The Thief and the Labyrinth

A World’s End Bureau Victorian Mystery #6

by Alys Clare

Private investigators Lily and Felix hunt a rogue thief in this gripping and atmospheric World’s End Bureau historical mystery from critically acclaimed author Alys Clare.

A clear crime hides an untold secret . . .

London, 1882. American agents Henry and Johanna McClellan need the help of the World’s End Bureau to find Bruno Schmidt, a cunning lecturer who cajoled a young American woman called Ava into eloping to Europe.

Now Ava’s father wants her back. Though the McClellans have followed the missing pair’s trail to London, they can’t find their way around the busy city without help. PI duo Lily and Felix accept the case and soon discover a promising clue regarding Bruno and Ava’s whereabouts.

But the more Lily and Felix investigate, the more complicated and implausible this seemingly straightforward case becomes. Their suspicion quickly falls on their clients, who might not be as honest as they first seemed to be . . .

‘Perfect for fans of gothic thrillers and historical mysteries’ (Booklist Starred Review), the World’s End Bureau series is a fantastic read for fans of Anne Perry, Will Thomas and Deanna Raybourn.

Genres: Historical, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Historical Fiction, Victorian

256 pages, Hardcover

Published October 6, 2026

About the author

Alys Clare is the pen name used by Elizabeth Harris for the Hawkenlye series of historical mysteries.

Alys Clare is the pseudonym of a novelist with some 20 published works to her name. Brought up in the countryside close to where the Hawkenlye Novels are set, she went to school in Tonbridge and later studied archaeology at the University of Kent. She lives for part of the year in Brittany, in a remote cottage deep in an ancient landscape where many past inhabitants have left their mark; on her doorstep are relics that date from the stone circles and dolmens of the Neolithic to the commanderies, chapels and ancient tracks of those infamous warrior monks, the Knights Templar. In England, Alys's study overlooks a stretch of parkland which includes a valley with a little spring. The waters of this spring are similar in colour and taste to Tunbridge Wells's famous Chalybeat Spring, and it was this that prompted Alys's setting of her fictional Hawkenlye Abbey in the very spot where her own house now stands.

Reviews

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent entry in Alys Clare’s World’s End Bureau historical mystery series, set in London in the late 19th century.

As the story opens in the fall of 1882, Lily Raynor, head of the Bureau, and Felix Wilbrsham, her associate, are greeting potential new clients who have arrived at their office without notice but with an urgent appeal. Henry McClellan and Johanna Clovis McClellan, private investigators with the Hucker Enquiry Agency, of San Francisco and Boston in America, have a request for what Henry describes as assistance in locating an especially evil man in London. They are not very familiar with London and much of England and need local aid.

Initially, Lily wonders why two people with their apparent skills and resources would need assistance but, finally, she accepts that she and Felix will undertake this case. The primary task will be to locate a Viennese man traveling through London and possibly parts of England and, most particularly, discover the whereabouts of a young woman who has travelled from Boston with him, running away from her father’s plans to marry her off to someone she doesn’t know.

tbc…..

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book opens with a prologue featuring a mystery couple wandering into what seems to be the labyrinth from the book title. There are paranormal elements including an artifact full of great power and a mysterious bull-like roar...

Then the book jumps to London, private detectives Lily and Felix are hired by their American counterparts to trace a thief and a young lady who has disappeared with him.

I haven't read any other books in this series, but I would definitely read them now!
I loved the atmospheric descriptions of Victorian London and the paranormal elements added something a bit different.
I liked the characters Lily and Felix and seeing how their relationship develops throughout the book.
A very intriguing mystery that I really enjoyed reading.

[K McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a sad suspicion this may be the last book in the series, but that’s just my speculation. I have really enjoyed this series, with its unique and effective writing, strong characters, and well-constructed mysteries. This one finds Lily and Felix hired by a different pair of private investigators, and they quickly find themselves involved in theft, murder, and the after effects of archaeological excavations. The mystery in this one is maybe just a touch less engaging than in its predecessors, but the personal angle really shown through and felt like a natural extension of the whole series. A very satisfying conclusion if that’s what it is, and if not, I’ll be very happy to keep reading. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All views are entirely my own and offered voluntarily.

[Karolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gripping British Victorian historical mystery set in 1882 London when Henry and Johanna McClellan seek out the World’s End Bureau to find Bruno Schmidt, a lecturer who liked young women and was a suspected thief who had eloped with Ava, a young woman from a posh school in America. Ava's powerful and rich father wants her back home but he doesn't want any fuss. As the McClellan's tracked Schmidt to England, they reckon he will recognise them so ask Lily Raynor and Felix Wilbraham to take up the trail at the British Museum where he sold artefacts to. They tell the pair, the couple are currently in London and give them pictures of them. Lily learns he is a conman and has spent years getting treasures from ancient Mediterranean sites. The more they dig, the less things make sense. Is Ava a victim or helping him? What is the McClellan's true part in this?

I found this to be a really intriguing historical mystery read with a lot of interesting details. I think the author did extensive research before writing this story as the information contained within the novel confirms this and adds to the depth of the book. I really liked Lily Raynor and Felix Wilbraham as they complimented each other nicely in their work and worked well together. Also, since Lily cared for Felix after his recent attack, they have grown closer but neither of them will admit their feelings. They tend to do their enquiries together now as well. I liked the plot and how the pair investigated the case. Also, I really liked the cover of the book. It’s the first book I have read in the series, but I managed to get into the story and enjoy it. I would like to read more books in series in the future.

Synopsis :

WELCOME TO VICTORIAN LONDON AND THE WORLD’S END BUREAU, WHERE SHARP-WITTED SLEUTH LILY RAYNOR AND HER RIGHT-HAND MAN FELIX WILBRAHAM TAKE ON THE MOST FIENDISH OF MYSTERIES.

A missing girl. A charming thief. And a case that doesn’t add up.

November, 1882. American agents Henry and Johanna McClellan arrive in London on an urgent mission: track down Bruno Schmidt, a silver-tongued lecturer and suspected thief who has eloped with a young woman called Ava.

Ava’s powerful father wants her home — as discreetly and quickly as possible.

But the McClellans are strangers to England, so they take their problem to the World’s End Bureau and its two private investigators, Lily Raynor and Felix Wilbraham.

At first, the case looks straightforward. A runaway romance. A clever conman. A trail leading across Victorian Europe that should be easy to follow.

But Schmidt is no ordinary fortune hunter. He’s spent years plundering treasures from ancient Mediterranean sites, and the hunt for him draws Lily and Felix towards a secret about a labyrinth that’s lain undisturbed for millennia.

The deeper they dig, the less things add up. Is Ava really a victim? And what are the McClellans themselves so afraid of?

As the lies multiply, Lily and Felix start to realize that their clients’ secrets might turn this missing person inquiry into a deadly affair.

This twisty, atmospheric historical mystery is perfect for fans of T.E. Kinsey, Anna Lee Huber, Sarah F. Noel, Rhys Bowen, Andrea Penrose and hit TV drama Miss Scarlet & the Duke.

MEET THE SLEUTHS
Armed with sharp instincts, an empathetic nature and clear intuition, Lily Raynor is the proprietor of the World’s End Bureau located in the heart of London. A feminist she’s ahead of her time and only surrounds herself with people who are increasingly aware of the constraints placed on women in Victorian society. She’s determined, resourceful, quick-witted and has a talent for uncovering what others miss. Above all she values partnership and has come to rely deeply on her colleague Felix in both work and life.

Lily’s sidekick, Felix Wilbraham, brings a methodical approach to their work, asking the right questions at the right time and considering evidence and statements with calm deduction skills. No detail escapes Felix, especially when it comes to reading people. He’s thoughtful, observant and has sound judgement — most of the time. He balances Lily’s emotional intelligence with his practical demeanour. But slowly their professional partnership is evolving into something rather warmer.

