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A Penny Green Victorian Mystery #4
The Inventor
London 1884. Electricity pioneer Simon Borthwick lights up Victorian London with a stunning illuminations display – then shoots himself in a hansom cab.
Plucky Fleet Street reporter Penny Green witnesses the inventor’s death and suspects the clue to his suicide lies in a mysterious letter he left behind. But can she persuade Inspector James Blakely of Scotland Yard that a crime has been committed?
Borthwick isn’t the only person who died that day and Penny soon encounters a shadowy world which the police can’t get close to. When the intimidation begins, Penny starts to fear for her own safety. James does what he can to protect her, but is it enough?
For fans of classic murder mysteries! The books in the Penny Green Series can be read in any order.
Plucky Fleet Street reporter Penny Green witnesses the inventor’s death and suspects the clue to his suicide lies in a mysterious letter he left behind. But can she persuade Inspector James Blakely of Scotland Yard that a crime has been committed?
Borthwick isn’t the only person who died that day and Penny soon encounters a shadowy world which the police can’t get close to. When the intimidation begins, Penny starts to fear for her own safety. James does what he can to protect her, but is it enough?
For fans of classic murder mysteries! The books in the Penny Green Series can be read in any order.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2018
1361 people are currently reading
751 people want to read
About the author
Emily Organ
68 books648 followersEmily Organ is the author of over thirty historical cozy mysteries set in Victorian and 1920s England. Her bestselling series include the Penny Green Victorian Mysteries, the Augusta Peel Mysteries, and her newest Emma Langley Victorian Mysteries, in which a plucky widow teams up with former reporter Penny Green. She also writes the Churchill & Pemberley cozy mysteries, featuring two spirited senior sleuths. Emily’s books combine warmth, wit, and a love of history, inspired by her fascination with London’s past.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
June 3, 2018
This fourth installment of the Penny Green series opens shortly after the end of the previous book. Penny witnesses the apparent suicide of a celebrated inventor in a carriage near the Crystal Palace. She sets out to discover why he would kill himself when all should have been fine in his life, especially on that particular day.
There are a lot of complications of course, and James is involved in the investigation of another murder the same day. After some threats and warnings against Penny, her cat Tiger disappears. Things get pretty dangerous, and she does not get out unscathed. The story shows once again, that Penny really can take care of herself quite handily, even while she's hampered by that damned corset and excessive petticoats.
From early on, this reader had the suspicion the story somehow involved "the love that dare not speak its name". And with marvelous sleight-of-word, the characters and the author do an excellent job of veiled allusion and ellipsis, never naming that nameless you-know-what that we in 2018 can in fact name without even batting an eye. I think it was all quite well done.
Meanwhile in Penny's personal life, while she's growing more obviously attached to James, Mr Edwards is growing more eager to court her, apparently, and she's softening. He is, after all a really nice guy, and he can even run. By the end of this book, I had forgiven Penny for that action which made me so cross with her at the end of the last book... But now I can hardly wait to find out what's next for this little love triangle... Oh, wait, of course it's not a love triangle, this is 1884.
And now... I may have go get a ticket to London so I can sit beside the author's desk drumming my fingers impatiently until the next volume is finished. The story absolutely cannot end here. They're in the middle of an awkward dinner party, for heaven's sake. (Astute followers may notice that I've maxed-out the star count here, as I get more invested in the characters with each book.)
Full disclosure: I paid full retail price for the book, and would do so again. The writing and editing are both excellent, but I think I did find two little typos.
There are a lot of complications of course, and James is involved in the investigation of another murder the same day. After some threats and warnings against Penny, her cat Tiger disappears. Things get pretty dangerous, and she does not get out unscathed. The story shows once again, that Penny really can take care of herself quite handily, even while she's hampered by that damned corset and excessive petticoats.
From early on, this reader had the suspicion the story somehow involved "the love that dare not speak its name". And with marvelous sleight-of-word, the characters and the author do an excellent job of veiled allusion and ellipsis, never naming that nameless you-know-what that we in 2018 can in fact name without even batting an eye. I think it was all quite well done.
