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Leo Stanhope #3
The Butcher of Berner Street
An anonymous letter summons fledgling journalist Leo Stanhope to an East End club, only for the owner to be found murdered in this highly atmospheric, characterful Victorian mystery, perfect for fans of Antonia Hodgson, Abir Mukherjee and Andrew Taylor
The headlines scream warnings about the ‘Butcher of Berner Street!’ and the journalist behind them – Leo Stanhope – is secretly thrilled to see the effect his words are having.
Leo’s previous work has largely been concentrated on more mundane issues but when an anonymous letter summons him to a club in East London, only for the owner of the club to be found murdered shortly afterwards, Leo sees a story worth pursuing. Not to mention an opportunity to make a name for himself.
Yet the more Leo digs, the stranger the story becomes, taking him from the club to a nearby convent, and into the past of a very unusual woman. But he is not the only one hunting for a killer. And it seems Leo’s initial newspaper reports may have put someone else in grave danger…
The headlines scream warnings about the ‘Butcher of Berner Street!’ and the journalist behind them – Leo Stanhope – is secretly thrilled to see the effect his words are having.
Leo’s previous work has largely been concentrated on more mundane issues but when an anonymous letter summons him to a club in East London, only for the owner of the club to be found murdered shortly afterwards, Leo sees a story worth pursuing. Not to mention an opportunity to make a name for himself.
Yet the more Leo digs, the stranger the story becomes, taking him from the club to a nearby convent, and into the past of a very unusual woman. But he is not the only one hunting for a killer. And it seems Leo’s initial newspaper reports may have put someone else in grave danger…
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2020
5 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Alex Reeve
11 books63 followersAlex Reeve was born in Twickenham and now lives in Marlow, Buckinghamshire with his wife and two sons. Having done many jobs, including working in a pub and teaching English as a foreign language in Paris, he is now a University lecturer and is working intermittently on a PhD. His debut novel The House on Half Moon Street, the first in a Victorian crime series featuring Leo Stanhope, will be published by Bloomsbury in 2018. Leo was born when Alex came across an article about transgender people in Victorian England, and he was amazed to see how little had changed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 10, 2020
Alex Reeve returns us to the Victorian era, London based crime series with the third with her trans man, Leo Stanhope, now working as a journalist on the Daily Chronicle, writing science articles and book reviews. He is still living with pharmacist landlord, Alfie and his 13 year old daughter, Constance, now planning a move to bigger premises with the woman he is going to marry, Mrs Gower. He is still visiting Jacob Kleiner, his wife, the blind Lilya and Eddie, for chess evenings, although Jacob's health is failing, making him hard to handle as he remonstrates that Leo was not there for him when he needed him. Despite the occasional difficulties in their relationship, Rosie Flowers, with her popular pie shop, feels that the only man she can trust, given her traumatic history, is Leo, although she contemplates a light foray by stepping out with Leo's colleague, Harry Whitford, the feckless son of the editor, with his love of the drink.
It all begins with Leo receiving an anonymous letter claiming he needed to prevent a murder taking place in a penny gaff putting on wrestling bouts in Berner Street, Whitechapel, in London's East End. With no-one else taking it seriously, Leo goes there with Constable Norman Pallett. Soon after his visit, the Chronicle receives a telegram, the owner and referee of the penny gaff, Oswald Drake has been found hanging, with the mark of a syringe on his body. In this, the oddest of cases, Leo finds himself visiting a convent of the Sisters of Mercy, and is responsible for DS Ripley arresting a suspect. The media are baying for blood and a quick hanging, and Leo who had never managed to get any of his work printed on a prominent position in the paper, suddenly finds himself the man of the moment as he coins the headline, The Butcher of Berner Street. With Frederick Lampton, a politician advocating that women should have no rights, jumping on the bandwagon of condemning the female suspect, and suffragettes campaigning for her release, riots ensue as Leo begins to dig deeper into the case.
With how matters conclude for Leo at the end, it looks as if this might be the last in Alex Reeve's compulsive historical crime series. Here, Leo continues to suffer as he tries to put on a front as a man on a daily basis, living in constant fear of being discovered as he imagines the horrors he will face in prison, all exacerbated when he is attacked and assaulted. Added to this, is the growing burden of guilt that he feels as it begins to look as if he might have made a mistake in identifying the suspect as the killer, and that the victim may not be the charitable and good man he is being portrayed as. This is a riveting Victorian crime series, although here Leo seems to be all over the place, however, it is gratifying to see how many in his close circle put themselves at risk when come to support him when he finds himself in deep trouble with the police. Many thanks to Bloomsbury for an ARC.
It all begins with Leo receiving an anonymous letter claiming he needed to prevent a murder taking place in a penny gaff putting on wrestling bouts in Berner Street, Whitechapel, in London's East End. With no-one else taking it seriously, Leo goes there with Constable Norman Pallett. Soon after his visit, the Chronicle receives a telegram, the owner and referee of the penny gaff, Oswald Drake has been found hanging, with the mark of a syringe on his body. In this, the oddest of cases, Leo finds himself visiting a convent of the Sisters of Mercy, and is responsible for DS Ripley arresting a suspect. The media are baying for blood and a quick hanging, and Leo who had never managed to get any of his work printed on a prominent position in the paper, suddenly finds himself the man of the moment as he coins the headline, The Butcher of Berner Street. With Frederick Lampton, a politician advocating that women should have no rights, jumping on the bandwagon of condemning the female suspect, and suffragettes campaigning for her release, riots ensue as Leo begins to dig deeper into the case.
With how matters conclude for Leo at the end, it looks as if this might be the last in Alex Reeve's compulsive historical crime series. Here, Leo continues to suffer as he tries to put on a front as a man on a daily basis, living in constant fear of being discovered as he imagines the horrors he will face in prison, all exacerbated when he is attacked and assaulted. Added to this, is the growing burden of guilt that he feels as it begins to look as if he might have made a mistake in identifying the suspect as the killer, and that the victim may not be the charitable and good man he is being portrayed as. This is a riveting Victorian crime series, although here Leo seems to be all over the place, however, it is gratifying to see how many in his close circle put themselves at risk when come to support him when he finds himself in deep trouble with the police. Many thanks to Bloomsbury for an ARC.
November 12, 2020
The Butcher of Berner Street is the third instalment in the Leo Stanhope series, a historical crime thriller, featuring Leo as a trans man and former coroner’s assistant turned science journalist and set in Victorian-era London. It begins with Leo receiving an anonymous letter while at work at the Daily Chronicle newspaper. The writer claims to know that the penny gaff on Berner Street in Whitechapel, East London, a venue in which amateur wrestling matches take place, will be the location of a cold-blooded, brutal murder and that his presence there is requested most urgently. Despite colleague Harry Whitford having scoffed and laughed it off, Leo and Constable Norman Pallett decide to attend that evening as it can't hurt, however, nothing out of the ordinary happens. A short time after their visit, the Chronicle receives a notification via telegram that the owner of the gaff and the wrestling referee, Oswald Drake, has been found hanged from a beam above the stage with a suspicious-looking syringe mark on his body; a syringe once filled with morphine. Leo begins to investigate the owner’s untimely death, which finds him visiting a Sisters of Mercy Convent, and he becomes instrumental in DS Ripley's arrest of a suspect.
