful from being stabbed and his mental and emotional status is also in need of rehabilitation. He’s begun working with a Swedish gym expert called “Sven”; all conjured images apply! Sven is loved and hated equally by Lennox, as he drives Charles to eat better, rest, exercise properly and then rewards him with a glorious massage.
THE HIDDEN CITY is a meandering story; much slower than the usual fare offered by author, Charles Finch, in this enjoyable, Historical Mystery series. Altho’ this is volume 15 in the series, it stands alone rather well. The Lenox household grows by two with the introduction of Charles’ cousin, Angela, and her lifelong companion, Sari. These young ladies have a storyline of their own that I would have liked much more of. Infusing the family with young blood and ideas was a good path for the series.
Another new idea brought to life is Lady Jane and her not so quiet foray into politics. She and her closest friends are supporting the Suffrage movement and raising quite a stir in the Lenox family’s social circle. It’s excellent fun to see Lady Jane in a lead role for a few chapters. This is another storyline I wanted much more from.
Unfortunately, that leaves the actual mystery that Charles is trying to solve. Well, there are actually a few of them tangled together all circling around a neighborhood and a poorly attended cold case. Mrs. Huggins, Charles’ old house keeper, needs his help which brings Lenox into the dark underground of Victorian England. Finding the proper answer will give readers a very interesting look into early naturopathic medicine via apothecaries. The FDA isn’t perfect but it is necessary! While it was good to visit with Mrs. Huggins and get to see some of the younger detectives in Lenox’s office work at solving crimes, the pacing was painfully slow at times and I found myself skimming for important details or looking for the storylines that were more interesting.
Well written, if a bit draggy at times, THE HIDDEN CITY is a good read for fans of Historical Mysteries, Cozy Mysteries or Victorian Fiction📚
Read and Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC, with thanks
March 22, 2025
Charles Lenox, an amateur sleuth in Victorian London, tries to unravel a mystery in 1879 hidden in the city's architecture. It's my first in the 12-book series but I had no problem reading it solo, caught up by the gripping narrative, the well-researched historical details, and the author's fine wit. I dare you to put this compelling novel down before you finish it. And like me, you'll want to start with Book 1 and read the whole series through. Highly recommended!
November 10, 2025
Murder, intrigue and heart!
Private Investigator Charles Lenox’s business is successful. Charles has had a message from his former Housekeeper, Elizabeth Huggins, from his early days of detecting. She’s back in London living in a house where a murder took place. Strange disturbances are occurring. Charles responds quickly and finds himself following a thread that runs throughout London to places where other deaths have happened and he and his partner Graham find small, imperceptible carvings marked on these buildings.
On the home front, out of the blue, he receives a message that his brother Jasper has died in India and his daughter is coming to London. Imagine his surprise when not one, but two young ladies turn up.
Lord Edmund, Charles’ widowed older brother, has thrown himself into politics and has taken up his seat in parliament. He’s seen as the shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Lady Jane, Charles’ wife has turned her interests to the suffragette movement and votes for women. How he’s going to handle this is fascinating.
Charles is slowly recovering from a near fatal injury. Walking throughout London at all times helps. Charles is slowly mapping London, and the beauty of the mornings gives him heart.
New characters add to the mystery of the tale, such as Montague, a young detective who's recently joined the firm.
As always Finch’s graceful writing gives pleasure, and deepening interest.
A St. Martin’s Press ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Private Investigator Charles Lenox’s business is successful. Charles has had a message from his former Housekeeper, Elizabeth Huggins, from his early days of detecting. She’s back in London living in a house where a murder took place. Strange disturbances are occurring. Charles responds quickly and finds himself following a thread that runs throughout London to places where other deaths have happened and he and his partner Graham find small, imperceptible carvings marked on these buildings.
On the home front, out of the blue, he receives a message that his brother Jasper has died in India and his daughter is coming to London. Imagine his surprise when not one, but two young ladies turn up.
