The Rookery

A Penny Green Victorian Mystery #2

by Emily Organ

There’s a killer in the slums.

London 1884. When a thief robs Fleet Street reporter Penny Green, she finds herself caught up in a horrifying murder.

Someone is terrorizing the residents of St Giles Rookery and Scotland Yard sends Inspector James Blakely to investigate. When the serial killer claims a victim outside the slums, Victorian London is sent into panic.

Can Penny’s friendship with the people of St Giles uncover the culprit? She and James must overcome their complicated relationship to work together, but each new murder threatens to derail their work for good.

If you like historical murder mysteries then you must read this second book in the Penny Green Series. The books can be read in any order.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Historical Mystery, Victorian, Audiobook

336 pages, ebook

First published July 27, 2017

About the author

Emily Organ is the author of over thirty historical cozy mysteries set in Victorian and 1920s England. Her bestselling series include the Penny Green Victorian Mysteries, the Augusta Peel Mysteries, and her newest Emma Langley Victorian Mysteries, in which a plucky widow teams up with former reporter Penny Green. She also writes the Churchill & Pemberley cozy mysteries, featuring two spirited senior sleuths. Emily’s books combine warmth, wit, and a love of history, inspired by her fascination with London’s past. 

Reviews

[Zain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aww! A Nice Historical Mystery.

With a touch of romance.

Penelope Green is on a case again with Inspector James Blakely. It seems that the St. Giles area of London has a serial killer in the vicinity.

It appears that everyone is a suspect, but will James and Penny catch him before he commits another murder?

A good mystery that is built on a Victorian period background. Nice chemistry between the two main characters. A lot of suspense and twists that will put your stomach into knots.

A well deserved five stars. ✨

[Empress Reece (Hooked on Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The character development, the world building and the actual mystery is well-written. The audio narrator is also very pleasant to listen to and does a great job bringing the Victorian era to life. If you've ever contemplated reading or listening to this series, you should add it to your TBR- Penny and Inspector Blakely have yet to dissapoint.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penny Green is a reporter - an unusual career for a well-brought up young lady, as her mother and sister Eliza never cease to remind her.
In Victorian England unmarried women of her age are looked upon askance as oddities of their time and considered to be firmly 'on the shelf' if they're not already courting, engaged or widowed.
Against this background Emily Organ has expertly constructed a most unusual detective adventure in which Penelope once more plays a complementary role to the dashing Detective James of Scotland Yard, no less. Although a woman in a man's world of journalism, she's always delivered a story on time - even when she's literally involved up to her neck, as a young guttersnipe thief is found with his throat slit after stealing her carpet bag.

What thread of evidence linking the murders in St Giles does Penny find? Do the police and her editor believe her at first?
Who does she initially believe guilty? What makes her change her mind?
Who writes letters to the police about the murders?
What does James tell her about his forthcoming nuptials to Charlotte? How does this make Penny feel?
Who does she talk to about the murdered lad? Who rescues her when she questions a shady character alone?
What happens on the train to the cemetery - and whose body is in the coffin carriage?

With strong hints of the Jack the Ripper murders and its reminiscences of the Sherlock Holmes stories, Emily Organ has filled a niche market in the murder mystery market very skillfully and in a most entertaining manner indeed - well done!

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm still enjoying this series a lot.

This time the mystery comes hand in hand with a serial killer and Penny is right in the middle of it from the beginning of the investigation. She is still working close to Inspector James Blakely from whom she might be feeling something more than friendship. Sadly, there is a future Mrs Blakely in James' life, so nothing can come from it.

I liked the mystery, it was very well done. But I also liked the social commentary that keeps going all through the book and the main arc about Penny's father. This last has some more 'screen-time in this book, and yes, I understand why Penny is distraught about what she found in her father's diary.

Oh, and I really like Penny's sister, too. Yes, even when she is always nagging her to get a husband :P

Going to the next book ASAP.

EDIT: Yep, still loving this series ♥

[C-shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore Emily Organ's Penny Green series! Penny is a female journalist in England in the 1890s, who constantly puts herself in harm's way in order to solve murders and get the story. On to Book No. 3, _The Maid's Secret_. I can't get enough!

[Chantelle Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars (Audible PlusCatalog). Solid story/series with a female journalist (unheard of in this era) + an actually not-so-bumbling detective that she's fallen for. Has Miss Scarlet and the Duke vibes. Book 2 of 3 in this package deal.