When the press learns the suspect is female, politics and women’s rights come into question. Can Leo navigate the quagmire the case has become? This is a compulsive, intriguing and beautifully written piece of historical crime fiction which not only entertains and has a plethora of unpredictable moments but is so intelligently woven that the exploration of societal issues in 1900s Britain adds a certain je ne sais quoi that elevates it high above similar books. The lack of women's rights, the suffrage movement and the problems which arise from a patriarchal societal system are all given an airing in a fascinating manner and are threaded into the storyline. I also love the fact that our protagonist is female-male trans in a time when although LGBTQ+ did not make themselves known for a very real fear of prejudice they did in fact exist. As always, the richly-imagined and impeccably researched climate of Victorian Whitechapel is vividly depicted and evocative; you can easily see, smell and hear all of the surrounding activity and the dark, dingy atmosphere feels authentic as thick smog hangs in the air. A captivating and utterly riveting read and the finest historical crime you'll find. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Raven Books for an ARC.
When the press learns the suspect is female, politics and women’s rights come into question. Can Leo navigate the quagmire the case has become? This is a compulsive, intriguing and beautifully written piece of historical crime fiction which not only entertains and has a plethora of unpredictable moments but is so intelligently woven that the exploration of societal issues in 1900s Britain adds a certain je ne sais quoi that elevates it high above similar books. The lack of women's rights, the suffrage movement and the problems which arise from a patriarchal societal system are all given an airing in a fascinating manner and are threaded into the storyline. I also love the fact that our protagonist is female-male trans in a time when although LGBTQ+ did not make themselves known for a very real fear of prejudice they did in fact exist. As always, the richly-imagined and impeccably researched climate of Victorian Whitechapel is vividly depicted and evocative; you can easily see, smell and hear all of the surrounding activity and the dark, dingy atmosphere feels authentic as thick smog hangs in the air. A captivating and utterly riveting read and the finest historical crime you'll find. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Raven Books for an ARC.
November 17, 2020
Leo Stanhope #3
An anonymous letter summons fledgling journalist, Leo Stanhope to an Eastend club, only for the owner to be found murdered. Shortly afterwards, Leo sees a story worth pursuing. Yet the more Leo digs, the stranger the story becomes.
I have not read any of the other books in this series. What an engaging read this is. It's set in the 1800's in London. You feel yourself being drawn into the era. The plotline is full of twists and the historical era has been well researched. There's a mixed bunch of characters. Leo is complex. Although this book does read well as a standalone, I would have preferred to have read the books in the order they were published in.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #BloomsburyPublishingPlc and the author #AlexReeve for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
An anonymous letter summons fledgling journalist, Leo Stanhope to an Eastend club, only for the owner to be found murdered. Shortly afterwards, Leo sees a story worth pursuing. Yet the more Leo digs, the stranger the story becomes.
I have not read any of the other books in this series. What an engaging read this is. It's set in the 1800's in London. You feel yourself being drawn into the era. The plotline is full of twists and the historical era has been well researched. There's a mixed bunch of characters. Leo is complex. Although this book does read well as a standalone, I would have preferred to have read the books in the order they were published in.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #BloomsburyPublishingPlc and the author #AlexReeve for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2023
This is the third instalment of the Leo Stanhope books. They are set in Victorian England and usually follow a murder investigation. Although the main character is not a detective, he always seems to get involved with a crime that needs solving. In this book, he ends up causing quite a bit of chaos, which then needed unpicking.
I would love to tell you more about the character of Leo, but honestly, anything I did would be a spoiler. I’ll say he’s intelligent and unique and let you discover the rest for yourself. The setting of the book is so beautifully described, and that is the reason I keep coming back to these books, you feel immersed in Victorian England and the culture that goes with it. The books are dark, though, and so is this one, as you would expect from a book called "The Butcher of Berner Street". There are difficult topics in the book, but also a lot of history. At the end of the book, the author includes a note about the laws of the time and even the transport in London, which gave the book lots of authenticity. It was a thoroughly intriguing read, a murder mystery that was twisty and a full-on adventure as Leo set out to find out exactly what was going on.
I would love to tell you more about the character of Leo, but honestly, anything I did would be a spoiler. I’ll say he’s intelligent and unique and let you discover the rest for yourself. The setting of the book is so beautifully described, and that is the reason I keep coming back to these books, you feel immersed in Victorian England and the culture that goes with it. The books are dark, though, and so is this one, as you would expect from a book called "The Butcher of Berner Street". There are difficult topics in the book, but also a lot of history. At the end of the book, the author includes a note about the laws of the time and even the transport in London, which gave the book lots of authenticity. It was a thoroughly intriguing read, a murder mystery that was twisty and a full-on adventure as Leo set out to find out exactly what was going on.
August 1, 2025
This fictional investigation of a seedy murder in a wonderfully-depicted murky and varied Victorian milieu is unfortunately let down by an unlikeable and irritating protagonist.
Leo Stanhope is a London journalist with a big secret to hide, which he goes on about ad nauseam. The initial chapters paint a vivid portrait of the working classes of the 1880s, as Leo becomes embroiled in the investigation into the death of the proprietor of an illegal fight club. Social concerns of the day are woven into the storyline; particularly women’s (lack of rights) and the grinding poverty experienced by those at the bottom of the class structure.
Towards the ending it all gets a bit over dramatic until suddenly in the last two pages everything is resolved in a trite happy finale. No thanks to Leo though - the mystery is largely solved through a series of coincidences and unlikely fortuitous occurrences. The Butcher of Berner Street gets a 5+ rating for the mise-en-scène, but only a 2 for the actual story.
Leo Stanhope is a London journalist with a big secret to hide, which he goes on about ad nauseam. The initial chapters paint a vivid portrait of the working classes of the 1880s, as Leo becomes embroiled in the investigation into the death of the proprietor of an illegal fight club. Social concerns of the day are woven into the storyline; particularly women’s (lack of rights) and the grinding poverty experienced by those at the bottom of the class structure.
Towards the ending it all gets a bit over dramatic until suddenly in the last two pages everything is resolved in a trite happy finale. No thanks to Leo though - the mystery is largely solved through a series of coincidences and unlikely fortuitous occurrences. The Butcher of Berner Street gets a 5+ rating for the mise-en-scène, but only a 2 for the actual story.
April 19, 2021
I requested this book last year from Netgalley, not realizing it was the third book in its series. But now I finally got around to picking up the first two books, and reading this third one. And I am so happy I did.
We follow Leo (born Lottie, the same person just lacking a tit) in his new job as a journalist when an annonymous letter summons him to an East End club, where he is faced by a female wrestler and a hanged man. Wanting to make an impression and write a sensational article he starts his own investigation and finds a culprit. But then he has to deal with the facts that he may have rushed into things, and that his writing may actually harm people.
Where the first book in this series focusses a lot on Leo as a person and his transgender identity, in the sequels it takes this fact and uses it to shine a different light on important themes. Where in the first book this was family and being a parent, here Leo is faced with the suffragete movement.
Although a lot of time is spent on character development, this doesn’t take away from the plot and the mystery. And again the solution takes us on an emotional ride and makes us question our morals. When someone does something bad, but for the right reasons… should we tell on them? Especially when someone else has already taken the blame for it?
This series is very easy to read and enjoy, but is also very complex and layered with a whole host of very well developed characters and interesting themes. Seeing where this book ends for Leo makes me think this is the last book in the series, and I am kinda sad about that. I would highly recommend picking this series up if you enjoy your historical mystery, but are looking for something a bit different.
