What do you think?
Rate this book
Mr Bazalgette's Agent
When Miriam Lea falls on hard times, an advertisement calling for private agents catches her eye, and within weeks she finds herself in Mr Bazalgette's employ as a private detective, travelling on a train to Hamburg in pursuit of an audacious fraudster. What follows is a journey through some of the great cities of Europe - and eventually to South Africa - as Miss Lea attempts to find her man.
Miriam Lea is only the third ever British professional female detective to appear in a work of crime fiction. Originally published in 1888, Mr Bazalgette's Agent presents a determined and resourceful heroine in the figure of Miss Lea, who grapples with some very modern dilemmas of female virtue and vice.
Miriam Lea is only the third ever British professional female detective to appear in a work of crime fiction. Originally published in 1888, Mr Bazalgette's Agent presents a determined and resourceful heroine in the figure of Miss Lea, who grapples with some very modern dilemmas of female virtue and vice.
Audible Audio
First published January 1, 1888
About the author
Leonard Merrick
200 books2 followersLeonard Merrick was an English novelist. Although largely forgotten today, he was widely admired by his peers, J. M. Barrie called Merrick the "novelist's novelist."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Read
September 21, 2015I HATE star ratings (which is why so many of my ratings are blank) but I'll give it a 3.5 in case anyone actually cares.
Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, and god knows my choice in reading material is anything but conventional, but this book, as one reader states here, is anything but "rather boring and predictable." Au contraire -- it ends with an ironic twist that made me laugh out loud. I won't say what it is or how the book ends, but as I'm squirming in my seat wanting to yell at our heroine for being so daft, things changed in the blink of an eye. It's also a book that brings up some of the issues challenging women of the Victorian era, and beyond that, well, it's just plain fun. This is not a book one would take on as a piece of intense, serious literature, but rather a book to unwind with and just enjoy for what it is.
You can, if you so choose, read about plot etc. at the crime page of my online reading journal; I just want to make a couple of observations about the novel here. First, in the introduction to this novel, Mike Ashley notes that Mr. Bazalgette's Agent is quite likely the "first ever British novel to feature a professional female detective." Prior to this one, as he states, there were "quite a few" short stories to do so, but in general, most fictional detectives of the time were men.
Second, and much more interesting, prior to her appointment as Bazalgette's agent, the heroine, Miss Lea, finds herself in a very tight spot. She's had a brief stint as an actress, "until they discovered I could not act," at which point she is taken on as a governess by Lady Edward Jones. However, once her former career is made known to her employers, she is let go after two full years of service. It seems that Lady Edward Jones does not approve and is
"unwilling that Master Pelham Jones should imbibe any vulgar tendencies toward art..."
It seems that even though Miss Lea is obviously highly educated, she is also highly unemployable because of her past association with the stage. However, when called to work for Bazalgette, she refuses to take the small salary she is offered by her employers -- they want to pay her a pound a day; she most adamantly turns it down. Women, it seems, are very rarely hired on as detectives; when they are, it's purely temporary. As she states,
"...on the termination of this undertaking, I should be without an engagement from you, probably find it extremely difficult to return to more ordinary occupations, and have only earned a trifling sum to make amends for the embarrassment."
To her credit, she holds out for the better sum of thirty shillings a day, but she does recognize that she's pushing her luck here. It's a bit of a "you go girl" kind of moment, and I was rather proud of her.
It's little things like this (and much more I haven't touched on) that I appreciate about this novel. Mr. Bazalgette's Agent is a wonderful book if you are into off-the-beaten-path crime literature of the Victorian era. Instead of looking at the book as "outdated" or "out of touch" with the modern world, it should simply be appreciated for what it is in the context of its time.
It's also a bit of a hoot.
Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, and god knows my choice in reading material is anything but conventional, but this book, as one reader states here, is anything but "rather boring and predictable." Au contraire -- it ends with an ironic twist that made me laugh out loud. I won't say what it is or how the book ends, but as I'm squirming in my seat wanting to yell at our heroine for being so daft, things changed in the blink of an eye. It's also a book that brings up some of the issues challenging women of the Victorian era, and beyond that, well, it's just plain fun. This is not a book one would take on as a piece of intense, serious literature, but rather a book to unwind with and just enjoy for what it is.