[Bonnye Reed]

TheFussyLibrarian

[Kevin Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cosy read by Emily Organ. A lovely view of Victorian life involving a policeman and a journalist. If you enjoy reading thrillers set in a different time then this book is for you. It's a beautifully crafted read taking the reader into factual situations and locations. The spirit of Victorian life engulfs and influences the characters which makes them seem charmingly alive.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recieved this book as a free Amazon offer a couple of years ago. I have been digging into books on my Kindle and decided this was a good read for autumn. I wish it had been book one of this series but hope to get more. Penny Green is a reporter on Fleet Street of Victorian London. She teams up with an Scotland Yard inspector James Blakely to solve a series of murders in the rookery (slums). Penny happens to find herself in the middle of a murder case quite by chance. She starts linking two previous murders to the one she has witnessed. What follows is a winding path of clues and more murders. I found looking over Penny's shoulder exciting as she trode the Victorian streets. I loved the twist in the end.
It was only after finishing the book that I decided to look up some of the places mentioned to see if they were fictitious. To my surprise they were not only actual places but some still exist. A great job of research by Emily Organ. Or perhaps she lives in London? I am definately adding her to my list of favorite authors.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book I am now completely absorbed in the growing relationship between Penny and James! I can’t wait to read the whole series!

[Eileen Lynx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very exciting and I liked the ending. Don’t want to reveal too much

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun, historical murder mystery.

[Nadishka Aloysius · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good book with a good balance of mystery and historical information.

[Nanette Williamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very evocative of how I imagine Victorian London's slums ("rookeries") actually were, but like the Rookeries themselves, very crowded with characters--all well drawn, all interesting, but so many!

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

The setting and characters are very good, but the dialog/mystery in this one felt more like a soap opera. Just the same circumstances being discussed over and over and over with different people. Not much actual detecting.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A serial killer is murdering poor people in the slums of London and no one seems to really care. Journalist Penny becomes part of the story when the boy who steals her bag is murdered, his throat cut, while being pursued by her and others. The story becomes personal then, and as there are more murders to more respectable members of society, Scotland Yard becomes involved and Penny again works with James. I must say, Penny is a bit naive and really should think before she leaps. At one point, she does a really stupid thing and gets herself in a situation that she had to have known would turn out badly. Still, I like the story and the writing. Penny is a believable character and there is none of the anachronistic modern feminist narrative overarching the storyline. The mystery was well done. I was sure the killer was someone else! I'll look forward to the next book of the series.

[Virginia Tican · Rating 5 out of 5]

This, for me, is a work of fiction that will make you Think and make you Feel as well. For instance, in the case of her father's account on the massacre in the wilds of the Colombian jungle which the Green sisters felt they should not mention on Penelope's book. In that situation where Dr. Green was in, I think the Law of the Jungle must prevail here, it was either kill or be killed plus the expedition party was attacked first. Though it must have been an attempt to discourage encroachment on their territory, the red painted men did what they had to do to protect their own using poisoned? arrows to threaten and kill invaders, unfortunately for them, the so~called invaders had more powerful weapons ~ guns. It happened, it was what it was ~ Reality... it should be made part of the book. Another thing, it is naively simplistic of Penny to presume that because Hugh Hawkins and David Meares were missionaries, they are incapable of sinning like the rest of us. The people of St. Giles had only their word that they are missionaries doing God's work at the rookery in the same token that Winston Nicholls was claiming he is a private detective whereas before that he was a clerk and that his misleading theories published as truth were supported by a sensationalizing newspaper... and thus, the epitome of reckless and unsubstantiated journalism. The result of which has been a Farce (leading to false arrests) had it not been so Tragic (still the killings went on). This is a work that is also funny, annoying at times, also involving ridiculous and embarrassing circumstances, dangerous too and a very Good read. Oh, and Miss Penelope Green, lady reporter of the Morning Express, is still very much in love with the very much engaged Inspector James Blakely of the New Scotland Yard.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really do thoroughly enjoy this series, and I'm glad I've gone back and filled in the gaps from starting mid-series. The story is set in the St Giles Rookery, one of the poorest parts of London, as a murder is on the loose but the police struggle to accept that it is the work of one person, even after Penny gives them a well researched set of notes. As ever, Organ weaves a realistic tale with intriguing and genuine characters with their own complexities, not to mention more insights into Penny's father as she starts compiling his notes and diaries into a book, which gives a bit of context to some of the later books in the series that I've already read. The story itself is just as gripping, weaving from one suspect to another and back again until the chilling climax in the freezing fog of the narrow London streets. The only issue I have is the slightly cringy romantic hints between Penny and James, I get why it's there are it does add a bit of depth to both characters but I still find it off putting, although the more I think about it, the more I think it's the fact that neither of them do anything but instead just pussyfoot around each other (I'm a fan of the direct approach personally).