Meanwhile in Penny's personal life, while she's growing more obviously attached to James, Mr Edwards is growing more eager to court her, apparently, and she's softening. He is, after all a really nice guy, and he can even run. By the end of this book, I had forgiven Penny for that action which made me so cross with her at the end of the last book... But now I can hardly wait to find out what's next for this little love triangle... Oh, wait, of course it's not a love triangle, this is 1884.
And now... I may have go get a ticket to London so I can sit beside the author's desk drumming my fingers impatiently until the next volume is finished. The story absolutely cannot end here. They're in the middle of an awkward dinner party, for heaven's sake. (Astute followers may notice that I've maxed-out the star count here, as I get more invested in the characters with each book.)
Full disclosure: I paid full retail price for the book, and would do so again. The writing and editing are both excellent, but I think I did find two little typos.
May 21, 2018
This is the best one yet!
January 28, 2020
After witnessing the aftermath of a suicide on a London street, Penny Green delves into the reasons why a brilliant inventor would take his own life. At the same time, she's also looking into the murder of a young man in a medical museum. As she gets deeper into both cases, unsettling things begin to happen to our intrepid heroine.
Penny Green doesn't lack courage, but she does lack sense and is prone to applying flawed logic to her investigations. [spoiler]For example, when she discovers an earring at the scene of a crime, she assumes the man who bought the earring must be the murderer rather than the woman who would wear the earring. [/spoiler] She also has a tendency to assume things and takes her guesses as facts. I also find it strange that a Scotland Yard detective would take a reporter with him to interview suspects every chance he gets.
These mysteries are always well-researched, but you do get a sense of time and place, but the plots themselves don't always quite hit the mark for me.
Penny Green doesn't lack courage, but she does lack sense and is prone to applying flawed logic to her investigations. [spoiler]For example, when she discovers an earring at the scene of a crime, she assumes the man who bought the earring must be the murderer rather than the woman who would wear the earring. [/spoiler] She also has a tendency to assume things and takes her guesses as facts. I also find it strange that a Scotland Yard detective would take a reporter with him to interview suspects every chance he gets.
These mysteries are always well-researched, but you do get a sense of time and place, but the plots themselves don't always quite hit the mark for me.
December 2, 2018
This is my second Penny Green book and it was WAY better than the first one I read. This one got all the elements right. The murderer at the end was completely unexpected. It was a page turner with great pace. I also liked how the characters and relationships developed, right up to the cliffhanger of an ending. I particularly appreciated the extra historical information at the end, which was fascinating. Obviously a lot of research had gone into writing this book.
July 22, 2019
I have much love for the Penny Green books! loved this one as well. the murderer was not who i was expecting. still love Penny & Eliza's sisterly bond and wish Penny and James would get together already. i also like the reading room guy and the boys from the news paper. i am so happy that tiger is alright.
October 5, 2018
The Inventor
The story line to The Inventor is very slow...actually almost up to 2/3 of the book, then it finally breaks free!!!..you will probably want to give up reading the book, but bare on, the last 1/3 is worth it....this was not her best written book.
The story line to The Inventor is very slow...actually almost up to 2/3 of the book, then it finally breaks free!!!..you will probably want to give up reading the book, but bare on, the last 1/3 is worth it....this was not her best written book.
January 30, 2024
I needed a book that started with the letter “I” to fulfill a challenge in one of my Goodreads groups, and my research led me to this book, the 4th installment of the Penny Green mystery series. Despite not having read any of the other books, I found I could pick up the storyline quite well. I went with a rating of 3 stars because there were specific aspects of the book that worked really well for me but also specific aspects that didn’t.
I was intrigued by the book's whole premise, which is that an inventor named Simon Borthwick brings a stunning illuminations display to The Crystal Palace of 1884 London and then leaves the event only to shoot himself in a hansom cab. At the crime scene, he leaves behind a letter indicating unnamed persons are persecuting him. Her editor also assigns Penny to cover the investigation of the murder of a researcher at the medical library of a local hospital. As Penny investigates further, she begins to suspect the two murders are connected and is determined to see these cases through despite herself and her family and friends receiving threatening letters that attack her character. The beginning portion of the book drew me in, and I was eager to unravel the mystery alongside Penny. I also thought the setting and details provided reflected the time period well without being too overdone.
