Murder at Big Ben

The Fairbanks and Flynn Mysteries #2

by Michelle Salter

🇬🇧 You won't be able to put down this latest instalment in the Fairbanks and Flynn Mysteries, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Benedict Brown and T. E. Kinsey 🔎 🔪 Three women hide in Big Ben, only two come out alive…

2 April 1911 is census night, when suffragettes hide overnight in parliament to force census takers to record it as their address – the only way women can have a place in government.

Coral Fairbanks, suffragette, actress, and artist’s muse, is among the women who break into parliament. What she doesn’t know is that Guy Flynn, artist and Scotland Yard detective, has been ordered to guard it that night.

When a suffragette hiding in Big Ben is poisoned, suspicion falls on the residents of two grand houses in Mayfair. The Kesbys are avant-garde artists, the Ashcourts are aristocrats fallen on hard times.

Once again, Fairbanks and Flynn put aside their differences to investigate an astonishing case of deception and murder.

A new historical mystery set in Edwardian London featuring the iconic detective duo Fairbanks and Flynn.

While this novel has the same detective duo as the other books in the Fairbanks and Flynn Mystery series, it can be read as a STANDALONE

Genres: Mystery, Historical Mystery, Historical Fiction, Cozy Mystery

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 30, 2026

About the author

Love a good mystery? You're in the right place!

Michelle Salter is a bestselling author of historical crime fiction and cozy crime novels. Her acclaimed Edwardian and 1920s murder mysteries feature suffragettes, pioneering women, Scotland Yard detectives, and shocking secrets from the First World War.

Each book can be read as a STANDALONE even if it's part of a series.

Michelle has gained a dedicated following of readers who enjoy gripping stories driven by captivating characters and ending with satisfyingly devious plot twists.

When she’s not writing, Michelle enjoys researching history, exploring Britain’s heritage, and sharing fascinating facts from the Edwardian era and Roaring Twenties on her blog and social media.

She lives in Hampshire, England, and loves reading classic crime novels, amateur sleuth mysteries, and Golden Age whodunits.

If you enjoyed reading one of Michelle's books, please take a moment to leave a review or rating.

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'A fabulous murder mystery with twists and turns that had me turning the pages faster and faster.' Catherine Coles, bestselling author said of Murder at Merewood Hospital.

'If you enjoy 1920s mysteries…I highly recommend Death at Crookham Hall.' Verity Bright, bestselling author of the Lady Eleanor Swift mysteries.

'Death at Crookham Hall is a lovely murder mystery by a gifted writer.' Helena Dixon, bestselling author of the Miss Underhay mysteries.

'A joy to read! Such a well-researched mystery. I absolutely loved the unconventional heroine, 1920s setting, engaging characterisation and poignant ending, all of which provide a captivating start to the Iris Woodmore cosy mystery series.' Anita Davison, bestselling author of the Flora Maguire Mysteries.

'Fans of Anna Lee Huber and Downton Abbey will enjoy this engrossing historical crime mystery.' Tantor Media.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Census night in 1911 arrived, with the suffragettes determined to make a stand. Five women broke into Parliament House, hiding while the guards were there, then moving around freely when they'd left. But Coral Fairbanks, one of the women, hadn't realised two police detectives were also within Parliament, keeping guard. Three women went up into Big Ben's tower, while two remained below. But when morning arrived, one of three upstairs was dead.

Guy Flynn, Scotland Yard detective, was driven by the fact someone had died on his watch. He and his colleagues began investigating, questioning suspects, with two homes, side by side, in Mayfair, on the top of their list to interrogate the inhabitants. With Coral also digging deeply, between the two of them, a past event was drawn into the investigation. Would they find the killer? And were there others connected to this case?

Murder at Big Ben is the 2nd in The Fairbanks and Flynn Mystery series by Michelle Salter and although I haven't read the first, it didn't detract from my enjoyment of this one. Coral & Flynn are excellent characters, although a little prickly with each other. (They have their reasons) I loved the setting and getting inside Big Ben, seeing the vast, magnificent view over London from up very high, is the closest I'll get! A fun and entertaining cosy mystery which I recommend.

With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.

[VickydpBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this novel has the same detective duo as the other books in the Fairbanks and Flynn Mystery series, it can be read as a STANDALONE

I enjoyed this book

Three women hide in Big Ben, only two come out alive…

2 April 1911 is census night, when suffragettes hide overnight in parliament to force census takers to record it as their address – the only way women can have a place in government.