[Lisa Ahlstedt · Rating 2 out of 5]

In 1882, Lily Raynor and her partner Felix Wilbraham are contacted at their detective business, the World’s End Bureau, to hunt down a young woman who has run off with a sketchy man. The two people who ask them to take on the case, Henry and Joanna McClellan, are American detectives hired by the woman’s father to find her and bring her home. The McClellans have traced the missing pair to London, but since they are Americans themselves, they are unfamiliar with the legal and geographic conditions in England. They give Lily and Felix photos of the pair. The man, Bruno Schmidt, is a self-proclaimed expert in the antiquities trade. The McClellans accuse him of trading in stolen goods, and suspect he is in London to try to sell some artifacts with questionable provenance to museums and collectors. Once Lily and Felix start trying to track down the pair, they discover a murder that they believe is connected to the case, only the victim doesn’t seem to be who they thought it was. As they try to track down Schmidt and Ava (the missing woman), they uncover mysterious objects that many people are eager to get their hands on.

I liked the setting of the book, but I wasn’t sure what it was trying to do. There was the detective angle, the love story, and a lot of background on Greek myths and archeology thrown in. It was a bit difficult to follow and sometimes I was unclear about who was speaking. At the end, when all is sort of explained, there was a bit of magic or sorcery or something thrown in, which Lily apparently was able to experience first-hand, but there was no clarification as to why that was happening. The whole story was a bit too confusing and muddled for me to really enjoy.

I received a copy of this book from Joffe Books.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

The Thief and the Labyrinth is the 6th (and final?) book in the World's End Bureau historical paranormal mystery series by Alys Clare. Due out 6th Oct 2026 from Severn House, it's 256 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently available on KU.

This is an engaging and very well written paranormal historical mystery series. The characterizations are deep and realistically portrayed and the relationship between MCs Lily and Felix continues to develop, but isn't center stage in this missing persons/runaway daughter case. The paranormal aspects are also interesting, not overly outré or ridiculous.

The climax and denouement are satisfying and complete. If this -is- the final book, it's ended satisfactorily, with most of the overarching plot elements resolved.

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public or home library acquisition, or for a solid binge/buddy read.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Veronika Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, though I have to admit I was initially unsure about the labyrinth element, but it wasn’t too distracting in the end. I like a bit of the supernatural – ghosts and such like – in a Gothic mystery, but I’m suspicious of something lurking underground or being hidden for centuries, in case it turns out to be a demon or a vampire. Luckily in this case it wasn’t either.

It’s 1882 and Lily Raynor and Felix Wilbraham run the of private investigation bureau known as the World’s End Bureau. Lily owns the business, while Felix works for her, though in reality they are more like work partners. Both would like it to be more personal, but are too afraid to admit it to one another.

Then Henry and Johanna McClellan arrive in London, and engage Lily and Felix to help them find a young lady called Ava. She’s an American who ran off with her lecturer – a man twice her age. His name is Bruno Schmidt and he’s an archaeologist from Vienna. Except in reality he’s a conman who plunders treasures and sells them to the highest bidder. He could even be a killer. Ava’s millionaire father has hired the McClellans to find her.

But why do the McClellands need the World’s End Bureau when they are also investigators? They say it’s because they don’t know London. But is that the real reason?

So Lily and Felix begin an exciting journey of discovery – and not just in the search for Ava. It will take them all over the country, and Europe, often to my neck of the woods. They are both very modern for the late 19th century, but that is what Felix loves about Lily. Her spirit and her independence.

I really hope there is a book 7 as I’d love to read more about Lily and Felix, but I have a feeling that this is the last in the series.

Many thanks to @ZooloosBT for inviting me to be part of #TheThiefandtheLabyrinth #blogtour.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first foray into the world of Lily and Felix at The World’s End Private Enquiry Agency. And actually it’s a great standalone book (although now I just have to go back and read the rest!) I will admit to being slightly confused at the start. The book opens straight in with the paranormal aspects of the story and an unidentified couple. Not having read any previously, I wasn’t sure who they might be when we arrive at the first chapters and are introduced to Lily and Felix, two further private detectives from America and also the couple they are searching for…. So who were the mysterious pair at the beginning?

