Corpse in the Canal

Silver and Grey #9

by Mary Lancaster

Genres: Mystery

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2026

About the author

Mary Lancaster is a USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance. She lives in Scotland with her husband, one of three grown-up kids, and a small dog with a big personality.

Her first literary love was historical fiction, a genre which she relishes mixing up with romance and adventure in her own writing. Several of her novels feature actual historical characters as diverse as Hungarian revolutionaries, medieval English outlaws, and a family of eternally rebellious royal Scots. To say nothing of Vlad the Impaler.
Her most recent books are light fun Regency romances, with occasional forays into Victorian mystery.

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Reviews

[Cassandra]

Ah my favorite couple that mystery together has come to end(maybe?) I loved this Constance and Solomon are such a great detective team and an even better couple. They love and respect each other so much. Constance gets a bit jealous in this volume and Solomon is so sweet and understanding. Also when asked if he hits her (!!!!) he is so quick with his NEVER. LOVE HIM. His brother is back and quite a bit in this one which was very nice but I missed their assistants as most the investigating took place outside of London. If this is the end, it was wrapped up very nicely but I will miss them so much I don't want it to be! I hope this author does another mystery series.

6/6 stars

[Elizabeth S]

Solomon and Constance are commissioned to find a gentleman's wayward son. His body is found in a canal near his father's country home. As usual, there are many suspects to eliminate before zeroing in on the killer. Percy, the victim, was a wastrel and a rake, with few redeeming qualities and many debts. Somehow, his parents were unaware of his true character.

Complicating the plot is the arrival from Jamaica of Solomon's former love interest, a widow, with her five-year-old son. Constance reveals her own pregnancy, struggling with how much it will change their lives. David, Solomon's twin brother, is back in the picture, having pursued his love of painting in Paris. He arrives to help and falls for the lovely Adelaide, who, like him and his twin, is biracial. A number of the town's residents are hostile to her because of her ethnicity. She becomes a focal point in the search. Janey, the former prostitue, now office worker and part-time sleuth, finally gets her moment.

In light of Constance and Solomon's coming child, this could be the end of the series or the beginning of a new one. Dragan Tizsa and Lady Grizelda reenter the picture with the possibility of a collaboration which would allow Silver and Grey to continue to operate and solve crimes. If so, I look forward to it.

[Janet]

Hired to find a landowner’s missing son, Constance and Solomon’s inquiries reveal a hedonistic and entitled young man, heavily in debt, who might have wronged too many people. Dragged off to the country on what should have been a wild goose chase, they instead discover the corpse of the missing man being pulled from the local canal.
The ninth & probably the finale of the series & I’ll be sad to say goodbye to Solomon & Constance, I’ve loved their journey. An engrossing mystery which has twists & turns. There are also secrets plus loose ends are all tied up. I love Solomon & Constance & they are definitely soul mates. I love their chemistry & their banter but also how well they work together – I’ll miss them
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Anne]

Corpse in the Canal by Mary Lancaster is a Sliver and Gray mystery. They are preparing for their day when a man insisted upon seeing then. His son, Percy Harvey, was missing and he was worried. They always prioritized cases involving children so they saw him, only to discover that this missing son was twenty-five years old. So began the search only to end shortly when a body was pulled out of the canal near his home. It then turned into a murder investigation. Several monkey wrenches were thrown into the investigation: David appeared, in better health and spirits than ever; and they run into a woman in Channing, where the Harveys lived. It turns out Adelaide was a woman Solomon had known years earlier in Jamaica; in fact, he had wanted to marry her. Channing was a small place with very few suspects. The outcome surprised them all.

Solomon and Constance are in interesting pair: Constance an ex-madam who still owned the “establishment,” and Solomon, who was of mixed race but had amassed a fortune through hard work and brilliance. They made an odd pair but it worked well for them. They worked to help the women at the “establishment” find their ways in life. One worked for them at the agency. David, Sol’s twin, had turned up after bring missing for twenty years. Things appeared to be going better for him now. Then, he became attracted to Adelaide, Sol’s friend from earlier. It all got complicated, but the investigation surged forward. Eventually their tenacity paid off and they were able to return to London, barely missing Constance’ mother’s wedding, but in time for the party after. Another terrific Silver and Gray novel with hints of changes to come.

I was invited to read Corpse in the Canal by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #MaryLancaster #CorpseInTheCanal

[Lyn D Rose]

This ninth book in the Silver and Grey series was an engaging murder mystery historical romance. It had so many twists and turns with interesting characters that kept me guessing until the end. I enjoyed how it seemed to give closer with Solomon, Constance, her mother, and David. It still was a bitter sweet ending. I'm really hoping that there may be a novella down the road, maybe a novella set at Christmastide to let us see their happily ever after. I recommend reading this series in order to better appreciate their relationship growth.