[TF · Rating 5 out of 5]

"No vote - no census" Suffragette Coral Fairbanks is back in action again, with an ambitious plan to sneak into Big Ben's clock tower on the night of the census and spend the night with a few other ladies, thus forcing their address to be officially recorded as Westminster Palace on the census.

Detective Inspector Guy Flynn and his officers have been tasked with guarding the Houses of Parliament, in the hopes of preventing any suffragette activities from taking place. Unfortunately for them, the suffragettes are the least of their problems...

I really enjoyed all the historical detail in this book, which is educational while also entertaining. The murder plot is entwined with a potential fraud in the art world which influences the motives of many characters.
Nothing is quite what it seems in this cozy mystery. This is the second book in this series, but totally readable as a standalone by any fan of historical mysteries.

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the review copy.

#MurderAtBigBen #NetGalley

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

A poisoning leading to murder, and a possible forgery, feature in the second Fairbanks and Flynn mystery.

As a response to the April 1911 census, suffragettes decide they will not be home to be counted. The suffragettes group Coral Fairbanks is amongst will be spending the night in the Parliament buildings. Unbeknownst to the suffragettes, Scotland Yard police officers Guy Flynn, Evan Goodspeed and Jack Hall are also spending the night there, to prevent any damage to the premises.

When one of the three women hiding in the Big Ben clock tower dies of poisoning, suspicion falls on the two survivors and the dead woman's husband, all of whom live in neighbouring houses in wealthy Mayfair. The two women are artists, and daughters of Quentin Kesby, for whom Coral has sat as a model. The dead woman's husband is Richard Ashcroft, whose family owes much money to creditors after his father made a series of bad financial decisions.

Coral and Guy ask questions of the sisters and the husband, with each getting a picture of the relationship between the Ashcrofts and the Kesbys, including a failed relationship between younger sister Viola Kesby and Granville, the missing elder brother of Richard. Coral also wonders about the authenticity of some of Quentin's paintings and how that might tie into the Ashcroft's fortunes.

Also, Coral and Guy make progress on their friendship/romantic relationship, though Guy is reluctant to proceed for fear of upsetting his teen daughter Theresa, and Coral is reluctant to proceed because of her activism. It leaves them in a bit of a quandary, which will no doubt be revisited in a future entry.

In the meantime, this was an enjoyable second instalment in the Fairbanks and Flynn mysteries. I like the mix of mystery and historical details, as well as a better understanding of suffragettes' activities during the period. I am looking forward to more stories with Coral and Guy.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.

[Silvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Beachcomber · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars rounded down. Coral Fairbanks is this time spending the night inside the Houses of Parliament with her fellow suffragettes, protesting at the census by ensuring their addresses are recorded as the HoP. But in the morning, one of the group is dead.

Guy Flynn, detective, artist, and Coral’s potential love interest, is tasked with solving the crime, of course with Coral’s help…! And there are the first signs of possible romance blossoming between the two, which I am totally here for. There’s interesting history, romance, and characters I care for - just my cup of tea.

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Salter writes historical mysteries rich in atmosphere and substance. In 1911 during a suffragette protest, Coral Fairbanks and a few others break into the Houses of Parliament. She does not know police officer Guy Flynn has been stationed there to prevent suffragettes from doing any damage to the place. But they must put aside their own personal conflicts and feelings when one of the suffragettes dies and they suspect poison. The trail leads to two households in Mayfair where old plans and secrets just might hide a motive for murder...

I really enjoyed this story. There are plenty of clues leading in a variety of directions and plenty of suspects to keep the reader guessing until the end. Salter is able to deftly weave several plotlines together that at first seem to have no connection and it doesn't feel artificial.

The characters stand out too. This is the second in the series and can be read as a stand alone but you get a better appreciation of how relationships have developed by reading the first book as well. Fairbanks and Flynn have an attraction for each other but also have many reasons not to be together. Salter doesn't make little of these hurtles or blow them out of proportion. Coral is a suffragette who breaks the law in support of the cause while Flynn is sympathetic but believes in law and order. If anyone found out that they were having a relationship it could easily mean his job and career. And he has a daughter to support. In addition, both are widows and feel very attached to the memory of their loved ones. They feel almost like it is a betrayal to move on. Both struggle with the idea of how they could make a relationship work but they are all too aware of the obstacles they face.