You can, if you so choose, read about plot etc. at the crime page of my online reading journal; I just want to make a couple of observations about the novel here. First, in the introduction to this novel, Mike Ashley notes that Mr. Bazalgette's Agent is quite likely the "first ever British novel to feature a professional female detective." Prior to this one, as he states, there were "quite a few" short stories to do so, but in general, most fictional detectives of the time were men.
Second, and much more interesting, prior to her appointment as Bazalgette's agent, the heroine, Miss Lea, finds herself in a very tight spot. She's had a brief stint as an actress, "until they discovered I could not act," at which point she is taken on as a governess by Lady Edward Jones. However, once her former career is made known to her employers, she is let go after two full years of service. It seems that Lady Edward Jones does not approve and is
"unwilling that Master Pelham Jones should imbibe any vulgar tendencies toward art..."
It seems that even though Miss Lea is obviously highly educated, she is also highly unemployable because of her past association with the stage. However, when called to work for Bazalgette, she refuses to take the small salary she is offered by her employers -- they want to pay her a pound a day; she most adamantly turns it down. Women, it seems, are very rarely hired on as detectives; when they are, it's purely temporary. As she states,
"...on the termination of this undertaking, I should be without an engagement from you, probably find it extremely difficult to return to more ordinary occupations, and have only earned a trifling sum to make amends for the embarrassment."
To her credit, she holds out for the better sum of thirty shillings a day, but she does recognize that she's pushing her luck here. It's a bit of a "you go girl" kind of moment, and I was rather proud of her.
It's little things like this (and much more I haven't touched on) that I appreciate about this novel. Mr. Bazalgette's Agent is a wonderful book if you are into off-the-beaten-path crime literature of the Victorian era. Instead of looking at the book as "outdated" or "out of touch" with the modern world, it should simply be appreciated for what it is in the context of its time.
It's also a bit of a hoot.
March 22, 2023
And so my gentle journey through the British Library's crime classes collection continues this time with one of the earlier editions, Mr Bazalgette's Agent, probably one of the earliest books both in the series and date published.
But what of the story - well as usual spoiler free - the story centres around a young lady is need of employment on the hunt for thief at the employ of one Mr Bazalgette and the international journey she must take following her quarry.
This story until its reprinting in this edition was almost impossible to find (so the story goes due to the author buying up all the copies he could find and destroying them) and is thought by some experts as being one of the first instances of a female detective in literature.
The story itself is entertaining and it is fascinating that a book published this early is still able to present a strong and resourceful woman even if the language and culture are a little dated.
But what of the story - well as usual spoiler free - the story centres around a young lady is need of employment on the hunt for thief at the employ of one Mr Bazalgette and the international journey she must take following her quarry.
This story until its reprinting in this edition was almost impossible to find (so the story goes due to the author buying up all the copies he could find and destroying them) and is thought by some experts as being one of the first instances of a female detective in literature.
The story itself is entertaining and it is fascinating that a book published this early is still able to present a strong and resourceful woman even if the language and culture are a little dated.
Read
January 7, 2018Billed as either the first or third novel featuring a female private detective, Mr Bazalgette's Agent is the diary of a down-on-her-luck young woman who lands what seems to me an extremely cushy and unlikely private detective job trying to track down a person who has stolen a lot of money.
This started out quite interesting, but lost impetus for me around halfway. The ending was one of the possibilities that could, perhaps, be foreseen rather earlier.
The author, amusingly, disliked this book so much he tried to buy up all the copies, so it's rather rare in print. E-reading is bringing back a lot of the more obscure early detective fiction.
This started out quite interesting, but lost impetus for me around halfway. The ending was one of the possibilities that could, perhaps, be foreseen rather earlier.
The author, amusingly, disliked this book so much he tried to buy up all the copies, so it's rather rare in print. E-reading is bringing back a lot of the more obscure early detective fiction.
March 17, 2021
A light, fast-paced early story featuring what is perhaps one of the first female detective in a work of crime fiction. Miriam Lea, who has suffered the loss of her position — and her savings while looking for a new one — takes on a position as a private detective in chase of a man who as escond with ill-gotten finances, including stocks. The chase takes her through Europe and eventually lands her in South Africa.
