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Charles Lenox Mysteries #13
Midnight in the House of Commons: A Charles Lenox Mystery
Not yet published
Expected 3 Nov 26Amateur sleuth Charles Lenox investigates the murder of a Parliament member, moving through the glamorous high society of Victorian London in the next novel from acclaimed author Charles Finch.
In the spring of 1881, Lenox is caught up in the whirl of London life when his brother arrives to tell him that there’s been a murder in the House of Commons. Robert Baddeley, a charismatic, womanizing Member, has been found poisoned in the hallowed chamber itself. Suspicion immediately falls on the women in his life, including his wife and mistress, but as Lenox digs deeper, he realizes that there were more than a few people who might have wanted Baddeley dead.
Meanwhile, Lenox must balance his investigation with his family life, which has grown increasingly his ward Sari struggles with heartbreak, the Lenox household receives an odd visitor, and a young woman comes to Lenox to implore him to find her fiancé, who has mysteriously vanished.
And just when Lenox is nearing the truth of Baddeley’s murder, someone close to him is arrested for the crime—and Lenox must race to solve the case before losing everything.
Joyfully set in ballrooms, supper parties, palaces, and Parliament, Midnight in the House of Commons takes Charles Lenox through his trickiest, most satisfying case yet.
In the spring of 1881, Lenox is caught up in the whirl of London life when his brother arrives to tell him that there’s been a murder in the House of Commons. Robert Baddeley, a charismatic, womanizing Member, has been found poisoned in the hallowed chamber itself. Suspicion immediately falls on the women in his life, including his wife and mistress, but as Lenox digs deeper, he realizes that there were more than a few people who might have wanted Baddeley dead.
Meanwhile, Lenox must balance his investigation with his family life, which has grown increasingly his ward Sari struggles with heartbreak, the Lenox household receives an odd visitor, and a young woman comes to Lenox to implore him to find her fiancé, who has mysteriously vanished.
And just when Lenox is nearing the truth of Baddeley’s murder, someone close to him is arrested for the crime—and Lenox must race to solve the case before losing everything.
Joyfully set in ballrooms, supper parties, palaces, and Parliament, Midnight in the House of Commons takes Charles Lenox through his trickiest, most satisfying case yet.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 3, 2026
About the author
Charles Finch
30 books2,541 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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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5 stars
What an amazing book!! I absolutely loved it! So well done, well written.
The story evolves nicely reaching some very high points. At times the intensity and high emotions were palpable. And for everyone who has read the entire series and have been travelling along the way with Charles and his brother understands the enormity of what is happening, the pressure, the danger, the ridiculous yet very real possibilities of loosing a loved one.
What a trip!!! So so beautiful!! Can't wait to read the next one!!
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this fantastic book!
What an amazing book!! I absolutely loved it! So well done, well written.
The story evolves nicely reaching some very high points. At times the intensity and high emotions were palpable. And for everyone who has read the entire series and have been travelling along the way with Charles and his brother understands the enormity of what is happening, the pressure, the danger, the ridiculous yet very real possibilities of loosing a loved one.
What a trip!!! So so beautiful!! Can't wait to read the next one!!
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this fantastic book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars — Midnight in the House of Commons by Charles Finch
I was blessed with an ALC from NetGalley and the publisher.
The Charles Lenox mysteries have long been a favorite series of mine, and Midnight in the House of Commons reminded me exactly why. This was a five-star experience for me across the board—the mystery, the characters, the historical setting, the writing, and the narration. I honestly cannot think of one thing I would have changed.
Charles Finch has a wonderful ability to give me just enough information to send me confidently chasing a red herring. I decide I know who is responsible, only for another piece of information to make me reconsider everything and choose an entirely different suspect. Once again, I did not solve this mystery before the reveal. When the answer finally came, though, my reaction was, “Oh! Now everything makes sense.” The solution didn't feel as though it came out of nowhere. Once I knew where the dots ended, I could look back and connect them.
I particularly enjoyed the House of Commons and Victorian London setting. This is one of my favorite historical periods to read about, yet I still learned things I hadn't known before. Finch incorporates fascinating details about the House of Commons and its inner workings while making them feel like a natural part of the story rather than a history lesson. The historical atmosphere was rich, vivid, and completely satisfying.
Another reason I love this series is Charles Lenox himself. Each book reveals a little more about him personally, and those details continue to build from one installment to the next. I believe these mysteries can be enjoyed as standalones, but for me, the experience is much richer when you begin at the start of the series and allow that groundwork to build.
The narration was also outstanding and easily earns five stars from me. The character voices, pacing, atmosphere, and differentiation between characters all added to the experience. This was one of those audiobooks I hated having to turn off when I became too sleepy to continue. I was always excited when I could pick it back up again.
I finished Midnight in the House of Commons deeply satisfied and content—and already wishing there were another Charles Lenox mystery waiting for me. In fact, this is a series I would love to revisit from the very beginning someday. One of the joys of listening to a wonderful book again is discovering the little details and connections I missed the first time, and I suspect this series would richly reward that kind of return visit.
Five stars for the book and five stars for the narration. An outstanding addition to a series I continue to love.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
I was blessed with an ALC from NetGalley and the publisher.
The Charles Lenox mysteries have long been a favorite series of mine, and Midnight in the House of Commons reminded me exactly why. This was a five-star experience for me across the board—the mystery, the characters, the historical setting, the writing, and the narration. I honestly cannot think of one thing I would have changed.
Charles Finch has a wonderful ability to give me just enough information to send me confidently chasing a red herring. I decide I know who is responsible, only for another piece of information to make me reconsider everything and choose an entirely different suspect. Once again, I did not solve this mystery before the reveal. When the answer finally came, though, my reaction was, “Oh! Now everything makes sense.” The solution didn't feel as though it came out of nowhere. Once I knew where the dots ended, I could look back and connect them.
I particularly enjoyed the House of Commons and Victorian London setting. This is one of my favorite historical periods to read about, yet I still learned things I hadn't known before. Finch incorporates fascinating details about the House of Commons and its inner workings while making them feel like a natural part of the story rather than a history lesson. The historical atmosphere was rich, vivid, and completely satisfying.
Another reason I love this series is Charles Lenox himself. Each book reveals a little more about him personally, and those details continue to build from one installment to the next. I believe these mysteries can be enjoyed as standalones, but for me, the experience is much richer when you begin at the start of the series and allow that groundwork to build.
The narration was also outstanding and easily earns five stars from me. The character voices, pacing, atmosphere, and differentiation between characters all added to the experience. This was one of those audiobooks I hated having to turn off when I became too sleepy to continue. I was always excited when I could pick it back up again.
I finished Midnight in the House of Commons deeply satisfied and content—and already wishing there were another Charles Lenox mystery waiting for me. In fact, this is a series I would love to revisit from the very beginning someday. One of the joys of listening to a wonderful book again is discovering the little details and connections I missed the first time, and I suspect this series would richly reward that kind of return visit.
