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Alec Lonsdale #1
Mind of a Killer
Newspaper reporter Alec Londale discovers that a series of seemingly random murders may be connected in this absorbing historical mystery.
London, 1882. Alec Londale, a young reporter on the Pall Mall Gazette, is working on a story about a fatal house fire. But the post-mortem on the victim produces shocking results: Patrick Donovan's death was no accident. But why would someone murder a humble shop assistant and steal part of his brain?
When a second body is discovered, its throat cut, and then a third, Lonsdale and his spirited female colleague, Hulda Friederichs, begin to uncover evidence of a conspiracy that reaches to the highest echelons of Victorian society.
London, 1882. Alec Londale, a young reporter on the Pall Mall Gazette, is working on a story about a fatal house fire. But the post-mortem on the victim produces shocking results: Patrick Donovan's death was no accident. But why would someone murder a humble shop assistant and steal part of his brain?
When a second body is discovered, its throat cut, and then a third, Lonsdale and his spirited female colleague, Hulda Friederichs, begin to uncover evidence of a conspiracy that reaches to the highest echelons of Victorian society.
278 pages, Hardcover
Published April 1, 2018
About the author
Simon Beaufort
38 books49 followersAKA Susanna Gregory with Beau Riffenburgh (her husband).
Simon Beaufort is the pseudonym of Elizabeth Cruwys, a Cambridge academic who was previously a coroner's officer. She writes detective fiction.
Simon Beaufort is the pseudonym of Elizabeth Cruwys, a Cambridge academic who was previously a coroner's officer. She writes detective fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 9, 2018
Ashes to ashes......
A raging fire in 1882 in an upscale neighborhood of London brings Pall Mall Gazette journalist, Alexander Lonsdale, onto the crowded scene. People begin milling about in the course of the confusion. A woman neighbor falls prey to Lonsdale's random questioning skills and devulges that the owner of the house ran outside to alert everyone and then ran back into the burning building. Later, his body was found on the floor with one side of his head bashed in. The front door seemed to have been locked from the inside as well. Strange.....
Lonsdale, a long-time member of the Colonial Service, resigned his previous post in Africa over the mistreatment of the Boers. His newly found profession has been less than challenging as an article reporter until now. Suspicious by nature, Lonsdale believes there's more than smoke and charred wood leaning against this newspaper story.
Lonsdale side-steps orders from his editor and takes off to the Metropolitan Police Morgue to view the body himself. He's taken along Hulda Friederichs, a feisty and outspoken female reporter who bears the name of the "Prussian Governess". They meet with Dr. Bradwell whose usual bedside manner is reserved for the deadly silent. The dark humorous banter here is priceless. Beaufort interlaces this sharp dialogue continuously throughout the storyline which elicits some laugh-out-loud moments.
Lonsdale alerts Dr. Bradwell that the fire victim's head is quite misshapen. Upon closer inspection, Bradwell makes the gruesome discovery that the dead man's cerebrum is missing. A real case of unlawful entry, wouldn't you say?
When other bodies begin to show up with their cerebrum missing, the police and the newspaper editors try to squelch the stories so as not to panic the community. But Lonsdale and Hulda work together presenting quite the street skills. Both reporters know that the more they can reveal, the greater the prize will be in their eventual news story. But their lives will definitely be put in jeopardy while in the crossfire of events.
Simon Beaufort lines this story with the snap of true events and real individuals of the time period. It is a fascinating read injected with powerful scientific methods and discoveries. We as readers see how the puzzle pieces of popular/unpopular thinking float to the surface with the likes of demographics, statistics, eugenics, and Darwin's Origin of the Species. We will see how the newly introduced science of fingerprinting with its arches, loops, and spirals come into play.
A highly entertaining read that will certainly light the flame of interest, Mind of a Killer will ask for a penny for your thoughts.......cerebrum or not.
I received a copy of Mind of a Killer through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Severn House and to Simon Beaufort for the opportunity.
A raging fire in 1882 in an upscale neighborhood of London brings Pall Mall Gazette journalist, Alexander Lonsdale, onto the crowded scene. People begin milling about in the course of the confusion. A woman neighbor falls prey to Lonsdale's random questioning skills and devulges that the owner of the house ran outside to alert everyone and then ran back into the burning building. Later, his body was found on the floor with one side of his head bashed in. The front door seemed to have been locked from the inside as well. Strange.....
Lonsdale, a long-time member of the Colonial Service, resigned his previous post in Africa over the mistreatment of the Boers. His newly found profession has been less than challenging as an article reporter until now. Suspicious by nature, Lonsdale believes there's more than smoke and charred wood leaning against this newspaper story.
Lonsdale side-steps orders from his editor and takes off to the Metropolitan Police Morgue to view the body himself. He's taken along Hulda Friederichs, a feisty and outspoken female reporter who bears the name of the "Prussian Governess". They meet with Dr. Bradwell whose usual bedside manner is reserved for the deadly silent. The dark humorous banter here is priceless. Beaufort interlaces this sharp dialogue continuously throughout the storyline which elicits some laugh-out-loud moments.
Lonsdale alerts Dr. Bradwell that the fire victim's head is quite misshapen. Upon closer inspection, Bradwell makes the gruesome discovery that the dead man's cerebrum is missing. A real case of unlawful entry, wouldn't you say?
When other bodies begin to show up with their cerebrum missing, the police and the newspaper editors try to squelch the stories so as not to panic the community. But Lonsdale and Hulda work together presenting quite the street skills. Both reporters know that the more they can reveal, the greater the prize will be in their eventual news story. But their lives will definitely be put in jeopardy while in the crossfire of events.
Simon Beaufort lines this story with the snap of true events and real individuals of the time period. It is a fascinating read injected with powerful scientific methods and discoveries. We as readers see how the puzzle pieces of popular/unpopular thinking float to the surface with the likes of demographics, statistics, eugenics, and Darwin's Origin of the Species. We will see how the newly introduced science of fingerprinting with its arches, loops, and spirals come into play.
A highly entertaining read that will certainly light the flame of interest, Mind of a Killer will ask for a penny for your thoughts.......cerebrum or not.
I received a copy of Mind of a Killer through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Severn House and to Simon Beaufort for the opportunity.
March 23, 2018
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I liked this one a lot. I added this book to my reading list on a complete impulse. I liked the cover and when I took a closer look at the book's description, I thought it sounded like something I would like. That impulse worked out well in this case. I did take me a bit to really get into the story but once I was hooked, I didn't want to stop reading. I am so glad that I made the decision to read this book.
I really liked that the book was set during the Victorian period. I thought that the era was well represented in the story and I really liked seeing how a crime might have been solved with the resources that they had on hand. I found the scenes from the mortuary really interesting and found myself wondering how many crimes were missed. There were a lot of descriptions that really made the period come to life so it was really easy to visualize what was happening.
The mystery in this book is very solid. I usually read a book's description once when deciding if I want to read it and then promptly forget any details. I was shocked when the discovery was made about what was taken from the murder victim. I couldn't figure out what the killer's motive might have been and I had no idea who might have been behind the crimes. This is a book that kept me guessing until the very end.
The characters in the book were very well done. Londale was determined to find out what had happened and I liked the way that he went about finding out. He was smart and resourceful. I found myself liking him more and more as the book progressed. Hulda was such a fun character. She is the only female reporter working at the newspaper and she doesn't seem to worry if she is acting like a proper lady most of the time. When she needs to play a part to get someone to open up, she can quickly fit into just about any role and you never seemed to know what she might say or do. Londale and Hulda made a really good team and I liked the way they interacted with each other.
I would recommend this book to mystery fans. This had so many wonderful elements that came together to tell a rather thought provoking and entertaining story. I do hope to see more books featuring this amazing group of characters very soon..
I received a digital advanced reader edition of this book from Severn House Publishers via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
I ended up liking this one a lot. I had a rather hard time getting into the story but I think that had more to do with my life than the book. I thought that the mystery was interesting and complex. I liked the characters quite a bit and thought the period was well represented. This one did keep me guessing until the very end which was a big plus.
I liked this one a lot. I added this book to my reading list on a complete impulse. I liked the cover and when I took a closer look at the book's description, I thought it sounded like something I would like. That impulse worked out well in this case. I did take me a bit to really get into the story but once I was hooked, I didn't want to stop reading. I am so glad that I made the decision to read this book.
I really liked that the book was set during the Victorian period. I thought that the era was well represented in the story and I really liked seeing how a crime might have been solved with the resources that they had on hand. I found the scenes from the mortuary really interesting and found myself wondering how many crimes were missed. There were a lot of descriptions that really made the period come to life so it was really easy to visualize what was happening.
The mystery in this book is very solid. I usually read a book's description once when deciding if I want to read it and then promptly forget any details. I was shocked when the discovery was made about what was taken from the murder victim. I couldn't figure out what the killer's motive might have been and I had no idea who might have been behind the crimes. This is a book that kept me guessing until the very end.
The characters in the book were very well done. Londale was determined to find out what had happened and I liked the way that he went about finding out. He was smart and resourceful. I found myself liking him more and more as the book progressed. Hulda was such a fun character. She is the only female reporter working at the newspaper and she doesn't seem to worry if she is acting like a proper lady most of the time. When she needs to play a part to get someone to open up, she can quickly fit into just about any role and you never seemed to know what she might say or do. Londale and Hulda made a really good team and I liked the way they interacted with each other.
I would recommend this book to mystery fans. This had so many wonderful elements that came together to tell a rather thought provoking and entertaining story. I do hope to see more books featuring this amazing group of characters very soon..
I received a digital advanced reader edition of this book from Severn House Publishers via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
I ended up liking this one a lot. I had a rather hard time getting into the story but I think that had more to do with my life than the book. I thought that the mystery was interesting and complex. I liked the characters quite a bit and thought the period was well represented. This one did keep me guessing until the very end which was a big plus.
May 11, 2018
4 stars
The great beginning of a Victorian historical series - Alex Lonsdale - book number 1. Written by, believe it or not, the pseudonym of a pseudonym! The author is a male/female team. Simon Beaufort is the pseudonym of Elizabeth Cruwys, a Cambridge academic who was previously a coroner's officer. She writes detective fiction. And Elizabeth Cruwys is the pseudonym of Susanna Gregory and Beau Riffenburgh. Regardless of all of that, this author(s) can write.
Alex Lonsdale is a journalist - whose side kick is one of the first female journalists - Hulda Friederichs. They work for the Pall Mall Gazette, a small but very influential paper. It is London 1882. In this story we are also introduced to the rat infested police morgue and Dr. Bradwell, Coroner aka Undertaker. There is a rash of deaths. Uneventful, until it is discovered that their cerebellums are missing.
Darwin and a number of other factual people are participants in this book, as are a number of newspapers publishing at that time. Fingerprinting is just being introduced to science and eugenics are starting to surface in the quiet underbelly of the labs of the more sinister scientists.
The great beginning of a Victorian historical series - Alex Lonsdale - book number 1. Written by, believe it or not, the pseudonym of a pseudonym! The author is a male/female team. Simon Beaufort is the pseudonym of Elizabeth Cruwys, a Cambridge academic who was previously a coroner's officer. She writes detective fiction. And Elizabeth Cruwys is the pseudonym of Susanna Gregory and Beau Riffenburgh. Regardless of all of that, this author(s) can write.
Alex Lonsdale is a journalist - whose side kick is one of the first female journalists - Hulda Friederichs. They work for the Pall Mall Gazette, a small but very influential paper. It is London 1882. In this story we are also introduced to the rat infested police morgue and Dr. Bradwell, Coroner aka Undertaker. There is a rash of deaths. Uneventful, until it is discovered that their cerebellums are missing.
Darwin and a number of other factual people are participants in this book, as are a number of newspapers publishing at that time. Fingerprinting is just being introduced to science and eugenics are starting to surface in the quiet underbelly of the labs of the more sinister scientists.
March 12, 2021
Hard to follow for me, so that by the time of the resolution I was fine with calling the book quits.
That having been said, I'm more than willing to listen to the sequel as I cut authors some slack and setting up a series in the first book. The pair of journalist investigating the murders work well together, and the potential love interest for Alec seems like an okay lady. My quandary is that I grew very attached to the audio narration itself, while the sequel features a different reader!
So, I'd recommend the story for its series potential, rather than the specific plot itself.
That having been said, I'm more than willing to listen to the sequel as I cut authors some slack and setting up a series in the first book. The pair of journalist investigating the murders work well together, and the potential love interest for Alec seems like an okay lady. My quandary is that I grew very attached to the audio narration itself, while the sequel features a different reader!
So, I'd recommend the story for its series potential, rather than the specific plot itself.
March 30, 2018
What a great historical mystery by author Simon Beaufort (pseudonym of a husband and wife writing team). Mind of a Killer is the first installment in The Alec Londale Victorian Mystery Series. The story takes place in London in 1882.
I have always loved reading books set during the Victorian time period. Simon Beaufort’s rich and descriptive writing brings the story to life, especially the city of London and its different social classes. The main character was Alexander Lonsdale, a reporter for The Pall Mall Gazette. Lonsdale spent most of his adult life as one of Queen Victoria’s faithful representatives in Africa. He returned to London and announced to his family he was going to be a reporter. Needless to say the family wasn’t happy about his new career move. Lonsdale wishes to be hired full-time at the Gazette and he begins investigating what he believes are a series of connected murders.
Lonsdale is a well-developed character, very smart and witty. I love the interactions and dialogue between Lonsdale and the other reporters at the Pall Mall Gazette. I especially liked Hulda Friederichs, the only female reporter for the paper. Hulda is a strong aggressive female character who speaks her mind usually without thinking it through first. She does not let anyone or anything intimidate her. Hulda and Lonsdale have an interesting working relationship…sometimes even posing as husband and wife while trying to solve the mystery. Hulda’s personality is to just wing it while Lonsdale prefers to be more cautious. They make a great team!!
I felt the mystery itself was original and creative. The author had me guessing until the end. 4 out of 5 stars for me. I would definitely read more from this series and would recommend this book to everyone who loves historical mysteries and stories from London’s Victorian Period.
Thank you Simon Beaufort, Severn House, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book to read.
March 2, 2019
3 sometimes scary, but often hard to follow stars
Alexander Lonsdale has acquired a job with the local paper, The Pall Mall Gazette, in London. He lives with his brother an important barrister and together with a female reporter, Hulda Friederichs, embark on what turns out to be quite the sinister story. There have been a number of fires, a number of train accidents, and a number of people's cerebellums missing that spark the desire of Lonsdale and Hulda to get to the bottom of this mystery. What has happened and why would a part of a person's brain be missing? What sinister plot is happening and why are the police seemingly hesitant to investigate.
This discovery of missing brains leads these two intrepid reporters on a merry chase to find out who and what is behind this horrific event of the taking of one's brains. There is a conspiracy afoot and of course there are higher ups trying to prevent the information being found and printed in the news. Can Lonsdale and Hulda unmask the conspirators without losing their lives and of course their brains? Will they too, become part of this sinister and macabre plot?
While the actual book incorporated many real elements and some fantastic conspiracies, it left this reader a bit less than enthused about the overall writing of this story. It was at times very long winded and often had some confusing elements which one guesses were incorporated to throw the reader off the path of the culprits of crime. I did like how it used real people and historical events to forward the story however. Overall, it was a good story, certainly not an engrossing one, but for those who enjoy conspiracy theories this might be a book for you.
Thank you to Simon Beaufort, Severn Publishers, and NetGalley for providing this reader with a copy of this novel for an unbiased review.
Alexander Lonsdale has acquired a job with the local paper, The Pall Mall Gazette, in London. He lives with his brother an important barrister and together with a female reporter, Hulda Friederichs, embark on what turns out to be quite the sinister story. There have been a number of fires, a number of train accidents, and a number of people's cerebellums missing that spark the desire of Lonsdale and Hulda to get to the bottom of this mystery. What has happened and why would a part of a person's brain be missing? What sinister plot is happening and why are the police seemingly hesitant to investigate.
This discovery of missing brains leads these two intrepid reporters on a merry chase to find out who and what is behind this horrific event of the taking of one's brains. There is a conspiracy afoot and of course there are higher ups trying to prevent the information being found and printed in the news. Can Lonsdale and Hulda unmask the conspirators without losing their lives and of course their brains? Will they too, become part of this sinister and macabre plot?
While the actual book incorporated many real elements and some fantastic conspiracies, it left this reader a bit less than enthused about the overall writing of this story. It was at times very long winded and often had some confusing elements which one guesses were incorporated to throw the reader off the path of the culprits of crime. I did like how it used real people and historical events to forward the story however. Overall, it was a good story, certainly not an engrossing one, but for those who enjoy conspiracy theories this might be a book for you.
Thank you to Simon Beaufort, Severn Publishers, and NetGalley for providing this reader with a copy of this novel for an unbiased review.
March 10, 2018
This had everything I need in an historical thriller: good research and detail of the time (in this case late Victorian), interesting characters, gruesome crimes and a criminal I didn’t suspect. The ending was complete in itself but left room for a continuation. Very enjoyable read!
Thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book. All opinions are my own.
January 31, 2018
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House Publishers for a digital galley of this novel.
Historical mysteries are favorite reads for me and having one set in Victorian London should have added to my pleasure. I didn't, however, enjoy this novel as much as I had hoped. The research done in preparation for this story into newspapers and reporting of the news by those papers in 1882 is used extensively throughout this novel, even down to using true historical figures as characters in the novel. There was so much factual information included that it left me with the feeling of distant and unemotional characters who remained solely fact finders through the novel. The story is told from the viewpoint of Alexander Lonsdale, a reporter for The Pall Mall Gazette, an evening London newspaper. Lonsdale happens upon a story concerning a possible six murders but his confidential source is killed before he can find out any facts. Now there are definitely two murders for him to investigate and by the time he's resolved all the questions the numbers grow to almost unbelievable proportions. Well, it is fiction after all.
Historical mysteries are favorite reads for me and having one set in Victorian London should have added to my pleasure. I didn't, however, enjoy this novel as much as I had hoped. The research done in preparation for this story into newspapers and reporting of the news by those papers in 1882 is used extensively throughout this novel, even down to using true historical figures as characters in the novel. There was so much factual information included that it left me with the feeling of distant and unemotional characters who remained solely fact finders through the novel. The story is told from the viewpoint of Alexander Lonsdale, a reporter for The Pall Mall Gazette, an evening London newspaper. Lonsdale happens upon a story concerning a possible six murders but his confidential source is killed before he can find out any facts. Now there are definitely two murders for him to investigate and by the time he's resolved all the questions the numbers grow to almost unbelievable proportions. Well, it is fiction after all.
January 9, 2018
1882 London and someone is killing people and stealing their cerebrum. Alex Lonsdale is a reporter trying to find answers along with Hulda Friederich, the first female reporter at the newspaper. A very good mystery that I'm sure is the beginning of a new series. Well written with great twists and turns
and some thought provoking ideas.
and some thought provoking ideas.
March 28, 2023
Fabulous historical fiction. I was guessing as I turned every page. Worth a read.
August 8, 2023
What a thrill! Based in victorian england, Lonsdale and his colleague Hilda are reporters willing to risk their lives to get to the bottom of these gruesome murders and missing cerebrums.
December 13, 2017
4 stars
I read the Kindle edition.
This book is set in London in 1882.
Newspaper reporter Alex Lonsdale is going about his daily business when he notices fire engines rushing by and smoke in the air. When arriving at the fire he sees that several homes are threatened and there is no sign of the occupant of the house where the fire started. Where is Patrick Donovan?
A woman approaches Lonsdale and tells him that this is the sixth in a series of murders, for she is certain that Donovan is dead. She asks to meet him somewhere private.
Patrick Donovan was murdered. Part of his brain was removed. To what end? Teaming up with fellow reporter Hulda Friederichs, they discover a pattern of such killings. But it seems there are those who do not want to the duo to get to the bottom of the murders.
This book takes the reader on a tour around London in the 1880’s. From the slums to high society, we get a feel for the culture and people of that era. One is almost there, schlepping the streets as we follow our intrepid heroes – and as they nearly have to run for their lives.
This book is fairly well written and plotted. The suspense begins immediately with the horrible fire at Patrick Donovan’s house and continues throughout the story. It is not the over-the-top kind of suspense one gets with a thriller, but rather a more gentle building tension. I liked Alec Lonsdale, but he seems a little timid for a reporter. Perhaps I’m too used to the in-your-face reporters that we have today. All in all, well done, Mr. Beaufort.
I want to thank NetGalley and Severn House for forwarding to me a copy of this book to read and enjoy.
I read the Kindle edition.
This book is set in London in 1882.
Newspaper reporter Alex Lonsdale is going about his daily business when he notices fire engines rushing by and smoke in the air. When arriving at the fire he sees that several homes are threatened and there is no sign of the occupant of the house where the fire started. Where is Patrick Donovan?
A woman approaches Lonsdale and tells him that this is the sixth in a series of murders, for she is certain that Donovan is dead. She asks to meet him somewhere private.
Patrick Donovan was murdered. Part of his brain was removed. To what end? Teaming up with fellow reporter Hulda Friederichs, they discover a pattern of such killings. But it seems there are those who do not want to the duo to get to the bottom of the murders.
This book takes the reader on a tour around London in the 1880’s. From the slums to high society, we get a feel for the culture and people of that era. One is almost there, schlepping the streets as we follow our intrepid heroes – and as they nearly have to run for their lives.
This book is fairly well written and plotted. The suspense begins immediately with the horrible fire at Patrick Donovan’s house and continues throughout the story. It is not the over-the-top kind of suspense one gets with a thriller, but rather a more gentle building tension. I liked Alec Lonsdale, but he seems a little timid for a reporter. Perhaps I’m too used to the in-your-face reporters that we have today. All in all, well done, Mr. Beaufort.
I want to thank NetGalley and Severn House for forwarding to me a copy of this book to read and enjoy.
January 2, 2018
Mind of a Killer by Simon Beaufort.
Alec Lonsdale writes for the Pall Mall Gazette in London, 1882. After once again having an interview canceled about the London Zoo, Alec happens on a tragic house fire. He joins the crowd and asks a few questions. Patrick Donovan's body is eventually recovered from the fire. A young whore approaches Londsale and tells him that this isn't the first death and that they are not accidents.
Curious, but cautious, they arrange a meeting for the following night. Lonsdale attends the post-mortem and both he and the doctor are shocked that Donovan was not only murdered, but that his cerebrum has been excised. Now, Lonsdale is definitely intrigued and plans to meet the woman that night. He arrives too late; the woman and her companion are dead and Lonsdale himself is attacked.
The police are reluctant for Londale and his colleague Hulda Friederichs to print anything about the story and discourage any further investigation.
A tale of Victorian crime and mystery populated by many real characters of the era and with reference to many cases pulled from the headlines. The plot of the narrative is fiction, but suspenseful and engrossing with intriguing characters, both real and fictional.
Of interest to me were the episodes with Sir Francis Galton, "Sir Francis Galton, FRS was an English Victorian statistician, progressive, polymath, sociologist, psychologist, anthropologist, eugenicist, tropical explorer, geographer, inventor, meteorologist, proto-geneticist, and psychometrician. " (Wikipedia)
His presentation in the novel was a combination of hubris, unintended comedy, and general unpleasantness. Although familiar with his name and with several of his accomplishments, I'd never read anything about the personal life of the man. I've ordered a biography that promises to explain his remarkable accomplishments and hopefully, how the man himself (aside from his work) was viewed by his contemporaries.
A compelling historical mystery, Mind of a Killer introduces an appealing protagonist in Alec Lonsdale set in a Victorian world of scientific advancements.
Who is Simon Beaufort? Simon Beaufort is the pseudonym adopted by Susanna Gregory and Beau Riffenburgh.
NetGalley/Severn House
Historical Mystery. April 1, 2018. Print length: 256 pages.
Alec Lonsdale writes for the Pall Mall Gazette in London, 1882. After once again having an interview canceled about the London Zoo, Alec happens on a tragic house fire. He joins the crowd and asks a few questions. Patrick Donovan's body is eventually recovered from the fire. A young whore approaches Londsale and tells him that this isn't the first death and that they are not accidents.
Curious, but cautious, they arrange a meeting for the following night. Lonsdale attends the post-mortem and both he and the doctor are shocked that Donovan was not only murdered, but that his cerebrum has been excised. Now, Lonsdale is definitely intrigued and plans to meet the woman that night. He arrives too late; the woman and her companion are dead and Lonsdale himself is attacked.
The police are reluctant for Londale and his colleague Hulda Friederichs to print anything about the story and discourage any further investigation.
A tale of Victorian crime and mystery populated by many real characters of the era and with reference to many cases pulled from the headlines. The plot of the narrative is fiction, but suspenseful and engrossing with intriguing characters, both real and fictional.
Of interest to me were the episodes with Sir Francis Galton, "Sir Francis Galton, FRS was an English Victorian statistician, progressive, polymath, sociologist, psychologist, anthropologist, eugenicist, tropical explorer, geographer, inventor, meteorologist, proto-geneticist, and psychometrician. " (Wikipedia)
His presentation in the novel was a combination of hubris, unintended comedy, and general unpleasantness. Although familiar with his name and with several of his accomplishments, I'd never read anything about the personal life of the man. I've ordered a biography that promises to explain his remarkable accomplishments and hopefully, how the man himself (aside from his work) was viewed by his contemporaries.
A compelling historical mystery, Mind of a Killer introduces an appealing protagonist in Alec Lonsdale set in a Victorian world of scientific advancements.
Who is Simon Beaufort? Simon Beaufort is the pseudonym adopted by Susanna Gregory and Beau Riffenburgh.
NetGalley/Severn House
Historical Mystery. April 1, 2018. Print length: 256 pages.
December 8, 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for the ARC.
This is the first in a new series “The Alec Lonsdale Series” by the writing team whose Sir Geoffrey Mappestone books I have enjoyed. I have also read and liked most of Susanna Gregory’s Matthew Bartholomew chronicles and a few of the Thomas Chaloners.
Lonsdale is a former colonial administrator, now trying, in 1882, to establish himself as a reporter with the Pall Mall Gazette.He becomes involved in investigating the gruesome killing of a shop assistant
whose cerebellum has been carefully removed before his house was set on fire. Aided by his colleague Hulda Friederichs he discovers that this was not an isolated incident.
People in high places seem determined that they will not find the truth. Both reporters find their own lives endangered as the unravelling of the mystery takes them through the varied echelons of Victorian society, from the foetid dockside slums, to the rarefied atmosphere of gentlemen’s clubs and mansions.
Many real characters from the period are to be found here, including Liberal politician, John Morley, the great campaigning editor, W.T. Stead, and the father of eugenics, Francis Galton. Much of the material used in the book comes from contemporary newspapers.
The story is ingenious but plausible; however it was a bit repetitive and I felt the material was a bit stretched at times despite the wealth of detail.. There were also times when Lonsdale appeared be rather more naive than one might expect and there was also a lot of “gung-ho” behaviour which I suppose is meant to add historical flavour. The “love interest” was rather incidental and there, I suspect, only for future development and to draw readers into further episodes.
Overall I was a little disappointed, given the general quality of Elizabeth Cruwys’ output in various guises.I will try the next in the series but hope to find it a little less worthy than I found this.
This is the first in a new series “The Alec Lonsdale Series” by the writing team whose Sir Geoffrey Mappestone books I have enjoyed. I have also read and liked most of Susanna Gregory’s Matthew Bartholomew chronicles and a few of the Thomas Chaloners.
Lonsdale is a former colonial administrator, now trying, in 1882, to establish himself as a reporter with the Pall Mall Gazette.He becomes involved in investigating the gruesome killing of a shop assistant
whose cerebellum has been carefully removed before his house was set on fire. Aided by his colleague Hulda Friederichs he discovers that this was not an isolated incident.
People in high places seem determined that they will not find the truth. Both reporters find their own lives endangered as the unravelling of the mystery takes them through the varied echelons of Victorian society, from the foetid dockside slums, to the rarefied atmosphere of gentlemen’s clubs and mansions.
Many real characters from the period are to be found here, including Liberal politician, John Morley, the great campaigning editor, W.T. Stead, and the father of eugenics, Francis Galton. Much of the material used in the book comes from contemporary newspapers.
The story is ingenious but plausible; however it was a bit repetitive and I felt the material was a bit stretched at times despite the wealth of detail.. There were also times when Lonsdale appeared be rather more naive than one might expect and there was also a lot of “gung-ho” behaviour which I suppose is meant to add historical flavour. The “love interest” was rather incidental and there, I suspect, only for future development and to draw readers into further episodes.
Overall I was a little disappointed, given the general quality of Elizabeth Cruwys’ output in various guises.I will try the next in the series but hope to find it a little less worthy than I found this.
March 23, 2018
Pall Mall Gazette reporter Alec Lonsdale is working on a fatal house fire when he is accosted by a woman telling him that there have been more deaths and she has information on them. After a post-mortem reveals that the victim, Patrick Donovan, was murdered and that part of his brain had been removed, Lonsdale is determined to put his journalistic skills to good use and investigate what has happened. Assisted by his colleague, the feisty female reporter, Hulda Friederichs, when more bodies are found, their attempts to uncover the truth are thwarted at every step. Exactly who is stopping them from uncovering the truth?
One of the things I enjoy most about well-written historical crime fiction is the ability to transport the reader back in time, giving you the opportunity to experience the sounds, sights and smells of the era. Mind of a Killer certainly does this, evoking images of downtrodden Londoners, doing anything they can to make ends meet. In stark contrast, we see how life differed for the upper classes, and how vast the divide between the two groups was. Simon Beaufort certainly takes you back to Victorian London to a time when people were distrustful of the new underground rail system and how journalists were reluctant to print celebrity stories!
By having journalists as the main protagonists, Mind of a Killer moves the story away from it being a typical police procedural. Lonsdale is a great character but he is usurped in every scene by the inimitable Hulda, a strong woman if ever there was one! I was fascinated to read that the character was based on a real journalist who worked for The Pall Mall Gazette. Obviously, the author has taken some artistic licence, but after reading that she was the first female journalist to work on the same pay terms as her male counterparts, there is certainly an element of the fictional firebrand there!
The mystery is a particularly gruesome one with people being found murdered, horrifically disfigured with their cerebrum removed. It soon becomes apparent that there is more than one killer on the loose and that there are several other conspirators bound to keeping the operation secret. Despite the nature of the crimes, the actual murders are mainly kept off the page meaning that it never becomes too much to read for anyone of a nervous disposition.
Mind of a Killer is a great read which will hopefully become part of a series. Lonsdale and Friederichs definitely have more to offer.
One of the things I enjoy most about well-written historical crime fiction is the ability to transport the reader back in time, giving you the opportunity to experience the sounds, sights and smells of the era. Mind of a Killer certainly does this, evoking images of downtrodden Londoners, doing anything they can to make ends meet. In stark contrast, we see how life differed for the upper classes, and how vast the divide between the two groups was. Simon Beaufort certainly takes you back to Victorian London to a time when people were distrustful of the new underground rail system and how journalists were reluctant to print celebrity stories!
By having journalists as the main protagonists, Mind of a Killer moves the story away from it being a typical police procedural. Lonsdale is a great character but he is usurped in every scene by the inimitable Hulda, a strong woman if ever there was one! I was fascinated to read that the character was based on a real journalist who worked for The Pall Mall Gazette. Obviously, the author has taken some artistic licence, but after reading that she was the first female journalist to work on the same pay terms as her male counterparts, there is certainly an element of the fictional firebrand there!
The mystery is a particularly gruesome one with people being found murdered, horrifically disfigured with their cerebrum removed. It soon becomes apparent that there is more than one killer on the loose and that there are several other conspirators bound to keeping the operation secret. Despite the nature of the crimes, the actual murders are mainly kept off the page meaning that it never becomes too much to read for anyone of a nervous disposition.
Mind of a Killer is a great read which will hopefully become part of a series. Lonsdale and Friederichs definitely have more to offer.
December 20, 2017
Thank you Netgalley and Severn House for the eARC.
Set in 1882 in Victorian London, I found this book quite enjoyable. The story centers around Alec Londale, a freelance reporter for the Pall Mall Gazette. Hoping to land a permanent job there, he stumbles on a deadly fire that may just get him the story he needs. A woman at the fire tells him the man killed in it is only one of several suspicious disappearances and probable murders. When he meets her at a designated spot for more information, he is attacked and the woman and her companion murdered. The police don't want him anywhere near the case, but his Assistant Editor allows him to delve deeper into the mystery. He is (reluctantly) assigned a fearless feisty female reporter, Hulda Friederichs.
The sprinkling of real historic characters, which had me Googling a bit, were fascinating. That and the vivid descriptions of Victorian London, along with Londale and Hulda, made the story come alive with me. When Londale spends a night in the Lambeth Workhouse for a story, I actually wrinkled my nose and had the creepy crawlies!
Can't wait for the next in the series...maybe we'll find out if Alec will become romantically involved with? A must read for fans of historic mysteries.
Set in 1882 in Victorian London, I found this book quite enjoyable. The story centers around Alec Londale, a freelance reporter for the Pall Mall Gazette. Hoping to land a permanent job there, he stumbles on a deadly fire that may just get him the story he needs. A woman at the fire tells him the man killed in it is only one of several suspicious disappearances and probable murders. When he meets her at a designated spot for more information, he is attacked and the woman and her companion murdered. The police don't want him anywhere near the case, but his Assistant Editor allows him to delve deeper into the mystery. He is (reluctantly) assigned a fearless feisty female reporter, Hulda Friederichs.
The sprinkling of real historic characters, which had me Googling a bit, were fascinating. That and the vivid descriptions of Victorian London, along with Londale and Hulda, made the story come alive with me. When Londale spends a night in the Lambeth Workhouse for a story, I actually wrinkled my nose and had the creepy crawlies!
Can't wait for the next in the series...maybe we'll find out if Alec will become romantically involved with? A must read for fans of historic mysteries.
December 21, 2017
Alec Lonsdale is a journalist who witnesses a bizarre house fire. He follows the clues to the heart of a deadly conspiracy that threatens an oblivious society.
This mystery/thriller held me in its grip from start to finish. Granted the prologue had me confused and I may have forgotten what was presented there until the end when I finally understood how everything connected. Lonsdale was a fun character, smart as he learns his way in his new role.
The supporting cast, from Lonsdale’s brother to the fellow journalists, were just as intriguing as our main character. The plot moved along at a good pace, releasing information at just the right moment to keep a reader guessing. Although there are horrible crimes committed -murder can be messy- it is not presented in an overly graphic way.
All in all, this is an excellent novel for historical murder mystery lovers. I received a free copy from NetGalley for reviewing purposes.
This mystery/thriller held me in its grip from start to finish. Granted the prologue had me confused and I may have forgotten what was presented there until the end when I finally understood how everything connected. Lonsdale was a fun character, smart as he learns his way in his new role.
The supporting cast, from Lonsdale’s brother to the fellow journalists, were just as intriguing as our main character. The plot moved along at a good pace, releasing information at just the right moment to keep a reader guessing. Although there are horrible crimes committed -murder can be messy- it is not presented in an overly graphic way.
All in all, this is an excellent novel for historical murder mystery lovers. I received a free copy from NetGalley for reviewing purposes.
January 31, 2018
It is 1882 London and reporter Alex Lonsdale is drawn to a deadly house fire. To the police it seems a clear case of accidental death, but neighbor's statements lead Lonsdale to wonder. But even he is surprised to learn that not only was the death murder, but the killer took part of the victim's brain. Ablely assisted by the newspaper's first and only female reporter, Alex and Hulda learn that there may be other similar deaths. But why would anyone want to collect human brains? The book is based on actual events and people from the time and a clever story built on these newspaper accounts. This is the first in a series of planned Alec Lonsdale mysteries and it is a good start. I was drawn to the characters and the descriptions of the world of the newspaper reporters. The book is well researched and presents an excellent portrait of Victorian London. I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2019
Really enjoyed this. Very absorbing. Set against the backdrop of scientific and political developments in the mid-late nineteenth century, particularly as they relate to the rise of newspapers. It seems to be very well-researched and several of the characters are historical individuals who actually existed (notably W.T. Stead, the father of investigative journalism).
The author (or authors, as Simon Beaufort is a pen-name for two people working together) have obviously spent a lot of time researching events reported in newspapers in the early 1880s, on which they base the plot of the novel. This meticulous research does not in any way slow down the pace of the novel; it's impressive how well it's all weaved together.
The only major downside is the over-use of fight scenes and the improbable number of times in which the main characters narrowly survive attempts on their lives. That said, it's still very good and I look forward to reading the second in the series.
The author (or authors, as Simon Beaufort is a pen-name for two people working together) have obviously spent a lot of time researching events reported in newspapers in the early 1880s, on which they base the plot of the novel. This meticulous research does not in any way slow down the pace of the novel; it's impressive how well it's all weaved together.
The only major downside is the over-use of fight scenes and the improbable number of times in which the main characters narrowly survive attempts on their lives. That said, it's still very good and I look forward to reading the second in the series.
March 21, 2018
In Victorian London, Alec Lonsdale, a reporter working for the Pall Mall Gazette, stumbles across a fatal house fire. It is anything but straight-forward, however, the post-mortem points to murder, and it may not be the only one. Alec, along with colleague, Hulda, investigates the case but it seems others want to stop them at all costs.
I'm a fan of historical murder-mysteries and I really enjoyed this one. It had a well-thought out plot, lively characters, and enough twists and turns to keep the reader interested. The author used an excellent mix of fictional and historical characters, and used the science of the time to good effect. I would definitely be interested in reading a sequel. I would recommend this one to readers who like the books of Anne Perry or Alex Grecian.
Thanks to Netgalley and publishers, Severn House, for the opportunity to review an ARC.
I'm a fan of historical murder-mysteries and I really enjoyed this one. It had a well-thought out plot, lively characters, and enough twists and turns to keep the reader interested. The author used an excellent mix of fictional and historical characters, and used the science of the time to good effect. I would definitely be interested in reading a sequel. I would recommend this one to readers who like the books of Anne Perry or Alex Grecian.
Thanks to Netgalley and publishers, Severn House, for the opportunity to review an ARC.
August 23, 2018
This is the beginning of a very promising series taking place in Victorian London. Alec Lonsdale is a reporter for The Pall Mall Gazette, and becomes embroiled in a grisly murder mystery that includes a police cover-up and the tentative support of the believers in Darwin's theories. Aided by a spirited female colleague, the pair uncover the police corruption and help in ending the killer's reign of terror. The action is fast paced and historically accurate, to the extent that any newspaper quotes are authentic. I always enjoy historical fiction, but all the more so when it is written in conjunction with historical fact. This promises to be a noteworthy series with plenty of adventure and intrigue.
January 15, 2022
The hero was more intelligent than is often the case in such books but the whole premise seemed to be presenting how evil certain branches of "science" were. And, while I don't relish reading racist comments against Irish people or misogyny, it is very annoying to read 2018 attitudes in the mouths of 1882 characters.
This is most egregious in the character who is obsessed with "the Irish question" not fixating on the first potential suspect with an Irish name. And, if Beaufort had done that, it might have added to the pay-off in the denouement.
The ending is stupid. None of the detectives solve it; the criminal just reveals themself. So, this book is more an action-adventure than a mystery. Popcorn for the brain.
This is most egregious in the character who is obsessed with "the Irish question" not fixating on the first potential suspect with an Irish name. And, if Beaufort had done that, it might have added to the pay-off in the denouement.
The ending is stupid. None of the detectives solve it; the criminal just reveals themself. So, this book is more an action-adventure than a mystery. Popcorn for the brain.
March 19, 2018
Interesting historical fiction that includes some topics we don't normally think of as being Victorian-eugenics for one. Alec Lonsdale has more or less stumbled into both reporting and a big ugly mystery. He enlists, happily, I think, Hulda Friedrichs, as his side kick as they try to determine why brains are being removed from murder victims. The mystery isn't too complicated, you'll learn a bit, and the characters (well, Alec and Hulda) are appealing. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This would make a fine series.
June 22, 2018
Newspaper reporter, Alec Lonsdale, begins investigating random murders for a story. He and his co-worker, Hulda, begin to see a pattern. Several attempts are made against their lives while investigating. They discover that Scientific experiments are being done by murdering people from all walks of life and taking their brain out to study. The murderers are being protected by someone in power. Alec and Hulda manage to break open the case and find the truth.
March 4, 2019
I enjoyed this very much. So far as historical fiction goes, not as much as Graham Moore’s “The Last Days of Night,” but quite enough to have me searching for the next or prior “Alec Lonsdale Victorian Mystery” before this book was even done. (Only to be disappointed to find this was the first of the series with apparently no next one yet announced.) And I only had to look up one word (lugubrious: mournful, dismal, or gloomy). 😉😃
December 2, 2018
Victorian era crime novel, with a good bunch of characters who’s personalities come through in the story line without adding unnecessary detail. Easy read, and wasn’t predictable in the end. May have given it more stars if it was more gripping (cannot put it down style) but this may have been down to how I read the book - in small sections over a long period. Worth a read regardless.
June 5, 2018
I liked the idea of jumping off of actual historical articles and people for the plot—particularly the newspaper reporters. I would really like to see & know more about Hulda Friederichs (Is there a biography? I’d read it!) In all, a well-constructed mystery that kept me wanting to turn the page.
May 20, 2018
A complex mystery that spins out as it goes, but becomes more tightly wound as it finishes. I loved the Victorian setting, and the extensive research Beaufort must have done to write this novel.
July 15, 2018
To many unnecessary characters and book gave its own ending away.
August 5, 2018
well done. reasonably engaging
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