Miss Lea is an admirable character other than the fact that her creator has made her typical of her times and why she is so unusual. For that I should be angry, yet, I have to admit that I enjoyed reading the book, written as she confides her actions in diary format. This was not a great read but a good one and one to enjoy if nothing else because it introduces us to a character we have only this chance to meet.
Miss Lea is an admirable character other than the fact that her creator has made her typical of her times and why she is so unusual. For that I should be angry, yet, I have to admit that I enjoyed reading the book, written as she confides her actions in diary format. This was not a great read but a good one and one to enjoy if nothing else because it introduces us to a character we have only this chance to meet.
July 31, 2016
An odd little book.
Interesting because it may be one of the very first detective novels featuring a female detective, but at the same time the story is so light and fluffy and strong breeze would blow it away.
Down on her luck actress takes a chance and is hired by a London detective agency. They are in pursuit of a sneaky embezzler and think he'll never suspect a woman. Hijinks ensue.
As a bit of history, i'm glad I read it, but as a mystery novel, I have mixed feelings.
Our heroine is likable and an actual amateur. She doesn't suddenly become an expert or realize she's a natural at detecting. She stumbles around, unsure what to do, and feels very real.
I liked that.
Also, this story is very much of its time.
No modern sensibilities or attempts to rebel against the rules of society at the time, so it's a nice little time capsule. The language and feel is like Jane Austin wrote a detective novel.
Unfortunately, that also means our heroine is not allowed to be put in any danger or be at all proactive or unlady-like.
So there's a minimum of suspense and action.
It's a same the author moved on to more 'serious' novels and never wrote a sequel, as it could have been fun.
I think if a modern writer tried it, we'd lose a lot of the charm.
Not a great book, but worth a look.
Interesting because it may be one of the very first detective novels featuring a female detective, but at the same time the story is so light and fluffy and strong breeze would blow it away.
Down on her luck actress takes a chance and is hired by a London detective agency. They are in pursuit of a sneaky embezzler and think he'll never suspect a woman. Hijinks ensue.
As a bit of history, i'm glad I read it, but as a mystery novel, I have mixed feelings.
Our heroine is likable and an actual amateur. She doesn't suddenly become an expert or realize she's a natural at detecting. She stumbles around, unsure what to do, and feels very real.
I liked that.
Also, this story is very much of its time.
No modern sensibilities or attempts to rebel against the rules of society at the time, so it's a nice little time capsule. The language and feel is like Jane Austin wrote a detective novel.
Unfortunately, that also means our heroine is not allowed to be put in any danger or be at all proactive or unlady-like.
So there's a minimum of suspense and action.
It's a same the author moved on to more 'serious' novels and never wrote a sequel, as it could have been fun.
I think if a modern writer tried it, we'd lose a lot of the charm.
Not a great book, but worth a look.
August 27, 2018
Interesting novel about a female detective in the late 1800s - never read something like this before
April 25, 2015
Miriam Lea, the protagonist of this novel, may not be a very good detective but she is a fascinating character.
The narration takes the form of her diary. She is an acerbic and entertaining narrator and is interesting for what she withholds as much as what she says. She vividly describes her reduced circumstances, living in London in a dreary boarding house. She implies that she is used to better and refers drily to losing her post as a governess because she was previously an actress.
It seems she has a colourful past, but although she drops hints throughout the narrative, it is never entirely clear what her background is and why she finds herself so alone.
She is forthright in describing the terror of poverty. She is just clinging to respectability but, however much she despises her current life, she knows she has further to fall. She is exasperated by her failure to find employment and weary of the disbelief of those who would say she just isn’t trying (contemporary resonances there).
However, she maintains her spirits in part by looking down on those who are in the same precarious situation as her, rather than finding any sense of solidarity.
In desperation she turns to a private investigator for work, after spending the last of her money on a good pair of gloves, knowing that ‘the less you look in want of the thing you solicit the more likely you are to get it’.
It seems her problems are solved when she is offered an assignment which requires her to travel Europe, staying in top hotels in the guise of a wealthy widow, while pursuing a fugitive. But this opportunity throws up other challenges.