Salter has also created side characters that I find very interesting and entertaining. They add a lot to the stories as well. Friends and family play an important role in the series. Just another reason to add to the list of why this is a good bet for people looking for a historical mystery that has a good mystery, great characters, historical atmosphere, and some meat to the story.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Lynsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Murder at Big Ben’ is a fantastic piece of historical fiction that embodies the atmosphere of this exciting era! This is the second of the ‘Fairbanks and Flynn mysteries’, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone. I haven't read the first one, but that will soon be remedied. I am such a nerd for this period of history, and Michelle’s standard of writing and depth of historical research give her stories a real air of authenticity.

The juxtaposition between Fairbanks and Flynn is key to the narrative and their connection. Fairbanks is a committed suffragette and indeed a member of the WSPU. Whereas Flynn is a police detective whose special interest is to police the women’s rights movement. But yet, their connection flourishes, although I can envision conflict further down the line for them. Fairbanks is an excellent character, and so is Flynn. They form a cohesive investigating duo, and I can't wait to read more about their stories.

Michelle disperses real historical figures throughout the book, and my favourite this time was Emily Davison. The only woman who died for the suffragette cause, albeit without meaning to! On the census night, she did indeed hide in a broom cupboard in the Parliament, and it's scenes like this and the medal ceremonies that bring this era of history alive.

I flew through this in one day as I found it to be highly engrossing, especially as the background to the case was established. It was excellently paced, and the narrative was tight and well planned out. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait for the next instalment!

Let me know if you pick this one up!

[Angie (mushmysteriesandmore) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a book by Michelle Salter, and I was immediately drawn in by her engaging writing and characters.

The crime-busting duo of Coral Fairbanks, suffragette, model, actress and art gallery receptionist, combined with Guy Flynn, Scotland Yard detective, single father, widower and artist were entertaining and worked extremely well together. There is the underlying element of a budding romance between the two, but it doesn’t interfere with the plot; instead, it gives them time together to combine ideas and share information in a relaxed setting.

Coral and her fellow suffragettes plan to spend the night at the Houses of Parliament on Census night in order for them to have it recorded as their place of residence, the only way a woman could have a place in Parliament back in 1911. This is based on a true event where Emily Davison (featured here as a side character) did actually hide and have herself recorded in the Houses of Parliament. However, there were no others with her, and certainly nobody was found murdered in the bell tower of Big Ben. This is the mystery that Fairbanks and Flynn have to solve.

I loved watching the mystery unfold as more events happened that helped bring the whole mystery together and unveil the killer. Everything was relevant and yet seemed to be unrelated until the whole plot melded together with no hint of force or disbelief.

I can’t wait to read more of this author’s works and learn more about the history behind them.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance reader copy of Murder at Big Ben. All opinions and comments are my own.

The mystery itself is straightforward; how did the American girl, sympathetic to the “votes for women” cause, die in her hiding place at the Houses of Parliament? When it’s determined that it is indeed a murder case, Inspector Guy Flynn has his hands full with suspects galore, including the suffragettes who were hiding there along with her, one being our heroine Coral Fairbanks, the woman he’s becoming involved with.

There’s plenty of characters here to keep readers satisfied, especially an actress and Flynn’s policeman colleague who are performing a merry dance together. And then there’s the side stories of a long-missing brother to the grieving husband, and crafty art forgers and artwork that might not be worth the canvas they’re painted on. Author Michelle Salter makes sure that readers have plenty to ponder, in Murder at Big Ben.

But the real mystery in these pages is how will Flynn and Coral work out their relationship? To acknowledge their attraction to each other publicly is a death knell to each socially and professionally, especially for the Detective Inspector. There’s a lot of talk about this in the book, and no resolution. Can Coral give up her passion for change, or Flynn his career in the force and his ties to his dead wife? That’s for Coral and Flynn to decide, in future books.

[April Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

We catch up with our favorite suffragette, Coral Fairbanks, in 1911 on the night of the Census being taken in England. The Suffragettes have decided no vote, no census. They will sneak into parliament, spend the night and leave the next morning recording that as their address. Coral has also arranged to have her newspaper friend and his photographer there when they come out. Three of her friends hide in Big Ben's tower only to find one of them Amy Ashcroft, dead the next morning. How did it happen right in front of them? Coral finds herself once again trying to unravel the threads of this deed. Can she help Inspector Flynn bring the killer to justice? What if it is one of her fellow suffragettes? How can she walk this tightrope and bring justice to Amy and nurture her budding relationship with Inspector Flynn.