Five stars for the book and five stars for the narration. An outstanding addition to a series I continue to love.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was invited by the publisher (my thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley). This is the 16th book in the Charles Lennox mystery series but it’s very capable of being a stand alone read. I’ve read a few earlier books in the series, Charles Lennox is such a sterling character - proper, compassionate and a very fine detective.
The book starts with a young woman, Violet Goodhue, approaching Lennox to help find her missing fiancé, Arthur Mills. He begins some preliminary work on this case and finds it curious as to where the missing Arthur may be when he’s called upon one night by his brother, Edmund, now Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Gladstone administration, to announce there’s been a murder in the House of Commons. Robert Baddeley, a notorious womanizer, has been poisoned! The powers that be put Lennox on the case - more to hush it up - but then it appears someone in the Lennox family is looking like the suspect. Lady Jane meanwhile works in women’s suffrage issues with helping her wards Sari, weather romance woes. There’s a hint of a possible next book at the end.
Finch is a wonderful storyteller. He puts just the right of historical background - descriptive, political, social - into the book as the mystery plot unfolds. His characters are real - you sense and feel their emotions. I loved the Violet part of the story. And the detective work is a joy to read. These are some of the reasons for my five star review.
While the book can be read as a stand alone, I still recommend starting a series and reading it in order because the character of Lennox - or any main character in a series - develops over the course of those earlier books. This just adds to appreciation. Regardless lovers of historical mysteries should give this a try - and, of course, readers who are into the Charles Lennox series definitely should read this one. Very good read.
The book starts with a young woman, Violet Goodhue, approaching Lennox to help find her missing fiancé, Arthur Mills. He begins some preliminary work on this case and finds it curious as to where the missing Arthur may be when he’s called upon one night by his brother, Edmund, now Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Gladstone administration, to announce there’s been a murder in the House of Commons. Robert Baddeley, a notorious womanizer, has been poisoned! The powers that be put Lennox on the case - more to hush it up - but then it appears someone in the Lennox family is looking like the suspect. Lady Jane meanwhile works in women’s suffrage issues with helping her wards Sari, weather romance woes. There’s a hint of a possible next book at the end.
Finch is a wonderful storyteller. He puts just the right of historical background - descriptive, political, social - into the book as the mystery plot unfolds. His characters are real - you sense and feel their emotions. I loved the Violet part of the story. And the detective work is a joy to read. These are some of the reasons for my five star review.
While the book can be read as a stand alone, I still recommend starting a series and reading it in order because the character of Lennox - or any main character in a series - develops over the course of those earlier books. This just adds to appreciation. Regardless lovers of historical mysteries should give this a try - and, of course, readers who are into the Charles Lennox series definitely should read this one. Very good read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The sixteenth Charles Lenox mystery has as its centerpiece the murder of a Member of the House of Commons on the floor of the House. A single earring, a note, and an unplanned supper are the clues that Charles has to follow.
Robert Baddeley was a charming womanizer with surprising influence in the House despite his relatively short tenure there. The first suspects that come to mind are the women in his life. He has a wife and a series of lovers. But there might also be a political motive for his death. The vote on the Poor Bill is coming up, and it looks like the more progressive party of which Charles' brother Edmund is a shining light is going to fall short of success by one vote. Baddeley's death would give Edmund's party the win.
While this is the main case on Charles' agenda, he is also trying to help a poor young woman find out why her suitor abandoned her. He is also dealing with his ward Sari's broken heart as her suitor has also abandoned her.
I enjoyed this mystery. I like the Victorian setting as the story takes place in 1881. I like that Charles' wife Lady Jane is very involved in the Suffrage movement. I like that Charles is in a good place in his life with a successful business and a happy family.
Robert Baddeley was a charming womanizer with surprising influence in the House despite his relatively short tenure there. The first suspects that come to mind are the women in his life. He has a wife and a series of lovers. But there might also be a political motive for his death. The vote on the Poor Bill is coming up, and it looks like the more progressive party of which Charles' brother Edmund is a shining light is going to fall short of success by one vote. Baddeley's death would give Edmund's party the win.
While this is the main case on Charles' agenda, he is also trying to help a poor young woman find out why her suitor abandoned her. He is also dealing with his ward Sari's broken heart as her suitor has also abandoned her.
I enjoyed this mystery. I like the Victorian setting as the story takes place in 1881. I like that Charles' wife Lady Jane is very involved in the Suffrage movement. I like that Charles is in a good place in his life with a successful business and a happy family.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was my second Charles Lenox mystery and I enjoyed coming back to some familiar characters. I enjoy the time period of the late 1800's in England and have read a number of books set in this time. The author handles the details well, I believe.
This story had a main plot and a smaller subplot, both of which were resolved well.
Thank you to Net Galley and Minotaur Books for my review copy.
This story had a main plot and a smaller subplot, both of which were resolved well.
Thank you to Net Galley and Minotaur Books for my review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoyed this book, as with all the books in the series, but it seemed a little off. Charles Lenox has two mysteries to solve but they are not related at all - so why did the secondary one have to be included? To pad out the page count? I felt there was something missing and that both mysteries were wrapped up very quickly and neatly.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I've enjoyed this series and this is another excellent historical mystery, There were 2 separate mysteries being investigated at the same time, but neither crossed with the other and both were solved. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thanks for the ARC Netgalley.
Thanks for the ARC Netgalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another great addition to the series! I enjoy Charles Lenox most when he is at home in London, surrounded by family and solving mysteries in his own backyard. In this book we get two juicy mysteries the first being the death of a member of Parliament in the House of Commons and the second being a case of a missing fiancé. Charles solves the latter rather quickly but the former takes more time and effort. And as the book's description discloses, someone close to him is accused of the murder so Charles must work fast to avoid a disastrous outcome. Charles's wife Lady Jane and his children Sophia and Clara feature prominently in this one as does his former valet and friend Graham. McConnell makes cameo appearances but he is not a main character in this edition. All in all I highly recommend this to those who enjoy the series as it is in my opinion better than the previous two books and is back to form. For those who have not read any of the books previously, this one can be read as a standalone as each mystery is fully contained and concluded by the end and it contains no spoilers of any of the previous books. Give it a try and then go back to the beginning if you enjoy it!
It is 1881 and Charles is approached by Violet at his detective agency over her concern for her missing fiancé Arthur. They are both bookish, quiet creatures and had a great connection but Violet fears that his rich family are not in favor of him marrying a middle-class woman such as herself. She is in desperate need of a husband to help her sister who needs to go south for her health but her family cannot afford it. She suspects Arthur's Uncle Cecil of turning him against her but she wants to hear it from Arthur if he intends to break off their engagement. Charles meets Uncle Cecil and figures that he has large gambling debts and then he tracks Arthur down to the Berlin Club where he learns that Arthur has accepted an assignment in Berlin to make acquaintances on behalf of the club. He wires him immediately and asks him to meet him in his office. When Arthur arrives, he sees Violet and a man that works for his uncle. Charles figured out that Cecil had tricked Arthur into thinking that Violet was with another man by sending his valet to meet with her and then he encouraged Arthur to go to Berlin all so that Cecil could inherit the family title from his brother. If Arthur fails to marry by the time that he is 40, which is only in a few weeks, Cecil can claim the title and inherit the money so that he can pay off his debts. Charles attends Violet & Arthur's wedding a week later.