I struggled with the middle portion of the book as the investigation and interviewing of suspects seemed to drag on and on, with some side characters being interviewed 3+ times. Additionally, I found the storyline of a potential search for Penny’s lost father to take up space that was not needed in a book where Penny is already investigating two murders. At the beginning of the book, Penny comes across as smart and plucky, but a little over halfway in, her cat disappears, and she demands an arrest when evidence is yet inconclusive. She becomes distraught, and her character comes across as whiny. Finally, the ending is abrupt and leaves the story in the middle of a dinner party. I am guessing book five picks this scene up and continues on with the story.
I was intrigued by the book's whole premise, which is that an inventor named Simon Borthwick brings a stunning illuminations display to The Crystal Palace of 1884 London and then leaves the event only to shoot himself in a hansom cab. At the crime scene, he leaves behind a letter indicating unnamed persons are persecuting him. Her editor also assigns Penny to cover the investigation of the murder of a researcher at the medical library of a local hospital. As Penny investigates further, she begins to suspect the two murders are connected and is determined to see these cases through despite herself and her family and friends receiving threatening letters that attack her character. The beginning portion of the book drew me in, and I was eager to unravel the mystery alongside Penny. I also thought the setting and details provided reflected the time period well without being too overdone.
I struggled with the middle portion of the book as the investigation and interviewing of suspects seemed to drag on and on, with some side characters being interviewed 3+ times. Additionally, I found the storyline of a potential search for Penny’s lost father to take up space that was not needed in a book where Penny is already investigating two murders. At the beginning of the book, Penny comes across as smart and plucky, but a little over halfway in, her cat disappears, and she demands an arrest when evidence is yet inconclusive. She becomes distraught, and her character comes across as whiny. Finally, the ending is abrupt and leaves the story in the middle of a dinner party. I am guessing book five picks this scene up and continues on with the story.
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November 14, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (11/14/2018)!💝
Blurb:
London 1884. Electricity pioneer Simon Borthwick lights up Victorian London with a stunning illuminations display – then shoots himself in a hansom cab.
Plucky Fleet Street reporter Penny Green witnesses the inventor’s death and suspects the clue to his suicide lies in a mysterious letter he left behind. But can she persuade Inspector James Blakely of Scotland Yard that a crime has been committed?
Borthwick isn’t the only person who died that day and Penny soon encounters a shadowy world which the police can’t get close to. When the intimidation begins, Penny starts to fear for her own safety. James does what he can to protect her, but is it enough?
Blurb:
London 1884. Electricity pioneer Simon Borthwick lights up Victorian London with a stunning illuminations display – then shoots himself in a hansom cab.
Plucky Fleet Street reporter Penny Green witnesses the inventor’s death and suspects the clue to his suicide lies in a mysterious letter he left behind. But can she persuade Inspector James Blakely of Scotland Yard that a crime has been committed?
Borthwick isn’t the only person who died that day and Penny soon encounters a shadowy world which the police can’t get close to. When the intimidation begins, Penny starts to fear for her own safety. James does what he can to protect her, but is it enough?
March 31, 2022
Odd story. Somewhat hard to follow.
May 3, 2018
A good 'un
Fast paced, filled with historical references, scandal, and escalating romance. Penny commits to solving several murders while contemplating approaching spinisterhood.
Fast paced, filled with historical references, scandal, and escalating romance. Penny commits to solving several murders while contemplating approaching spinisterhood.
October 18, 2021
This was a nice fast story. I think it reminds me of how much different our world is now, when Penny had to send telegrams. Walk places or go by bus or train. No phones! Perish the thought!
The story took me by surprise at the end. I did not expect the turn of events. I was prepared to sympathize with Lillian. Ha! Twisty turning. Good story.
Can you imagine being sued for breach of contract if you break an engagement? In today’s world, I think it is quite commonplace. Interesting changes!
The story took me by surprise at the end. I did not expect the turn of events. I was prepared to sympathize with Lillian. Ha! Twisty turning. Good story.
Can you imagine being sued for breach of contract if you break an engagement? In today’s world, I think it is quite commonplace. Interesting changes!
May 23, 2018
First, about the Penny Green stories in general, which is a bigger part of this review than "The Inventor" specifically: This is my fourth read in the Penny Green series. (I've also read the short stories, for free.) I enjoy each one more than the last. I'm looking forward to another in the series.