Lord Edmund, Charles’ widowed older brother, has thrown himself into politics and has taken up his seat in parliament. He’s seen as the shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Lady Jane, Charles’ wife has turned her interests to the suffragette movement and votes for women. How he’s going to handle this is fascinating.
Charles is slowly recovering from a near fatal injury. Walking throughout London at all times helps. Charles is slowly mapping London, and the beauty of the mornings gives him heart.
New characters add to the mystery of the tale, such as Montague, a young detective who's recently joined the firm.
As always Finch’s graceful writing gives pleasure, and deepening interest.
A St. Martin’s Press ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
July 31, 2025
Lenox, a member of the upper crust, is a detective in 1879 London. He receives a letter requesting his help from a former servant who fears that she might be in danger. He's also contending with some new challenges: an orphaned cousin's daughter and her friend have just arrived from India and his wife, Lady Jane, is joining protesters lobbying for votes for women. The characters are believable and likable, the mystery is intriguing, and and the ambiance of Victorian London is irresistible. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.
November 7, 2025
3 stars
This series will always have a special spot in my heart. I feel like Charles Lenox is approaching his retirement days but until then I will enjoy his adventures.
This instatement was a bit nostalgic and for the most part Charles was sick. The mystery at hand had an unusual and unsatisfactory end. Also I could do without the social issues displayed in this book. I'm reading a mystery. If I wanted to read about that, i'd pick up a book that is marketed as such.
This series will always have a special spot in my heart. I feel like Charles Lenox is approaching his retirement days but until then I will enjoy his adventures.
This instatement was a bit nostalgic and for the most part Charles was sick. The mystery at hand had an unusual and unsatisfactory end. Also I could do without the social issues displayed in this book. I'm reading a mystery. If I wanted to read about that, i'd pick up a book that is marketed as such.
July 4, 2025
I found this to be a smashing good book! There are several mysteries, new family members, and a glimpse into women's suffrage. I have not read any of the previous books but I never felt lost or like I was missing something.
The characters are well written and for the most part likeable. Lenox is my favorite! He's genuine, compassionate, and trustworthy. He never gives up on a case or a person. Montague amazed me! He's young, but smart and eager to learn.
I enjoyed reading about the Swedish gymnasium and Sven the instructor! I'd like to hire him!!
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Minotaur Books via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The characters are well written and for the most part likeable. Lenox is my favorite! He's genuine, compassionate, and trustworthy. He never gives up on a case or a person. Montague amazed me! He's young, but smart and eager to learn.
I enjoyed reading about the Swedish gymnasium and Sven the instructor! I'd like to hire him!!
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Minotaur Books via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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November 4, 2025I enjoyed listening to the Finch mysteries while doing my daily steps over spring and summer, in spite of the occasional howlers (like having a housemaid wearing a bonnet indoors). But as time goes by, Finch seems to have settled into his chosen era, evoking not just the knottiness of Parliamentary procedure, but Victorian city life at the granular level.
In this continuation, Lenox begins to recover from the stabbing he suffered while in America. He’s learning more about medical knowledge as well as the mystery, which begins with a letter from his former housekeeper.
The pacing is more leisurely in this fourteenth addition to the series. But that's not to say there is any lack in content. The story is quite complex, aside from the mystery (which is somewhat bizarre); there's Lenox's recovery, and his exploration of the city's foundations, while he is also slowly recovering. Meanwhile the politics of the time are not neglected, specifically the suffragette movement.
We end on an excellent note, ready for Lenox and Graham to embark on their next adventure. I do think that new readers would make a grievous mistake beginning here. This is number fourteen, very much in media res; it would be better to begin at the beginning. The books make good walking companions!
In this continuation, Lenox begins to recover from the stabbing he suffered while in America. He’s learning more about medical knowledge as well as the mystery, which begins with a letter from his former housekeeper.
