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The Esther & Jack Enright Mysteries #8
The Lost Boys
Jack, Esther and Percy Enright return for one final investigation… Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, Rory Clements and Antonia Hodgson.
The Enrights’ last case is the most intriguing one yet…
London, 1898
Jack Enright has barely settled, somewhat uncomfortably, into his new role as Inspector of the Tilbury Docks Police when he is obliged to investigate the apparent loss of cargoes on one particular incoming vessel.
At the same time, his uncle Percy is ordered by Special Branch to find out what’s happened to two schoolboys missing from their boarding school whose fathers are of strategic importance to Britain’s interests in South Africa.
After involving a protesting Esther one final time in what becomes a joint investigation, Jack and Percy find themselves at the mercy of forces they have provoked. This case could dramatically affect their futures as police officers…
THE LOST BOYS is the final crime thriller in an exciting new historical series, the Esther and Jack Enright Mysteries, a traditional British detective series set in Victorian London and packed full of suspense.
“An enduring mystery with a new detective partnership” - Linda Stratmann, author of the Frances Doughty and Mina Scarletti Mystery Series
ESTHER & JACK ENRIGHT MYSTERY SERIES
BOOK ONE: The Gaslight Stalker
BOOK TWO: The Night Caller
BOOK THREE: The Prodigal Sister
BOOK FOUR: The Slum Reaper
BOOK FIVE: The Posing Playwright
BOOK SIX: The Mercy Killings
BOOK SEVEN: The Jubilee Plot
BOOK EIGHT: The Lost Boys
The Enrights’ last case is the most intriguing one yet…
London, 1898
Jack Enright has barely settled, somewhat uncomfortably, into his new role as Inspector of the Tilbury Docks Police when he is obliged to investigate the apparent loss of cargoes on one particular incoming vessel.
At the same time, his uncle Percy is ordered by Special Branch to find out what’s happened to two schoolboys missing from their boarding school whose fathers are of strategic importance to Britain’s interests in South Africa.
After involving a protesting Esther one final time in what becomes a joint investigation, Jack and Percy find themselves at the mercy of forces they have provoked. This case could dramatically affect their futures as police officers…
THE LOST BOYS is the final crime thriller in an exciting new historical series, the Esther and Jack Enright Mysteries, a traditional British detective series set in Victorian London and packed full of suspense.
“An enduring mystery with a new detective partnership” - Linda Stratmann, author of the Frances Doughty and Mina Scarletti Mystery Series
ESTHER & JACK ENRIGHT MYSTERY SERIES
BOOK ONE: The Gaslight Stalker
BOOK TWO: The Night Caller
BOOK THREE: The Prodigal Sister
BOOK FOUR: The Slum Reaper
BOOK FIVE: The Posing Playwright
BOOK SIX: The Mercy Killings
BOOK SEVEN: The Jubilee Plot
BOOK EIGHT: The Lost Boys
179 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2019
86 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
David Field
59 books94 followersDavid was born in post-war Nottingham, and educated at Nottingham High School. After obtaining a Law degree he became a career-long criminal law practitioner and academic, emigrating in 1989 to Australia, where he still lives.
Combining his two great loves of History and the English language he began writing historical novels as an escape from the realities of life in the criminal law, but did not begin to publish them until close to fulltime retirement, when digital publishing offered a viable alternative to literary agencies, print publishers and rejection slips.
Now blessed with all the time in the world, his former hobby has become a fulltime occupation as he enjoys life in rural New South Wales with his wife, sons and grandchildren to keep him firmly grounded in the reality of the contemporary world.
David Field is published by Sapere Books.
Combining his two great loves of History and the English language he began writing historical novels as an escape from the realities of life in the criminal law, but did not begin to publish them until close to fulltime retirement, when digital publishing offered a viable alternative to literary agencies, print publishers and rejection slips.
Now blessed with all the time in the world, his former hobby has become a fulltime occupation as he enjoys life in rural New South Wales with his wife, sons and grandchildren to keep him firmly grounded in the reality of the contemporary world.