Set in Victorian England (London), these books are well-researched and -written. Ms. Organ obviously loves her character(s), and it shows. Although the books stand alone, I think I enjoy them more when read in order. Subplots, character development, and relationships evolve in a line through the novels. Even the annoying jerks are developing redeeming qualities, which is nice (and also humorous). I find it easy to get lost in the books, with a feel for the age in which the stories take place.
"The Inventor" is a clever mystery, with the backdrop of the origins of providing electricity to the public a key plot line. Social norms and taboos are critical points, and bring to mind the disgraceful actions and attitudes that we still find today, although not quite as much. (Again, well-researched and has a very real feel.) Not to spoil: Lots of suspects abound, but the resolution came out of left field; the red herrings distracted me. I didn't really see it coming until it was almost on me, and it made me smile. This made for a very satisfying read. Not spoiling also makes it hard to review. Go read it for yourself.
I would read any of Emily Organ's stories, and intend to backtrack and read her other series while I wait for her next Penny Green. I wouldn't mind a prequel to Penny's career in journalism, her time in school, and what prompted her to choose a profession that was mostly male-dominated. Maybe she was part of a mystery in school that moved her? Emily, something to think about. Please?
Note: I save Five stars for things like "To Kill a Mockingbird," which is why this is getting four stars. It's the optimistic side of the English major in me, wanting to save a little room for future classics and classics-to-be.
Set in Victorian England (London), these books are well-researched and -written. Ms. Organ obviously loves her character(s), and it shows. Although the books stand alone, I think I enjoy them more when read in order. Subplots, character development, and relationships evolve in a line through the novels. Even the annoying jerks are developing redeeming qualities, which is nice (and also humorous). I find it easy to get lost in the books, with a feel for the age in which the stories take place.
"The Inventor" is a clever mystery, with the backdrop of the origins of providing electricity to the public a key plot line. Social norms and taboos are critical points, and bring to mind the disgraceful actions and attitudes that we still find today, although not quite as much. (Again, well-researched and has a very real feel.) Not to spoil: Lots of suspects abound, but the resolution came out of left field; the red herrings distracted me. I didn't really see it coming until it was almost on me, and it made me smile. This made for a very satisfying read. Not spoiling also makes it hard to review. Go read it for yourself.
I would read any of Emily Organ's stories, and intend to backtrack and read her other series while I wait for her next Penny Green. I wouldn't mind a prequel to Penny's career in journalism, her time in school, and what prompted her to choose a profession that was mostly male-dominated. Maybe she was part of a mystery in school that moved her? Emily, something to think about. Please?
Note: I save Five stars for things like "To Kill a Mockingbird," which is why this is getting four stars. It's the optimistic side of the English major in me, wanting to save a little room for future classics and classics-to-be.
November 14, 2024
Love this series!
October 11, 2018
Oh, how I wish I had started this series with the first book! That said, I really enjoyed reading the Inventor. I didn't really know exactly what I would find and learn in this book beginning in 1884 with a young lady as a reporter for the newspaper, but the story-line was excellent. Everything in this book was well-matched to its time, not to mention a really strong heroine reporting. The Inventor is placed in the time of working with electricity and I'm sure a lot of references were spot on. If not quite in their time, there are notes at the end of the book with dates, names, companies, and even references to what was going on in botany at the time Penny's father disappeared on a hunt for new plants.
This book has over 350 pp. yet I read it in one day. So dedicated to the story I was I simply couldn't put it down. I definitely want to read the previous books Limelight, The Rookery, and The Maid's Secret, (Books 1, 2 & 3 in the series).
A lot of history of Britain especially regarding the work with electricity, chemicals, filaments, but one can just imagine from the descriptions the appearance in a live show of fairies lit up with small lights in their performance. But unfortunately this didn't last on the first live trial. Instead, misfortune soon overtakes witnesses as the man who has created this effect for whatever reason commits suicide. A sad ending. But why? Our intrepid reporter Penny Green is witness, and also as a reporter will certainly be investigating why this happened. When she starts to receive threatening notes, the whole book takes a turnaround. It still is featuring electricity in its earliest days, but the who would single out Penny for very nasty threatening notes and even telegrams? Everything she does for the paper is followed up with threats, but still she can rely on help from her various contacts.
Seriously, I could not put this book down, in fact when I went outside to check on some noises (we live where there is considerable wildlife), I realized I had taken my book out with me!
This book has over 350 pp. yet I read it in one day. So dedicated to the story I was I simply couldn't put it down. I definitely want to read the previous books Limelight, The Rookery, and The Maid's Secret, (Books 1, 2 & 3 in the series).
A lot of history of Britain especially regarding the work with electricity, chemicals, filaments, but one can just imagine from the descriptions the appearance in a live show of fairies lit up with small lights in their performance. But unfortunately this didn't last on the first live trial. Instead, misfortune soon overtakes witnesses as the man who has created this effect for whatever reason commits suicide. A sad ending. But why? Our intrepid reporter Penny Green is witness, and also as a reporter will certainly be investigating why this happened. When she starts to receive threatening notes, the whole book takes a turnaround. It still is featuring electricity in its earliest days, but the who would single out Penny for very nasty threatening notes and even telegrams? Everything she does for the paper is followed up with threats, but still she can rely on help from her various contacts.
Seriously, I could not put this book down, in fact when I went outside to check on some noises (we live where there is considerable wildlife), I realized I had taken my book out with me!
June 3, 2021
Well, I didn't see that one coming!
I'm glad our Penny is a forward-thinker who doesn't bat an eyelid at what is perfectly acceptable (to everyone who's not a bigot) in the 21st century but was a shameful crime in Victorian England. I felt it was dealt with tastefully, didn't resort to the usual stereotypes, and gave us an insight into the awful treatment of these communities. In fact, this still happens today in many parts of the world, so let's hope lessons can be learnt by people reading this book. It wasn't laden with angst or melodrama, but it referred very well to the kind of pain those like Simon Borthwick et al felt. Mr Kurtz made me shudder though, with his creepy behaviour. Urgh!
When Mr Edwards was introduced, I think it's fair to say he was a bit like that irritating bluebottle that makes a point of swooping close to your ear, but we see a bit more of him here, which makes him far more interesting and sincere than first presented. Good character development for this chap!
I'm really enjoying this series. So much so that this is the first of three reviews today, having read the fourth, fifth and sixth in quick succession, and the seventh book is being consumed to boot! As before, I recommend them to all crime-solving historical fiction fans.
I'm glad our Penny is a forward-thinker who doesn't bat an eyelid at what is perfectly acceptable (to everyone who's not a bigot) in the 21st century but was a shameful crime in Victorian England. I felt it was dealt with tastefully, didn't resort to the usual stereotypes, and gave us an insight into the awful treatment of these communities. In fact, this still happens today in many parts of the world, so let's hope lessons can be learnt by people reading this book. It wasn't laden with angst or melodrama, but it referred very well to the kind of pain those like Simon Borthwick et al felt. Mr Kurtz made me shudder though, with his creepy behaviour. Urgh!
When Mr Edwards was introduced, I think it's fair to say he was a bit like that irritating bluebottle that makes a point of swooping close to your ear, but we see a bit more of him here, which makes him far more interesting and sincere than first presented. Good character development for this chap!
I'm really enjoying this series. So much so that this is the first of three reviews today, having read the fourth, fifth and sixth in quick succession, and the seventh book is being consumed to boot! As before, I recommend them to all crime-solving historical fiction fans.
May 17, 2019
The book is on the upper end of young adult fiction, since there is some hinting at homosexuality, but there's no swearing and only one quick kiss at the end. For the most part the story is well wriiten, the characters interesting and the murder just twisty enough to be a surprise at the end without dropping in Kellerman levels of improbability.
Two things however brought the overall experience down a star for me. One was Penny herself: for the first two thirds of the book she behaved as a reasonable, mature woman with a story to chase and a mystery to solve... and then her cat disappears. Suddenly she becomes a sulking, whining 13 year old constantly demanding her cat back and accusing multiple people of stealing it. It was so off putting, I seriously considered DNFing the story right there (not to mention the "pet in danger" cliche has been done to death by the movie industry.)
Two: the subplot involving Penny's missing father. Maybe it's because I started at book four, but those moments brought the whole book to a screeching halt for me. I really didnot care about her missing father and found myself skimming thse conversations.
Two things however brought the overall experience down a star for me. One was Penny herself: for the first two thirds of the book she behaved as a reasonable, mature woman with a story to chase and a mystery to solve... and then her cat disappears. Suddenly she becomes a sulking, whining 13 year old constantly demanding her cat back and accusing multiple people of stealing it. It was so off putting, I seriously considered DNFing the story right there (not to mention the "pet in danger" cliche has been done to death by the movie industry.)
Two: the subplot involving Penny's missing father. Maybe it's because I started at book four, but those moments brought the whole book to a screeching halt for me. I really didnot care about her missing father and found myself skimming thse conversations.
September 25, 2019
Excellent
Miss Penny Green gets drawn into another case when she's leaving Crystal Palace and the inventor she's writing about shoots himself. While there's no doubt it's suicide Penny believes there's more to it than that when she reads the suicide letter.
Scientist and inventor Simon Northwich should be celebrating his success at lighting up Crystal Palace with his newest light bulbs, but instead he's blamed his "persecutors" for destroying his life and taken a gun to his head. Apologising to Lilian, the letter doesn't clarify the who or what.
In a highly competitive world it seems he was even at loggerheads with his colleagues over patents so the list grows. Penny is however determined to get to the bottom of the mystery especially when her friends, family and employer receive a series of vile anonymous letters. She's obviously onto something but what?
With help coming from the unlikeliest of sources and the murder of a young man becoming part of the case will she, with the help of Inspector Blakely be able to discover the truth.
Beautifully written, with well researched background these are a joy to read.
Miss Penny Green gets drawn into another case when she's leaving Crystal Palace and the inventor she's writing about shoots himself. While there's no doubt it's suicide Penny believes there's more to it than that when she reads the suicide letter.
Scientist and inventor Simon Northwich should be celebrating his success at lighting up Crystal Palace with his newest light bulbs, but instead he's blamed his "persecutors" for destroying his life and taken a gun to his head. Apologising to Lilian, the letter doesn't clarify the who or what.
In a highly competitive world it seems he was even at loggerheads with his colleagues over patents so the list grows. Penny is however determined to get to the bottom of the mystery especially when her friends, family and employer receive a series of vile anonymous letters. She's obviously onto something but what?
With help coming from the unlikeliest of sources and the murder of a young man becoming part of the case will she, with the help of Inspector Blakely be able to discover the truth.
Beautifully written, with well researched background these are a joy to read.
June 27, 2018
Would it really be a Penny Green book if she wasn’t up to something? Because she’s Penny Green after all when is she not?
Penny happens to be an unfortunate witness to a “self-murder” of famous Inventor Simon Borthwick. Except something seems odd about the supposed suicide note. With her instincts leading her, Penny Green is on the case which as it turns out may spell the end of her career or her life as she knows it.
The suspense and the intrigue had me hooked! I never wanted to put this book down. There were times when I’d think I had the culprit picked out but I’d be wrong. Emily Organ has a talent for making you think you’re right and then throwing a wrench in your theory.
I seriously hope there is another book in this series! I need to know what happens next for our fair reporter and her handsome Inspector!
Penny happens to be an unfortunate witness to a “self-murder” of famous Inventor Simon Borthwick. Except something seems odd about the supposed suicide note. With her instincts leading her, Penny Green is on the case which as it turns out may spell the end of her career or her life as she knows it.
The suspense and the intrigue had me hooked! I never wanted to put this book down. There were times when I’d think I had the culprit picked out but I’d be wrong. Emily Organ has a talent for making you think you’re right and then throwing a wrench in your theory.
I seriously hope there is another book in this series! I need to know what happens next for our fair reporter and her handsome Inspector!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2019
Once again we find Penny Green ruffling a few feathers as she investigates what a first seems like two entirely separate events, the first a murder in a local university hospital and the second the suicide of an inventor at the forefront of the electric light revolution. But as she investigates, her friends and family begin receiving unfriendly letters denigrating her and her behaviour, encouraging them to control her better and get her to keep her nose out. So of course, she carries on uncovering a truth far more shocking than anyone had thought possible. As before, the writing is well balanced, flowing nicely from moment to moment with enough detail to keep you interested without going over the top. And of course there is no real need to have read the previous books in the series (thankfully!).
March 19, 2022
Another good enough listen in the Penny Green series, though Penny continues not to impress as an investigator...or much of a journalist...or an independent spinster making her own way through Victorian London. She certainly puts up with the chauvinism and condescension of a society that can't accept her in any role other than prospective spouse of any of the single men she knows. And she shows some real courage and intelligence navigating a world of scientists, police and businessmen. But Penny's a bit of a wet noodle in this tale, and puts up with James Blakeley mansplaining the ongoings to her, while she patiently waits for him to dump his fiancee for her. But the reading is so good by Gabrielle Baker that I listened all the way through and shall take on the next installment with Ms. Baker leading the way.
August 15, 2018
I love the Penny Green Series, but The Inventor felt a bit short for me. I still enjoyed it, but some aspects just annoyed me. I felt like the dynamic between James and Penny was off and that the mystery of her dad's disappearance got pushed aside. I am curious to see where the developments with Mr. Edwards go, however.
This entire series is excellent if you want shorter historical fiction novels with a touch of a murder mystery. The books are well written, exciting, and have kept me guessing through the entire series. Every time a new book in the series comes out I have to read it right away.
For my complete review check out http://linzthebookworm.blogspot.com/2...
This entire series is excellent if you want shorter historical fiction novels with a touch of a murder mystery. The books are well written, exciting, and have kept me guessing through the entire series. Every time a new book in the series comes out I have to read it right away.
For my complete review check out http://linzthebookworm.blogspot.com/2...
November 9, 2021
I am really enjoying this series! Great mysteries and characters, set in late Victorian London. I really like the lead character, Penny Green, her fellow investigator and possible romantic interest, James, her sister, the trailblazer in women's rights, and several of the other regulars. The descriptions of life in that time are detailed and she always covers some interesting social issues as well. The clothing, food, drink, places, norms and attitudes are well described. Each book also has notes on her research for that story, with more information about many of the issues and places referred to in the book. Book #4 is great because it has references to the Crystal Palace, history of the light bulb, electricity, and other interesting issues, that are woven into the story and characters.
July 7, 2018
Miss Penny Green, A Victorian Delight!
If you are unfamiliar with the Penny Green Series, aquaint yourselves immediately! This is a fun series, featuring intrepid reporter Penny Green. She's smart, talented and spunky in her search for the truth. This truly well researched series is a pleasure to read, full of mayhem, murder and a continuing mystery surrounding Penny's missing father, presumed lost while plant hunting in South America. There are 4 in the series, can be read in any order, and can be enjoyed by those 14 and up.
Give Miss Penelope Green a try, highly recommended!
If you are unfamiliar with the Penny Green Series, aquaint yourselves immediately! This is a fun series, featuring intrepid reporter Penny Green. She's smart, talented and spunky in her search for the truth. This truly well researched series is a pleasure to read, full of mayhem, murder and a continuing mystery surrounding Penny's missing father, presumed lost while plant hunting in South America. There are 4 in the series, can be read in any order, and can be enjoyed by those 14 and up.
Give Miss Penelope Green a try, highly recommended!
November 20, 2018
Well dipping in at book 4 in a series was a shame, the book does contain a few references to previous books. But that gives me a good reason to go back and read these as well.
The book could well be used as a treatise on how to write a good crime fiction. Take some historical facts to change names and locations and it, therefore, becomes far more believable. I truly admire Emily Organs skill in using words, not in common usage which so perfectly set the scenes. I am new to her work but it shows the time and skill with which she puts into her books.
Thank you for restoring my faith in young modern writers.
The book could well be used as a treatise on how to write a good crime fiction. Take some historical facts to change names and locations and it, therefore, becomes far more believable. I truly admire Emily Organs skill in using words, not in common usage which so perfectly set the scenes. I am new to her work but it shows the time and skill with which she puts into her books.
Thank you for restoring my faith in young modern writers.
November 3, 2019
Great series, good story
I am enjoying the Penny Green series, but in this book she made a lot of opinionated accusations. She expected arrests to be made based on her word, and in one instance she had not even seen the person who committed the crime, but thought she knew who it was. She was angry that the police
didn’t arrest this person. This made Penny seem hysterical and whiny. I was disappointed in her character in these instances.
There are a lot of historical details, which are interesting but do not add to the plot. Some of these I would like to have skipped.
Other than these issues, it was a great book and I hope to finish the series.
I am enjoying the Penny Green series, but in this book she made a lot of opinionated accusations. She expected arrests to be made based on her word, and in one instance she had not even seen the person who committed the crime, but thought she knew who it was. She was angry that the police
didn’t arrest this person. This made Penny seem hysterical and whiny. I was disappointed in her character in these instances.
There are a lot of historical details, which are interesting but do not add to the plot. Some of these I would like to have skipped.
Other than these issues, it was a great book and I hope to finish the series.
February 21, 2022
London 1884. Electricity pioneer Simon Borthwick lights up Victorian London with a stunning illuminations display – then shoots himself in a hansom cab.
Plucky Fleet Street reporter Penny Green witnesses the inventor’s death and suspects the clue to his suicide lies in a mysterious letter he left behind. But can she persuade Inspector James Blakely of Scotland Yard that a crime has been committed?
Borthwick isn’t the only person who died that day and Penny soon encounters a shadowy world which the police can’t get close to. When the intimidation begins, Penny starts to fear for her own safety. James does what he can to protect her, but is it enough?
Plucky Fleet Street reporter Penny Green witnesses the inventor’s death and suspects the clue to his suicide lies in a mysterious letter he left behind. But can she persuade Inspector James Blakely of Scotland Yard that a crime has been committed?
Borthwick isn’t the only person who died that day and Penny soon encounters a shadowy world which the police can’t get close to. When the intimidation begins, Penny starts to fear for her own safety. James does what he can to protect her, but is it enough?
January 7, 2021
I still gave this four stars even though I'm not so sure I'm liking the direction Penny's personal life is taking. I still enjoyed the mystery and the history lessons, but I'm disappointed in the direction that the relationship between and James is going. I'd be fine with it if he wasn't engaged. I also feel bad for Mr. Edwards. I'd like to think he has a chance, but it feels as though Penny is just stringing him along. Her character becomes less likable as these relationships progress. I'll probably try at least one more book and see where things go.
May 24, 2021
Penny and the Electric Murders
Penny is writing about the first electric display near the Crystal Palace. The whole area lights up with beautiful Fairy lights and she is getting a lot of information for her editor. Within the day she is involved with a murder and a suicide. As she follows the clues to the killer, her life becomess threatened by mysterious letters and an attack on her person. This is a great series of stories. Try to read them in order. The characters will become old friends.
Penny is writing about the first electric display near the Crystal Palace. The whole area lights up with beautiful Fairy lights and she is getting a lot of information for her editor. Within the day she is involved with a murder and a suicide. As she follows the clues to the killer, her life becomess threatened by mysterious letters and an attack on her person. This is a great series of stories. Try to read them in order. The characters will become old friends.
December 18, 2024
Intrigue and murder
As a huge fan of historical mystery books, I was thrilled to find this series. I enjoyed this one in the series as James, Penny, Mr. Edward’s and the newspaper reporters all build on their relationship and friendships. There are a few twists and turns to navigate as Penny and James work together to solve a new and strange set of circumstances around two deaths on the same day. I look forward to the deepening of the storylines created thus far in the next book of the series.
As a huge fan of historical mystery books, I was thrilled to find this series. I enjoyed this one in the series as James, Penny, Mr. Edward’s and the newspaper reporters all build on their relationship and friendships. There are a few twists and turns to navigate as Penny and James work together to solve a new and strange set of circumstances around two deaths on the same day. I look forward to the deepening of the storylines created thus far in the next book of the series.
May 12, 2018
Finally
This is an enjoyable series with very likeable characters. This last book made me happy for Penny; for a long time, I thought James' fiancee was made up. I'm hopeful they'll get together, as I enjoy the series and their relationship. I do have one question: Richard Livingstone? I thought it was David Livingstone who explored and disappeared. Organ's research I'd usually well done.
This is an enjoyable series with very likeable characters. This last book made me happy for Penny; for a long time, I thought James' fiancee was made up. I'm hopeful they'll get together, as I enjoy the series and their relationship. I do have one question: Richard Livingstone? I thought it was David Livingstone who explored and disappeared. Organ's research I'd usually well done.
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