The pacing is more leisurely in this fourteenth addition to the series. But that's not to say there is any lack in content. The story is quite complex, aside from the mystery (which is somewhat bizarre); there's Lenox's recovery, and his exploration of the city's foundations, while he is also slowly recovering. Meanwhile the politics of the time are not neglected, specifically the suffragette movement.
We end on an excellent note, ready for Lenox and Graham to embark on their next adventure. I do think that new readers would make a grievous mistake beginning here. This is number fourteen, very much in media res; it would be better to begin at the beginning. The books make good walking companions!
October 30, 2025
It has been a while since I visited this series. I read quite a few from the beginning of this series, but I believe I missed the last couple. This book finds Charles recovering from serious injuries acquired on a case in the United States and getting ready to pick up the daughter of his deceaed cousin coming by ship from India. This volume seemed disconnected to me. In the beginning, we have Charles receiving a letter from his retired housekeeper looking for some assistance. After bringing his young cousin Angela and her companion Sari to his home, he attended to Mrs Huggins and is able to solve her problems fairly easily with the help of one of his junior agents. He is left with one question, a marked carved into the door of his housekeeper abode. Before he can look into this more, he gets ill, and the middle of the book is just Charles being sick for an extended period. This was strange and sort of left the reader hanging. We did get some time hearing about Angela and Sari's transition, some politics surrounding Edmund and Jane's suffrage support, but it was still odd. In the second part of the book, Charles pursuit of the symbols means leading to a strange story but not any real resolution. This book seemed to me like a strange transition. I enjoyed the characters and some history, but this was a broken up story that leaves a lot unresolved at the end. Much to answer in the next read. Thanks to #Netgally, #MinotaurBooks, and the author for an opportunity to read. #TheHiddenCity #ACharlesLennoxMystery #bookreview #bookidea #retiredreader
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November 19, 2025Victorian London is softly lit by the return of Charles Lenox to his nearest and dearest and holds familiar darker shadows of mystery for his detecting prowess. Charles Finch returns to the world of Charles Lenox with a new series installment.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer TBA.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer TBA.
October 29, 2025
The 12th book in the historical mystery series featuring Charles Lenox, the aristocratic detective, sees Charles now back in London, recovering from a knife wound received during a case he was investigating in the United States. The story takes place in November of 1879, heading into the Christmas season, and Charles is awaiting the arrival of his cousin, Angela, by ship from India. Her father has recently died of cholera and Charles is named the executor of his estate. He is surprised to learn she has brought along her good friend and companion, Sari, but he and Lady Jane welcome both young women with open arms.
While catching up on his correspondence, Charles is surprised to see a letter from Elizabeth Huggins, who was head of his bachelor household during his 20s. She is asking for help about an unsolved murder that happened in the rooms where she is now residing.
I enjoyed these characters and reading about the social mores of Victorian England. The mystery was very intriguing with some moral judgments to be made as the conclusion is reached. This was my first taste of the series and I found this book works fine as a standalone as enough background is given. I'll definitely come back for more.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this novel via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
While catching up on his correspondence, Charles is surprised to see a letter from Elizabeth Huggins, who was head of his bachelor household during his 20s. She is asking for help about an unsolved murder that happened in the rooms where she is now residing.
I enjoyed these characters and reading about the social mores of Victorian England. The mystery was very intriguing with some moral judgments to be made as the conclusion is reached. This was my first taste of the series and I found this book works fine as a standalone as enough background is given. I'll definitely come back for more.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this novel via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
March 3, 2025
Thank you Net Galley for giving me this advance reader copy. I got about half way through this book, feeling thoroughly lost, when I figured out that it was the twelfth in a series. Had I known, I would not have requested it until I had caught up. The writing style was enjoyable and the characters reminded me of something out of the Professor Layton games. Victorian, cozy and quaint, with a small unassuming murder to solve, I can see myself getting swept up in this series… from the beginning. Starting in the middle when past cases are constantly being referenced? Do not recommend.