In the main mystery, Charles's brother Edmund, who is now a high ranking government official appointed by the Prime Minister, asks for Charles's help in solving the murder of Robert Baddeley, a member who was killed in the House of Commons. Charles races to the scene and sees that the man died of poison and notices that his clothes are rumpled, his jacket misbuttoned and his shoes untied. He also finds a woman's earring nearby which is alarming since women are not allowed inside the chamber. His first suspects include Baddeley's wife, from whom he was estranged, and his current mistress Lucy and his former mistress Margaret. When he meets with them, Charles notices that they are wearing earrings that match the one found near the body. But he also must consider that a fellow member might have killed him since there is tense debate over a bill to help the poor that has evenly split the members with neither side having the votes to pass it or kill it. Edmund was working feverishly with PM Gladstone and bill sponsor Treadwell to try to get the votes to pass it but they were so far unsuccessful. But with Baddeley's death they can pass the bill by one vote. However the police arrest Edmund when they discover the bottle of poison in his messy office. Edmund has no idea how it got there but he is taken away to the Tower of London regardless and is asked by Gladstone to resign his position. Charles knows that he has to get Edmund out in time for the next vote so he turns his attention to Treadwell whose wife supposedly left him because of his long hours working on the bill but what if she left him for another reason? Charles figures out that Treadwell's wife was Baddeley's current mistress and that, in addition to being able to pass his bill, was the reason why Treadwell poisoned him. Edmund was released in time to vote for the bill, which passed by one vote. At home, Lady Jane is still working with the suffragettes, Angela is working in Edmund's office and Sari is still nursing a broken heart and homesickness. Lady Jane's shy cousin Ambrose came to stay for a few weeks and put Lord Snow in his place when he made racist comments about Sari and her broken engagement to his nephew. Polly and Dallington are still with Charles at the firm and are expecting their second child. Graham made an appearance in this one and announced his engagement to Charles. But before he can get married he is being sent to America by Parliament and it seems that Charles will be going with him so the next book might harken back to the old days when the two men were bachelors, working together to solve cases. I'm all for a stroll down memory lane!
It is 1881 and Charles is approached by Violet at his detective agency over her concern for her missing fiancé Arthur. They are both bookish, quiet creatures and had a great connection but Violet fears that his rich family are not in favor of him marrying a middle-class woman such as herself. She is in desperate need of a husband to help her sister who needs to go south for her health but her family cannot afford it. She suspects Arthur's Uncle Cecil of turning him against her but she wants to hear it from Arthur if he intends to break off their engagement. Charles meets Uncle Cecil and figures that he has large gambling debts and then he tracks Arthur down to the Berlin Club where he learns that Arthur has accepted an assignment in Berlin to make acquaintances on behalf of the club. He wires him immediately and asks him to meet him in his office. When Arthur arrives, he sees Violet and a man that works for his uncle. Charles figured out that Cecil had tricked Arthur into thinking that Violet was with another man by sending his valet to meet with her and then he encouraged Arthur to go to Berlin all so that Cecil could inherit the family title from his brother. If Arthur fails to marry by the time that he is 40, which is only in a few weeks, Cecil can claim the title and inherit the money so that he can pay off his debts. Charles attends Violet & Arthur's wedding a week later.
In the main mystery, Charles's brother Edmund, who is now a high ranking government official appointed by the Prime Minister, asks for Charles's help in solving the murder of Robert Baddeley, a member who was killed in the House of Commons. Charles races to the scene and sees that the man died of poison and notices that his clothes are rumpled, his jacket misbuttoned and his shoes untied. He also finds a woman's earring nearby which is alarming since women are not allowed inside the chamber. His first suspects include Baddeley's wife, from whom he was estranged, and his current mistress Lucy and his former mistress Margaret. When he meets with them, Charles notices that they are wearing earrings that match the one found near the body. But he also must consider that a fellow member might have killed him since there is tense debate over a bill to help the poor that has evenly split the members with neither side having the votes to pass it or kill it. Edmund was working feverishly with PM Gladstone and bill sponsor Treadwell to try to get the votes to pass it but they were so far unsuccessful. But with Baddeley's death they can pass the bill by one vote. However the police arrest Edmund when they discover the bottle of poison in his messy office. Edmund has no idea how it got there but he is taken away to the Tower of London regardless and is asked by Gladstone to resign his position. Charles knows that he has to get Edmund out in time for the next vote so he turns his attention to Treadwell whose wife supposedly left him because of his long hours working on the bill but what if she left him for another reason? Charles figures out that Treadwell's wife was Baddeley's current mistress and that, in addition to being able to pass his bill, was the reason why Treadwell poisoned him. Edmund was released in time to vote for the bill, which passed by one vote. At home, Lady Jane is still working with the suffragettes, Angela is working in Edmund's office and Sari is still nursing a broken heart and homesickness. Lady Jane's shy cousin Ambrose came to stay for a few weeks and put Lord Snow in his place when he made racist comments about Sari and her broken engagement to his nephew. Polly and Dallington are still with Charles at the firm and are expecting their second child. Graham made an appearance in this one and announced his engagement to Charles. But before he can get married he is being sent to America by Parliament and it seems that Charles will be going with him so the next book might harken back to the old days when the two men were bachelors, working together to solve cases. I'm all for a stroll down memory lane!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Murder at Midnight
A review of the NetGalley eBook ARC of the Minotaur Books hardcover to be published November 3, 2026.
This is the 13th novel in the Charles Lenox Victorian era detective series. I had only previously read The Hidden City (#12 - 2025) but I had no trouble getting re-acclimated, as brief backgrounds and/or relationships to the other running characters were provided throughout. The setting is two years on from the previous book, so it is now London, England in 1881.
There are two investigations and one domestic situation. Detective Charles Lenox is asked by a young woman to locate her missing fiancé and several chapters later he is asked to consult on a murder in the House of Commons where his brother Edward is the Chancellor of the Exchequer (i.e. Minister of Finance) in the then Liberal government of William Gladstone (1809-1898). The Conservatives under Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881) are in the Opposition.
The murder may be politically motivated as the Member's death may tip the scales in a deciding vote on a Bill that the Government is hoping to pass. But the victim was a known philanderer as well, so personal revenge might also be the motive.
On the home front, the young Indian woman Sari. who came to England in the previous book with Lenox's niece Angela, is distraught after being jilted by her fiancé. This is apparently due to the racist opinions of the fiancé's uncle, a Lord Snow. Snow plans to undermine the Lenox family further and takes delight when Charles' brother becomes a suspect in the murder.