[Jenny Koch · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with the first book, I felt that the mystery was solved more by happenstance than by really notable detective work (I mean the chasing after multiple lines of inquiry is more realistic but it doesn't make for a fun read). Plus, I don't care for the love interest.

I did though like the shades of grey and realism displayed in characters like Penny's sister. Her sister was a feminist and the philanthropist but she made a rather racist and narrow-minded (by today's standards) about colonization and the "benefits of being civilized by the British empire." Now, I definitely don't agree with her stance but I can appreciate that a character fighting the good fight is still in many ways very much the product of her generation and is not perfect by today's standards. It's a small matter but it impressed me. So often in period novels, reformists are painted as absolute paragons in all fields of reform (even by today's standards!).

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written- good to the very end.

Penny teams up with Inspector James Blakely once again to solve the mystery of St. Giles murders. Ms. Organ has delivered a compelling story based in the slum area of London. The descriptions of the people and their life style are realistic to the times for which this story is written. I was so empathetic with Penny that I could almost smell the foul odors she must have smelt in a couple of scenes. The plot was twisted enough that I didn't guess who the murderer was until he was revealed. Kudos!

[Barbara Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too Many Suspects

The Rookery took a serious look at the conditions of the people who were the perpetual poor of London in 19th century. It is not easy to read about the plight of women forced to the streets for just enough $ to find a bed for the night or the corruption of the children by "bosses ". The storyline took so many turns that it became somewhat expected that the police had arrested the wrong person. I was surprised by the ending. Penelope saves the day.

[Celia Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rookery by Emily Organ is a well-done mystery. I love it when the clues are nicely hidden, but still there for the astute to find. In this case, I did not find them, and I admit to being surprised by who the killer was. I find the heroine, Penny Green, a caring soul despite her profession as a news reporter. The other characters are interesting and well drawn. This is the second in the series. I will shortly read the third, and I hope there will be more of Penny Green coming.
Celia Martin

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love picking up a new series and find that it reads well, the mystery is under way early in the novel and the characters are delightful. Emily Organ proves this once again with Penny Green and the novel the Rookery. I am a new fan and look forward to reading the novels in the series already in print and hope to expect more good things from Ms. Organ! Thank you for a job well done!

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it but it has problems. Without spoilers, Penny is way too naive and foolhardy for an experienced journalist. I'll read the next book then decide whether to continue. I am enjoying the descriptions of 1890s London and the expansion of some of the characters.

[Stephani · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing and dialogue are a little clunky, but this is a light, easy read with charming characters.

[gwen graves · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

I really liked the characters especially Penny Green. A woman ahead of her time. The story was good and with a twist at the end.

[Carrie Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone fascinated by Jack the Ripper and serial murders of that ilk will definitely enjoy this one - the second in the Penny Green series.

I enjoyed this novel even more than the first featuring our intrepid reporter, Miss Green. I did guess who the culprit was, but that still didn't detract from the story and finale. It was thoroughly enjoyable. Dealt with in a matter-of-fact style, Emily Organ doesn't shy away from images of social deprivation but does show us how such details were stoically accepted from the ruling class elite to the poorest orphan. The presence of the "slum tour" groups serves as a reminder of how those at the bottom of the pile were treated no differently than the shocking acts regularly found in freak show circuses: exploited even on their own doorsteps. The subject matter is dark, the investigation darker, and the perpetrator cut from the blackest cloth. Indeed, further analysis of the killer's psyche could easily have made this tale even more deranged and repulsive. But the hints about what drove the acts are more than sufficient to consider several reasons behind their root cause, and I liked that the reader was allowed to consider these at their leisure. Very nicely done!

As to the evolving story between Penny and James, I'd advise prospective literary consumers to first read Limelight - the series starter book - to gain a full understanding of their relationship. I'd suggest the same to understand Penny's sister and father, too. As a self-declared romance-ophobe in fiction, I'm delighted that this aspect of the book isn't soppy or overdone, but does underpin the actions and thoughts of our heroine when interacting with the "schoolboy inspector". In fact, I quite like how it all comes together within the context of the main storylines so far. Again, well done, Emily Organ, for not making me sick to the stomach and forcing me to endure pathetic swooning and air-headed idiocy. I appreciate it :)

I have but one criticism of the work, and that is the odd mistake in terms of spelling or usage of the wrong word/aspect. There aren't many, but another edit wouldn't do any harm, particularly in the final third of the novel.

A heartily recommended series for lovers of historical crime fiction and Victoriana generally.

[Uluwehi Hopkins · Rating 2 out of 5]

I maintain my opinion from the first book: Penny Green has more guts than brains.