November 30, 2025
Thank you Macmillan Audio for allowing me to audibly read and review The Hidden City, A Charles Lenox Mystery, by Charles Finch on NetGalley.
Narrated by James Langton.
Published: 11/04/25
Stars: 4
This is number twelve in this long-running series of which I have read only a couple. I found the writing to be polished and the narration equally as good. The historical facts surrounding the mystery are woven well, making Finch a good storyteller. I enjoyed the relationship between Lenox and his wife. Albeit, here lies my problem with the series, or actually the time period, the treatment of women (helpless) in a class society which Lenox embodies. I am thankful I wasn't born then.
I would watch happily this series on Masterpiece Theatre. I, however, am not a reading fan of the Victorian period.
Would recommend and suggest reading in order to digest the full regular character relationships.
#NetGalleyNovember
Narrated by James Langton.
Published: 11/04/25
Stars: 4
This is number twelve in this long-running series of which I have read only a couple. I found the writing to be polished and the narration equally as good. The historical facts surrounding the mystery are woven well, making Finch a good storyteller. I enjoyed the relationship between Lenox and his wife. Albeit, here lies my problem with the series, or actually the time period, the treatment of women (helpless) in a class society which Lenox embodies. I am thankful I wasn't born then.
I would watch happily this series on Masterpiece Theatre. I, however, am not a reading fan of the Victorian period.
Would recommend and suggest reading in order to digest the full regular character relationships.
#NetGalleyNovember
November 9, 2025
I waited for this book for two years, and finished it in two afternoons. The wait was worth it.. It sounds like there might be another book in the series. I hope so!
May 9, 2025
I received an ARC of the book. This is my honest and unpaid review.
This was my first book in the series. The publisher had indicated that this would be a great book to start with and no prior reading of the series was needed. That was somewhat true. There were a lot of references to previous books. At times I felt a bit lost.
The book’s title and description made me think it was going to be more of historical fiction suspenseful novel. I was excited. I finished the book because I wanted to see what happened. I was disappointed. For me, the actual mystery didn’t get exciting until about 80% of the way through the book. There was a parallel story about Lennox’s two cousins and his wife, Lady Jane, political activities. Those two story lines are what kept me interested.
I am thankful to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. I will be passing on other books by this author in the future.
This was my first book in the series. The publisher had indicated that this would be a great book to start with and no prior reading of the series was needed. That was somewhat true. There were a lot of references to previous books. At times I felt a bit lost.
The book’s title and description made me think it was going to be more of historical fiction suspenseful novel. I was excited. I finished the book because I wanted to see what happened. I was disappointed. For me, the actual mystery didn’t get exciting until about 80% of the way through the book. There was a parallel story about Lennox’s two cousins and his wife, Lady Jane, political activities. Those two story lines are what kept me interested.
I am thankful to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. I will be passing on other books by this author in the future.
May 1, 2025
#12 in one my of favorite series. Although, the story was not quite as good as some of the previous books, it felt like visiting with old friends.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
November 16, 2025
I’ve always enjoyed this series, but as Lennox ages, I find myself sympathizing and understanding him more and more. Especially the descriptions of injury/health issues. I was cheering for him when he snuck out of the house during his two week convalescence and it felt like I was taking those restorative walks with him. I’ve experienced that dark, hard path back toward health and feeling like one’s vitality of life has been restored.
December 17, 2025
I’ve read and enjoyed every single book in the Charles Lenox series, but found this one to be disappointing. Finch’s writing is excellent as always, but the plot seems very loose and incomplete. Unless I missed it, the killer is introduced out of nowhere with no backstory. I found myself flipping back through previous chapters to see if I missed something.
I’ll still read any future novels in the Charles Lenox series, but this latest one was not equal to the others already written.
I’ll still read any future novels in the Charles Lenox series, but this latest one was not equal to the others already written.
November 12, 2025
I love Charles Lenox and his friends and family. This was the first time I listened to an audiobook of a book in the series and although it was well narrated, I found it difficult to keep track of the characters involved in the crime. And then I couldn’t flip back a few pages to figure out who they were talking about. Who the heck was Murdoch?
Some things didn’t make sense to me. After Angela was so adamant that she didn’t want to get married why did she turn around and take an interest in Cadbury (is that his name?)
I love the way Finch weaves historical facts into his books. I was amused by Lenox and Angela talking about the meaning of ‘checkmate’. And I was glad when he finally came around to support Lady Jane in the cause of women’s suffrage. I was amused that he made that decision after the Prince of Wales said that his mum was opposed to it.
All in all I was glad to have Lenox back although this wasn’t his best book.
Some things didn’t make sense to me. After Angela was so adamant that she didn’t want to get married why did she turn around and take an interest in Cadbury (is that his name?)
I love the way Finch weaves historical facts into his books. I was amused by Lenox and Angela talking about the meaning of ‘checkmate’. And I was glad when he finally came around to support Lady Jane in the cause of women’s suffrage. I was amused that he made that decision after the Prince of Wales said that his mum was opposed to it.
All in all I was glad to have Lenox back although this wasn’t his best book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2025
So I liked this one better than the prior book in the series as Lenox is back home in London, but I didn’t love it. I did enjoy some aspects, however. I was happy that Graham had a larger role in this one as he has been mostly absent in the past several books. And I liked that Lady Jane had more of a role than that of wife and mother as she joins the suffrage protests. But the mystery itself was a miss for me. The initial case had an obvious culprit from the beginning and was wrapped up by the 1/2 - 2/3 mark. The secondary mystery was a real disappointment that ended with a Poirot-like denouement that made shudder.
The book begins with Lenox picking up his deceased cousin, Jasper’s, daughter. Angela is accompanied by her friend Sari, with whom she was raised and the two are as close as sisters. I don’t know what these new characters brought to the book. The mystery was not tied to them in anyway and I found Angela to be annoying. At first she promises that she has no desire to marry and will never change her mind and a few days later she is considering accepting a marriage proposal. The mystery in this one is tied back to Lenox’s old housemaid, Mrs. Huggins, who is afraid that a man is trying to break into her house at night. The ground floor used to be a chemist shop and he used the roof to grow herbs which is where Lenox finds a box of opium and cash hidden. The chemist was murdered 7 years ago so one of his old accomplices must be trying to get the box. The rumor mill says that Jacob Phipps was the one who killed the chemist after the remedy that he gave Phipps’s wife killed her. He was never arrested and left for Australia soon after. The rumor mill turned out to be partially right. It was a Phipps trying to break in but not Jacob. It was his younger brother, Zeke. Lenox catches him, hears his story and then lets him escape. Boring. Nothing happens for a while because Lenox catches the flu and is on bed rest for weeks but he can’t stop thinking about the chemist and the strange symbol that was carved into the door frame. When he is better, he and Graham go about looking for more symbols and find several. McConnell, who is drinking again, helps Lenox figure out that they are the initials, FK, of a baron who is also a scientist. When Lenox catches up with FK, we get a long, drawn out story told over multiple chapters about how FK lived on the streets after his father died and his uncle turned him out. He made friends with a gang of kids and they managed to survive but FK vowed revenge on the people who treated them poorly and carved his initials into those doorframes. Many of those people, including the chemist, were murdered by FK. Lenox lets him go as he has no real evidence against him but strongly urges him to reform his ways. Yawn. The book ends with Lenox planning to go to America with Graham on a parliamentary trip while Lady Jane takes the girls to the county for several months. I do hope that there are more books in the series but I wish that they had better cases to investigate.