David Field is published by Sapere Books.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 31, 2019
David Field offers up a final novel about the criminal element of Victorian England with Esther and Jack Enright front and centre. After both receiving promotions within Scotland Yard, Jack Enright and his uncle, Percy, are called upon to help with another significant case. Percy is told of two missing boys from a local boarding school, both of whom disappeared after catching coaches at the end of the day. These boys are related to two prominent British businessmen with ties to South Africa. At a time when the Boer War is still simmering, all eyes turn to the potential of German involvement. Approaching his nephew, Percy pleads for assistance, particularly since one of the boys had been booked on a ship sailing for the African continent. Jack agrees, but is busy with his own investigations, now working at one of the large English ports, where shipments have been going missing. When Percy seeks to press for more information at the school, he discovers that there is more to the coach story than meets the eye. Could the Matron be sitting on information key to the investigation that she’s refusing to share? Enter, Esther Enright, whose past undercover work helped solve a few important cases. Esther enters the fray and discovers a key piece of information, while Jack learns something from a sailor himself. Piecing it all together may help discover what’s happened to the boys, but who is behind it all? Therein lies the key in this final Enright mystery.
Field puts together another great story, sure to keep the reader enthralled until the last page. Fans of the series will likely enjoy this last novel, as might those who love Victorian mysteries.
David Field has a writing style not only easy to comprehend, but provides the reader with historical context during the Victorian era. Settings and political events come to life throughout this well-paced series, which never falls flat. Field uses the story’s settings effectively, shifting from the port to school grounds, both key to the larger plot. Jack and Esther remain strong characters, though Field injects some new developments to create some disarray and leaves them to make some harrowing decisions about themselves and their future together. Their banter and ability to work together have been central to the entire series, something Field does not forget to include. Percy Enright plays another protagonist role, helping to push the story along, and has elevated himself from the other characters. All those who play a smaller role do well to fit into the narrative, helping to enrich the criminal investigation. Field keeps the story fairly straightforward, though does not dilute or oversimplify things for the reader. Rather, he effectively educates the reader while exploring some of the regional issues that plagued the country just before the turn of the century. These short reads can be digested in a single day without feeling cheated. One can only hope that Field’s collection of ideas does not dry up anytime soon, even if he is moving on to new and exciting ventures.
Kudos, Mr. Field, for a great end to this series. I cannot wait for your next series, which I have heard will take readers centuries into the past!
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Field puts together another great story, sure to keep the reader enthralled until the last page. Fans of the series will likely enjoy this last novel, as might those who love Victorian mysteries.
David Field has a writing style not only easy to comprehend, but provides the reader with historical context during the Victorian era. Settings and political events come to life throughout this well-paced series, which never falls flat. Field uses the story’s settings effectively, shifting from the port to school grounds, both key to the larger plot. Jack and Esther remain strong characters, though Field injects some new developments to create some disarray and leaves them to make some harrowing decisions about themselves and their future together. Their banter and ability to work together have been central to the entire series, something Field does not forget to include. Percy Enright plays another protagonist role, helping to push the story along, and has elevated himself from the other characters. All those who play a smaller role do well to fit into the narrative, helping to enrich the criminal investigation. Field keeps the story fairly straightforward, though does not dilute or oversimplify things for the reader. Rather, he effectively educates the reader while exploring some of the regional issues that plagued the country just before the turn of the century. These short reads can be digested in a single day without feeling cheated. One can only hope that Field’s collection of ideas does not dry up anytime soon, even if he is moving on to new and exciting ventures.
Kudos, Mr. Field, for a great end to this series. I cannot wait for your next series, which I have heard will take readers centuries into the past!
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
September 1, 2025
1898 At the end of the school term two boys go missing from Upminister School. DCI Enright is enlisted by Special Branch to investigate. Meanwhile DI jack Enright of Tilbury Docks police investigates missing cargo.
An enjoyable mystery
An enjoyable mystery
September 30, 2025
5 🌟
This was a gripping and emotional one, back in Victorian-era London and offering a compelling blend of crime, social commentary, and human resilience. Rather than focusing solely on detectives or villains, Field shines a spotlight on the overlooked — orphaned street boys who are forced to fend for themselves in a brutal world.
The atmosphere is richly drawn: grimy alleyways, workhouses, and the criminal underbelly of London are vividly brought to life. What makes the story truly stand out is its empathy. Field doesn’t just depict hardship for shock value — he explores loyalty, survival, and the fragile hope that keeps these boys moving forward.
The pacing is tight, the stakes remain high throughout, and the characters — especially the boys themselves — are layered and believable. It’s not just a crime novel; it’s a reminder of how society fails its most vulnerable, and how courage can come from the unlikeliest places.