You don’t have any more time to think about it as the couple from out of town enlist Lily and Felix’s help in tracing their wayward charges and the story starts at a gallop, taking you through the back alleys of London and the back stairs of Museums in the search of the missing couple. Before long, we’re off on a journey out of London following a potential antiquities thief and a trail that seems impossible until they are faced with the very possibility that more exists beyond human imagination.

You won’t be sorry you picked this book up!

[Jeannine · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this is the end, it's a wonderful way finale for a great series!

The paranormal elements of this series have always set it apart and added even more atmosphere to the gritty, Victorian setting. The prologue throws the reader right into the paranormal part of the plot, though you're left wondering who you were with - was this Lily and Felix? A pair we'll meet later (we're quickly introduced to two couples)? What is happening? The book actually comes full circle and we finally learn what was happening in the first scene towards the very end, but it was a fast, entertaining ride to get there.

While the investigation is front and center, the relationship between Lily and Felix, which has major developments in the last book, continues to evolve. Our main characters are braver with sharing their feelings, with delightful developments coming in the second half of the book.

The ending for our main character is deeply satisfying, but also a little sad. Is this the end of the story? I might have to start from the beginning to watch it all happen again.

[Lisa Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a World's End Bureau mystery - but it won't be the last!

Alys Clare has written the perfect Victorian mystery novel - excellent characters, including the feisty Lily Raynor and the clever, but kind-hearted Felix Wilbraham, the heart and soul of London's World's End Bureau, an investigation agency for those who have unusual mysteries to be solved.

And this is, indeed, an unusual mystery! Lily and Felix are tasked with tracking Bruno Schmidt, a treasure hunter who has absconded with not just treasure, but an impressionable young lady named Ava.

Or has he? At the first hurdle, confusion reigns about the identity of the young lady accompanying Bruno. Lily and Felix unearth unsavoury information about Bruno, with niggling questions at the back of their minds about the American couple who engaged their services.

Then a young woman turns up dead, unusual treasures are stolen and voices from the past make their presence felt.

I loved this book and am going back to read the rest of the series - highly recommended!

[Pree&Vi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐

Lily and Felix from World's End Investigation Bureau take up a case to track down a runaway girl who has apparently arrived in London from America with her archeology lecturer lover. It turns out to be a super complex case, as they soon discover that the archeologist is a thief, the girl they're looking for is murdered, and their clients are not who they said they were.

I really enjoyed following Lily and Felix around 1880s London, looking for clues and tracking down Bruno and Ava.

The characters they meet are colourful, and it made the book really fun to read.

I didn't see the fantasy element coming, and I loved it. There is a strange journal that seems to have magical powers connected to the legend of Minotaur. The flashbacks to the Greek mythology period were very interesting. I do wish there was more on what Joanna does with the journal at the end.

Lily and Felix are such a cute couple. I'm glad they got married by the end. This is the sixth book in the series, and I'd love to go back and read the earlier book just to see more of their relationship!

[Books with T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lily Raynor is the proprietor of the World’s End Bureau, a detective agency in Victorian London that she runs with her colleague Felix Wilbraham. A mysterious couple by the name of Henry and Johanna McCellan seek out their services claiming to be from a detective agency in America. They need help with a case searching for a gentleman by the name of Bruno Schmidt and a young lady called Ava Ellis Werner, the story told is that Ava’s father is looking for her as she has run away with Bruno from a finishing school for girls.

Things don’t seem to be as told when Ava turns out to be a young lady called Ada and Bruno seems to be some sort of thief. Can a mysterious journal that keeps being referenced in Lily and Felix’s investigation solve what is going on and are all these people who they say they are?

The 6th book in the A World’s End Bureau Victorian Mystery series but a very easy stand alone. The author does reference incidents from other books and highlights which book to read but it does not make the storyline confusing. I love the relationship that was created between Lily and Felix, very believable and very in tune with the time in how they acted to each other. If you love Greek mythology you will enjoy this book.

Gifted

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 6 in the A World’s End Bureau Victorian Mystery series. I’ve not read this series but I have read and enjoyed other Alys Clare books. This is historical paranormal mystery rather than straight up historical mystery.

