The Fallen Architect

by Charles Belfoure

In this riveting novel from The New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Architect, a man in disgrace finds that digging up the past is the only road he can take

Architect Douglas Layton has lost everything. The balcony of one of his beautiful music halls collapsed during a packed performance, killing dozens. Layton knows the flaw was not in his design; someone else must have caused the dreadful catastrophe. But with no proof and a hoard of furious Londoners screaming for blood, someone has to take the fall-and Layton finds himself facing a five-year prison sentence.

When he is finally freed, Layton is determined to start over. With a new name and identity, he takes a job as a set painter. But as Layton begins to discover dead bodies hidden within theatre halls across London, it soon becomes clear that something darker is chasing him. When he unearths a clue that ties the bodies to the disaster that ruined him, he knows that redemption is within his reach…unless the culprit gets to him first.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Historical, Architecture, Adult, Historical Mystery

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 2, 2019

About the author

Charles Belfoure is the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Architect, House of Thieves and The Fallen Architect. An architect by profession, he graduated from the Pratt Institute and Columbia University, and he taught at Pratt as well as Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland. His area of specialty is historic preservation. In addition to his historical fiction, Belfoure is also the award-winning author of several architectural histories, and has been a freelance writer for The Baltimore Sun and The New York Times. He lives in Westminster, Maryland.

source: Amazon

Reviews

[Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 mysterious stars to The Fallen Architect! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Charles Belfoure has many fans of his writing, and I now count myself among them.

As one may guess with the title, Douglas Layton is an architect who has lost it all. In a music hall of his design located in London, a balcony collapses, and many people die. Douglas believes he is not at fault, and he must have been framed. Nonetheless, he is charged and spends five years in prison.

After his release, Douglas starts anew with a different name and career as a set painter. His job is not easy, nor quiet when he finds dead bodies hidden in the theatre where he is working. He knows that these bodies are tied to the balcony collapse, and he has to prove it.

Belfoure’s writing is silky smooth, and his enthralling and well-researched mystery held my interest throughout. All I learned about architecture was fascinating along with the added fun of the London setting and theatre tidbits.

Overall, terrific storytelling with a unique storyline, Belfoure’s newest book is a skillfully and cleverly executed satisfying tale of one’s search for vindication.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com

[Elizabeth of Silver's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

How could his theater have collapsed? Everything was done perfectly to all the specifications.

Douglas Layton was the architect who had drawn the plans for the Britannia Theater that collapsed on its opening night killing over a dozen people. He was convicted and sent to prison for five years.

When he was released with no home and no money, he went back to his childhood home and decided he needed to change his identity and his entire life.

He did find a job as an artist in a theater, but his drinking to blur out all his troubles might turn out to be his downfall. Keeping hidden and in disguise was of primary importance.

Keeping hidden was a bit difficult, but he managed. One day after hours as he was exploring the structure of the theater with his architect’s eye, Douglas noticed something with the wall that looked wrong. What he found in that theater and a second theater gave him pause and had him questioning who really did cause the collapse of the theater. He now knew it hadn’t been his error.

The investigation to clear his name had begun. Investigation in the 1800’s was quite time consuming with all of it having to be done on foot and without the Internet.

Mr. Belfoure has written another marvelous, interest-keeping novel with a well-researched story line. His writing is smooth, detailed, and kept me turning the pages. His architectural expertise shines through.

The characters are genuine, and it was enjoyable learning of the early theater. I enjoyed the terminology and especially the term for movies, which was called “flickers.”

I truly enjoyed THE FALLEN ARCHITECT.

THE FALLEN ARCHITECT will be enjoyed by historical fiction fans, fans of mysteries, artists, architects, and anyone who enjoys books set in London and this time period. 5/5

This book was given to me as an ARC by the publisher in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[ABCme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC.

Douglas Layton, son of a humble stonemason, cheats his way through Britain's social ranks and becomes a well respected architect. That is, until the Britannia Empire Theatre that he designed comes crashing down. Convicted for the many dead and wounded he spends the next five years in prison. After his release he decides to reinvent himself and becomes Frank Owen, although throughout the book his new name is hardly used. He finds himself a job as a scenic artist for the Nottingham Grand Imperial Theatre and starts his new life.
By accident Layton finds a body buried in the theatre wall and pretty soon more bodies turn up. They all seem connected to the disaster that put him in jail a few years back. Was the collapse of the theatre really an accident or was it sabotage? While he investigates there's still a show to run.

At the beginning of the book I had a nagging feeling about Layton. His whole life seemed a lie and I couldn't trust him. But as he gets adjusted to his role in the theatre and starts interacting with all the quirky characters his trustworthy self comes out and he's definitely one of the good guys.