I found all of the story lines completely engaging and as previously I was especially impressed with the period atmosphere and the description of settings by the author. It all resolved to my great satisfaction and I enjoyed it so much that a 5-star rating is the result.
My thanks to the author, publisher St Martins Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this advance reading copy of Midnight in the House of Commons in exchange for which I provide this honest review.
Trivia and Links
Among the interesting trivia mentioned in this book was the myth that "it is illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament." This is not true, but is apparently a popular urban myth based on the idea that dying in the Houses of Parliament entitled you to a state funeral. Read further at Why Is It Illegal to Die in the British Houses of Parliament?.
The other interesting trivia was about a Secret Passageway into the House of Commons known as "Pitt's Passage," allowing for a discrete private entry by the House Leaders and the Speaker of the House. This seems to be a fiction, but there was an actual secret passageway that was discovered in 2020 that had been sealed up during Victorian times (ie. during the time of the book's setting). You can read about that in The Guardian at Westminster Secret Passageway Discovery Reveals 169 Year Old Graffiti (February 26, 2020).
A review of the NetGalley eBook ARC of the Minotaur Books hardcover to be published November 3, 2026.
This is the 13th novel in the Charles Lenox Victorian era detective series. I had only previously read The Hidden City (#12 - 2025) but I had no trouble getting re-acclimated, as brief backgrounds and/or relationships to the other running characters were provided throughout. The setting is two years on from the previous book, so it is now London, England in 1881.
There are two investigations and one domestic situation. Detective Charles Lenox is asked by a young woman to locate her missing fiancé and several chapters later he is asked to consult on a murder in the House of Commons where his brother Edward is the Chancellor of the Exchequer (i.e. Minister of Finance) in the then Liberal government of William Gladstone (1809-1898). The Conservatives under Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881) are in the Opposition.
The murder may be politically motivated as the Member's death may tip the scales in a deciding vote on a Bill that the Government is hoping to pass. But the victim was a known philanderer as well, so personal revenge might also be the motive.
On the home front, the young Indian woman Sari. who came to England in the previous book with Lenox's niece Angela, is distraught after being jilted by her fiancé. This is apparently due to the racist opinions of the fiancé's uncle, a Lord Snow. Snow plans to undermine the Lenox family further and takes delight when Charles' brother becomes a suspect in the murder.
I found all of the story lines completely engaging and as previously I was especially impressed with the period atmosphere and the description of settings by the author. It all resolved to my great satisfaction and I enjoyed it so much that a 5-star rating is the result.
My thanks to the author, publisher St Martins Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this advance reading copy of Midnight in the House of Commons in exchange for which I provide this honest review.
Trivia and Links
Among the interesting trivia mentioned in this book was the myth that "it is illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament." This is not true, but is apparently a popular urban myth based on the idea that dying in the Houses of Parliament entitled you to a state funeral. Read further at Why Is It Illegal to Die in the British Houses of Parliament?.
The other interesting trivia was about a Secret Passageway into the House of Commons known as "Pitt's Passage," allowing for a discrete private entry by the House Leaders and the Speaker of the House. This seems to be a fiction, but there was an actual secret passageway that was discovered in 2020 that had been sealed up during Victorian times (ie. during the time of the book's setting). You can read about that in The Guardian at Westminster Secret Passageway Discovery Reveals 169 Year Old Graffiti (February 26, 2020).
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Charles Lenox runs a detective agency in London, 1881. He’s a tall, slender man in his early 50s and a bit famous among the uppercrusty Brits. The cost of success is that he now works most often with “big men with small mysteries,” but prefers, “small men with big mysteries.” Lenox is a near-Sherlockian clone, which works fine because the author fully embraces the mimicry. He even has a powerful older brother, Edmund, with a senior role in British politics, and, yes, he uses his astute observation prowess to aid the police in a private capacity.
In what turns out to be the first of two mysteries in this very sharply drawn novel, Miss Violet Goodhue appears with a curious story; she entered London society eighteen months previous, fell in love with The Honorable Arthur Mills, and he vanished. One morning they planned to meet, but instead appeared a mysterious man with a box of trumpet flowers. He dared to kiss her during the flower handoff - the height of impropriety - and the blossoms famously represent separation. A confused Miss Goodhue traveled to the Mills family home pretending to be an old friend and was told he ran off with a showgirl. Then she received a note saying, “He doesn’t want you, nasty greedy girl.” Lenox listens as the romantic cliché is presented and he recommends she try to resume normal life.
The book settles in, minor characters and smaller plot pieces are layered quite effectively, but then a murder occurs in The House of Commons. This is Mystery Two, but really the main path the reader is led down. A major vote for a social welfare bill has been deadlocked for months, and with the murdered man a conservative member, the bill can now pass. Lenox’s brother, Edmund, insists Lenox solve the murder so the legislation is not tainted. Lenox examines a cold corpse, the cause of death poisoning, and the man's rigor-tightened fingers clutch a note penned in a lady’s handwriting. As the investigation moves in innovative, unexpected directions, it is clear we are in the hands of a skilled storyteller.
A strong sense of place and atmosphere materialize from page one, and the prose matches the period's authenticity. Even the smallest subplot and most minor characters are relevant to some part of the story, and a technique I especially appreciated is how Finch reminds the reader of clues as Lenox expresses his evolving thoughts to other characters. The mystery zigs when we expect a zag, and Midnight in the House of Commons remained an exciting pleasure to return to throughout its entire duration.
This is top of the genre, vibrant reading, and it is no mystery why it's such a popular series. Highly recommended to mystery fans, I look forward to diving into the past entries in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for a review copy.
In what turns out to be the first of two mysteries in this very sharply drawn novel, Miss Violet Goodhue appears with a curious story; she entered London society eighteen months previous, fell in love with The Honorable Arthur Mills, and he vanished. One morning they planned to meet, but instead appeared a mysterious man with a box of trumpet flowers. He dared to kiss her during the flower handoff - the height of impropriety - and the blossoms famously represent separation. A confused Miss Goodhue traveled to the Mills family home pretending to be an old friend and was told he ran off with a showgirl. Then she received a note saying, “He doesn’t want you, nasty greedy girl.” Lenox listens as the romantic cliché is presented and he recommends she try to resume normal life.
The book settles in, minor characters and smaller plot pieces are layered quite effectively, but then a murder occurs in The House of Commons. This is Mystery Two, but really the main path the reader is led down. A major vote for a social welfare bill has been deadlocked for months, and with the murdered man a conservative member, the bill can now pass. Lenox’s brother, Edmund, insists Lenox solve the murder so the legislation is not tainted. Lenox examines a cold corpse, the cause of death poisoning, and the man's rigor-tightened fingers clutch a note penned in a lady’s handwriting. As the investigation moves in innovative, unexpected directions, it is clear we are in the hands of a skilled storyteller.