This was fantastic! I enjoyed every minute and I could hardly put it down. Ms. Salter weaved a wonderful story of historical events, a stellar who-dunnite, and some romance. This story had everything you could want. I love the characters. Countess Minerva is a smart cunning businesswoman but also cares deeply for her friends. That said, I would not want to get on Minerva's bad side LOL. It was also nice to see Inspector Flynn unbend some more and reveal a different side to him. The secondary characters are wonderful, and it was a delight to read!

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the chance to read this ARC and give my opinion.

[Paloma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The suffragettes have their own plans set for census night. Women are encouraged to step out of their homes so that they avoid being registered. Their slogan " No Vote, No Census", would have them avoid the census thus proving that if they couldn't vote then they didn't count as citizens and didn't need to be included in the census. With Coral Fairbanks at the helm of the movement, some women plan to break into the Big Ben clock tower and sit out the census. Inspector Guy Flynn is sent to guard the House of Parliament, should the suffragettes decide to do some damage during their planned sit in. As the census passes without any major issues, a woman is found dead. How was a woman killed while there were police officers and suffragettes present? Does the killer have something against the movement?

Absolutely loved everything about this book. The characters were phenomenal and relatable. Their struggles was full of pain and hardship and yet they endured. Without their sacrifice and strength many of the privileges that we enjoy today would not exist. The historical aspect of the book was my favorite part and how the murder mystery developed was very entertaining and had me hooked.
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

[Helena · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Murder at Big Ben’ is such a cosy book especially with the stormy weather at the moment, it was the perfect read. I cherished how much the suffragettes were apart of the story, the suffragettes have always intrigued me and their inclusion brought a lot to the table - the mixture of politics, mystery and a who dunnit kept me engrossed. The added romance was adorable and made the read a little more lighthearted and not as hefty.

The characters were likeable in their own way, however I wasn’t expecting the answer to the mystery, it was a twist for me that I didn’t see coming. I liked how the characters all connected in some way. They all had their own problems going on and none of them seemed overly perfect.

As a whole, this was a really enjoyable read, the book is historically accurate and it was thoughtful of the author to add some detail about Emily Pankhurst in the authors note, it gives insight on how much effort that has gone into the research behind the book. The scenery was described beautifully and I could envision London 1911 so clearly and I loved that.

If you’re a reader that enjoys cozy crime or cozy mysteries in general then this is the read for you.

[Ariana Ochoa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things are heating up between Suffragette Coral Fairbanks and Detective Inspector Guy Flynn.

In the thick of the women's suffrage movement, a census is held, and several suffragettes are in protest in parliament overnight as a body is discovered at Big Ben. It is determined that the victim died by poison, and as suspicion is cast on two great houses in Mayfair, Coral and Guy must work together to solve the case.

I love anything remotely covering the women's suffrage movement and the progression of women's rights. This mystery series peaked my interest. Having read the first book, I was excited to see the working relationship between Coral and Guy, along with a budding romance. (This book worked well as a standalone and as a continuation in the series.)

The historical mystery was intriguing, and I love how we are continuing the storyline by including several artists (Guy included). If you love historical mysteries centered in England during the time of women's suffrage, you will enjoy this book.

Many thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. This review is voluntary. All thoughts are my own.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fairbanks and Flynn Mysteries #2

2nd April 1911 is census night, when suffragettes hide overnight in parliament to force census takes to record it as their address - the only way women can have a place in government. Coral Fairbanks, a suffragette, actress, and artist's muse, is among the women who break into parliament. What she doesn't know is that Guy Flynn, artist and Scotland Yard detective, has been ordered to guard it that night. When a suffragette hiding in Big Ben is poisoned, suspicion falls on the residents of grand houses in Mayfair. The Kesbys are avant-garde artists, the Ashcourts are aristocrats fallen on hard times. Once again Fairbanks and Flynn put aside their differences to investigate an astonishing case of deception and murder.

I loved the unusual setting in this cosy murder mystery. I also loved the two main characters. A lot of the events in this book are based on a true story. We get twists and red herrings in this well-written easy read.