CW: child abuse and (attempted) rape
We follow Leo (born Lottie, the same person just lacking a tit) in his new job as a journalist when an annonymous letter summons him to an East End club, where he is faced by a female wrestler and a hanged man. Wanting to make an impression and write a sensational article he starts his own investigation and finds a culprit. But then he has to deal with the facts that he may have rushed into things, and that his writing may actually harm people.
Where the first book in this series focusses a lot on Leo as a person and his transgender identity, in the sequels it takes this fact and uses it to shine a different light on important themes. Where in the first book this was family and being a parent, here Leo is faced with the suffragete movement.
Although a lot of time is spent on character development, this doesn’t take away from the plot and the mystery. And again the solution takes us on an emotional ride and makes us question our morals. When someone does something bad, but for the right reasons… should we tell on them? Especially when someone else has already taken the blame for it?
This series is very easy to read and enjoy, but is also very complex and layered with a whole host of very well developed characters and interesting themes. Seeing where this book ends for Leo makes me think this is the last book in the series, and I am kinda sad about that. I would highly recommend picking this series up if you enjoy your historical mystery, but are looking for something a bit different.
CW: child abuse and (attempted) rape
June 14, 2020
The Butcher of Berner Street is the third in Reeve's series of historical crime novels following the investigations of Leo Stanhope, a trans coroner's assistant turned journalist who often finds himself solving mysteries of Victorian London's underbelly. In this instalment, Leo is a journalist stuck writing science stories the paper doesn't care about, until a mysterious letter draws him to an East End club where the owner is soon found murdered. As he gets involved digging into the story and publishing his findings in the newspaper, it starts to seem that maybe Leo is causing more danger than preventing it.
As I've said for the previous two books, the series is made by its cast of characters, and many of the series regulars get appearances to some extent in this one, including Leo's landlord and daughter, his old chess-playing friend Jacob, and his newer friend, pie shop owner Rosie. The series continues to feature a vivid version of Victorian London, combining some real life issues (in this one, there's a lot of focus on the treatment of women and their rights to own property and businesses) with the main mystery. However, the actual narrative was a let down, feeling very slow to begin with and not very gripping. Leo makes his usual foolish mistakes, in this case allowing for some reflection on the role of the press in criminal cases that could've been more sustained, and there was some of the moral ambiguity of the other books, but the actual mystery wasn't very thrilling.
The atmosphere and characters of these novels are good (and the series benefits from Reeve lessening the amount of focus on Leo's bodily discomfort as a trans man as the books go on, which felt voyeuristic and unnecessary), but this instalment lacked a gripping narrative, which made the pace feel slow for me. However, the focus on the ways that Leo tried to affect the police's investigation and the role of his articles on public consciousness was interesting, and draws some clear modern parallels, and in general the series continues to illustrate issues that are still relevant today.
As I've said for the previous two books, the series is made by its cast of characters, and many of the series regulars get appearances to some extent in this one, including Leo's landlord and daughter, his old chess-playing friend Jacob, and his newer friend, pie shop owner Rosie. The series continues to feature a vivid version of Victorian London, combining some real life issues (in this one, there's a lot of focus on the treatment of women and their rights to own property and businesses) with the main mystery. However, the actual narrative was a let down, feeling very slow to begin with and not very gripping. Leo makes his usual foolish mistakes, in this case allowing for some reflection on the role of the press in criminal cases that could've been more sustained, and there was some of the moral ambiguity of the other books, but the actual mystery wasn't very thrilling.
The atmosphere and characters of these novels are good (and the series benefits from Reeve lessening the amount of focus on Leo's bodily discomfort as a trans man as the books go on, which felt voyeuristic and unnecessary), but this instalment lacked a gripping narrative, which made the pace feel slow for me. However, the focus on the ways that Leo tried to affect the police's investigation and the role of his articles on public consciousness was interesting, and draws some clear modern parallels, and in general the series continues to illustrate issues that are still relevant today.
September 5, 2024
Was ok , not as good as the other 2 but I still enjoyed the story overall! It felt a bit tedious and slow at times but I did feel like it was a good ending.
I know there’s another one but I’m not sure if I’ll venture into it because I’m starting to feel like I’m over these now…
I know there’s another one but I’m not sure if I’ll venture into it because I’m starting to feel like I’m over these now…
August 6, 2021
I am usually pretty good at willingly suspending disbelief but this story was just too much for me to swallow. The story is set in London in the 1880s and is narrated in the first person by the main character, Leo Stanhope, who is a journalist who is a woman living as a man. I was happy to go along with that. I also liked the historical background. However the plot was outlandish and some of the characters were simply unbelievable. People get arrested because of a newspaper article, Leo is able to walk into a prison to speak to a prisoner and don't get me started on the actions of some of the nuns.
April 3, 2024
The third instalment from Alex Reeve in the Leo Stanhope series was back to something like his best, which we saw with the first book, "The House On Half Moon Street".
There was much less whining from Leo at his predicament and I put this down to his new job as a reporter for the "Daily Chronicle".
Although he could be heard a couple of times lamenting the fact that he missed his old job at the hospital, I would still wager that his return to form was due in the most part to his current employment, which did very much seem to suit him and even though officially and technically he was only the newspaper's science reporter, with a very loose definition of what fell under its purview, it did afford him little time to ruminate over his transgender circumstances. A circumstance that is what it is and in his many, many retrospections in the last novel, "The Anarchists' Club", had us, the reader, for good or for bad, just think at that point, get on with it man!
Because this book for the most part dispensed with Leo's personal melancholy, we could predominantly concentrate on the story itself, rather than being constantly waylaid by his emotional turmoil, I mean, it still happened but just not with the last book's altogether annoying frequency.
I had also found, that given the last outings title, "The Anarchists' Club" and It's perceived subject matter, that it was disappointingly light on political content and historical placing of events and figures, so although ironic, it was pleasing to see the Suffragist movement play a highly significant and dominant role in this tale, with the regrettable abuse suffered by women and children featuring prominently throughout the story.
There is still very much more work to be done to bring equality to women in today's society, but the maltreatment and injustice suffered by women in the nineteenth century just beggars belief! It truly is mind boggling, the institutionalised misogyny, the degradation, the physical, mental and sexual abuse of women that took place at this point in time. The author here, superbly conveys the unmitigated horror of it all within this book, with two characters in particular, who encompass with precision all the arrogance and vicious vileness of everyday misogyny and the immoral humiliations of institutionalised sexism, Frederick Lampton MP and Mr Coffee, hit home like a hammer striking the nail squarely on the head!
There are still moments where Leo Stanhope can be a complete nincompoop! Acting on impulsive decisions, then more often than not, following them through utterly incompetently, and generally making inappropriate choices. Although to be fair, his heart is in the right place, but his infuriating idiocy and stubborn naivety is now becoming somewhat endearing and this modus operandi is as much a part of him as his transgenderism!
So when he's taken to the police station by Detective Inspector Ripley and newly promoted Sergeant Pallet after his completely bungled "operation" to plant evidence on Mr Coffee, Leo is thinking he's onto a big story of his own making, with his contrived "new evidence", we instinctively know though, he's actually going to be detained because, as we subsequently find out, he'd left his coat with his name written on it at the scene of the crime! Jeezo! What a complete and utter plonker and thank goodness for friends with alibis!
We can also hope Leo got around to finishing his review of ”The Amusing Things Said By Children…..”
So to sum up, a welcome return to form for Leo Stanhope with an exciting and gripping story that is intelligent, thought provoking and oozes class and wit throughout, while also introducing a background plot that has been brewing since the start, which pushes Leo's tale very much forward! Excellent stuff!
There was much less whining from Leo at his predicament and I put this down to his new job as a reporter for the "Daily Chronicle".
Although he could be heard a couple of times lamenting the fact that he missed his old job at the hospital, I would still wager that his return to form was due in the most part to his current employment, which did very much seem to suit him and even though officially and technically he was only the newspaper's science reporter, with a very loose definition of what fell under its purview, it did afford him little time to ruminate over his transgender circumstances. A circumstance that is what it is and in his many, many retrospections in the last novel, "The Anarchists' Club", had us, the reader, for good or for bad, just think at that point, get on with it man!
Because this book for the most part dispensed with Leo's personal melancholy, we could predominantly concentrate on the story itself, rather than being constantly waylaid by his emotional turmoil, I mean, it still happened but just not with the last book's altogether annoying frequency.
I had also found, that given the last outings title, "The Anarchists' Club" and It's perceived subject matter, that it was disappointingly light on political content and historical placing of events and figures, so although ironic, it was pleasing to see the Suffragist movement play a highly significant and dominant role in this tale, with the regrettable abuse suffered by women and children featuring prominently throughout the story.
There is still very much more work to be done to bring equality to women in today's society, but the maltreatment and injustice suffered by women in the nineteenth century just beggars belief! It truly is mind boggling, the institutionalised misogyny, the degradation, the physical, mental and sexual abuse of women that took place at this point in time. The author here, superbly conveys the unmitigated horror of it all within this book, with two characters in particular, who encompass with precision all the arrogance and vicious vileness of everyday misogyny and the immoral humiliations of institutionalised sexism, Frederick Lampton MP and Mr Coffee, hit home like a hammer striking the nail squarely on the head!
There are still moments where Leo Stanhope can be a complete nincompoop! Acting on impulsive decisions, then more often than not, following them through utterly incompetently, and generally making inappropriate choices. Although to be fair, his heart is in the right place, but his infuriating idiocy and stubborn naivety is now becoming somewhat endearing and this modus operandi is as much a part of him as his transgenderism!
So when he's taken to the police station by Detective Inspector Ripley and newly promoted Sergeant Pallet after his completely bungled "operation" to plant evidence on Mr Coffee, Leo is thinking he's onto a big story of his own making, with his contrived "new evidence", we instinctively know though, he's actually going to be detained because, as we subsequently find out, he'd left his coat with his name written on it at the scene of the crime! Jeezo! What a complete and utter plonker and thank goodness for friends with alibis!
We can also hope Leo got around to finishing his review of ”The Amusing Things Said By Children…..”
So to sum up, a welcome return to form for Leo Stanhope with an exciting and gripping story that is intelligent, thought provoking and oozes class and wit throughout, while also introducing a background plot that has been brewing since the start, which pushes Leo's tale very much forward! Excellent stuff!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2020
In London 1881, Leo Stanhope, a reporter at the Daily Chronicle receives an anonymous letter telling him that he needs to attend the penny gaff on Berner Street as a terrible murder is about to take place. His daily work usually consists of writing articles about science and topics no one else wants to write about, but this grabs his attention immediately. The owner of the club is soon found murdered, causing Leo to pursue the matter further even though he is told not to. We follow Leo from club to convent with the list of suspects mounting. Can he solve this case and help bring the killer to justice?
This book is a thrilling murder mystery combined with historical fiction.
It is the third installment of the Leo Stanhope case, but reads great as a standalone. It also makes me want to pick up the first two books ASAP, as I would love to get to know more about Leo and his past.
He is a complex character who I enjoyed learning about as I read this book. The protagonist, Leo Stanhope is a transgender man, in a time where this was seen as a crime and you were jailed if anyone were to find out.
We learn more about the struggles he faces trying to be who is without it being found out. He feels like he doesn’t fit it.
It is easy to become attached to Leo, with his kind-hearted nature. He really is a likable character, but he is not without his faults. Eager to have his stories on the front page and to gain recognition by his boss, he doesn’t always think about the consequences of his words or actions and who they might endanger. He often acts impulsively without thinking things through, which occasionally lands him in dangerous situations. We meet a wonderful array of different characters in the story, each with their own past and struggles.
Another character I really enjoyed getting to know is Leo’s good friend Rosie, she is indepedent and not afraid to stand her ground when challenged. I love a strong willed female character especially when it is set in a time period where women were expected to serve and please men.
It is a completely different era, one where women are not able to have their independence. Their duties are to be wives and mothers and serve their husbands. It is also a time where the communities take justice into their own hands, where poverty and crime runs rife and where people would turn a blind eye to violence against women. Reeve’s writing style grabs your attention from the first page and you will struggle to put this book down once you’ve picked it up. for some it could be read in one day. The descriptive writing style allows the reader to form a clear picture of 19th century London. The author writes about topics that applies to our present lives, but in the setting of Victorian London.
I enjoyed the flow and despite the longer chapters which I don’t usually enjoyed, I managed to finish this quite quickly. Any book that is able to grab my attention in this way is a winner for sure!
Disclaimer: I was sent this free copy for review by Jonathan Ball Publishers. This does not influence my review or rating in any way. All views and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is a thrilling murder mystery combined with historical fiction.
It is the third installment of the Leo Stanhope case, but reads great as a standalone. It also makes me want to pick up the first two books ASAP, as I would love to get to know more about Leo and his past.
He is a complex character who I enjoyed learning about as I read this book. The protagonist, Leo Stanhope is a transgender man, in a time where this was seen as a crime and you were jailed if anyone were to find out.
We learn more about the struggles he faces trying to be who is without it being found out. He feels like he doesn’t fit it.
It is easy to become attached to Leo, with his kind-hearted nature. He really is a likable character, but he is not without his faults. Eager to have his stories on the front page and to gain recognition by his boss, he doesn’t always think about the consequences of his words or actions and who they might endanger. He often acts impulsively without thinking things through, which occasionally lands him in dangerous situations. We meet a wonderful array of different characters in the story, each with their own past and struggles.
Another character I really enjoyed getting to know is Leo’s good friend Rosie, she is indepedent and not afraid to stand her ground when challenged. I love a strong willed female character especially when it is set in a time period where women were expected to serve and please men.
It is a completely different era, one where women are not able to have their independence. Their duties are to be wives and mothers and serve their husbands. It is also a time where the communities take justice into their own hands, where poverty and crime runs rife and where people would turn a blind eye to violence against women. Reeve’s writing style grabs your attention from the first page and you will struggle to put this book down once you’ve picked it up. for some it could be read in one day. The descriptive writing style allows the reader to form a clear picture of 19th century London. The author writes about topics that applies to our present lives, but in the setting of Victorian London.
I enjoyed the flow and despite the longer chapters which I don’t usually enjoyed, I managed to finish this quite quickly. Any book that is able to grab my attention in this way is a winner for sure!
Disclaimer: I was sent this free copy for review by Jonathan Ball Publishers. This does not influence my review or rating in any way. All views and opinions expressed are my own.
November 12, 2020
My thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing U.K./Raven Books for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Butcher of Berner Street’ by Alex Reeve in exchange for an honest review.
This is the third in a series of crime thrillers set in Victorian London featuring Leo Stanhope, who was born female but has felt since childhood that God presented him with the wrong body. For years he has lived estranged from his birth family under a number of identities to protect his secret.
I have followed this series from the start and commend Alex Reeve on creating a highly engaging series that has gone from strength to strength. While some background is provided, it is worth reading the series from the beginning in order to appreciate the individual characters’ development.
Leo has achieved his dream of working for a London newspaper and is now its science correspondent. The novel hits the ground running with Leo watching a fight between two women being held at a penny gaff in Berner Street, Whitechapel. One of the participants is known as Hungarian Lady Vostek and becomes an important character in the subsequent story.
Leo is there because that morning he had received an anonymous letter at the Daily Chronicle offices warning that a cold hearted murder would be taking place that night at the venue and requesting Leo to attend given his reputation of solving crimes “unfathomable to the police.”
I won’t say more in order to avoid spoilers, though I will praise Alex Reeve for crafting another excellent mystery that realises its historical setting, has strong characterisations, and integrates social issues of the period into the narrative. Here Women’s Rights are at the fore as The Married Women’s Property Act is being put forward despite opposition from some members of Parliament. So there are political marches and the like going on.
While Leo is living as a man, he remains aware of how precarious his position is in society. I also appreciated that Reeve addressed Leo’s response to his monthly ‘curse’, especially the cramps. It’s not a subject that is often discussed.
One of the most rewarding aspects of an ongoing series is witnessing the changes in the characters’ lives, here alongside Leo is his good friend and pie shop owner, Rosie, his landlord, Alfie, and Alfie’s precocious daughter, Constance. I have come to care for them all very much.
Overall, this is a historical mystery that excels on all counts and that I found a highly satisfying read. I can hardly wait for news of the next case for Leo and friends.
Highly recommended.
This is the third in a series of crime thrillers set in Victorian London featuring Leo Stanhope, who was born female but has felt since childhood that God presented him with the wrong body. For years he has lived estranged from his birth family under a number of identities to protect his secret.
I have followed this series from the start and commend Alex Reeve on creating a highly engaging series that has gone from strength to strength. While some background is provided, it is worth reading the series from the beginning in order to appreciate the individual characters’ development.
Leo has achieved his dream of working for a London newspaper and is now its science correspondent. The novel hits the ground running with Leo watching a fight between two women being held at a penny gaff in Berner Street, Whitechapel. One of the participants is known as Hungarian Lady Vostek and becomes an important character in the subsequent story.
Leo is there because that morning he had received an anonymous letter at the Daily Chronicle offices warning that a cold hearted murder would be taking place that night at the venue and requesting Leo to attend given his reputation of solving crimes “unfathomable to the police.”
I won’t say more in order to avoid spoilers, though I will praise Alex Reeve for crafting another excellent mystery that realises its historical setting, has strong characterisations, and integrates social issues of the period into the narrative. Here Women’s Rights are at the fore as The Married Women’s Property Act is being put forward despite opposition from some members of Parliament. So there are political marches and the like going on.
While Leo is living as a man, he remains aware of how precarious his position is in society. I also appreciated that Reeve addressed Leo’s response to his monthly ‘curse’, especially the cramps. It’s not a subject that is often discussed.
One of the most rewarding aspects of an ongoing series is witnessing the changes in the characters’ lives, here alongside Leo is his good friend and pie shop owner, Rosie, his landlord, Alfie, and Alfie’s precocious daughter, Constance. I have come to care for them all very much.
Overall, this is a historical mystery that excels on all counts and that I found a highly satisfying read. I can hardly wait for news of the next case for Leo and friends.
Highly recommended.
November 9, 2020
This is the third in the series featuring trans man Leo Stanhope and, as he is rather complex and has a bit of a colourful backstory, I do recommend that you start from book one and read in order. In this book, Leo is called to a fight club where the letter write claims there is to be a murder. He goes but finds the "murder" to be a stunt. His eyes are however opened by a female fighter. Shortly after his visit, the club owner is indeed murdered and Leo, in his position as a journalist, starts to investigate. An investigation that will lead him into some dark and interesting places, and even marks himself out as a suspect, as well as putting others in danger...
I do love this series, I find Leo to be a very unique and interesting main character. Sadly this book, his third outing, didn't quite live up to the heady heights of the previous two for me. I think it wasn't quite as fluid as the previous two and didn't quite flow as well. That said, I did enjoy reconnecting with some familiar faces, revisited from previous books, who all play their parts just as well in this one. As well as the characters, we have the setting - time and place - both of which are just as interesting and intriguing as the plot as it unwinds. 1800s London is a fascinating setting with plenty of incidents, events and places to weave into the narrative. Things that have obviously been well researched by the author.
The story is a bit jagged in places and, as already mentioned, doesn't quite flow as well as it could. Although, that said, Leo is a bit in turmoil personally throughout so this may be connected with the pacing and flow also being a tad off. It didn't really mar my enjoyment of the book overall, and I was left satisfied at its conclusion, but it did prevent me from fully connecting with it all the way through.
All in all, not quite as good as the two that have gone before, but a thoroughly decent read in itself. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
I do love this series, I find Leo to be a very unique and interesting main character. Sadly this book, his third outing, didn't quite live up to the heady heights of the previous two for me. I think it wasn't quite as fluid as the previous two and didn't quite flow as well. That said, I did enjoy reconnecting with some familiar faces, revisited from previous books, who all play their parts just as well in this one. As well as the characters, we have the setting - time and place - both of which are just as interesting and intriguing as the plot as it unwinds. 1800s London is a fascinating setting with plenty of incidents, events and places to weave into the narrative. Things that have obviously been well researched by the author.
The story is a bit jagged in places and, as already mentioned, doesn't quite flow as well as it could. Although, that said, Leo is a bit in turmoil personally throughout so this may be connected with the pacing and flow also being a tad off. It didn't really mar my enjoyment of the book overall, and I was left satisfied at its conclusion, but it did prevent me from fully connecting with it all the way through.
All in all, not quite as good as the two that have gone before, but a thoroughly decent read in itself. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
October 25, 2020
Leo Stanhope is a science reporter in a newspaper, where no one cares about the subjects he reviews about until now. He rents a room in the home of Alfie and his daughter Constance, who runs a pharmacy business set in Victorian London. His father, who has since passed, use to room with them previously.
When he receives an anonymous warning at the paper, that there was going to be a murder at a semi-legal fighting den in the back street of London, he is eager to attend and intervene as much as possible. It turns out to be a promotional hoax sent to him, to write a complimentary article meant to attract more city punters. Only for an actual murder to take place days later, the owner of the fighting den and Leo to be informed in the same manner.
Who sent him the telegram and why? Is this a mystery for Leo and his friends to investigate?
If you have ever read any of the previous books in the series, this is the third, you will know that Leo Stanhope is a woman who has chosen to live as a man. This is important as the past events are referenced a lot without the gaps being filled in.
This is set in a time when women didn’t have the right to buy or sell any property without their father’s or husband’s permission and did not have the right to vote.
The story is set in the backdrop of suffragettes’ protests, and members of the government actively campaigning to remove more of rights from women. It was an imprisonable offence to live as a man, so Leo is always living with the constant fear of being discovered.
My advice is to read these books in series order to gain a complete understanding of the storyline.
#NetGalley #TheButcherOfBernerStreet
I would like to thank NetGalley for the opportunity of reading this advanced copy in exchange for my own honest review.
When he receives an anonymous warning at the paper, that there was going to be a murder at a semi-legal fighting den in the back street of London, he is eager to attend and intervene as much as possible. It turns out to be a promotional hoax sent to him, to write a complimentary article meant to attract more city punters. Only for an actual murder to take place days later, the owner of the fighting den and Leo to be informed in the same manner.
Who sent him the telegram and why? Is this a mystery for Leo and his friends to investigate?
If you have ever read any of the previous books in the series, this is the third, you will know that Leo Stanhope is a woman who has chosen to live as a man. This is important as the past events are referenced a lot without the gaps being filled in.
This is set in a time when women didn’t have the right to buy or sell any property without their father’s or husband’s permission and did not have the right to vote.
The story is set in the backdrop of suffragettes’ protests, and members of the government actively campaigning to remove more of rights from women. It was an imprisonable offence to live as a man, so Leo is always living with the constant fear of being discovered.
My advice is to read these books in series order to gain a complete understanding of the storyline.
#NetGalley #TheButcherOfBernerStreet
I would like to thank NetGalley for the opportunity of reading this advanced copy in exchange for my own honest review.
November 30, 2020
Full review now up on the blog: https://www.thewritinggreyhound.co.uk...
Exciting and atmospheric, this novel harkens back to the days of the classic Victorian murder mystery. Journalist Leo Stanhope is the newspaperman asking "whodunnit", as a chance set of circumstances puts him hot on the trail of a shocking murder. One of the first on the scene and a character who remains at the forefront of the action throughout the case, Leo encounters an array of intriguing individuals as he works to uncover the truth and unmask the murderer.
This is the third novel in the Leo Stanhope series, yet it isn't necessary to have read the previous two books in order to enjoy this one. Events and characters from past novels are mentioned yet not overly dwelled upon, leaving The Butcher of Berner Street ideal to read as either a standalone novel or as part of the series.
The characters are engaging and interesting - all have their unique characteristics and intriguingly, all have their secrets, too. From those who openly admit their flaws to others who prefer to keep them hidden away, this is a novel filled with twists and turns throughout.
The descriptions are vivid yet not overdone, painting a picture of the hardships many endured living in Victorian London. From the poverty and squalor many East End residents both lived and worked in, to the relative contrast of Leo's lodgings and the newspaper offices, the book provides an eye-opening glimpse into the heart of London's past.
It is also interesting to read about Leo's struggles living as a trans man at a time when it would be widely considered wrong and sinful at the very least. Leo is prepared to go to any lengths to protect his biggest secret, yet it is also heartbreaking to think of the pain that he endures simply to be himself. Although he is largely pragmatic about the situation, it's a sad situation and a real shame.
All in all, The Butcher of Berner Street is an engaging historical crime novel with plenty of secrets and mystery.
Exciting and atmospheric, this novel harkens back to the days of the classic Victorian murder mystery. Journalist Leo Stanhope is the newspaperman asking "whodunnit", as a chance set of circumstances puts him hot on the trail of a shocking murder. One of the first on the scene and a character who remains at the forefront of the action throughout the case, Leo encounters an array of intriguing individuals as he works to uncover the truth and unmask the murderer.
This is the third novel in the Leo Stanhope series, yet it isn't necessary to have read the previous two books in order to enjoy this one. Events and characters from past novels are mentioned yet not overly dwelled upon, leaving The Butcher of Berner Street ideal to read as either a standalone novel or as part of the series.
The characters are engaging and interesting - all have their unique characteristics and intriguingly, all have their secrets, too. From those who openly admit their flaws to others who prefer to keep them hidden away, this is a novel filled with twists and turns throughout.
The descriptions are vivid yet not overdone, painting a picture of the hardships many endured living in Victorian London. From the poverty and squalor many East End residents both lived and worked in, to the relative contrast of Leo's lodgings and the newspaper offices, the book provides an eye-opening glimpse into the heart of London's past.
It is also interesting to read about Leo's struggles living as a trans man at a time when it would be widely considered wrong and sinful at the very least. Leo is prepared to go to any lengths to protect his biggest secret, yet it is also heartbreaking to think of the pain that he endures simply to be himself. Although he is largely pragmatic about the situation, it's a sad situation and a real shame.
All in all, The Butcher of Berner Street is an engaging historical crime novel with plenty of secrets and mystery.
October 16, 2020
Having finally found a job he can pursue with the hopes of a successful career Leo Stanhope is enjoying his new role as a London journalist even if his work hasn't resulted in any front page headlines yet. All that seems about to change when he is warned, anonymously, about dangerous goings on in a club in the East End.
After his visit, when the owner is murdered, Leo finds clues leading him to locations not normally thought of as belonging together and knows he could be onto something big. When Leo pens the headline guaranteed to sell more papers his hopes of a glittering career crash into his desperate need to remain in the shadows and his insecurities threaten to overwhelm him.
Once again Alex Reeve has written an atmospheric, historically vivid novel which merges disparate characters and situations into an excellent novel. Although a little slow in places I was once again drawn into the detailed and obviously extensively researched late Victorian era Stanhope inhabits.
Leo's life, as a trans man, has always been handled in a way that pulls no punches. It shows his hopes for a future where he can stop looking over his shoulder continuously as well as a present filled with actual and perceived dangers at every turn. The events covered here are at the beginning of a pivotal time in the personal development of the men and women inhabiting Victorian London and there is a sense of hope not seen in the previous books.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys this series but would suggest to newcomers the need to read them chronologically in order to gain most from this author's thought provoking series.
After his visit, when the owner is murdered, Leo finds clues leading him to locations not normally thought of as belonging together and knows he could be onto something big. When Leo pens the headline guaranteed to sell more papers his hopes of a glittering career crash into his desperate need to remain in the shadows and his insecurities threaten to overwhelm him.
Once again Alex Reeve has written an atmospheric, historically vivid novel which merges disparate characters and situations into an excellent novel. Although a little slow in places I was once again drawn into the detailed and obviously extensively researched late Victorian era Stanhope inhabits.
Leo's life, as a trans man, has always been handled in a way that pulls no punches. It shows his hopes for a future where he can stop looking over his shoulder continuously as well as a present filled with actual and perceived dangers at every turn. The events covered here are at the beginning of a pivotal time in the personal development of the men and women inhabiting Victorian London and there is a sense of hope not seen in the previous books.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys this series but would suggest to newcomers the need to read them chronologically in order to gain most from this author's thought provoking series.
November 2, 2020
The blurb pretty much covers the main idea of this book’s plot; however, there is so much more to it.
Leo Stanhope is actually a woman, choosing to live life as a man, in an era where women had little to no rights. This is hardly a spoiler, and indeed, if you’re familiar with the series, you’ll already know this important fact. That said, I found it added a whole new dimension to the story itself; seeing everything unfolding through the eyes of a woman masquerading as a man. It made looking at gender roles and stereotypes even more pertinent (especially given the eventual outcome of the case in question).
I have to admit, I didn’t immediately realise this was the third book in a series. However, as a few incidents are often mentioned/alluded to, it became obvious I was missing some of the backstory. That said, it didn’t get in the way of my enjoyment of this as a standalone read – though, I am now intrigued to go back and read more to fill in the blanks.
The author creates a beautifully atmospheric setting, with appropriate cultural references and some brilliantly unlikable characters. Excellently researched, without feeling like you were being given a history lesson.
I found this a really interesting read, and would definitely recommend it to anyone who has an interest in the era, or historical crime fiction in general.
Leo Stanhope is actually a woman, choosing to live life as a man, in an era where women had little to no rights. This is hardly a spoiler, and indeed, if you’re familiar with the series, you’ll already know this important fact. That said, I found it added a whole new dimension to the story itself; seeing everything unfolding through the eyes of a woman masquerading as a man. It made looking at gender roles and stereotypes even more pertinent (especially given the eventual outcome of the case in question).
I have to admit, I didn’t immediately realise this was the third book in a series. However, as a few incidents are often mentioned/alluded to, it became obvious I was missing some of the backstory. That said, it didn’t get in the way of my enjoyment of this as a standalone read – though, I am now intrigued to go back and read more to fill in the blanks.
The author creates a beautifully atmospheric setting, with appropriate cultural references and some brilliantly unlikable characters. Excellently researched, without feeling like you were being given a history lesson.
I found this a really interesting read, and would definitely recommend it to anyone who has an interest in the era, or historical crime fiction in general.
February 16, 2021
The Butcher of Berner Street was sent to me by Jonathan Ball Publishers (South Africa) This is not a title I would have selected, but I pride myself on reading all hard copy books that publishers send to me. So, with a heavy heart, I opened the cover and started reading, my expectations not being very high.
Well, I could not have been more wrong. Within the first few pages, I was hooked and found myself eager to continue reading. Leo Stanhope has a secret of his own, making this a surprisingly entertaining read.
Alex Reeve did his homework on the historical research in this book. While historical fiction is generally something I steer clear of, this story was a deep, compassionate tale, with colourful scenic details that added to the story.
The Butcher of Berner Street is a crime story told around one man’s search for acceptance and a place that he feels he belongs. The author manages to transport you back in time while at the same time looking at community acceptance and the effect community norms have on anyone different.
Alex Reeve did a marvellous job with this book. He’s writing carries you back to the past without you even noticing. The story had an easy flow which draws you in and makes it easy to forget your surroundings while you are reading.
Leo Stanhope receives an anonymous letter warning him of a murder that is going to happen at a wrestling club in East London. Soon after discovering that the letter was a hoax, the owner of the club is found murdered. The perfect way for Leo Stanhope to make a name for himself as a reporter for the Daily Chronicle. At first, Leo is convinced that he knows exactly what happened, but after publishing his article he discovers there is a lot more to the story and that he might have put someone’s life in danger. Driving by the desire to do the right thing, Leo Stanhope chases down every lead to get to the bottom of the murder and correct his wrongs.
As mentioned, historical fiction generally does not appeal to me, but The Butcher of Berner Street proved to be an exception to that rule. The author did a wonderful job telling a detailed story set in late 1800 while not losing his reader on too many historical facts. It was an easy read that kept me focused on the characters so much I sometimes forgot the timeline completely, and when I did notice that I was in late 1800 it was welcoming.
I have not read any of Alex Reeve’s other books, so Leo Stanhope was new to me. He proved to be an excellent character. At first, he appears a little on the boring and stuffy side, yet as the story unfolds you find out that there is a lot more to this strange reporter and you quickly become wrapped up in his personal dilemma. The other characters in the book are a colourful mix who leaves you with a little more understanding about life during late 1800.
Despite my original doubt, I found this book highly entertaining and certainly worth the four days I spent reading it. I would recommend this book not only to crime and thriller enthusiasts but also to any sceptics of the historical fiction genre.
If you are searching for something different, a book that can transport you into the past while dealing with deep issues which still face us today – then you will not be disappointed, get a copy of The Butcher of Berner Street.
Visit the Blog: https://featzreviews.com
Well, I could not have been more wrong. Within the first few pages, I was hooked and found myself eager to continue reading. Leo Stanhope has a secret of his own, making this a surprisingly entertaining read.
Alex Reeve did his homework on the historical research in this book. While historical fiction is generally something I steer clear of, this story was a deep, compassionate tale, with colourful scenic details that added to the story.
The Butcher of Berner Street is a crime story told around one man’s search for acceptance and a place that he feels he belongs. The author manages to transport you back in time while at the same time looking at community acceptance and the effect community norms have on anyone different.
Alex Reeve did a marvellous job with this book. He’s writing carries you back to the past without you even noticing. The story had an easy flow which draws you in and makes it easy to forget your surroundings while you are reading.
Leo Stanhope receives an anonymous letter warning him of a murder that is going to happen at a wrestling club in East London. Soon after discovering that the letter was a hoax, the owner of the club is found murdered. The perfect way for Leo Stanhope to make a name for himself as a reporter for the Daily Chronicle. At first, Leo is convinced that he knows exactly what happened, but after publishing his article he discovers there is a lot more to the story and that he might have put someone’s life in danger. Driving by the desire to do the right thing, Leo Stanhope chases down every lead to get to the bottom of the murder and correct his wrongs.
As mentioned, historical fiction generally does not appeal to me, but The Butcher of Berner Street proved to be an exception to that rule. The author did a wonderful job telling a detailed story set in late 1800 while not losing his reader on too many historical facts. It was an easy read that kept me focused on the characters so much I sometimes forgot the timeline completely, and when I did notice that I was in late 1800 it was welcoming.
I have not read any of Alex Reeve’s other books, so Leo Stanhope was new to me. He proved to be an excellent character. At first, he appears a little on the boring and stuffy side, yet as the story unfolds you find out that there is a lot more to this strange reporter and you quickly become wrapped up in his personal dilemma. The other characters in the book are a colourful mix who leaves you with a little more understanding about life during late 1800.
Despite my original doubt, I found this book highly entertaining and certainly worth the four days I spent reading it. I would recommend this book not only to crime and thriller enthusiasts but also to any sceptics of the historical fiction genre.
If you are searching for something different, a book that can transport you into the past while dealing with deep issues which still face us today – then you will not be disappointed, get a copy of The Butcher of Berner Street.
Visit the Blog: https://featzreviews.com
June 26, 2021
Leo Stanhope, a Victorian Transgender man, has left his job as a mortuary attendant and is now a journalist. He is tricked into attending a boxing match where an anonymous tip tells him a murder will take place. The ‘murder’ is a ruse to drum up business, but instead he sees a woman boxer who is accused of the very real murder that follows. Only Leo and his good friend Mrs Flowers, who runs the pie shop, care enough to investigate further to find the real culprit.
Third book in the series and again full of wonderful characters and portrayals of life in Victorian London. You can feel, smell and taste the place and mull over how our perception of morality and fairness has changed since. Leo is a deep and empathic person who fights courageously for justice, though not without making mistakes along the way! His determination to put them right and his concern for humanity make him an admirable proponent. The rise of the Suffragette movement is also woven into the storyline, given Mrs Flowers is a widow who appears to own a pie shop, when women weren’t allowed to own property. Fascinating social history amongst all the crime fighting! Excellent read!
Third book in the series and again full of wonderful characters and portrayals of life in Victorian London. You can feel, smell and taste the place and mull over how our perception of morality and fairness has changed since. Leo is a deep and empathic person who fights courageously for justice, though not without making mistakes along the way! His determination to put them right and his concern for humanity make him an admirable proponent. The rise of the Suffragette movement is also woven into the storyline, given Mrs Flowers is a widow who appears to own a pie shop, when women weren’t allowed to own property. Fascinating social history amongst all the crime fighting! Excellent read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2020
This is a story set in Victorian London, with the main character being a journalist who is drawn into the shady world of fight dens and the murder of a man there. However, all is not as it seems. I'm all for a story having an unusual hook, but the premise of the main character actually being woman didn't work for me. There have been numerous documented cases of women living their lives in that era as men, particularly as women were so poorly treated at the time. But in this book, it just seemed to detract from what was otherwise quite a good story.
So while overall it was quite a good read, I felt it got too involved in Leo's angst about his sexuality, or rather his difficulties in maintaining the deception (which I suspect half the people around him weren't at all fooled by) and I would have preferred the story to evolve more naturally.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc and Raven Books for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
So while overall it was quite a good read, I felt it got too involved in Leo's angst about his sexuality, or rather his difficulties in maintaining the deception (which I suspect half the people around him weren't at all fooled by) and I would have preferred the story to evolve more naturally.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc and Raven Books for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2020
*Spoiler Alert*
Although this is the third in the series, it was my first meeting with these characters. I'm currently in an historical detective phase, and have enjoyed Oscar de Muriel, Imogen Robertson and Antonia Hodgson, among others.so I was looking forward to this.
On a positive note, it's generally a good read, character and plot development move along well enough, but the book's main hook (SPOILER) namely that the main character is a trans woman just didn't work for me. NOT I have to emphasise, through any prejudice, but simply from the jarring and overly emphasised presence of Thier struggle. There have been several historical detectives where the woman dresses as a man (ES Thomson's Jeb for example) in order to carry out their work, but in this case it didn't work for me.
I sure many others will disagree and thoroughly enjoy the book, but this one just didn't grab me.
Although this is the third in the series, it was my first meeting with these characters. I'm currently in an historical detective phase, and have enjoyed Oscar de Muriel, Imogen Robertson and Antonia Hodgson, among others.so I was looking forward to this.
On a positive note, it's generally a good read, character and plot development move along well enough, but the book's main hook (SPOILER) namely that the main character is a trans woman just didn't work for me. NOT I have to emphasise, through any prejudice, but simply from the jarring and overly emphasised presence of Thier struggle. There have been several historical detectives where the woman dresses as a man (ES Thomson's Jeb for example) in order to carry out their work, but in this case it didn't work for me.
I sure many others will disagree and thoroughly enjoy the book, but this one just didn't grab me.
June 21, 2020
I have read all of Alex Reeve's books about the detective Leo Stanhope.. Set in the last years of Queen Victoria's reign, and in the crowded and dirty streets of London, the author has the ability to take you to the time and place and you really feel like you are there. He is so good at plots and characterizations and I have enjoyed the series immensely.
I would definitely recommend that any reader reads all three books, although this could be read alone. (But what a waste that would be, as books one and two are really excellent..)
I will be sad to say goodbye to Leo and Rosie, but I am really keen to see what Alex Reeve comes up with next.
Thank you to the author, the publishers and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I would definitely recommend that any reader reads all three books, although this could be read alone. (But what a waste that would be, as books one and two are really excellent..)
I will be sad to say goodbye to Leo and Rosie, but I am really keen to see what Alex Reeve comes up with next.
Thank you to the author, the publishers and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 7, 2020
I love this series! The characters are so compelling and the plot is full of twists and turns.
Returning to the world of Leo Stanhope is always a joy and I really appreciate the effort Alex Reeve has put into his historical research and including the suffragist movement etc. What I really liked about this book is that Leo is really starting to come into his own. He has a job that suits him and that he’s good at and has friends that love and support him. At times I’m infuriated by his supremely bad decision-making (in my opinion anyway), but for some reason I can’t stop reading anway! I also love Rosie more and more with every book and I would kill to try one of her pies!
I really hope there will be another one!
Returning to the world of Leo Stanhope is always a joy and I really appreciate the effort Alex Reeve has put into his historical research and including the suffragist movement etc. What I really liked about this book is that Leo is really starting to come into his own. He has a job that suits him and that he’s good at and has friends that love and support him. At times I’m infuriated by his supremely bad decision-making (in my opinion anyway), but for some reason I can’t stop reading anway! I also love Rosie more and more with every book and I would kill to try one of her pies!
I really hope there will be another one!
June 13, 2021
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review. I was new to this series, so pieced together some of Stanhope’s backstory as the story progressed. I hadn’t known that Stanhope was transgender, but I think that’s possibly the first time I’ve read a book with such a character in - the fact it’s in Victorian times made it interesting. Overall the story was decent and I was leaning towards giving it 4 stars - but the ending spoiled it for me somewhat, knocking it down to 3 stars. Also a factor was how Stanhope seemed to accuse Sister Agnes, then Coffey (and planting evidence to set him up), and as for topping his head slightly to indicate the killer should go ahead... all that and the ending spoiled it slightly for me.
November 18, 2020
It's the first book I read in this series and won't surely be the last as I thoroughly enjoyed.
An excellent historical mystery with an unusual and fascinating MC and a well researched and vivid historical background.
I loved the fleshed out characters and the solid mystery, full of twists and turns, that kept me guessing.
Even if it can be read as a stand-alone it's better to read the previous book because there's some backstory and I felt I was missing something.
A gripping and highly entertaining read, strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
An excellent historical mystery with an unusual and fascinating MC and a well researched and vivid historical background.
I loved the fleshed out characters and the solid mystery, full of twists and turns, that kept me guessing.
Even if it can be read as a stand-alone it's better to read the previous book because there's some backstory and I felt I was missing something.
A gripping and highly entertaining read, strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
August 6, 2021
This is the second in the Leo Stanhope series I've read and I, damn, is it good. Alex Reeve´s such a convincing writer I can almost ¨see¨ the locale and actions and images of each one of the characters. Except Leo Stanhope.
Oh there are numerous references to Stanhope´s physical body, and its ¨peculiarities,¨ but I've yet to put together a clear image of his face. And, perhaps, that is all for the better. Leo, despite his foibles and insecurities, is such a likeable character.
The plot fairly crackles, as it moves along to a stunning surprise ending. I would like to see a return of Elspeth Drake in the future, however.
Oh there are numerous references to Stanhope´s physical body, and its ¨peculiarities,¨ but I've yet to put together a clear image of his face. And, perhaps, that is all for the better. Leo, despite his foibles and insecurities, is such a likeable character.
The plot fairly crackles, as it moves along to a stunning surprise ending. I would like to see a return of Elspeth Drake in the future, however.
July 12, 2020
This book was excellent, it held my interest all the way through. Even though it’s set in 1800s London the story is very topical in modern times and has good historical value. This is the first time i’ve read a book by this author and i enjoyed this book so much i’m going to buy the rest of his books.
NetGalley kindly gave me a copy for an impartial review.
#NetGalley #TheButcherofBernerStreet
NetGalley kindly gave me a copy for an impartial review.
#NetGalley #TheButcherofBernerStreet
March 23, 2024
I hadnt heard of this author but the book was given to me by a friend who knows i am an avid fan of historical fiction, especially set in and around London, which I am familiar with to a good degree. I was immediately taken with the setting and characters and I must admit i did twig Leo's secret not too far into the book. This did slightly change my mind about the story but as i read more, the emphasis remained on the plot and overall story line very well
June 27, 2020
Having read the other books in this series, I was a little disappointed with this one. I found it a bit slow and boring and seemed to dwell a lot on leo’s struggle to live as a man. I will definitely read the next in the series and hope that it is a bit more punchy!! #NetGalley#TheButcherofBernerStreet
March 21, 2021
There was something about this book that I found less engaging than the two previous Stanhope mysteries. I felt, even for fiction, it was unbelievable at certain points. The nuns, the wrestlers, the suffragettes, I felt like too much was being worked into this novel. I will probably read the next Stanhope mystery, if there is one, but I won't rush myself.
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