A strong sense of place and atmosphere materialize from page one, and the prose matches the period's authenticity. Even the smallest subplot and most minor characters are relevant to some part of the story, and a technique I especially appreciated is how Finch reminds the reader of clues as Lenox expresses his evolving thoughts to other characters. The mystery zigs when we expect a zag, and Midnight in the House of Commons remained an exciting pleasure to return to throughout its entire duration.
This is top of the genre, vibrant reading, and it is no mystery why it's such a popular series. Highly recommended to mystery fans, I look forward to diving into the past entries in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for a review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 / 5.0 Stars
It is the spring of 1881 in London, England. The gardens are beginning to reveal their lovely blossoms. Lenox, at fifty-two years of age has come into his own as a gentleman detective. He has a successful agency and all is right in his world. That is, until he is rushed to Parliament at an ungodly hour to assist Scotland Yard in unravelling the details of a sudden death in the House of Commons. There is urgency in settling the matter before justice is unjustly delivered.
The depth of Finch's historical research appearing in each story is tremendous and spot on. The books usually hold more than just one mystery, and this one was no exception. The richness of descriptive detail transports the reader to a different time and place wrapping them in a richly woven blanket of observation and sensation. The subtle clues are all there but not easily discerned, thus pulling the reader along through all the various cat and mouse moments and red herrings. The energy builds up gradually over the course of the story to a striking moment and gently eases off toward a satisfying conclusion.
Yet, beyond the usual tension and machinations of a fine mystery, Finch also brings to bear a wonderful depth in his characters. As we hear the tender ruminations of Lenox regarding his young family or observe his irritations as a detective thwarted by those in power and wealth, we appreciate the humanity of his character. We grin at the playful exchange of emotion and banter between Lenox and his brother or his wife, Lady Jane. Our hearts melt at the tender moments shared between a father and his children and newly added to the mix, his cousin's daughter and her dear Indian friend, Sari.
All in all, this was a most enjoyable read and this reader for one, eagerly awaits the next installment in this richly told tale.
I am grateful to author Charles Finch and his publisher, Minotaur Books, for having provided a complimentary uncorrected digital galley of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication date: November 3, 2026
Number of Pages: 272
ISBN: 978-1250433947
It is the spring of 1881 in London, England. The gardens are beginning to reveal their lovely blossoms. Lenox, at fifty-two years of age has come into his own as a gentleman detective. He has a successful agency and all is right in his world. That is, until he is rushed to Parliament at an ungodly hour to assist Scotland Yard in unravelling the details of a sudden death in the House of Commons. There is urgency in settling the matter before justice is unjustly delivered.
The depth of Finch's historical research appearing in each story is tremendous and spot on. The books usually hold more than just one mystery, and this one was no exception. The richness of descriptive detail transports the reader to a different time and place wrapping them in a richly woven blanket of observation and sensation. The subtle clues are all there but not easily discerned, thus pulling the reader along through all the various cat and mouse moments and red herrings. The energy builds up gradually over the course of the story to a striking moment and gently eases off toward a satisfying conclusion.
Yet, beyond the usual tension and machinations of a fine mystery, Finch also brings to bear a wonderful depth in his characters. As we hear the tender ruminations of Lenox regarding his young family or observe his irritations as a detective thwarted by those in power and wealth, we appreciate the humanity of his character. We grin at the playful exchange of emotion and banter between Lenox and his brother or his wife, Lady Jane. Our hearts melt at the tender moments shared between a father and his children and newly added to the mix, his cousin's daughter and her dear Indian friend, Sari.
All in all, this was a most enjoyable read and this reader for one, eagerly awaits the next installment in this richly told tale.
I am grateful to author Charles Finch and his publisher, Minotaur Books, for having provided a complimentary uncorrected digital galley of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication date: November 3, 2026
Number of Pages: 272
ISBN: 978-1250433947
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An author I love - Lisa Kleypas - said that her books need to be good enough to be read at 3am in an emergency room. This, to me, is the definition of a comfort read - a book you know can take you someplace safe whatever the situation. The Charles Lenox books are definitely comfort reads to me and this instalment is particularly cosy.
A young woman in a precarious financial situation comes to Charles with a mission - she’s fallen in love with a lord who’s just disappeared. Meanwhile, an MP is murdered and his body found in the House of Commons before a most crucial vote.
I loved this. Once again, the investigations are of course gripping but what I enjoyed the most is the amount of detail in this book - I loved particularly reading about the architecture and history of the House of Commons (including things I need to look up - they were so intriguing). Charles Finch is also very generous with his room descriptions - you never enter a new house without being told how it’s arranged and decorated. This tells you a lot about the characters who inhabit those rooms but I also just really appreciate lists of lovely things. I’m rereading Edith Wharton and this is something she does a lot too. It makes each scene feel so alive. So do all the tea and the descriptions of food. I also love the touches of humour there were in this book - including a running joke about the royal family’s pets. Checking in on all the secondary characters we love is also a special treat - Sari (whom we met in the last book) in particular moved me so much.
I’ve counted this series amongst my favourites since reading the first book years ago and it’s never ceased to bring me comfort and joy. I always try and fail to find a historical mystery series that matches it for immersion. Cannot recommend it enough.
My endless thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for this ARC. This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, I love you!
A young woman in a precarious financial situation comes to Charles with a mission - she’s fallen in love with a lord who’s just disappeared. Meanwhile, an MP is murdered and his body found in the House of Commons before a most crucial vote.
I loved this. Once again, the investigations are of course gripping but what I enjoyed the most is the amount of detail in this book - I loved particularly reading about the architecture and history of the House of Commons (including things I need to look up - they were so intriguing). Charles Finch is also very generous with his room descriptions - you never enter a new house without being told how it’s arranged and decorated. This tells you a lot about the characters who inhabit those rooms but I also just really appreciate lists of lovely things. I’m rereading Edith Wharton and this is something she does a lot too. It makes each scene feel so alive. So do all the tea and the descriptions of food. I also love the touches of humour there were in this book - including a running joke about the royal family’s pets. Checking in on all the secondary characters we love is also a special treat - Sari (whom we met in the last book) in particular moved me so much.
I’ve counted this series amongst my favourites since reading the first book years ago and it’s never ceased to bring me comfort and joy. I always try and fail to find a historical mystery series that matches it for immersion. Cannot recommend it enough.
My endless thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for this ARC. This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, I love you!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In Victorian London, Spring is in the air and Private Investigator Charles Lenox is feeling content with life. He’s surrounded by family, has an intelligent, loving wife, a successful business and a place in London society.
But life isn’t as good for the majority of Londoners. There’s inequity, prejudice, crippling poverty and heartache.
This novel takes the reader into the inner workings of Parliament as warring factions duke it out over a Bill to help the poor.
We’re also given a glimpse of what it was like for young women of the period and the often desperate search for a quality marriage. And, in matters of marriage just as in politics there are forces at work
with their own agendas - no matter the cost.
The central mystery surrounds the murder of a member of Parliament and this becomes personal for Lenox.
This is a good, solid mystery, I did, however, find the pace slowed considerably midway through.