The book begins with Lenox picking up his deceased cousin, Jasper’s, daughter. Angela is accompanied by her friend Sari, with whom she was raised and the two are as close as sisters. I don’t know what these new characters brought to the book. The mystery was not tied to them in anyway and I found Angela to be annoying. At first she promises that she has no desire to marry and will never change her mind and a few days later she is considering accepting a marriage proposal. The mystery in this one is tied back to Lenox’s old housemaid, Mrs. Huggins, who is afraid that a man is trying to break into her house at night. The ground floor used to be a chemist shop and he used the roof to grow herbs which is where Lenox finds a box of opium and cash hidden. The chemist was murdered 7 years ago so one of his old accomplices must be trying to get the box. The rumor mill says that Jacob Phipps was the one who killed the chemist after the remedy that he gave Phipps’s wife killed her. He was never arrested and left for Australia soon after. The rumor mill turned out to be partially right. It was a Phipps trying to break in but not Jacob. It was his younger brother, Zeke. Lenox catches him, hears his story and then lets him escape. Boring. Nothing happens for a while because Lenox catches the flu and is on bed rest for weeks but he can’t stop thinking about the chemist and the strange symbol that was carved into the door frame. When he is better, he and Graham go about looking for more symbols and find several. McConnell, who is drinking again, helps Lenox figure out that they are the initials, FK, of a baron who is also a scientist. When Lenox catches up with FK, we get a long, drawn out story told over multiple chapters about how FK lived on the streets after his father died and his uncle turned him out. He made friends with a gang of kids and they managed to survive but FK vowed revenge on the people who treated them poorly and carved his initials into those doorframes. Many of those people, including the chemist, were murdered by FK. Lenox lets him go as he has no real evidence against him but strongly urges him to reform his ways. Yawn. The book ends with Lenox planning to go to America with Graham on a parliamentary trip while Lady Jane takes the girls to the county for several months. I do hope that there are more books in the series but I wish that they had better cases to investigate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2025
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
My first [and perhaps not last], Charles Lenox mystery. Aristocratic sleuth Charles Lenox returns to London in 1879 after his travels to America and sets out to solve a mystery "...hidden in the architecture of the city itself."
An easy read. Charles was injured [stabbed!] in America and requires rehabilitation--I enjoyed the interactions with his Swedish "trainer," Sven]. At the outset of the book, Charles' beloved cousin, Jasper, has passed away. Charles goes to the London docks to retrieve Jasper's daughter, Angela, and her friend, Sari, who were "shipped" to London from India to become his wards. Angela and Sari have an interesting story; they are like siblings but from different classes/backgrounds/parentage. I would liked to have seen more of their story.
I enjoyed reading about the social norms of the time, the nascent suffragist movement [Charles' wife was an avid supporter] and watching the pieces of the puzzle come together.
Two things I learned:
Thinking about Christmas didn't start until after mid-December!
In the 1880s, men didn't have [much] facial hair--beards started after officers and soldiers returned fron the "icy cold war n Crimea with dashing beards grown for warmth"!
The story kept me going. Many characters were woven into the narrative though not hard to keep track of them as they all were well defined.
My first [and perhaps not last], Charles Lenox mystery. Aristocratic sleuth Charles Lenox returns to London in 1879 after his travels to America and sets out to solve a mystery "...hidden in the architecture of the city itself."
An easy read. Charles was injured [stabbed!] in America and requires rehabilitation--I enjoyed the interactions with his Swedish "trainer," Sven]. At the outset of the book, Charles' beloved cousin, Jasper, has passed away. Charles goes to the London docks to retrieve Jasper's daughter, Angela, and her friend, Sari, who were "shipped" to London from India to become his wards. Angela and Sari have an interesting story; they are like siblings but from different classes/backgrounds/parentage. I would liked to have seen more of their story.
I enjoyed reading about the social norms of the time, the nascent suffragist movement [Charles' wife was an avid supporter] and watching the pieces of the puzzle come together.
Two things I learned:
Thinking about Christmas didn't start until after mid-December!
In the 1880s, men didn't have [much] facial hair--beards started after officers and soldiers returned fron the "icy cold war n Crimea with dashing beards grown for warmth"!