The plot doesn’t stand up to scrutiny and for this reason I think many fans of contemporary crime fiction would find this novel lacking. But it is an interesting piece of social history and the more enduring mystery is Miriam Lea herself.
The narration takes the form of her diary. She is an acerbic and entertaining narrator and is interesting for what she withholds as much as what she says. She vividly describes her reduced circumstances, living in London in a dreary boarding house. She implies that she is used to better and refers drily to losing her post as a governess because she was previously an actress.
It seems she has a colourful past, but although she drops hints throughout the narrative, it is never entirely clear what her background is and why she finds herself so alone.
She is forthright in describing the terror of poverty. She is just clinging to respectability but, however much she despises her current life, she knows she has further to fall. She is exasperated by her failure to find employment and weary of the disbelief of those who would say she just isn’t trying (contemporary resonances there).
However, she maintains her spirits in part by looking down on those who are in the same precarious situation as her, rather than finding any sense of solidarity.
In desperation she turns to a private investigator for work, after spending the last of her money on a good pair of gloves, knowing that ‘the less you look in want of the thing you solicit the more likely you are to get it’.
It seems her problems are solved when she is offered an assignment which requires her to travel Europe, staying in top hotels in the guise of a wealthy widow, while pursuing a fugitive. But this opportunity throws up other challenges.
The plot doesn’t stand up to scrutiny and for this reason I think many fans of contemporary crime fiction would find this novel lacking. But it is an interesting piece of social history and the more enduring mystery is Miriam Lea herself.
January 23, 2015
Admirers of Leonard Merrick have been waiting a long time for his books to come back into print. It is ironic that the book that has finally made it is a book that he did his utmost during his lifetime to suppress. 'Mr Bazalgette's Agent', his debut novel, has been remembered not so much for its literary value as for its importance in the development of the detective genre, being one of the first of its kind to feature a female detective. Merrick himself had such a low regard for it that he would not allow it to be reprinted in his lifetime. And yet it looks likely that it will become his best known novel to new readers - an irony which would fit rather neatly into one of Merrick's short stories...
September 2, 2023
This was a difficult novel to rate.
It started off well. I appreciated the way in which the author highlighted the difficulties and vulnerabilities facing 'well born' women with no private income during the Victorian Era. Miriam Lea has no family and no fortune, she is too 'well bred' to be able to get work as a servant, yet the reference provided by her former employer is such that she is unlikely to be able to gain 'respectable' work suited to her class. When she is offered a temporary engagement with Mr Bazalgette's Detective Agency, she wisely bargains for a higher daily rate of pay, realising that working as an enquiry agent will further decrease her employability elsewhere.
Unfortunately, the book starts to go downhill from then on. Miss Lea travels around the continent, seeking to find a thief, with only one old photo to identify him, along with the warning that he will certainly have changed his name and appearance. There is one genuinely funny moment where she thinks she has found him, based on a description from a waiter, only to discover that the suspect is 80! But otherwise, the story morphs into a kind of Victorian lady's travel guide, until Miss Lea finally encounters the miscreant, following him across the continent and on to South Africa where the denouement takes place.
And this is where the story really weakens. Admittedly, it was radical to have a heroine acting as detective at all during this era, so I suppose it is inevitable that Miriam starts to have qualms of conscience about her role. The book degenerates into pages of her agonising over her behaviour: "...to take advantage of his good faith is hardly a lady's mode of action. He is a thief; he himself has betrayed confidence; more, he has broken the law!...now that all my hopes and prayers are answered I falter within a week, because, forsooth, it is not honourable! What honour had he? What scruples did he permit to come between him and his design? ..." etc, etc, etc!
There is a final 'twist' at the end of the book which is so predictable that I would have been far more surprised if it hadn't happened. I would recommend this book to keen fans of detective fiction only because it is significant in being one of the first full length detective novels to feature a female detective. But it is not really a detective story - there is practically no plot, just a load of melodramatic Victorian language. That the author reputedly destroyed all the copies he could find in later life is perhaps testimony to his good taste. Such a shame, as with different handling, this could have been a brilliant book - but perhaps it was just too far ahead of its time.