I rated this novel 4 stars instead of 5 because I grew tired of the upper classes and their privileged lives. Although the Bill before Parliament was to help the poor, Lenox’s investigation never strays from the clean streets and hallowed halls. The only time Lenox is touched by it is when he takes on a penniless young woman’s case to find her lost love. And even this is a genteel kind of poverty.
I would have enjoyed a foray into the slums and mingling with the poor. In my opinion this would have given a more balanced story.
All in all, this is a good mystery that I believe Charles Finch fans will enjoy.
I would like to thank the publisher for providing this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
But life isn’t as good for the majority of Londoners. There’s inequity, prejudice, crippling poverty and heartache.
This novel takes the reader into the inner workings of Parliament as warring factions duke it out over a Bill to help the poor.
We’re also given a glimpse of what it was like for young women of the period and the often desperate search for a quality marriage. And, in matters of marriage just as in politics there are forces at work
with their own agendas - no matter the cost.
The central mystery surrounds the murder of a member of Parliament and this becomes personal for Lenox.
This is a good, solid mystery, I did, however, find the pace slowed considerably midway through.
I rated this novel 4 stars instead of 5 because I grew tired of the upper classes and their privileged lives. Although the Bill before Parliament was to help the poor, Lenox’s investigation never strays from the clean streets and hallowed halls. The only time Lenox is touched by it is when he takes on a penniless young woman’s case to find her lost love. And even this is a genteel kind of poverty.
I would have enjoyed a foray into the slums and mingling with the poor. In my opinion this would have given a more balanced story.
All in all, this is a good mystery that I believe Charles Finch fans will enjoy.
I would like to thank the publisher for providing this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I”m so happy that Charles Finch has written another book in the Charles Lenox series. Lenox is a successful private investigator with his own thriving firm in Victorian London. He’s also a member of the aristocracy which makes him an oddity because “well bred gentlemen” do not work…it’s beneath them. But, he often solves cases that Scotland Yard cannot and he’s the default investigator when the wealthy and titled members of society need help. Lenox has an unusually loving and egalitarian marriage and two daughters. This book has lots going on with his usual cast of characters plus there are several featured cases. One involves a young woman whose fiancé has disappeared and she’s mystified and very sad. She asks Lenox to find out if her fiancé has come to harm or if he just abandoned her. The other involves the apparent murder of a member of the House of Commons inside the Parliament building. Investigating his background, family and private activities turns up unseemly things that nobody wants brought to light and many possible suspects. While Lenox is trying to identify the killer, his older brother Edward who hold the powerful post of Chancellor to the Exchequer, is arrested for the crime. The guilty killer wants to plant the blame on Edward and also keep him for voting on a crucial bill to aid the poor. Lots of intrigue, underhanded behavior and fake news. Can’t wait for the next book in this series. Thanks to #netgalley for the ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on November 3rd, 2026.
Number 16 in the Charles Lennox mystery series. I haven’t read them all, but I loved this one! Got me straight through a long and uncomfortable flight.
1881 in London — in addition to the mysteries (the murder of a member of Parliament in the House of Commons, a mysteriously vanished fiancé, and a surprising heartbreak), we are treated to numerous and intriguing contextual details about the era: suffragettes, the Travelers Club for Gentlemen (you have to have traveled at least 500 miles from London in a straight line), the origin of and immediate enthusiasm for toilet tissue, 19th century chemistry, and the machinations and odd traditions of the lords and commoners in Parliament. Our Lennox — with his Holmesian observational skills, aristocratic bearing, and calm demeanor — is on the case. While it’s a cozy (IMHO) with some filler — I found the filler infinitely more interesting than the typical food related fluff.
Quite fun!
Number 16 in the Charles Lennox mystery series. I haven’t read them all, but I loved this one! Got me straight through a long and uncomfortable flight.
1881 in London — in addition to the mysteries (the murder of a member of Parliament in the House of Commons, a mysteriously vanished fiancé, and a surprising heartbreak), we are treated to numerous and intriguing contextual details about the era: suffragettes, the Travelers Club for Gentlemen (you have to have traveled at least 500 miles from London in a straight line), the origin of and immediate enthusiasm for toilet tissue, 19th century chemistry, and the machinations and odd traditions of the lords and commoners in Parliament. Our Lennox — with his Holmesian observational skills, aristocratic bearing, and calm demeanor — is on the case. While it’s a cozy (IMHO) with some filler — I found the filler infinitely more interesting than the typical food related fluff.
Quite fun!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What an interesting and absorbing little book.
Here we find Charles Lenox basically not sleeping while in a whirlwind solving two cases: a dead politician and a disappeared fiance. I think this is not a five star to me because its the 13 book in a series but only my first one read so i think some of the things im missing are probably fleshed out more in earlier books.
Things I did like:
I loved the cast of characters and the stories. I thought the mystery of the dead politician was enthralling. I also thoroughly loved the prose. The mystery of the murder was fun and complex and a surprise but mostly i enjoyed how empathetic most of the folks were dealing with the mess that comes with death and how complicated peoples lives are.
What was missing for me was more character development and more on the different storylines. For example the case of the missing fiance was kind of haphazardly added. There was no connection between two mysteries and its solved without really clueing us in as to how and so it didn’t feel satisfactory. Same with Saris story which ended abruptly and not very satisfactory.
I highly recommend as a beach read and a great story thanks Netgalley!
Here we find Charles Lenox basically not sleeping while in a whirlwind solving two cases: a dead politician and a disappeared fiance. I think this is not a five star to me because its the 13 book in a series but only my first one read so i think some of the things im missing are probably fleshed out more in earlier books.
Things I did like:
I loved the cast of characters and the stories. I thought the mystery of the dead politician was enthralling. I also thoroughly loved the prose. The mystery of the murder was fun and complex and a surprise but mostly i enjoyed how empathetic most of the folks were dealing with the mess that comes with death and how complicated peoples lives are.
What was missing for me was more character development and more on the different storylines. For example the case of the missing fiance was kind of haphazardly added. There was no connection between two mysteries and its solved without really clueing us in as to how and so it didn’t feel satisfactory. Same with Saris story which ended abruptly and not very satisfactory.
I highly recommend as a beach read and a great story thanks Netgalley!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When I read that the detective was a financially independent English gentleman, I thought of Elizabeth George’s main character, Thomas Lynley, and C. S. Harris’ Sebastian St. Cyr. I had to read “Midnight in the House of Commons.” Also a plus for me: the story is set in the Victorian period.
The title gives away the location of the death. Charles Lenox, the main character, is quickly called to the scene. As the days pass, even he is a bit flummoxed as to the perpetrator. I got it wrong repeatedly, which added to– rather than subtracted from– my enjoyment of the book.
I didn’t realize that this book is #16 in the Charles Lenox mystery series. It reads fine as a standalone, although now I intend to start with the first book and read all the way through.