Published 30th March 2026

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #MichelleSalter for my ARC of #MurderAtBigBen in exchange for an honest review.

[Kez · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is the second of the Fairbanks and Flynn series from Michelle Salter, it's the first I've read, and was enjoyable as a standalone mystery.


While this is a cosy, Salter doesn't shy away from the realities for women in the time period, and the period detail made for a rich and enjoyable reading experience.


The story opens with a group of suffragettes sneaking into the Houses of Parliament on the night of the 1911 census, in order to have Parliament recorded as their official residence. A clever plot by ingenious women, and while this works, one of their number is found dead.


Coral Fairbanks, actress, gallery worker and suffragette becomes involved in investigating the death, assisting Scotland Yard detective Guy Flynn, delving into the murky pasts of two prominent families .


I really enjoyed this historical twisty cosy mystery, and while this was the first I've read, it won't be the last.

[Daphne Sharpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two in the Fairbanks and Flynn series, and the action is set in March 1911.
Mrs Pankhurst and other suffragettes are planning a course of action to take place on census night.” No Vote, No Census” is a popular slogan, and the majority of these women are planning to stay away from their home address, to avoid being registered as an act of defiance.
Prime Minister Winston Churchill has told the police to disregard episodes of law breaking upon this one occasion, the Government will not be seeking prosecutions, but he does have concerns about the Houses of Parliament which have been a target before. Therefore, Detective Inspector Guy Flynn and Sgt Goodspeed will spend the night there to protect the building from damage.
Unfortunately, the Suffragettes are also making similar plans, to break in and stay the night, in order to get their address registered as being in Parliament.
Coral Fairbanks and Flynn are tentatively forming an attachment to each other, these plans could make for an extremely awkward meeting!
Census night passes peacefully, a truce is maintained between these two bodies, but come the morning , one of the ladies cannot be woken up.
Amy Ashcourt appears to be dead. How and why did this happen when two policemen were keeping watch overnight? Such suspicious circumstances raise the awful possibility of murder.
This investigation deals with an artistic family, the merits of vegetarianism, paintings of a doubtful provenance and a missing heir. Quite the complicated case, but a real joy to read.
The historical detail is fascinating, original census details are on line, with some very interesting comments made by the ladies themselves.
The sufferings inflicted upon these brave women were horrendous, force feeding led to terrible injuries being inflicted when naso- gastric tubes were forcibly inserted, but this got worse when the 1913 Cat and Mouse Act came into force. Lawfully sanctioned cruelty indeed.
Looking forward to the next in this series, such great characters and who doesn’t love a budding romance under such challenging circumstances?
A five star read, throughly recommend both as a series or standalone book.
My thanks to Netgalley and publishers Boldwood Books, for my advance copy, freely given in return for my honest review.
I will copy this to Goodreads and Amazon UK later.

[Nanasbookreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Murder at Big Ben by Michelle Salter is the second book in The Fairbanks and Flynn Mysteries.

Suffragettes were angry at the government because they weren’t allowed to vote. So on census night, they decided to leave their homes and stay out all night. Six suffragettes planned to break into the Houses of Parliament and remain there until morning. Three of them entered Big Ben, but only two came out alive the next day.

The police, and especially Inspector Guy Flynn, team up with suffragette Coral Fairbanks to solve the mystery behind the woman’s death.

If you enjoy historical mysteries, you will love this book. It features strong women fighting for their rights, a detective who bends the rules to protect others, and a mystery full of suspects. There are emotional moments and a small hint of romance between the main characters. The pacing is steady, and it reminded me of Agatha Christie’s stories. My favorite part was the night at the Houses of Parliament.

I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy a good mystery.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at Big Ben by Michelle Salter was such an enjoyable read! It has that fun, classic mystery feel that makes cozy crime so satisfying, and the setting around Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament adds an extra layer of charm and intrigue.

The story kept me guessing the whole way through—I loved trying to piece everything together alongside the characters. It’s an easy, engaging read that flows really well, making it perfect for when you just want to get lost in a good mystery without it feeling too heavy.

Overall, this is a really entertaining and well-paced cozy mystery with a great sense of place and a plot that keeps you hooked. Definitely one to pick up if you’re in the mood for something fun, classic, and full of intrigue!

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book number 2 in the series; I have not read the first but i think caught up with the dynamics of the two characters. Thanks to Libro0fm, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the tale of the suffragette and the detective as they tried to solve the murder of one of the ladies involved in a sleep in at the Big Ben tower, avoiding the census of where the women lived. The most interesting part to me was the introduction of art authenticity, indeed how even experts can be fooled with good forgeries and how dealers work around this. The protagonist Coral is a mature character and her relationship with Flynn is nuanced; it somewhat reminds me of “Miss Scarlett” on the PBS series. Quite a fun read.

[Wioletta Maj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at Big Ben by Michelle Salter is an engaging historical mystery set against the atmospheric backdrop of 1911 London. I really enjoyed the classic whodunit feel, with a well-paced investigation built on interviews, small clues, and subtle character dynamics.

The protagonist is sharp and observant, making her deductions satisfying to follow, and the cast of suspects is nicely varied. While the middle slows slightly, it adds depth to the setting and relationships.

With a tidy, well-earned ending, this is a cozy and enjoyable read for fans of historical mysteries with a strong sense of place.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the "Fairbanks and Flynn Mysteries" series. It involves the women's suffrage movement and the art world. There is good character development and interesting twists and turns. I didn't guess the murder nor the motive.

The two main characters, Scotland Yard DI Guy Flynn and suffragette Coral Fairbanks, are more alike than they realize, and as they co-operate on solving the mysteries they become closer, which is a highlight of this historical cozy mystery book.

I highly recommend this excellent book. I learned a lot about the suffrage movement.

I obtained an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and Boldwood books.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two of my favorite genres, historical fiction and cozy mystery, come together to make a thoroughly enjoyable read! The book is centered around the Suffragettes of which Fairbanks, one half of the Fairbanks and Flynn duo, is a member. Flynn is a detective with Scotland Yard. As an American, I’m not as familiar with the particular women involved in the suffragette movement in England, but I love how Ms. Salter peppered in real women of the movement and that it felt well-researched. I also like the dynamic between Coral and DI Flynn. All-in-all, this is such a great book, and I look forward to reading more about Fairbanks and Flynn! 5 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's 1911, and the suffragettes are determined to leave their mark on the census in the bid to gain the vote for women. A protest at an iconic building results in a death, and Fairtbanks and Flynn get together to investigate. It's a good mystery against a vivid historical background. I like the mix of fictional and historical characters, the dynamic between Fairbanks and Flynn and the way the characters and storytelling bring this historical period to life for the reader.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!

The suffragates have lost yet another one of their own, in their fight for more equality. I very much enjoy reading about the development of the friendship of Coral & Flynn, and I am definitely looking forward to the next case as their relationship progresses as well.

I was rather surprised by the twists in the plot this round - very good closure to several loose ends in the subplots - Granville Ashcourt, Alfred Thorpe's cause of death, the Kesby's side hustles.. I do not want to spoil the story for anyone so please read it! Waiting for the next book!

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read.

Murder at Big Ben by Michelle Salter.
The Fairbanks and Flynn Mysteries Book 2.
This was a good read. I did like the cover and blurb of this book. This is the second book I've read by this author. I liked the writing style and the story. . I did like Coral, Emily, Sid and Luke and Flynn. I did like the ending. I'm looking forward to the next book. I do hope there is more to come.

[Shaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Michelle Salter for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder at Big Ben coming out March 30, 2026. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I’ve read a few books by this author. I love the setting. I think the time period is really interesting. I think the characters were pretty good. I am interested in seeing what’s next. I’ll definitely check out my books by this author.

[Dawn Probert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once i got into this I was hooked. I loved the balance of fact and fiction. I really likes the gentle story between coral and Flynn and it’s gentle burn. Loves the female friendships and the history of the suffragettes and the fight to get female autonomy. The murder had me guessing for a good long time. This was captivating and a jolly good read!
Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange of an honest review.

[Renee Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ladies are back again. This is a stand alone read. The ladies are still fighting the good fight for women's rights. Carol and DI Flynn are still working together to solve crimes. Loved the story and the characters. Recommend that you read it.
Received an ARC from NetGalley and Boldwood and leaving a review by my own accord.

[Kate Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and easy to read. Events take place in london during the census, in which the suffragettes decided to be ‘not at home’ when census was taken, thus subverting the count. Hiding in the houses of parliament was the bold decision, but alas a death occurred during their protest.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.