It started off well. I appreciated the way in which the author highlighted the difficulties and vulnerabilities facing 'well born' women with no private income during the Victorian Era. Miriam Lea has no family and no fortune, she is too 'well bred' to be able to get work as a servant, yet the reference provided by her former employer is such that she is unlikely to be able to gain 'respectable' work suited to her class. When she is offered a temporary engagement with Mr Bazalgette's Detective Agency, she wisely bargains for a higher daily rate of pay, realising that working as an enquiry agent will further decrease her employability elsewhere.
Unfortunately, the book starts to go downhill from then on. Miss Lea travels around the continent, seeking to find a thief, with only one old photo to identify him, along with the warning that he will certainly have changed his name and appearance. There is one genuinely funny moment where she thinks she has found him, based on a description from a waiter, only to discover that the suspect is 80! But otherwise, the story morphs into a kind of Victorian lady's travel guide, until Miss Lea finally encounters the miscreant, following him across the continent and on to South Africa where the denouement takes place.
And this is where the story really weakens. Admittedly, it was radical to have a heroine acting as detective at all during this era, so I suppose it is inevitable that Miriam starts to have qualms of conscience about her role. The book degenerates into pages of her agonising over her behaviour: "...to take advantage of his good faith is hardly a lady's mode of action. He is a thief; he himself has betrayed confidence; more, he has broken the law!...now that all my hopes and prayers are answered I falter within a week, because, forsooth, it is not honourable! What honour had he? What scruples did he permit to come between him and his design? ..." etc, etc, etc!
There is a final 'twist' at the end of the book which is so predictable that I would have been far more surprised if it hadn't happened. I would recommend this book to keen fans of detective fiction only because it is significant in being one of the first full length detective novels to feature a female detective. But it is not really a detective story - there is practically no plot, just a load of melodramatic Victorian language. That the author reputedly destroyed all the copies he could find in later life is perhaps testimony to his good taste. Such a shame, as with different handling, this could have been a brilliant book - but perhaps it was just too far ahead of its time.
November 12, 2018
I found this book in a thrift store and was intrigued when I read the introduction. The introduction explained that this book is one of the first books that included a female detective; however, Merrick was ashamed of this book so he burned many copies. This book is rare to find, until it was republished later in the future.
It is a short read, and it was enjoyable, however it is not the best book I read. Regardless, I appreciated that a male author didn't portray the female detective as another fragile woman in the era (it was published in 1888). Even so, there were some things that were disappointing, especially the fact that it ended with the detective leaving her job for marriage.
Now, a short summary of the story: Miriam Lea was running out of money and desperate for a job, and suddenly she spotted an advertisement for a private agent (detective). She went in Mr. Bazalgette's office to inquire about the job and was informed that it would be hard to get and the pay isn't great because she is a woman. Few days later, she was informed that her help is needed to find a man who stole money from a business. It was believed that a woman will be able to find him better since men usually don't feel threatened by women, and usually are especially clueless when women are the detectives. Now, Miriam has money and a job, the next step is to find the criminal.
It is a short read, and it was enjoyable, however it is not the best book I read. Regardless, I appreciated that a male author didn't portray the female detective as another fragile woman in the era (it was published in 1888). Even so, there were some things that were disappointing, especially the fact that it ended with the detective leaving her job for marriage.
Now, a short summary of the story: Miriam Lea was running out of money and desperate for a job, and suddenly she spotted an advertisement for a private agent (detective). She went in Mr. Bazalgette's office to inquire about the job and was informed that it would be hard to get and the pay isn't great because she is a woman. Few days later, she was informed that her help is needed to find a man who stole money from a business. It was believed that a woman will be able to find him better since men usually don't feel threatened by women, and usually are especially clueless when women are the detectives. Now, Miriam has money and a job, the next step is to find the criminal.
August 17, 2023
We gaan 135 jaar terug in de tijd. Hier is een novelle waar slechts enkele originele exemplaren van overgebleven zijn, aangezien de auteur zelf indertijd alle gepubliceerde exemplaren opkocht om ze te verbranden wegens "te slecht" naar zijn zin.
Ja, het verhaal zelf heeft niet echt veel om het lijf en had veel beter uitgewerkt kunnen worden. De auteur heeft hier kansen gemist.
Maar slecht is deze novelle over één van eerste vrouwelijke detectives zeker niet. Het verhaal is zeer elegant geschreven en er zitten heel wat diepzinnige overpeinzingen in. We kunnen het zeker geen "penny dreadful" noemen.
Wat mij betreft is het een goede zaak dat British Library Crime Classics dit werk van de vergetelheid gered heeft.
Ja, het verhaal zelf heeft niet echt veel om het lijf en had veel beter uitgewerkt kunnen worden. De auteur heeft hier kansen gemist.
Maar slecht is deze novelle over één van eerste vrouwelijke detectives zeker niet. Het verhaal is zeer elegant geschreven en er zitten heel wat diepzinnige overpeinzingen in. We kunnen het zeker geen "penny dreadful" noemen.
Wat mij betreft is het een goede zaak dat British Library Crime Classics dit werk van de vergetelheid gered heeft.
September 24, 2025
Miriam Lea is a delightful character! A struggling twenty-eight-year-old just trying to get by in the late 19th century, she feels like a plucky heroine right out of a modern-day novel, not one written in 1888. Quick-witted and with a bit of spunk, she is thoroughly engaging. I enjoyed her adventures across the continent to track down her target; I only wish there were more novels detailing her escapades. I must admit, the reveal at the end did make me laugh out loud a bit.
July 7, 2021
Interesting as the likely first mystery with a female detective. Felt a disconnect toward the end when casual racism swept through the last chapters. I understand that it was written in 1888, but the ugliness of it is still a slap in the face.
June 3, 2026
I was surprised that I enjoyed this, it was very dated and a little jumpy in storyline, but was an enjoyable and engaging plot. I enjoyed the twists, however I was half expecting things to take a darker twist for Miriam’s adventure at the end, so was a little disappointed!
July 31, 2021
Journal style
Just sat back and let our lady detective take me back in time. Seeing the world through eyes of 1880ish female character ... loved the perspective.
The writing was well plotted. I also enjoyed the look at travel in that time period, as well as, the destinations.
Was an enjoyable and different read.
Just sat back and let our lady detective take me back in time. Seeing the world through eyes of 1880ish female character ... loved the perspective.
The writing was well plotted. I also enjoyed the look at travel in that time period, as well as, the destinations.
Was an enjoyable and different read.
June 5, 2023
This tale is told through diary entries, while the start of it was good, the story slowed towards the end, hence why only 3 stars
August 23, 2024
Good thing she found a husband
March 21, 2024
It's a deeply silly little novel, where a gentlewoman in need of a position is hired by a detective agency to find a handsome fugitive. The way this works is that she's given a photograph, told he's in Europe (probably in a city), provided with a maid, a new wardrobe, and a bundle of cash and sent on her way to visit random cities and talk to waiters and desk clerks at fancy hotels until she lucks into him. It's all ridiculous, and it turns into a dopey, predictable melodrama pretty quickly, but early on the voice of Mrs. Lea (the story is told through her diary, her "smudgy companion") has moments that are clever and enjoyable.
May 7, 2016
The first British detective novel (and an early cozy) featuring a lady detective, published in 1888.
The intro says that Leonard Merrick never wrote another detective novel and went on to buy and destroy all the copies he could find.
The book is written in diary form, which I usually detest but in this case it worked out quite well and made for a very fast read.
Mrs. Lea is an engaging and delightful narrator. She is surprisingly sassy given that she is a woman in the late 1800s. Despite being down on her luck manages to secure a position as a detective for an agency.
She is soon travelling through the continent and headed to the diamond mines of South Africa to pursue an embezzler. There are many twists and turns in the case but I found myself both amused and a little disappointed by the ending. I suppose it was 1888 after all.
Recommended for mystery fans, only 139 pages and enjoyable.
The intro says that Leonard Merrick never wrote another detective novel and went on to buy and destroy all the copies he could find.
The book is written in diary form, which I usually detest but in this case it worked out quite well and made for a very fast read.