Although Anne Perry had a police officer (Thomas Pitt) and a man with amnesia (William Monk) as main characters in her two Victorian series, several times I thought of her books while reading this one. So if you enjoy her work, I think you would enjoy this book.
What a pleasure it was!
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader copy. This is my honest review.
The title gives away the location of the death. Charles Lenox, the main character, is quickly called to the scene. As the days pass, even he is a bit flummoxed as to the perpetrator. I got it wrong repeatedly, which added to– rather than subtracted from– my enjoyment of the book.
I didn’t realize that this book is #16 in the Charles Lenox mystery series. It reads fine as a standalone, although now I intend to start with the first book and read all the way through.
Although Anne Perry had a police officer (Thomas Pitt) and a man with amnesia (William Monk) as main characters in her two Victorian series, several times I thought of her books while reading this one. So if you enjoy her work, I think you would enjoy this book.
What a pleasure it was!
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader copy. This is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Charles in charge...of my weekend! I devoured this one.
With each installment, Charles becomes more of a man who happens to be a detective and less of detective who has other characteristics. He such a well-developed character that I feel we are friends. (This is the point in the review where I tell you read this series, if you have not, Start at the beginning with A Beautiful Blue Death. You won't be disappinted in my favorite Victorian-era gentleman detective. He is so charming, interesting, and he never stops growing or learning.)
In this installment, we turn to politics. I mean, it's in the title. The crime takes place at Midnight in the House of Commons. It's a mystery...do you really want me to say more? It must suffice to say that you won't be disappointed. I learned some interesting facts about the British parliamentary system, there is some romantic drama, and there are some juicy updates about some favorite supporting characters (GRAHAM!)
I am so thankful to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC! This was a wonderful read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Midnight in the House of Commons is the next highly anticpated book in Charles Lenox Mysteries and it does not disappoint.
Charles is back and solving not one but two cases. One of them is very personal and the stakes are high.
A body is found in the House of Commons which shocks everyone and it is a locked door mystery Not everyone has access to the House.
Charles is also searching for a missing fiance and juggling his very busy home life.
I love it when Charles is in London and all the familiar characters are there to greet you. It's like visiting family.
Charles is racing against the clock to solve the House of Commons as a major vote for a cause he believes in is pending.
Charles Finch is a master of leaving a bread crumb of clues for the reader to follow as they try and solve the case along with Charles Lenox.
This series keeps getting better and leaves you wanting another book in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for the privilege of reading and reviewing one of my all time favourite series.
Charles is back and solving not one but two cases. One of them is very personal and the stakes are high.
A body is found in the House of Commons which shocks everyone and it is a locked door mystery Not everyone has access to the House.
Charles is also searching for a missing fiance and juggling his very busy home life.
I love it when Charles is in London and all the familiar characters are there to greet you. It's like visiting family.
Charles is racing against the clock to solve the House of Commons as a major vote for a cause he believes in is pending.
Charles Finch is a master of leaving a bread crumb of clues for the reader to follow as they try and solve the case along with Charles Lenox.
This series keeps getting better and leaves you wanting another book in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for the privilege of reading and reviewing one of my all time favourite series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Midnight in the House of Commons
By Charles Finch
Set in Victorian England, this is the next installment in the Charles Lenox, gentleman detective, series. In this one, a member of the House of Commons, one Robert Baddeley, has been murdered in the House itself. Charles is asked to aid the police investigation. That is the main story line.
But there are other interesting subplots which serve to point out the rigid social standards of the times. A young woman named Violet Woodhue appeals to Charles for help to discover what has become of her beloved, who has proposed – and then mysteriously disappeared. In addition, there is the ongoing story of Sari, an Indian girl who is Charles' ward – and who is denigrated because of her race. These situations emphasize the class structure which strictly ruled Victorian society.
The ending sets up the reader for yet another book in this series to come. And they are all worth reading.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
By Charles Finch
Set in Victorian England, this is the next installment in the Charles Lenox, gentleman detective, series. In this one, a member of the House of Commons, one Robert Baddeley, has been murdered in the House itself. Charles is asked to aid the police investigation. That is the main story line.
But there are other interesting subplots which serve to point out the rigid social standards of the times. A young woman named Violet Woodhue appeals to Charles for help to discover what has become of her beloved, who has proposed – and then mysteriously disappeared. In addition, there is the ongoing story of Sari, an Indian girl who is Charles' ward – and who is denigrated because of her race. These situations emphasize the class structure which strictly ruled Victorian society.
The ending sets up the reader for yet another book in this series to come. And they are all worth reading.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I became a fan of the Charles Lenox mysteries last year when I was given an ARC of The Hidden City. Since then I have been reading the books in order and am almost caught up in the series.
What I love about the Charles Lennox's series is that they are light easy reading, with a few twists and turns along the way. Midnight in the House of Commons did not disappoint. The story revolved around Robert Baddeley, a member of Parliament who likes to invite women into the chambers for secret romance. He is found dead in the chamber, and Lennox must solve the case to protect his own family. It is a fun, and entertaining ride, that will only take a couple of evenings, and then you will wish that it wasn't over.
If you are a fan of Victorian period crime novels, you have two great choices in the works of Charles Finch and Will Thomas. I highly recommend this book. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC for my unbiased opinion.
What I love about the Charles Lennox's series is that they are light easy reading, with a few twists and turns along the way. Midnight in the House of Commons did not disappoint. The story revolved around Robert Baddeley, a member of Parliament who likes to invite women into the chambers for secret romance. He is found dead in the chamber, and Lennox must solve the case to protect his own family. It is a fun, and entertaining ride, that will only take a couple of evenings, and then you will wish that it wasn't over.
If you are a fan of Victorian period crime novels, you have two great choices in the works of Charles Finch and Will Thomas. I highly recommend this book. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC for my unbiased opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
72 pages
4 stars
This book is a delightful tale about a murder that takes place in the House of Commons in the middle of the night. Robert Baddeley, a member of the House, is poisoned. He has a somewhat checkered reputation with the ladies.
Charles Lenox is a private investigator that is drawn into the case. He is working alongside the police inspector on the case.
It is 1881 in London. The descriptions of Parliament, the city and its inhabitants are wonderful. The city and its environs are beautifully displayed. I was especially taken with the discussion about the protocol surrounding the Parliamentary opening.
I found the whole display of manners/courtesies charming.
It wasn't the body in the chambers I was taken with. It was everything else about the book. A great historical novel. I loved it.
I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for forwarding to me a copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
4 stars
This book is a delightful tale about a murder that takes place in the House of Commons in the middle of the night. Robert Baddeley, a member of the House, is poisoned. He has a somewhat checkered reputation with the ladies.
Charles Lenox is a private investigator that is drawn into the case. He is working alongside the police inspector on the case.
It is 1881 in London. The descriptions of Parliament, the city and its inhabitants are wonderful. The city and its environs are beautifully displayed. I was especially taken with the discussion about the protocol surrounding the Parliamentary opening.
I found the whole display of manners/courtesies charming.