The story kept me going. Many characters were woven into the narrative though not hard to keep track of them as they all were well defined.
September 24, 2025
Though I have been wanting to read this series, and actually have a few on my TBR shelf, this is my first Charles Lennox book. I do own the 2nd and 9th. One of my delights is visiting library book sales and finding books in a series. Fortunately, there is enough background to follow along. This was an excellent mystery, and the Hidden city was a London that Lennox, an aristocrat, had never really paid attention to. Apparently the series begins with him becoming a detective, and he now owns a detective agency.
The book begins with his waiting at the docks for his cousin's daughter who was coming home from India.
She brings her Indian childhood companion with her. I hope we will see more of them in the next book. I also am eager to find out how his wife, Lady Jane fares as a suffragette.
The mystery itself begins when Lennox receives a letter from his old housekeeper who has come back to London from the country. She is well into her 80's and lives in a building that someone keeps trying to break into. Lennox, along with some of his other detectives, solves the crimes.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook. It was very well narrated and I quite enjoyed it. This is my honest review.
I just discovered my go to library app, Hoopla, has the audiobook of the first book. Yay, I shall listen soon.
The book begins with his waiting at the docks for his cousin's daughter who was coming home from India.
She brings her Indian childhood companion with her. I hope we will see more of them in the next book. I also am eager to find out how his wife, Lady Jane fares as a suffragette.
The mystery itself begins when Lennox receives a letter from his old housekeeper who has come back to London from the country. She is well into her 80's and lives in a building that someone keeps trying to break into. Lennox, along with some of his other detectives, solves the crimes.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook. It was very well narrated and I quite enjoyed it. This is my honest review.
I just discovered my go to library app, Hoopla, has the audiobook of the first book. Yay, I shall listen soon.
November 30, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Charles Finch, James Langton - Narrator, St.Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for providing the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2025
This fifteenth book in the Charles Lenox series takes place in 1879. Charles is recovering from being stabbed during his previous case and the recovery isn't going as well as he had hoped. He's in constant pain which has had a bad effect on his mood. He's been ignoring his responsibilities at his detective agency.
However, a letter from the woman who was his housekeeper when he first set up his detective agency gets him involved in a mystery again. Someone seems to be scaring her and trying to break into her flat. Charles learns that the previous resident was a man who was murdered in the same building where his former housekeeper lives. The pharmacist was universally disliked in the neighborhood but the potential suspects in his murder all have iron clad alibis.
Charles is also involved in meeting and caring for the daughter of his cousin who passed away in India. He's surprised when he goes to meet her ship to find that she has brought along her Indian best friend. She had switched her First Class ticket for Third Class so that they could both come. Her arrival brings back good memories of times with her father and some regrets that he hadn't seen him for many years.
Charles is also having some conflicts with his wife who has begun protesting and marching for Women's Suffrage. Charles is worried for her since protestors are not well treated.
I enjoyed this story which is the first in the series that I have read. I liked the setting which I felt was well-described. I thought Charles was an interesting character. I liked his empathy and his curiosity.
However, a letter from the woman who was his housekeeper when he first set up his detective agency gets him involved in a mystery again. Someone seems to be scaring her and trying to break into her flat. Charles learns that the previous resident was a man who was murdered in the same building where his former housekeeper lives. The pharmacist was universally disliked in the neighborhood but the potential suspects in his murder all have iron clad alibis.
Charles is also involved in meeting and caring for the daughter of his cousin who passed away in India. He's surprised when he goes to meet her ship to find that she has brought along her Indian best friend. She had switched her First Class ticket for Third Class so that they could both come. Her arrival brings back good memories of times with her father and some regrets that he hadn't seen him for many years.
Charles is also having some conflicts with his wife who has begun protesting and marching for Women's Suffrage. Charles is worried for her since protestors are not well treated.
I enjoyed this story which is the first in the series that I have read. I liked the setting which I felt was well-described. I thought Charles was an interesting character. I liked his empathy and his curiosity.