Mrs. Lea is an engaging and delightful narrator. She is surprisingly sassy given that she is a woman in the late 1800s. Despite being down on her luck manages to secure a position as a detective for an agency.
She is soon travelling through the continent and headed to the diamond mines of South Africa to pursue an embezzler. There are many twists and turns in the case but I found myself both amused and a little disappointed by the ending. I suppose it was 1888 after all.
Recommended for mystery fans, only 139 pages and enjoyable.
August 18, 2016
This book is billed as the first novel to feature a female detective. Written as a series of diary entries by our heroine,who becomes a detective when all other job prospects have dried up, this is more of an extended hunt for the villain and provides little mystery or drama. There is some very dated/cringe-inducing racism/gender stereotyping/class consciousness. The ending, for a mystery or crime novel, is disappointing. To be read as a literary-historical curiosity.
January 19, 2015
Although classified as a mystery, this novel written in 1888, would today be placed in the adventure-romance category. Although the language is flowery, the depictions of place are stilted, and the plot is slightly contrived, the novel is nevertheless interesting as a period piece.
August 28, 2016
This is another curate's egg of a book for me, started out well for its age and type but fell down with a clumsy twist. Such a thing always makes me think that the author got tierd and gave up rather than finished the task. Shame.
January 10, 2015
Dated, far more so than the others in this line.
July 13, 2021
Not at all dated, but a bit twee.
January 25, 2016
First publ.1888, first ever British novel- professional female detective.
April 5, 2017
Read this for the period details and the fun of the sassy diary entries of Miss Miriam Lea. Her witty, somewhat cynical entries pack a punch. The observations on human nature show that, though society and customs have changed a lot, people remain much the same.
Not 100% happy with the ending, it feels a bit rushed.
Not 100% happy with the ending, it feels a bit rushed.
April 8, 2017
This has been argued as being the first novel with a Lady Detective and as written around the same time as A Study In Scarlet. There does not seem to be much detection involved. This culprit is known to be guilty and flees the country. The Lady Detective is sent in pursuit to major cities armed with a photograph and the culprit's name. She manages to bump into him, he seems to flee and she follows. Romance ensues. Surprise ending seen from a mile off.
The romance writing is extremely bad. On the man's side it is embarrassing, on the women's side hackneyed.
It does however highlight the historical problems of locating and proving the identity of the suspect before fingerprinting or Bertillon measurements. It was noted that on the continent the police would require the presence of a witness that knew the suspect to make an identification before they would detain the suspect.
On a lighter side the hotel the Lady Detective first stayed at was called the Hamburger Hof Hotel which I found amusing. I went to check if there was a hotel by that name in the nineteenth century and not only was there one there is still one with that name.
The romance writing is extremely bad. On the man's side it is embarrassing, on the women's side hackneyed.
It does however highlight the historical problems of locating and proving the identity of the suspect before fingerprinting or Bertillon measurements. It was noted that on the continent the police would require the presence of a witness that knew the suspect to make an identification before they would detain the suspect.
On a lighter side the hotel the Lady Detective first stayed at was called the Hamburger Hof Hotel which I found amusing. I went to check if there was a hotel by that name in the nineteenth century and not only was there one there is still one with that name.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2017
I picked up this book from a display in my public library because of its intriguing claim to be one of the first ever novels to feature a female detective. I wasn't expecting much from a late 19th century penny paperback but was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the writing, the wry humor and the rapid-fire repartee. I particularly enjoyed the main character's barbed but insightful (almost Jane Austen-like) observations of the people around her and the way she used society's patriarchal attitudes to her sleuthing advantage. (Even today it is still true that women can more easily become invisible/ignored than men, and suspects are more likely to dissemble to a woman because they underestimate her intelligence, capabilities and potential to pose a threat.) The author also did an excellent job of describing the exotic places in the book. I felt like I was actually experiencing those places and cultures firsthand.
The romance was a bit too predictable and sappy for my tastes, but I could easily forgive that considering the era in which it was written, and also because it didn't much get in the way of the story. This was a fast, spirited and fun little read.
The romance was a bit too predictable and sappy for my tastes, but I could easily forgive that considering the era in which it was written, and also because it didn't much get in the way of the story. This was a fast, spirited and fun little read.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews