1894. A well-respected academic is found dead in a gentlemen's convenience cubicle at the British Museum, the stall locked from the inside. Professor Lance Pickering had been due to give a talk promoting the museum's new 'Age of King Arthur' exhibition when he was stabbed repeatedly in the chest. Having forged a strong reputation working alongside the inimitable Inspector Abberline on the Jack the Ripper case, Daniel Wilson is called in to solve the mystery of the locked cubicle murder, and he brings his expertise and archaeologist Abigail Fenton with him. But it isn't long before the museum becomes the site of another fatality and the pair face mounting pressure to deliver results. With enquiries compounded by persistent journalists, local vandals and a fanatical society, Wilson and Fenton face a race against time to salvage the reputation of the museum and catch a murderer desperate for revenge.
Jim Eldridge is the author of many books for children, including titles in the My Story series, the Warpath books, and How to Handle Grown-Ups. He has had 250 TV scripts broadcast in the UK and internationally for children's and teen television, and is also the creator and writer of Radio 4's long-running comedy-drama series, King Street Junior.
Wow, thanks NetGalley for this free advance copy in return for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book, to the point where I could not put it down once I started. Well structured characters, and a very believable plot. The 2nd book of the series and now I have to go out and find the first one. We follow private enquiry agent, William Daniels and his girlfriend/partner and archeologist Abigail Fenton as they try to find out who killed a noted professor and author on the day he came to speak at the British Museum, where his new book was partially the basis for the King Arthur exhibit. Filled with crimes and intrigue, this book also is a great historical fiction book in the sense that in the course of solving the crime we learn much about Victorian London, and a quick check verified all the info that was contained in the book and makes the book much more interesting and worthy of praise. The pace never stops, the characters are really well developed, and this is one of the best historical mystery/fiction books I have read this year. Top Notch, Jim Eldridge I look forward to your next effort!!
An enjoyable murder mystery set in the 1890s around the time of the infamous Jack the Ripper killings. With the feisty, independent and charming Abigail Fenton at the helm along with the "private consultant" Daniel Wilson, both take on a perplexing crime surrounding the murder of a famed professor at the British Museum. Eldridge has mixed in a traditional whodunit with a wee bit of police procedural to produce a decent enough climax, resulting in a worthwhile read!
2⭐ = Below Average I didn't enjoy this like I did the first in the series. It was definitely an easy read but for me there were just too many 'he said' 'she said','did she or didn't she' moments. Lots of characters! Started off well with a good pace but failed to hold my attention from about halfway through. I enjoyed the era of the setting though and will read the next in the series.
Wow, thanks NetGalley for this free advance copy in return for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book, to the point where I could not put it down once I started. Well structured characters, and a very believable plot. The 2nd book of the series and now I have to go out and find the first one. We follow private enquiry agent, William Daniels and his girlfriend/partner and archeologist Abigail Fenton as they try to find out who killed a noted professor and author on the day he came to speak at the British Museum, where his new book was partially the basis for the King Arthur exhibit. Filled with crimes and intrigue, this book also is a great historical fiction book in the sense that in the course of solving the crime we learn much about Victorian London, and a quick check verified all the info that was contained in the book and makes the book much more interesting and worthy of praise. The pace never stops, the characters are really well developed, and this is one of the best historical mystery/fiction books I have read this year. Top Notch, Jim Eldridge I look forward to your next effort!!
I was excited to read something combining murder and archaeology but this was a real disappointment. Lots of bad repetitive prose interspersed with unnecessary infodumps about Victorian London, and a frankly overstuffed cast of red herrings.
I am really enjoying this series. Book two was even better than book one.
I love Daniel and Abigail as a crime-solving couple. They are very likable characters individually, and even better together. They play off each other's strengths and shore up the other's weaknesses. I enjoy that they are both figuring out how to be a couple and that they are really respectful of each other's fears and oddities as they find their way together. It's interesting but not sappy or annoying.
The mystery in this book was very well done. I did not see the murderer coming until it was revealed but I suspect those who are good at figuring out the whodunnit before the reveal would have no trouble doing so with the clues given. The plot was well-conceived and well written with plenty of suspense, twists and a surprise or two.
I love the Victorian era and this author does a wonderful job delivering the sense of place of London and of the era.
I also like the museum connection of this series, being a fan of museums myself. Seeing some of the behind the scenes of exhibits and other aspects of running a museum is a fun feature.
This is just a really enjoyable series and I look forward to reading more books starring Daniel and Abigail. Good fun!
I AM FREE XX I have finally finished this book I actually have hated reading it. I know in my heart of hearts it’s not the books fault but omg it was a long slog, every one got stabbed and I was BORED x anyway onto the next let’s go x
Thank you to Netgalley and Allison and Busby for the review copy.
Synopsis: Daniel Wilson and Abigail Fenton are a team of private detectives. He a former detective inspector with Scotland Yard who works as a private enquirer now and she an archaeologist. In the London of 1894, they are investigating – as the title suggests – a murder, at the British Museum.
Sir Jasper Stone, the museum director, hires them to investigate the murder of one Professor Lance Pickering. A murder which occurred on the premises of the museum is a threat to its reputation.
Review: The casual manner of acquaintanceship of here and now makes us forget about the formality of the yore. There is so much respect, even while rebuking someone. It is after a long time that I'm reading fiction set in that era and it is making me nostalgic for things that I didn't even experience. And, ironically, I'm reading an e-copy of this book! It is, after all, a good old murder mystery with the old-fashioned charm of solving crimes. Following the murder, threats are received, detective work is carried out with a fair amount of guesswork, leads are followed, proofs are gathered, etc. etc. etc.
Jim Eldridge has spun a tale of mystery which kept me guessing till the very end as to the identity of the murderer. He has built up the entire story meticulously, linking several aspects of the case and thereby reaching the conclusion. It was fun reading this one!
There is a myriad of characters but never does it overwhelm the story in any way. Rather, they complement each other and fit in perfectly. I especially loved the substance given by the author to the character of Abigail. She holds her own, and considering it is the year 1894 it may not have been easy to write such a character! A murder means that along with the private detectives there will be the police as well - the Scotland Yard. And it also means that there will be the usual tussle between the authority and the private detectives! There are a number of suspects to be investigated and some history lessons too (it is a museum, after all).
The romantic angle, which is quite modern for 1890s sensibilities, fits into the story beautifully. I believe it is the only connection from the first book – Murder at the Fitzwilliam. The domesticity that is shown, albeit briefly, is amusing. This book makes me want to watch the fictional Arthur's fictional TV Series – Merlin – the one starring Bradley James as King Arthur. This story is a classic whodunit which you will want to read again and again.
Thank you to Netgalley and Allison and Busby for the review copy.
Synopsis: Daniel Wilson and Abigail Fenton are a team of private detectives. He a former detective inspector with Scotland Yard who works as a private enquirer now and she an archaeologist. In the London of 1894, they are investigating – as the title suggests – a murder, at the British Museum.
Sir Jasper Stone, the museum director, hires them to investigate the murder of one Professor Lance Pickering. A murder which occurred on the premises of the museum is a threat to its reputation.
Review: The casual manner of acquaintanceship of here and now makes us forget about the formality of the yore. There is so much respect, even while rebuking someone. It is after a long time that I'm reading fiction set in that era and it is making me nostalgic for things that I didn't even experience. And, ironically, I'm reading an e-copy of this book! It is, after all, a good old murder mystery with the old-fashioned charm of solving crimes. Following the murder, threats are received, detective work is carried out with a fair amount of guesswork, leads are followed, proofs are gathered, etc. etc. etc.
Jim Eldridge has spun a tale of mystery which kept me guessing till the very end as to the identity of the murderer. He has built up the entire story meticulously, linking several aspects of the case and thereby reaching the conclusion. It was fun reading this one!
There is a myriad of characters but never does it overwhelm the story in any way. Rather, they complement each other and fit in perfectly. I especially loved the substance given by the author to the character of Abigail. She holds her own, and considering it is the year 1894 it may not have been easy to write such a character! A murder means that along with the private detectives there will be the police as well - the Scotland Yard. And it also means that there will be the usual tussle between the authority and the private detectives! There are a number of suspects to be investigated and some history lessons too (it is a museum, after all).
The romantic angle, which is quite modern for 1890s sensibilities, fits into the story beautifully. I believe it is the only connection from the first book – Murder at the Fitzwilliam. The domesticity that is shown, albeit briefly, is amusing. This book makes me want to watch the fictional Arthur's fictional TV Series – Merlin – the one starring Bradley James as King Arthur. This story is a classic whodunit which you will want to read again and again.
I have to say that there is something about these books, that make me kind of want to continue reading them, but I CAN'T STAND ABIGAIL!!! F-ing Marysue!
I hate how she treats Daniel. "You go and read that book now, chop-chop!" It has absolutely no whatsoever significance in the investigation. There is absolutely nothing in that book that Daniel needs to know, or that tells him anything useful about the situation. And it is not mentioned again. She bullied and mommied him into doing something he didn't want to do, for no reason at all.
She is apparently the leading Egypt expert AND the expert in Roman Britain. And Arthurian legends. I suppose Jim has read Mary Stewart's Merlin books. I bet Abigail is going to be an expert in everything else that is needed for the further adventures of this couple.
I hate it that she goes around blabbering details about the investigation to anyone who asks, and even people who don't ask. She was telling everything to the murderer in the first book and repeated it in this one. And then she boasts about being a detective.
I hate how Jim Eldridge doesn't seem to understand much anything about Victorian society and gender roles and thinking. Daniel warns her about a very shady neighborhood in London. She walks straight in. Daniel tells her it was a very stupid thing to do. She tells him that she has been in very shady neighborhoods and she manages, and she isn't going to be afraid. Daniel apologizes. She's marysue, so she's always right. I don't think Jim realizes that it doesn't make Abigail look cool and strong, it makes Daniel look bad. Here we have this detective, who used to work for Scotland Yard in Jack the Ripper case, and we have this schoolmarm history nerd who is more streetwise. Sure, Jim. Sure.
And, sure, an Egyptian guy tried to rape her in Egypt. Sure he did. An Englishwoman and archaeologist in broad daylight. Sure, I believe that. And sure she beat him up with a shovel. Sure she did. So that he needed medical attention. Sure. But a really bitchy move to gut-punch a teenager being held by policemen. No, it doesn't make her look cool, it makes her look dangerously aggressive mad woman.
And then the cooking incident... First time cooking in her life, on a wood stove? And she manages all right? Sure.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review! I really enjoyed this mystery, and I will absolutely be following Eldridge for the next book in the series. This is a well-crafted mystery with interesting and relatable characters, which is becoming a rarity in mysteries these days. Both characters have their quirks, but you can understand their actions- Abigail's mention of when she was on a dig in Egypt and had to physically protect herself felt wonderfully modern (but still accurate).
I also loved the subject matter of the exhibition itself- the Arthurian legends are in my academic wheelhouse, and it was dealt with quite smartly. It didn't take away from the murder of the professor at all, and made it much more enjoyable than most mysteries. Quite a gem of a book!
An enjoyable murder mystery set at the British Museum. I think the concept of mysteries at museums is a great one and I particularly liked the strong female lead especially as she is an archaeologist, like myself. I hadn’t realised that this was the second in the series but this book can stand alone. I’m sure if I had read the first then I’d have appreciated the relationship between the main characters more but felt their strong connection particularly at the end. I was most intrigued by Daniel’s work on the Ripper case. Thanks to NetGalley and Allison & Busby for the ARC.
1894 Victorian London and an Arthurian exhibit at the British Museum present a fascinating backdrop for this murder mystery, which rapidly becomes far more complicated than the initial murder. Yes, 'initial', because there are more. Written in a dry, laconic style that at times seems similar to those murder mysteries of the 'Golden Age', this is a terrific read with fascinating twists and turns. I might go back for more in this series...
Well, book 2 of the Museum Mysteries is just as good as the first and the 5th Lol Daniel and Abigail must find the killer of 2 men...The one the police say did it, of course is not the killer of the two bodies they are investigating... Inspector John Feather, and a couple of reporters muddy up the investigation a bit.... A very good read, or listen a well written series and I can't wait to read/listen to the rest.
this was the first book i read in this series, although it is the second in the museum mysteries - i liked it a lot, both miss fenton and daniel wilson are bright brains, but the way they act with each other is quite nice - respect and love, always a good match - she has an independent mind that i like, and he is not against a woman who has her own opinion, which is uncommon in the 19th century - the atmosphere of the 19th century london is interesting too, some historical basis - and i did not discover the culprit ! so i shall certainly read other entries in this series
I love this new series! The first one was set in Cambridge, and now this second story brings us to London and the famous British Museum. The settings and stories revolve around museums, so there is much to savor and to learn in this readable series. Characters introduced in the first story, former Scotland Yard detective, now private investigator Daniel Wilson, and his new partner, archaeologist Abigail Fenton, are called in to help with a murder on the premises. Readers will enjoy the evolving relationship of the main characters, as well as become fascinated with the clever, academic mystery presented. I look forward to the next story!
Read for Battleathon August 2024. I'm returning to this series after a break, I've re-read the first one but I did buy the next 7 on Kindle. I really like Jim Eldridge's writing, his setting and characters are in my opinion well done. I enjoyed this story, the politics between the private detective and Scotland Yard felt really accurate and legitimate. I'm determined to finish this series!
This is an excellent British crime mystery taking place in the British Museum in 1894. Ex-Scotland Yard detective, now a 'private inquiry agent', Daniel Wilson and archeologist Abigail Fenton are romantically involved and work together on crimes that come Daniel's way with a historical bent - when she is not abroad on a dig. This is an excellent mystery - and I loved both the action and the tip of the hat to those women fighting quietly against the social mores hemming in females in turn-of-the-20th-century British culture. Abigail Fenton is a brave soul, and Daniel as well, and the perpetrator of our mystery didn't have a chance of escaping their combined talents. Jim Eldridge has a fine writing style, placing you mentally in the time and place he chooses to take you. This is a series I must follow. London has been long on my bucket list, but Eldredge moved it up a few notches.
I received a free electronic copy of this British murder mystery on May 3, 2019, from Netgalley, Jim Eldridge, and Allison & Busby publishers. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this novel of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. pub date Jan 24, 2019 pub date extended to July 18, 2019 received May 3, 2019 Allison & Busby Reviewed Goodreads and Netgalley, July 17, 2019.
I had high hopes of this book, given I enjoy history and murders, but it didn't quite grab my attention.
I liked what the book showed me of Daniel and Abigail, but found them a little flat as characters. Abigail's not wanting to marry would have rather made her stand out badly given the era, and I don't think those around her would have approved of her at all if they'd worked out she and Daniel were lovers, but apart from her estrangement with her sister that seems to have been largely glossed over. Which I wasn't entirely convinced by since they are apparently fairly newly in a relationship and are often apart (her digs).
The mystery too didn't rocket along at an engrossing rate, there was rather too much repetition of the various points. In fact, I was about to give up reading when the second murder was discovered, which persuaded me to continue.
I read this which is 2nd in the series without reading the first one. I never felt like there was somethign I should have known from the first book, so it stands on its own quite well.
It is a murder mystery with the back drop of the British Museum and the opening of an exhibit on King Arthur in the late 1800's. Private investigator Daniel and his archeologist side kick Abigail get called in to help SCotland Yard solve the murder of professor Pickering nad subsequent murders. The local police believe they have a serial killer on their hands, but Daniel and Abigail set out to prove there is more than one murderer.
I was expecting to love ‘Murder at the British Museum’ but I just liked it. I love murder mysteries and whilst the last quarter of the book had me so hooked, the first part was just very slow. (I'm glad I pushed through as the end of the book definitely saved the beginning). The style was really simplistic and didn't flow at all which was a shame because it made the characters feel a bit superficial. I didn't realise that it was the second in a series and you don't need to have read the previous book to enjoy this one. Overall, I was hoping for more from this book.