Lily and Felix work for The World’s End Detective Bureau and get caught up in the world of plundered ancient treasures and apparent abductions. It has great characters and a strong storyline.

I think the paranormal element worked really well with the Victorian setting and gave me Candela Obscura vibes except less grim. I had a lot of fun with this, it was an intriguing read and I could be tempted to read more.

If you enjoy Victoriana and a bit of spook with your mystery I would definitely recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the ARC

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is the sixth story in the World’s End Bureau Mystery series, it reads well as a standalone.

Private investigators Lily and Felix are asked by American agents the McClellans to assist them in their search on behalf of her father for his daughter Ava, who is believed to have eloped with Bruno, a man suspected of being a thief as well as a lecturer.

The Labyrinth of the title is mysteriously linked with the past and with ancient Mediterranean history and the book is packed with twists and turns; lies and misdirections and confusion abound.

Concentration is needed to sort through these and to reach the truth for the investigators and also the reader.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

London, 1882. American p.i. Henry and Johanna McClellan approach the World’s End Bureau to locate a Bruno Schmidt, lecturer, who persuaded American Ava Werner to elope. They have traced them to London, a city unknown to them. A seemingly straightforward case which becomes complicated.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable and interesting main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[P Franke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy a historical mystery and was happy to receive an advance copy. Our detectives, Lily and Felix, from different backgrounds still complement each other well. It was a pleasure to watch as their relationship evolved. Their first case is a convoluted mystery, littered with misdirection from some of the other characters that keeps Lily and Felix second-guessing themselves. Missing people, missing ancient artifacts, suspected criminal activity. Who to believe? I look forward to future adventures with Lily and Felix.

[Jenny Kinsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Victorian London , this atmospheric mystery centres around a detective agency called The World`s End Bureau. Lily Raynor and Felix Wilbraham have been engaged by an American couple to find a gentleman called Bruno Schmidt and a young lady travelling with him called Ava . Soon they are racing around the back streets and Museums of London to find them . Things are not what they seem and the story takes us on a trail that is mystical and mysterious . This was a very engaging read with twists along the way

[Patricia Gulley · Rating 2.5 out of 5]

Lily didn't seem the same woman from previous books, and it's because she's in love. Lots of floral romantic thinking and she and Felix exchanging. Very distracting as with all the description of landscapes seen on walking, even wrong turns, and train trips, houses decor and what people wear in a story that has a lot of twists and descriptions of people instead of using their names. The later to make you think they may be another person. So where as it was a good story, the mystery seemed salted into all of the above.
Will Lily change back a bit in future?

[Emy · Rating 4 out of 5]

American agents Henry and Johanna McClellan arrive in London to track down a missing girl, Ava, who has eloped with a trickster named Bruno.
As they are unfamiliar with England the McClellan's enlist the assistance of private investigators Lily Rayner and Felix Wilbraham. However, what appears at first to be a straightforward runaway romance soon becomes more complex and leads Lily and Felix to wonder what secrets their clients are hiding.
With plenty of twists and turns this archeological themed murder mystery is excellently written.

[Lisa reads alot Hamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first read in this series but that didn’t spoil my enjoyment of it, Lily and Felix are great characters and in this historical mystery the writing really brought them and the story to life.
Lots of twists to keep me guessing and the descriptive writing was a joy, I loved it.
A good mystery and a cracking read I’m going to be reading the others in this series now as I want to know more about these two.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alys Clare combines mystery, history and atmosphere in a story that gradually becomes more complex than it first appears. The investigation is layered and full of unexpected turns, while the Victorian setting feels rich and authentic. I enjoyed following the main characters as they uncovered secrets and questioned what they believed to be true. An absorbing historical mystery with plenty to enjoy. Recommended. Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.

[Melvyn Homer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Thief and the Labyrinth. When myths and legends meet facts, trouble comes next. When Lily and Felix are approached by a mysterious American couple needing help to find a runaway, they soon find themselves with more than they bargained for. A Victorian detective novel with an intriguing twist. Very readable.

[Phil Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 6th
and a great standalone for lovers of the paranormal