[Petula]

Our Investigators in this Victorian romantic/mystery series have another murder to solve. There is danger and romance in this story , and not just for our lead characters. Surprising people from the past could be pleasant or unpleasant to encounter.
I have read each book in this series so far, and enjoyed every one. I hope there are more to come.
Good fun.

[Charli G.]

I like historical romance and I like mysteries, so Corpse in the Canal was a no-brainer for me to give a whirl. The 9th book in Mary Lancaster's Silver and Grey series, I had not read any of the previous eight books - yet there was no need as I wasn't confused at all about anything. If I needed to know it - it was mentioned. If I didn't, well, it wasn't.

Characters

There are a myriad of characters in this particular story, but the ones we deal with the most are Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Grey - aka Solomon Grey and his wife, Constance Silver (Grey). I loved both of these characters. They were fun, incorrigible, and interesting. I was particularly taken with Constance, as the hints about her not-so-proper past gave just the insight needed to understand her. I do wish we'd had a bit more background info for Solomon, and his brother David, but I can only assume that previous books would have provided that information.

As for the rest of the cast, you don't get to know them so much as you get to see glimpses into their lives based on the level of suspicion they are under by the Greys. I did like Mrs. Jenkins and her little boy, Clarence, as we do get some background info and get to know them a tad better than the rest of the characters. But... why would we need to know so much about the rest - they'll likely not appear in any subsequent books (although I do hope Mrs. Jenkins and Clarence do, and that's all I'll say about that).

Atmosphere

Set in a small village in England for the most part, with some bits in London, the atmosphere for this book was very interesting. This would be more of a "cozy" mystery. Yes, there was some danger and dark parts. But this wasn't your dark and spooky mystery. It was a cozy, Victorian era read that kept me wanting to know what was happening next, and of course, who murdered the victim. Interestingly enough, while I knew it was Victorian era, I was never quite sure what year it was as I don't recall the year ever actually being given - which meant I could more or less choose what part of the era I was reading in.

Writing

Mrs. Lancaster has an easy to read, fun writing style. Her novels are pretty quickly paced - while it may seem that you are going to be bogged down with all the investigation details, you really aren't. It is quick, light hearted (most of the time), and fun to read. I also appreciate that, at least in Corpse in the Canal, the lovemaking scenes are closed door/fade to black. While I don't mind some spice, I appreciate a good fade to black or closed door romance novel.

Plot

The plot for this book isn't that much different from most mystery books - someone has been murdered and one or more of our main characters are needed to find out who did it. While it isn't the most original plot you'll ever see, it's also a plot that is tested and tried and just plain works. It's the classic mystery plot - with a touch of romance thrown in on top. I, for one, don't see the need to fix plots that aren't broken.

Intrigue

To say this book has intrigue is doing it an injustice. This book is amazing for the amount of intrigue. You won't guess who actually murdered the victim found in the canal - although you might guess why without being explicitly told. However, the twists and turns in this book are mostly very subtle. You won't always notice until the twist is right there on top of you. Kudos to Mrs. Lancaster for that.

Relationships

I adore the relationship between Constance and Solomon. I haven't even read the majority of their story and I can tell they're a match made in heaven! They made me want to go back and read the whole series just to be able to read the whole story for myself. I can't wait to see more books for this series (and I really hope there will be more)!

Ending

The book had a very satisfying ending. Some might say it took too long, but I don't think so. It builds up some suspense, and makes you wonder if the suspicions the Greys have are correct or not. It was a great ending to a great book.

I gave this book 5 stars - it was a great read, hard to put down, and made me want to grab the first 8 books in the series to check them all out. I highly recommend this to readers who like to read historical romance with mystery involved.

[Winnifred D.]

Tropes: MC's team up to solve a mystery
Steam level: low
Most likely the last in a series, and best if the previous books read first.
Possible triggers: suicidal ideation; depression; sexual harassment

3.5 stars rounded up. I have very mixed feelings about this entry. I felt that that first 75% or so was compelling although rather dark, touching on some fairly edgy topics this series hasn't really brought up before. If it weren't likely the last in the series, I probably would have liked it more. As it is, I wish Constance and Solomon's relationship had been a bit less fraught (Constance spends the first portion of the book dealing with jealousy and then even more complicated emotions--no spoilers). I felt that individual scenes were well-written, with snappy dialog and occasional wry humor. Also, it was nice to see the brief returns of characters from past books, as well as seeing romance bloom with three sets of secondary characters. But I wanted more of the sweet romance between the MC's that had been a hallmark of the last few books.

I also have to mention that it was tough getting through the mystery in places. The couple Constance and Solomon investigated for were rather hard to like, especially the dad; I had a hard time seeing the villain as actually villainous; and the victim was painted as unredeemable. There was a bit of a message at the end, it seemed, but it was rather a depressing one.

Overall, I would recommend this as a long-time reader of this series, but don't recommend jumping in with this book. I finished wishing there had been a bit more emotional closure.

This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book. Thanks to the author, Dragonblade, and Net Galley.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis]

We have a very intriguing mystery with several suspects and several moving pieces! We have a corpse who was not very well Ike’s and generally a person who did not respect boundaries! His parents were oblivious to his odious personality and hired Solomon and Constance to investigate! Their investigation takes them to a small town of Channing were Solomon runs into his past which just might be David’s future!
We have several couples married or getting married during this investigation which makes it more than unusual to say the least!
It is more than strange though that Constance is so fearful of the way her life will change she hides it from her husband the very best of men!
Janey their assistant finds more clues back in London and her own HEA.
When the clues continue to point to the woman from Solomon’s past they take additional steps which get him almost killed.
Can they find the murderer and attend a wedding that neither saw coming!?
There is nonstop action and hard decisions to make that will definitely slow the Grey’s down but bring in action another one of my favorite couples! Bravo well done!
I received an ARC copy from Netgalley for my unbiased opinion!

[Jennifer]

9th book in the Silver & Grey series is still an engrossing read which more character development than some of the other books. I was happy to see David back in the storyline and his relationship with his brother, as well as more of him forging his own path. I have a lot of curiosity to see what he does next and how he accepts his past and builds new relationships. I am also looking forward to how Constance & Solomon handle their changing roles and responsibilities now that they have finally found happiness together in their marriage. The mystery of the book was interesting with several twists & turns, making the characters more interesting as each is evaluated to see if they are the murderer. But really, what I found most enjoyable was all of the character side stories, including Janey & Constance's mother. I am more anxious to get to the next book than I usually am.

Thank you to Netgalley & the publisher for selecting me to read and review an advanced copy.

[Anne-Mammy]

I too have read all the series and this is probably one of the better ones although not without fault. The twists and turns of the potential perpetrators are well depicted, but there are loose ends which need not have been present in the first place. Glad as I am for Janey and Lenny to finally find love, their investigation in the London underworld and particularly their rescue is a weak point. Nothing is gained or discovered - it does seem very superfluous.. I don't think we've seem the last of Silver and Grey. Indeed, there are indications that it might slightly change focus but continue to entertain us. I hope it does.
Just a word to once more complain about the front cover. Not only is it poor art and clearly "photoshopped", but it certainly does not reflect the 2 main characters as described in Ms Lancaster's novels. They lack "class" and on seeing them, I would not immediately think them breathtakingly beautiful! A pity.

[Lesley]

A Page Turner.
Silver and Grey take on the case of a missing person which soon becomes a murder investigation. Unfortunately the deceased was such an unlikeable individual that there is a plethora of suspects, including an old flame of Solomon’s. I thought the mystery was very well done and the eventual identity of the murderer was unexpected. I love the relationship between Constance and Solomon and their wider family, which deepens further in this tale.
As it appears that this is the last book in the series, any loose ends with regard to the significant secondary characters from previous books are tided away. Note however that there is no requirement to have read the previous books.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Pamela Blatter]

Solomon and Constance have found their way through marriage and their investigation business.
They are hired to find a spoiled missing son and they make their way to his home and village.
Many people have reason to harm him including those who hold his debts.
A woman is involved and happens to be someone from Solomon's past.
Constance tried coping with her feelings about this as well as her sickness.
Their relationship struggles as they continue to try to solve the mystery.
Secrets and danger muddies their ability to uncover the truth.
Storyline is fascinating with its ins and outs.
The focus on the development of Solomon and Constance in their marriage is worth savoring each book in the series.
I received an ARC but the honest opinion is my own.

[June Calvin]

Excellent ending to an excellent series.

Corpse in the Canal is the final installment in Mary Lancaster's excellent Silver and Grey detective series. It's a good mystery - I didn't guess the solution! And the tender love story between odd couple Constance Silver and Sebastian Grey took on a whole new aspect when it becomes clear that Constance is expecting their first child, against what she believed to be possible for her. Readers of the series will be pleased by the ending and new readers will be able to enjoy the mystery even though they don't know everything that has gone before. I am sure anyone who lives historical mysteries will want to go back to the beginning and read them all!

[CG]

Another fine mystery!

What can I say? This is another awesome mystery with little clues dropped here and there, but nothing definite until towards the end. And what an ending! I love the loose threads coming together. I can't say more without giving away more other than to say this is one of my all-time favorite series. Constance and Solomon come from two seemingly different worlds. Yet their skill at solving mysteries and their love for one another, despite setbacks and insecurities depend their relationship. This series is best savored from the beginning so that you can grow to love their story.

[Kathy]

Every time I read a new book in this series, I get annoyed at myself for not going back and reading the whole series from the beginning! This is a very good series and, as my failure points to, is completely readable without having read the earlier books. I love catching up with Constance and Solomon and the mystery in this is pleasantly twisty. I was falling asleep but practically held my eyes open with toothpicks so I could finish this. Recommended, and maybe _this_ time I will go back and read the first books in the series!

[Cri]

I really like how the characters in this series keep evolving and we get to know hidden facets of them.

This time Silver and Grey are asked to look into the disappearance of a young man but for sure there is more than meets the eye.

During the investigation, some unexpected person from Sol's past pops up and tangles the matter even further.

What I really did like was the ending, full of possibilities and changes for the future.

I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily, thanks to the author for it.

[Margaret]

I hope this is not the last time we read about Silver and Grey. A dissolute rake, Percival Harvey, is found dead in a canal near his home. Constance and Solomon already know about his behavior and debts in London and the woman he followed to the country. A woman from Solomon's past. It's a complicated case that has it's own dangers, as Constance and Solomon get closer to finding the murderer. Some unexpected surprises.
Descriptive violence.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from Netgalley.

[Barbara Sachs]

Best so far

I like the relationship between Silver and Grey, and it is even better in this installment. I had my suspicions as to who the murderer was, but the story kept me guessing to the end. And none of my guesses were right.

There's more romance in this one too. Fun surprises.

Nice to read such great writing, although I was shocked at the "between you and I" glaring error. It's always ME, folks.

But otherwise the story proceeded at a good pace and was very satisfying.

[Anna Boliker]

In this instalment, we get a tangled mystery that doesn’t seem to be one at first glance, but gets twisted throughout the book. The story flows effortlessly and we get a few glimpses into the parts of life of the two that are not strictly agency business. They do have other endeavours besides their sleuthing, and it is interesting to see how Constance and Sol bring it all together.

Also, the end: how marvellous! A hope for a new start with all the old friends that were present, but still mostly missing. Looking forward to the new developments.

Thanks netgalley for the arc. Opinions are my own

[Mary Hart]

5 stars

Excellent addition to the series. I enjoyed the conversations between Constance and Sol and it was lovely to include David.

I was on the way to solving it. I certainly got the second shooter correct.

And the future? I'm intrigued to see how that works out....a bit like when they do a mash up of Emmerdale and Eastenders!!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

[Shirley Hamlod]

Another interesting crime for Silver & Grey to solve. Finding a missing son develops into a murder case that takes them out into the countryside. There are a few suspects right from the start but when Sebastian is shot in the woods, the clues seem to fit into place. Several strands from the previous books come into play in this book including the developing relationship between Janey & Lenny and Juliette and Kellar.

[Layne]

The very best

Only Mary Lancaster could write this book!! So many twists and turns, a very happy surprise, a new beginning for someone I've grown to love and oh so much more! If you love this series as much as I do, you will absolutely love this book Thank you Mary Lancaster for this series. I'm so in love with all the characters!!!! Please don't stop writing them!!!!!!!

[Amy]

Constance and Solomon are dragged to the countryside by a father who suspects his son has met with foul play. When his body is found in the local canal, they must figure out who killed him. The man was hated by so many that it is hard to narrow down the suspects. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.

[Melissa Ritter]

Keep them coming!

This is my favorite detective couple and I want their stories to continue! Their relationship as well as the mysteries they’re called upon to solve make for the most compelling and entertaining reading, combining mysteries with just the right amount of personal interaction. Give us more PLEASE!

[Mindy B (reader_of_the_lost_arcs)]

I have enjoyed Constance and Sol's journey! What a great couple. I'm dying to give spoilers, but I'll refrain! It would be great to get a glimpse of them, maybe a cameo in another series. I'm also glad David was in this book as well.
Thank you to Dragonblade for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

[Janiece Clark]

Fantastic

Mary Lancaster has done it again. Another wonderful mystery!
She has a knack of keeping you very interested and anxious of knowing who done it! Her characters are fascinating. Read and enjoy! As always I will recommend this author to friends and family.

[Cheryl Johnston]

Outstanding as usual

This is such a fantastic series. I love both characters as they feed off of each other. It is refreshing as both have issues that society at the time find hard to take. I really hope we will see more of this series.

[Snowy]

Corpse in the Canal

I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the others. Felt it dragged along in the middle. I like the main characters and Janey and Lenny. Dénouement was a surprise. Looking forward to the next book.

[Penny Wright]

Partnership!

The entire Silver and Grey series is terrific. Corpse in the Canal is entertaining, a true mystery, with a surprise “who done it”. I wish the series was not ending, but appreciated how the author finished the set of books.