I enjoyed the descriptions of life in the theatre and got to know all the acts pretty well. I also liked exploring the social ladder and the greed among the ones that make and eventually break the rules.
The Fallen Architect is a wonderful mix of historical fiction and good mystery. Well written and moving at a pleasant pace. An entertaining read.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those who read my reviews know I rarely give 5 stars. This is one!! I am loving this author. I read The Paris Architect (a WWII novel) and that too was 5 stars!!!

This is a story of Douglas Layton, an architect at the turn of the century in London, who worked his way up and faked his 'class' so he can get work. Sadly, if you were born to a working family, you couldn't climb up the social ladder. You were stuck in the working class. Doug knew this and worked hard to show his talent and left his family behind while living his dream.

The first chapter had me hooked!!!! The description of a theater's opening day and all the excitement around the anticipated show. Everyone having a great time, clapping, stomping feet to the orchestra, and .... BAM... the balcony collapses on the row of seats below. 14 people die and scores were injured. And Doug is arrested, taking the fall for this terrible design.

5 years later, Doug gets out and has to start over. Anyone who recognizes him wants to kill him. How does he manage? Well, he changes his name, some of his appearance, and tries to start a new life. Then he finds out that it wasn't his design that was flawed...he knew exactly what happened but how can he prove it?

You have to read the book to find out. I read it in 2 days, it was such an easy read. I loved it and plan to read much more from this author.

[Faouzia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to read this book because of its title, it is rare that i come across thrillers featuring architects and i always thought it was an "under represented" profession in the thrillers world, although i think it has a lot of potentiel. I was actually excited about it.
That said, i was then really disappointed by the whole thing, the book seemed endless and it became tiring to just pick it up.

I enjoyed the beginning of the book and the promise of a good story. Set in the England of the turn of the century, i found it interesting to read about it from the point of view of an architect.
But then, what was supposed to be a thriller, a story of a fallen architect accused of bringing down a balcony in the theatre and causing many deaths, only to discover after spending years in prison that there was a bigger conspiracy, turned out to be 20% investigation (if one can really call it that) and 80% an exposé on variety theatres, the gigs and actors and most importantly the never ending comparison between the common people and the aristocracy. I lost count of the times "society ladies" or common people do this but the aristocracy does this came in the different chapters, from the smallest detail like buying flowers, to the most urgent matters like murder, this comparison was present. It was rather annoying, as if the author has a grudge or something with the upper class of the 19th-20th century England, i mean it was totally beside the point, especially that it was continuously repeated.

The story in itself had a lot of potentiel but the fact that it drowned within all description/comparison, made it seem almost irrelevant, just throwing in a new discovery made by chance or luck in each chapter. The end did surprise me a little, but it was wrapped up so fast in two pages and seemed a bit over the top.
One last thing, there were also a couple of annoyingly disturbing "cultural references" that bothered me. Maybe they seem inconsequential for most readers, but for me it made me like this book even less.

I was really planning to write a short review, but i got carried away. I guess this disappointment came from expecting too much and finding too little to the story.

Thank you NetGalley, the Publisher and Author for this free copy in exchange of an honest review.

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Back in 2015 I tried one of his books, then two years later another attempt with Paris Architect and now this since I clearly have a memory problem and definitely need Goodreads to help my recall.
Note to Self: Do not try any future books by this author - you will not like it.
Pros on this one: It did provide a rather detailed account of variety theater in London in the Edwardian period - and I do mean detailed with song lyrics, jokes, pygmy acts, competition in the business, etc.
However...at center focus was architect from humble birth, son of a stone mason, who elevates himself into acceptance by the gentry only to be set up as person at fault of a balcony collapse at a new theater where many died and he went to prison for 5 years. He comes out and instead of dying of drink takes job painting scene backdrops for variety theatre where he discovers his first skeleton...and the investigation heats up.
Recommended for anyone keen on variety theater of that period.

[Scottsdale Public Library]

It’s the opening night of the Britannia Theatre, a new music hall in London designed by architect Douglas Layton. During the show, part of the balcony collapses, killing 14 and injuring many others. Layton finds himself under scrutiny and blame for the incident. He is sent to prison as a result and released 5 years later. The novel opens as Layton is released and working to find a way to move on with his life. Using a fake name and disguising himself in order to distance himself from his past, he finds a job and begins to move on from the tragedy and it’s aftermath. However, he discovers that the accident may not have been an accident and finds himself drawn into the mystery of what really happened at the Britannia that night. The novel is well-paced and an interesting mystery set at the beginning of the 1900’s, making use of its settings and providing a look at British society and classes at the time reminiscent of Dickins. One strength is that Layton is a likeable character you want to see succeed and have a happy ending. Another strength is that the job he takes, painting backdrops for a variety theatre, provides an interesting element to the story with the glimpses it provides into the backstage world of vaudeville and the eclectic world of theatre. The Fallen Architect is a book that catches ones interest and holds it until the end. The reader will be kept guessing as to what actually happened and will not be let down by the conclusion. -Madeline C.

[Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

My first Belfour book. Disappointed. Did not turn out to be quite the mystery I had expected.

Architect Douglas Leighton has spent five years in prison accused of his faulty design causing part of a theatre balcony to collapse killing 14 people.

Out of prison and assuming a new identity he is hired as a scene painter in a variety theatre, whereupon he discovers a rather telling clue while working at his new job.
Feeling encouraged that his design was not the cause of the disaster he then begins to wonder how the collapse could have happened.

Leighton does not even begin to seek out the villain until nearly half way into the book, at which point there are too many suspects to count. Oh, and then a romance is introduced.

The book is filled with overmuch detailed descriptions of the ‘variety’ theatre acts. If you are interested in variety theatre acts of the 1900’s and some very corny jokes then this is the book for you.

Clear indication of the British class system of the 1900’s is probably the most authentic part of the story.

[Lance Charnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fallen Architect is an atmospheric novel featuring an intriguing mystery, a sympathetic lead (who can also draw and paint), and a (literally) theatrical supporting cast, all set effectively in a colorful milieu. If this sounds good to you, read it now before it makes the easy leap to Masterpiece Mystery or an Alienist-like prestige production on TNT or Netflix. Four drafting pencils.

Because I wrote this review for Criminal Element, I can't show it all here. Go here to read the full review and a lot of other good stuff, too.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of this book was intriguing. Douglas Layton is the fallen architect. In 1900 London, part of a theater he designs collapses, injuring many and killing fourteen. He is convicted of murder and spends five years in prison. When he is released, he is disgraced and maligned and must adopt a new identity to move forward in his life. He becomes Frank Own and with his artistic background, he paints the scenes used in the theater, where he meets and befriends a host of eclectic variety theater performers. Soon, Layton discovers that the theater accident that sent him to prison was no accident. He then tries to find out who did it and their motives so that he can clear his name. In the meantime, he falls in love with Cissie, the theater manager, reconnects with his lost son, and realizes past mistakes.

While I generally enjoyed this book, I couldn't give it more than five stars because it often seemed to go off on tangents that were unnecessary and detracted from the flow of the the novel. For example, I didn't need to know about all the many performances, shows, jokes, etc. for the theater. Belfoure almost wanted this to be not just a mystery but an exposé on theater life in early twentieth century London. In my opinion, it needed editing.

For a mystery, there were also way too many suspects and motives. Every way Layton turned, he found someone who had a reason to cause the theater collapse...but doesn't suspect the true culprit until the very end, and he/she has his own personal motive. While I liked the twist and the ultimate culprit, I thought that he/she should have been part of the mix earlier. There were too many red herrings.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Sourcebooks for this book for my honest review.

After being a prisoner for 5 years for a "crime" he knew he didn't commit after a balcony collapse in the theater he was working on as an architect, Doug Layton became Frank Owen, a painter of backdrops in the theater where this happened.

I enjoyed how he fell in love all over again with the manager of the theater and that he reconnected with his son after his wife divorced him while he was in prison. He became friends with all these artistes even though they never knew who he really was and how he was connected to this theater.

In the end, he cleared his name, no thanks to the former architect who was helping him.

[Aussie54 · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounded up.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charles Belfoure is an architect turned writer who uses his craft as the basis for his novels. The Paris Architect was quite successful; his other two books, including this one, less so. Here,Douglas Layton, is deemed responsible for the collapse of a theater balcony in a building he designed. After 5 years of imprisonment, he returns to society with a damaged reputation and no architecture license. He takes a job, under an alias, as a scene painter in a variety theater; then discovers evidence that the balcony collapse was not his fault. The rest of the book is devoted to uncovering the real culprit. While there's lots of interesting detail on life in the London variety theater of the early 1900s, the mystery plot feels contrived and the main characters a bit wooden. Too much of the discovery relies on "coincidence" and sudden revelation, and the ending feels a bit rushed, like the author just got tired of writing and wanted to wrap things up. Still, some of the ancillary characters -- the theater performers -- are quite amusing. This was not the best book I've read lately, but still, no regrets.

[Ilene Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Fallen Architect”. In 1900, at the opening of the new Britannia Empire Theatre, during a comedian’s routine, a portion of the balcony collapsed, killing 14 and maiming many more. The blame was put on Douglas Layton, the architect and he was sent to serve a 5 year sentence. When coming out he was disgraced and penniless, and started drinking. The worst being, his wife divorced him taking his young son from him. After trying to pull himself together, a friend tells him a new theatre in London is looking for a set painter. Since he has artistic talent he tries it, still having his charm and a new identity. Now on his own and with the help of new friends he investigated to see if there was a reason that someone wanted to kill any of these 14 people. Not only a great mystery but we learn so much about what goes on behind the scenes of theatres and all the great characters.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the way this author writes mysteries. There is a long slow boil to the reveal of the actual culprit. In this one, a prized architect, Douglas Layton is jailed for the collapse of a theater balcony. The decision rendered upon a presumed flaw in the building’s design. Layton is confident the fault was not his. Upon his release from prison he receives threats, he finds bodies walled up inside buildings, and he begins to believe that it was all a huge setup. ✨

With beautiful writing and a theater full of colorful characters, this book is truly enjoyable.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

More than a dozen people were killed or injured when the Britannia Theatre’s balcony collapsed. The architect who designed the theatre, Douglas Layton, takes the blame and is sentenced to five years in prison. After completing his sentence he sets about to discover who was responsible and why he was set up. This book was well written with tons of interesting characters. My only criticism is that mystery was a bit convoluted as it went along and I had a bit of trouble keeping track of all the suspects. That said The Fallen Architect was a fun historical mystery.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story by architect/author Charles Belfoure and a superb job with the accents by narrator Samuel Roukin! Architect Douglas Layton has been disgraced after a balcony collapses in the music hall he designed, killing many. He is found guilty of negligent manslaughter and serves 5 years in prison. Layton knows he is not at fault, but proving that is difficult. Thus is the main plot of this story - finding out what really happened. I liked reading how Layton worked hard and persevered through his circumstances when most people would have given up. I did not guess who the guilty party was and enjoyed listening to how the whole thing unraveled. The reader also learns about the class structure in England around the early 190o's as well as Britain’s version of vaudeville where Layton works after getting out of prison. It has a nice storybook ending; everyone lives happily ever after.

[Darcy Cudmore · Rating 3 out of 5]

You know - I love finding a cheap book. This was $1.25 at the Dollar Tree in Windsor.

It was a little dry, but I enjoyed being transported back to 1900 and all the small details on how life might be during that time. The characters were likeable and it included a variety of enticing people, which were interesting.

The story seemed a bit of a mess at times (personal opinion) and a little anti-climatic, but not bad at all. Worth reading and pretty good overall!

[Jackie Narkiewicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Douglas Layton is the architect who created the Britannia Theatre and is blamed and imprisoned after it collapses under mysterious circumstances. He serves his time and then vows to find the people who are behind the theatre's collapse. Great read!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parts - particularly the whodunit - were predictable. That said, the prose and characters made up for it.

[Carol Stamenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable reading, as was The Paris Architect
by the same author.

[JP Schimpf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was slightly annoyed with the amount of sheer luck the protagonist had throughout the story, but the underlying themes and unique plot helped make this a solid read.

[Susan Chaltain · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a good attempt at writing a mystery. It had all the makings except it was not captivating. A man goes to prison for something he didn’t do and try’s to find out who really did.

[Patricia Lilly-Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was so engrossing and the characters so believable. I read it with such interest to find out who had done it. It's truly a well written story that pulls you in.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good historical mystery. Only disappointing part was the weak ending.

[Linda Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed this story. Misplaced blame and starting over.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was even better than House of Thieves. The title could be an oblique reference to the cause of Douglas Layton's downfall. A balcony in the beautiful musical theater he designed in London falls during the first performance, causing the deaths of many people. Layton is blamed for the failure, sent to prison and demonized by the public. When he is released from prison he changes his identity and begins to work as a backdrop painter in music halls. He is happy in this new life, but his life is endangered when a few people start to recognize him. He feels a need to clear his name, and the book turns to the search for who might have sabotaged his design. I really liked the blend of intrigue and humor, evil and good will. The characters and goings-on of the music halls were especially likeable and entertaining. As an architect himself, the author writes convincingly about the technical and societal side of the profession.

[Tracy Spizzuoco · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick, easy British mystery with likable characters. I enjoyed it.

[Dlmrose · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC

[Sue Myers · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was intrigued by the premise of this book-an architect is blamed for the collapse of a theater in early 1900's England, goes to jail and then clears his name. I also had read this author's previous book, The Paris Architect, and liked it very much. This book was not of the same quality. The beginning of the book was quite good, but then when main character, Douglas Layton, hooks up in the theater painting backdrops for the various theater acts, the plot went downhill. There were way too many characters and suspects; impossible to keep track. The whole last part was, well, this character did it, no this one did, ad nauseum.