It wasn't the body in the chambers I was taken with. It was everything else about the book. A great historical novel. I loved it.
I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for forwarding to me a copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to PH of St Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for the eARC of this book. This story takes place in 1880s London, and the setting feels authentic. The characters are all so proper, as expected, and you can feel the heavy weight of misogyny at a time when women are starting to come out from the shadows. I enjoyed the dual mystery, the missing suitor and the murdered public figure. I did spend a lot of time trying to determine if the cases were linked. The murder case was fairly complex, and the personal grudges certainly made the investigation high stakes. Although I got caught up in the story, I do admit that there were numerous characters that I just did not like and had wanted to meet a bad outcome. If you like historical fiction, the characters in this book/series are solid and likable, the setting feels real, and the story provides enough information for you to spin your wheels a little before you gain traction in the whodunnit!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Charles Finch’s Midnight in the House of Commons is another solid entry in the long-running Charles Lenox Victorian detective series. While Lenox works to solve the shocking poisoning death of a Member of Parliament inside the House of Commons, Finch also continues to advance the long-running storylines that have made these books so rewarding to follow. The mystery itself is cleverly constructed, with plenty of suspects and misdirection, but it’s the characters that continue to set the series apart. It’s a bit like Sherlock Holmes if Holmes had been born into the Victorian aristocracy, complete with country estates, political connections, and a place among London’s upper crust. Fans of the series will find another satisfying whodunit, while newcomers will discover an inviting historical mystery that’s likely to send them looking for the earlier books. Recommended.
July 27, 2026
I really enjoy the Charles Lenox series, but there’s no denying that the more recent books in the series have a different tone and writing style than at the start which I do miss. However, I do think that the last two have been more nostalgic and reminiscent of his early work which I appreciate! This most recent addition has a slow start, and quite a few storylines that aren’t as cohesive, but I did enjoy it overall. The main plot had more than enough to keep me interested and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the main characters, although Jane, Toto and Thomas didn’t have as much of a role in this one. The best part is that it is strongly implied that Charles will once again be headed to America but this time with Graham! Despite my lack of love for the smaller plot, I will ALWAYS read the next book in this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this early arc!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this early arc!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Midnight in the House of Commons combines a classic mystery with an engaging look inside the world of British politics. Charles Finch captures the atmosphere of Westminster well, using Parliament as more than just a backdrop. The setting adds tension and gives the investigation a unique flavor. I enjoyed how the political maneuvering became part of the mystery rather than distracting from it.
What kept me reading was the steady unraveling of the case. Instead of relying on constant surprises, the story builds through conversations, clues, and the personalities of the people involved. There were a few places where the pacing slowed, but the historical detail and thoughtful plotting made it worthwhile. My sincere thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free advance review copy.
What kept me reading was the steady unraveling of the case. Instead of relying on constant surprises, the story builds through conversations, clues, and the personalities of the people involved. There were a few places where the pacing slowed, but the historical detail and thoughtful plotting made it worthwhile. My sincere thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free advance review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In the next book in the Charles Lenox Mystery series, MIDNIGHT IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS by Charles Finch, Charles Lenox is the protagonist. Charles is a former member of Parliament. A woman comes to his detection agency. Help is on the way.
I like the setting descriptions. I also like returning to the world of Charles Lenox. I especially like the characters, especially Charles and Lady Jane. This is the 13th book in the Charles Lenox mystery series. It is wonderful to have such a good sense of place while reading this novel. I have not read them all, but this book is a good addition to the series. One mystery is exciting, but getting two mysteries is fantastic. I look forward to reading other books in the Charles Lenox mystery series. Thank you, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of MIDNIGHT IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.
I like the setting descriptions. I also like returning to the world of Charles Lenox. I especially like the characters, especially Charles and Lady Jane. This is the 13th book in the Charles Lenox mystery series. It is wonderful to have such a good sense of place while reading this novel. I have not read them all, but this book is a good addition to the series. One mystery is exciting, but getting two mysteries is fantastic. I look forward to reading other books in the Charles Lenox mystery series. Thank you, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of MIDNIGHT IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.
June 6, 2026
I am grateful for an advance copy from NetGalley.
What a pleasure to be reunited with Charles Lenox, private detective in Victorian England. He is a deeply humane and wise individual and it is a comfort to spend time with him even as he investigates a murder as well as other domestic mysteries. He is also quite clever and invariably solves crimes based on facts which are also available to the reader throughout. It’s also a pleasure to read about other characters from earlier books in the series but someone new to Charles Lenox would still greatly enjoy this book in my opinion.
The historical struggles for suffrage as well as relief for the poor are also important themes in this book and very interesting to learn about.
Highly recommend. I can’t wait for the next installment.
What a pleasure to be reunited with Charles Lenox, private detective in Victorian England. He is a deeply humane and wise individual and it is a comfort to spend time with him even as he investigates a murder as well as other domestic mysteries. He is also quite clever and invariably solves crimes based on facts which are also available to the reader throughout. It’s also a pleasure to read about other characters from earlier books in the series but someone new to Charles Lenox would still greatly enjoy this book in my opinion.
The historical struggles for suffrage as well as relief for the poor are also important themes in this book and very interesting to learn about.
Highly recommend. I can’t wait for the next installment.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is an extraordinary book! Charles Lenox's mysteries are my new go to for interesting and exciting stories! The perpetrator was a complete surprise!
The characters are written brilliantly! Charles is AMAZING! He doesn't give up and no clue is too small. His cases are important to him. Violet is a sweetheart with a broken heart. I was so happy when Charles helped her! I like how Jane and Charles open up their house to friends, relatives and guests! My favorite character is Nesterovic! He's 95, has a meticulous memory and spends almost every hour of everyday in Parliament. Simply awesome!!
I can't wait to read the next book in this series!!
I was provided a complimentary ARC copy of the book from St. Martin's Publishing Group via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The characters are written brilliantly! Charles is AMAZING! He doesn't give up and no clue is too small. His cases are important to him. Violet is a sweetheart with a broken heart. I was so happy when Charles helped her! I like how Jane and Charles open up their house to friends, relatives and guests! My favorite character is Nesterovic! He's 95, has a meticulous memory and spends almost every hour of everyday in Parliament. Simply awesome!!
I can't wait to read the next book in this series!!
I was provided a complimentary ARC copy of the book from St. Martin's Publishing Group via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the second book that I read in the series, and it doesn’t disappoint! The characters are well-developed and believable. The plot and sub-plots flow along flawlessly. There are a few of feel-good moments when lovers can be reunited, but then there’s a very heavy moment of despair when someone close to Charles is arrested. Lenox feels at a loss to piece the clues together and come up with a plausible solution. As a reader, I also have no idea where things are going. All the clues are tenuous and jumbled, so the ending comes as a surprise. I like how the book doesn’t end quickly after the mystery is solved. The author takes time to tie up all loose ends in a most satisfying way. I would like to read a few more books in this series!
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