She wanders around St. Giles alone. Then she walks into the den of a gang alone, almost gets raped, but is so naive that she doesn’t even realize that she almost got raped. She still thinks that she was almost killed instead. And when she is attacked, she merely covers her head with her bag and hopes for some kind of miracle to save her. If you’re going to take on a high-risk job, then at least learn how to protect yourself!

Then she jumps off of a train only because she’s worried about James, even though she’s had absolutely no physical training, forgetting that James has and stands a much better chance of surviving. In fact, Penny has absolutely no abilities that would aid her in a physically-dangerous situation.

She’s completely misguided about her own abilities and character; she thinks she loves solving mysteries, but all she ever does is jump to conclusions.

Additionally, for someone who has been working as a news reporter for TEN YEARS, Penny is incredibly naive about the world. How many times has she made judgements about people based on rumors or the way they look?

Not only that, but news reporting is an aggressive profession, yet Penny is way too passive to truly excel at it. I am sincerely puzzled as to how she got such a difficult job in the first place, given that she lacks all of the characteristics that she needs to do such a job, especially since, as a woman, she would need to be exceptional at it to be hired in the first place.

Furthermore, Penny shows a profound lack of imagination, which is an essential skill for any writer. She could have written articles that would have helped James’ investigation and countered the lies in the competing papers, but she didn’t. The idea never even occurred to her.

In fact, there aren’t any characters in this world that I would consider truly intelligent. Everyone is too slow on the take, making me wonder how they all got their jobs in the first place. And in this book, James is getting less intelligent and more emotional. Overall, this book has devolved. It’s a shame, because there is so much potential here.

[Nicki · Rating 2 out of 5]

In this second book, Penny Green becomes involved in a brutal murder after the victim meets his death minutes after swiping her bag.

For a reporter, Penny is surprisingly bashful and proper, not to mention reluctant to or simply lacking the imagination to pursue many stories. She's full of moral rectitude and, simultaneously, incredibly naive. She waltzes through St Giles' Rookery in pea-souper fogs, blithely assuming that all will be well, despite being in a crime-ridden slum with a murderer on the loose. She enters a den of thieves brushing off multiple warnings from locals and is then surprised when she's attacked and narrowly escapes being raped.

Then there's her incessant habit of jumping to conclusions with absolutely no basis for her suspicions. A handsome Irishman can't possibly be the murderer simply because he's handsome with a nice smile and offered to help Penny get her bag back. In Penny's head, the gang leader who tried to rape her must be the murderer, but only after he attacks her, not before despite his criminal leanings. Then she changes her mind and the killer is someone else because he never looks anyone in the eye. There's never any hard evidence for Penny's suppositions, just wild guesses.

And Inspector Blakely isn't much better, although he isn't as free with his guesses as Penny is. Their relationship is also becoming more complicated, with James acting quite coyly and unfairly, I think, towards Penny, quite at odds with his character.

The mystery itself centres on a series of bloodthirsty murders with an inordinate number of people having their throats cut. The denouement happens more by accident than through any solid sleuthing, with neither Penny nor James covering themselves in glory, especially taking small children with them in pursuit of the killer.

I like the world in which this series is set and I don't dislike Penny, even though I find her highly frustrating at times. I'll continue on with this series, but I hope Penny begins to develop more as a character.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set early in 1884, this book picks up soon after the end of the previous book, while Penny and James are both still suffering from injuries. The investigation takes Penny deep into the slums of London. She is definitely plucky and smart, but sometimes takes risks that she shouldn't. (Well, they do endear her to readers, of course.) She isn't the kind of heroine who waits around for some guy to take the lead, or who flails helplessly expecting to be rescued if she gets in too deep. (Whether she gets rescued is a different matter, but she is definitely capable of putting up a fight on her own.)

We also get a little more back-story and family history in this one, as she continues reading through her father's papers. Her relationship with James is not quite what a romantic reader might wish for, but it's understandable in the circumstances, and for this reader, hope springs eternal. She makes a bold move which I wholly endorsed; and eventually by and by, I hope it pays off for them. I think they are totally made for each other, even if James is currently engaged so someone else, darn it. When the plot comes to a boil and we find out what really happened — I mean the resolution of whodunnit — I'll admit I didn't see it coming.

I found one definite typo in this book. It involves a stray dot and I made note of it, so if the author comes prowling around looking for it, I can give it back.

Full disclosure: I obtained this book and the previous book in the series for free during a promotion, and in retrospect, would have happily paid the modest retail price.

True story: After finishing the book late in the evening I went to sleep as usual. Then I woke up at 2:30 in the morning wondering what would happen to Penny next. So I ran down the hall (in my nightshirt and cap, obviously) to the study, where I turned on my trusty analytical engine, tuned my receiver to the mighty 'Zon, and bought both of the sequels. That's a recommendation.