October 27, 2025
4 Stars! Thank you to Minotaur Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for a review. All opinions in this review are my own.
I so very much enjoy the Detective Lenox series! When I picked this book, I didn't realize it was the twelfth book in a series, so I took it upon myself to go back and read some of the prior books before this one. While not necessarily needed, it did help me to better under the relationships & characters in this new book. The Hidden City has been my favorite so far!
The Detective Lenox series reminds me of Agatha Christie mysteries, however, just written more politely. I really loved the introduction of the Women's Suffragette movement in this book. These stories do a good job of weaving in relevant historical events while Detective Lenox tries to figure out his current case. I also really love Charles Finch's writing style; these books take me right into Victorian London!
My singular critique of this series is that society in London plays a large part, and it distracts from the main story happening. Overall, though, these are great mysteries to read, and I can't wait for the next installment in this series!
I so very much enjoy the Detective Lenox series! When I picked this book, I didn't realize it was the twelfth book in a series, so I took it upon myself to go back and read some of the prior books before this one. While not necessarily needed, it did help me to better under the relationships & characters in this new book. The Hidden City has been my favorite so far!
The Detective Lenox series reminds me of Agatha Christie mysteries, however, just written more politely. I really loved the introduction of the Women's Suffragette movement in this book. These stories do a good job of weaving in relevant historical events while Detective Lenox tries to figure out his current case. I also really love Charles Finch's writing style; these books take me right into Victorian London!
My singular critique of this series is that society in London plays a large part, and it distracts from the main story happening. Overall, though, these are great mysteries to read, and I can't wait for the next installment in this series!
December 20, 2025
I do love this series and Charles Lenox has long been a favorite character who has grown over the years from bachelor, new detective, married to longtime friend, started a family, become a politician, left and reinvigorated his detective agency with new partners and was badly injured when solving a case in the United States. Now, back in England, recovering and slowly starting to work on a part-time basis on problems that need his help. He receives a letter from his families long retired housekeeper asking for his help with a possible problem. This one request leads Charles on a complex involvement with intrigues and murders. At the same time he is still recovering from his injuries and receives a letter regarding the death of his cousin who had been living, estranged, in India with a young daughter. Charles is her guardian and she and her Indian companion arrive after a harrowing trip to join the household.., lots of intrigue and one involvement leads to another. Wonderful storyline, great writing and an intimate look into Charles character and the lives around him. I do think it's better if you are familiar with the characters in the series and how they've changed over the years.
October 15, 2025
Charles Lennox comes home from America. He now has his own detective agency. He has received a letter from India telling him his brother Lt. Jasper Lennox has died, and his daughter Miss Angela will be returning to England. Charles goes to the boat dock and at first can't find her. Then he finds Angela and her compani0n Sari, an Indian girl.
Charles receives a letter from his former housekeeper that she thinks the residents who lived in her rooms was murdered. She believes she might be in danger, but the police aren't interested. Of course he will help her. She tells him that about twice a week or so and man has been sleeping in the entry way downstairs. Meanwhile, the two girls from India have entertained Charles and Jane's two young daughters. Meanwhile, Charles' wife Jane is becoming active in women getting the vote, and she is is some danger. With his newly enlarged family and his cases, Charles is busy.
This is an excellent addition to the series. I thank Netgalley and St. Martins press for the ARC which allowed me to read the book before publication.
Charles receives a letter from his former housekeeper that she thinks the residents who lived in her rooms was murdered. She believes she might be in danger, but the police aren't interested. Of course he will help her. She tells him that about twice a week or so and man has been sleeping in the entry way downstairs. Meanwhile, the two girls from India have entertained Charles and Jane's two young daughters. Meanwhile, Charles' wife Jane is becoming active in women getting the vote, and she is is some danger. With his newly enlarged family and his cases, Charles is busy.
This is an excellent addition to the series. I thank Netgalley and St. Martins press for the ARC which allowed me to read the book before publication.
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