Once again Uncle Percy and Jack Enright leap into action. As does Esther, whose invaluable service always add extra to all the cases.
This was darker with a more realistic edge, gritty yet uplifting, The Lost Boys is a powerful read that lingers after the final page. Looking forward to book 9, The Retirement Murder.
This was a gripping and emotional one, back in Victorian-era London and offering a compelling blend of crime, social commentary, and human resilience. Rather than focusing solely on detectives or villains, Field shines a spotlight on the overlooked — orphaned street boys who are forced to fend for themselves in a brutal world.
The atmosphere is richly drawn: grimy alleyways, workhouses, and the criminal underbelly of London are vividly brought to life. What makes the story truly stand out is its empathy. Field doesn’t just depict hardship for shock value — he explores loyalty, survival, and the fragile hope that keeps these boys moving forward.
The pacing is tight, the stakes remain high throughout, and the characters — especially the boys themselves — are layered and believable. It’s not just a crime novel; it’s a reminder of how society fails its most vulnerable, and how courage can come from the unlikeliest places.
Once again Uncle Percy and Jack Enright leap into action. As does Esther, whose invaluable service always add extra to all the cases.
This was darker with a more realistic edge, gritty yet uplifting, The Lost Boys is a powerful read that lingers after the final page. Looking forward to book 9, The Retirement Murder.
December 19, 2020
The LOST BOYS is the final crime thriller in an exciting new historical series, the Esther and Jack Enright Mysteries, a traditional British detective series set in Victorian London and packed full of suspense. With all the usual twist and turns that I have come to expect from the author. These have been a great series of books. I can see myself revisiting this series of books again after some time has elapsed I totally enjoyed them
January 23, 2020
Thoroughly recommend this series
I have just read and enjoyed the whole series, thoroughly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a different type of detective story but do read them in order.
I have just read and enjoyed the whole series, thoroughly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a different type of detective story but do read them in order.
June 22, 2022
Sad But a good way to Finnish
Jack and Percy are (not known to them) are on their last case. What a Great Series it Has been.. Set in lTe Victoria London. Esher.. Jack's wife once again becomes involved.. A Great Story for our Heroes to go out on.
Jack and Percy are (not known to them) are on their last case. What a Great Series it Has been.. Set in lTe Victoria London. Esher.. Jack's wife once again becomes involved.. A Great Story for our Heroes to go out on.
August 10, 2019
Sad the series has come to an end, but what a great series, highly recommend.
August 18, 2020
Goodbye
One of the best in the series, a great way to end the fabulous journey with Esther, Jack and Uncle Percy.
One of the best in the series, a great way to end the fabulous journey with Esther, Jack and Uncle Percy.
February 6, 2021
I absolutely loved this book and the Enrights series of books. They are fabulous xx
November 24, 2024
In his new role as Inspector of Tilbury Docks Police, Jack Enright investigates the loss of cargo on an incoming boat. At the same time, his uncle Percy is tasked by Special Branch to investigate the disappearance of two boys who have gone missing from their boarding school. Is there a connection? With Jack’s wife, Esther, once again reluctantly being pressganged into participating in one of their investigations, this case looks to have major consequences for all of their futures.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Jack and Esther Enright series and was disappointed to finally reach the last book. Throughout the series, I have got to know and love the main characters and have really enjoyed how David Field painted such a vivid picture of Victorian London, whether it be the streets of Whitechapel or, in this case, the docks at Tilbury and a private boys’ school.
As in all the previous books, David Field has created a great mystery full of the humour we have grown to expect while also including some more sombre moments. The relationships between the characters have always been one of the strengths of this series and it continued well with Esther, Jack, Uncle Percy et all going out with a bang.
Thank you Mr Field for such an enjoyable series.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Jack and Esther Enright series and was disappointed to finally reach the last book. Throughout the series, I have got to know and love the main characters and have really enjoyed how David Field painted such a vivid picture of Victorian London, whether it be the streets of Whitechapel or, in this case, the docks at Tilbury and a private boys’ school.
As in all the previous books, David Field has created a great mystery full of the humour we have grown to expect while also including some more sombre moments. The relationships between the characters have always been one of the strengths of this series and it continued well with Esther, Jack, Uncle Percy et all going out with a bang.
Thank you Mr Field for such an enjoyable series.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews