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A World’s End Bureau Victorian Mystery #3
The Man in the Shadows
Private investigators Lily Raynor and Felix Wilbraham tackle a puzzling miscarriage of justice and the curious case of a missing child, in the new, gripping World's End Bureau Victorian mystery.
London, August 1881. After a difficult few months, the World's End Investigation Bureau is thriving. Affairs, sex scandals, divorces . . . Lily Raynor is delighted to have so much work for herself and her capable assistant, Felix Wilbraham, but she can't help wishing for a case that doesn't involve the rich, over-indulged - and not terribly moral - upper classes. It's a wish she soon has cause to regret.
The Reverend James Jellicote arrives at the Bureau, seeking help on behalf of an elderly Jewish refugee who fled the pogroms in Russia. Yelisaveta and her young grandson arrived safely in London, only for the unspeakable to happen: eleven-year-old Yakov disappeared, without a trace. The case is impossible to refuse, but seems equally impossible to solve.
And troubles don't come alone. Soon, Lily and Felix have another impossible puzzle on their hands. Hop-picker Abel Spokewright was hanged last year for murder, but his brother Jared is determined to clear his name. If Abel didn't kill cheerful, pretty dairymaid Effie, though, who did? Only one thing's certain: the murderer isn't going to be happy about having the past raked up . . .
London, August 1881. After a difficult few months, the World's End Investigation Bureau is thriving. Affairs, sex scandals, divorces . . . Lily Raynor is delighted to have so much work for herself and her capable assistant, Felix Wilbraham, but she can't help wishing for a case that doesn't involve the rich, over-indulged - and not terribly moral - upper classes. It's a wish she soon has cause to regret.
The Reverend James Jellicote arrives at the Bureau, seeking help on behalf of an elderly Jewish refugee who fled the pogroms in Russia. Yelisaveta and her young grandson arrived safely in London, only for the unspeakable to happen: eleven-year-old Yakov disappeared, without a trace. The case is impossible to refuse, but seems equally impossible to solve.
And troubles don't come alone. Soon, Lily and Felix have another impossible puzzle on their hands. Hop-picker Abel Spokewright was hanged last year for murder, but his brother Jared is determined to clear his name. If Abel didn't kill cheerful, pretty dairymaid Effie, though, who did? Only one thing's certain: the murderer isn't going to be happy about having the past raked up . . .
248 pages, Hardcover
First published August 2, 2022
28 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Alys Clare
46 books222 followersAlys Clare is the pen name used by Elizabeth Harris for the Hawkenlye series of historical mysteries.
Alys Clare is the pseudonym of a novelist with some 20 published works to her name. Brought up in the countryside close to where the Hawkenlye Novels are set, she went to school in Tonbridge and later studied archaeology at the University of Kent. She lives for part of the year in Brittany, in a remote cottage deep in an ancient landscape where many past inhabitants have left their mark; on her doorstep are relics that date from the stone circles and dolmens of the Neolithic to the commanderies, chapels and ancient tracks of those infamous warrior monks, the Knights Templar. In England, Alys's study overlooks a stretch of parkland which includes a valley with a little spring. The waters of this spring are similar in colour and taste to Tunbridge Wells's famous Chalybeat Spring, and it was this that prompted Alys's setting of her fictional Hawkenlye Abbey in the very spot where her own house now stands.
Alys Clare is the pseudonym of a novelist with some 20 published works to her name. Brought up in the countryside close to where the Hawkenlye Novels are set, she went to school in Tonbridge and later studied archaeology at the University of Kent. She lives for part of the year in Brittany, in a remote cottage deep in an ancient landscape where many past inhabitants have left their mark; on her doorstep are relics that date from the stone circles and dolmens of the Neolithic to the commanderies, chapels and ancient tracks of those infamous warrior monks, the Knights Templar. In England, Alys's study overlooks a stretch of parkland which includes a valley with a little spring. The waters of this spring are similar in colour and taste to Tunbridge Wells's famous Chalybeat Spring, and it was this that prompted Alys's setting of her fictional Hawkenlye Abbey in the very spot where her own house now stands.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 18, 2022
I go back and forth on Alys Clare's historical mystery series. There are two series I follow: the Dr. Gabriel Taverner series set in James I's England; and the World's End Bureau series is set in Victoria's England during the latter part of her reign. I always enjoy these titles—I certainly never regret reading one of them—but they vary from good reads to very good reads (IMHO). My favorite volume in the Taverner series is The Indigo Ghosts; my favorite in the World's End series is The Outcast Girls.
I would place The Man in the Shadows, the third volume in the World's End series, toward the "good" end of the spectrum: a satisfying read, but not threatening to throw The Outcast Girls from my #1 position. The Man in the Shadows offers a pair of mysteries. In London, Yakov, a 13 year-old boy, a Jewish refugee from Russia, has disappeared and is being stalked by a pair of threatening men. His Grandmother, who was hospitalized upon her arrival in England, is desperate to find him. In the countryside, where working-class Londoners regularly travel to participate in the hop harvest, a young woman was murdered and her fiancé hung for her murder. A year later, the fiancé's brother wants the murder reinvestigated and his brother's reputation restored.
The World's End Bureau is owned and run by Lily Raynor. Felix Welbraham is the additional investigator she employs. With two mysteries to solve, Lily remains in London to search for Yakov. Felix travels to the countryside to try to unmask a murderer. The book needs both mysteries. Just one of them wouldn't be enough to carry a novel—and it's fun to watch Lily and Felix working separately. As one would expect, by the novel's end, both mysteries are solved.
My biggest complaint about this title is the portrayal of Felix. From the start of the series, he's been secretly enamored of Lily. In this volume, it seems as if he's becoming enamored every time he crosses paths with an attractive woman. This leaves his attentions feeling less than genuine and raises ethical questions about his professionalism in his investigation.
If, like me, you're a historical mystery junkie, you'll find The Man in the Shadows a satisfactory read, the kind of thing one likes to pick up on an open weekend. I might, however, suggest starting with The Outcast Girls, which is the strongest of these novels and does a much better job of making the Felix character genuine.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
I would place The Man in the Shadows, the third volume in the World's End series, toward the "good" end of the spectrum: a satisfying read, but not threatening to throw The Outcast Girls from my #1 position. The Man in the Shadows offers a pair of mysteries. In London, Yakov, a 13 year-old boy, a Jewish refugee from Russia, has disappeared and is being stalked by a pair of threatening men. His Grandmother, who was hospitalized upon her arrival in England, is desperate to find him. In the countryside, where working-class Londoners regularly travel to participate in the hop harvest, a young woman was murdered and her fiancé hung for her murder. A year later, the fiancé's brother wants the murder reinvestigated and his brother's reputation restored.
The World's End Bureau is owned and run by Lily Raynor. Felix Welbraham is the additional investigator she employs. With two mysteries to solve, Lily remains in London to search for Yakov. Felix travels to the countryside to try to unmask a murderer. The book needs both mysteries. Just one of them wouldn't be enough to carry a novel—and it's fun to watch Lily and Felix working separately. As one would expect, by the novel's end, both mysteries are solved.
My biggest complaint about this title is the portrayal of Felix. From the start of the series, he's been secretly enamored of Lily. In this volume, it seems as if he's becoming enamored every time he crosses paths with an attractive woman. This leaves his attentions feeling less than genuine and raises ethical questions about his professionalism in his investigation.
If, like me, you're a historical mystery junkie, you'll find The Man in the Shadows a satisfactory read, the kind of thing one likes to pick up on an open weekend. I might, however, suggest starting with The Outcast Girls, which is the strongest of these novels and does a much better job of making the Felix character genuine.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
August 16, 2022
Double mystery solving involves Lily taking the missing child case and Felix the wrongly accused fiancé. Alys Clare 3rd book in the series gives me some history along with the story as I know little about how Jews were forced to flee Russia to England. Hints only of a romance maybe, someday, or perhaps not.....between Lily and Felix. The case Felix is working on is a bit more typical mystery and all are resolved satisfactorily.
July 28, 2022
Great addition to the series.
August 17, 2022
Lily Raynor and Felix Wilbraham of the Worlds End Bureau are back with the third episode in this Victorian private investigation series. The agency is on firmer footing now but they are both bemoaning the fact of having a constant flow of cheating spouses to track instead of cases that would be more challenging to their skills. Then, in one day, two such cases enter their offices.
In the first, the Reverend Jellicote, who runs a mission involved with immigrants to London brings her the case of an elderly Russian woman who fled the pogroms in that country with her family but landed in England with only her young grandson still alive. Now that boy is missing as she is recovering in hospital. As Lily and Felix begin to consider this, there is another knock on the door. One Jared Spokewright, a dock worker, has a difficult story and task. His brother Abel was in Kent a year ago hop picking, had met a girl, fallen in love. They planned to marry. But she was murdered and , with a fairly quick procedure, Abel was tried, convicted and hung. The family cannot even visit his grave as it’s in the prison. Jared wants the firm to establish his brother’s innocence.
Two meaty cases that will tax both Felix and Lily and require that they work more separately, with less consultation than previously. But they work to their strengths. I enjoyed finding insights into both, especially learning more about Felix. Occasionally I disliked moving from the thread of one story to another, but only because I was so wrapped up in the current one. I quickly became wrapped up in the other.
A copy of this book was provided by Severn House through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
In the first, the Reverend Jellicote, who runs a mission involved with immigrants to London brings her the case of an elderly Russian woman who fled the pogroms in that country with her family but landed in England with only her young grandson still alive. Now that boy is missing as she is recovering in hospital. As Lily and Felix begin to consider this, there is another knock on the door. One Jared Spokewright, a dock worker, has a difficult story and task. His brother Abel was in Kent a year ago hop picking, had met a girl, fallen in love. They planned to marry. But she was murdered and , with a fairly quick procedure, Abel was tried, convicted and hung. The family cannot even visit his grave as it’s in the prison. Jared wants the firm to establish his brother’s innocence.
Two meaty cases that will tax both Felix and Lily and require that they work more separately, with less consultation than previously. But they work to their strengths. I enjoyed finding insights into both, especially learning more about Felix. Occasionally I disliked moving from the thread of one story to another, but only because I was so wrapped up in the current one. I quickly became wrapped up in the other.
A copy of this book was provided by Severn House through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
July 31, 2022
Two worlds, two surprises, and murder!
Two cases taken up by the World’s End Bureau. Lily Raynor takes one—the missing Russian child—a refugee from Russia. Felix Wilbraham the other—looking for evidence that would show a condemned man hung for the murder of his fiancé, was innocent.
The contrast between the Victorian dockside, the pursuit of a child newly arrived from Russia, down dank and dangerous alleys and slipways, along the canal docksides is overpowering and grim. (Clare’s descriptions invoke the overlay of despair in these areas). This is where Lily’s investigations take her. By her side is another Russian immigrant and lost youngster—Alexai. At her side, when needed, is Tamáz Edey, master of the canal boat The Dawning of the Day. Tamáz has been a welcome presence in all of Lily’s cases. He understands danger and the supernatural. (He’d gifted Lily a protective amulet in their first encounter). For all its evidence of misery this is also a place where the inhabitants at moments stand together for their own. Evil tracks the child Yakov, relentless and dark. Once again a miasma of the supernatural passes across Lily’s life.
By contrast Felix is in a pastoral delight with blue skies and the rich smell of the earth, even as it is layered with its own sense of brokenness. Felix’s investigations have him making contact with an arm of his family he knows little about. The contrast is great but that will change.
How these two worlds will collide is what has me puzzled. Clare manages that in the most disarming way.
Lily and Felix’s strengths and little details of their lives are emerging. They are growing as characters. A pleasing aspect.
Another brilliant and palpable read from Clare that had me at various times puzzled, often breathless, and always wondering!
A Severn House ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Two cases taken up by the World’s End Bureau. Lily Raynor takes one—the missing Russian child—a refugee from Russia. Felix Wilbraham the other—looking for evidence that would show a condemned man hung for the murder of his fiancé, was innocent.
The contrast between the Victorian dockside, the pursuit of a child newly arrived from Russia, down dank and dangerous alleys and slipways, along the canal docksides is overpowering and grim. (Clare’s descriptions invoke the overlay of despair in these areas). This is where Lily’s investigations take her. By her side is another Russian immigrant and lost youngster—Alexai. At her side, when needed, is Tamáz Edey, master of the canal boat The Dawning of the Day. Tamáz has been a welcome presence in all of Lily’s cases. He understands danger and the supernatural. (He’d gifted Lily a protective amulet in their first encounter). For all its evidence of misery this is also a place where the inhabitants at moments stand together for their own. Evil tracks the child Yakov, relentless and dark. Once again a miasma of the supernatural passes across Lily’s life.
By contrast Felix is in a pastoral delight with blue skies and the rich smell of the earth, even as it is layered with its own sense of brokenness. Felix’s investigations have him making contact with an arm of his family he knows little about. The contrast is great but that will change.
How these two worlds will collide is what has me puzzled. Clare manages that in the most disarming way.
Lily and Felix’s strengths and little details of their lives are emerging. They are growing as characters. A pleasing aspect.
Another brilliant and palpable read from Clare that had me at various times puzzled, often breathless, and always wondering!
A Severn House ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
November 8, 2022
I’m conflicted. Probably more of a 3.5 star read for me.
I thought the two cases would merge and they didn’t. I thought Lily’s case would end triumphantly, but it kind of solved itself. Felix’s investigation had so many people and details that the two clues that reveal all didn’t jog my memory when they came up.
When Lily and Felix come back together, I was left hoping and wishing for SOMETHING to happen. There’s a moment when you think the dam holding back their feelings has broken. Alas, it’s firmly in place.
I guess we have to remember that this is a series and the “will they/won’t they” has to continue.
Another area where these books only dip a toe is the magical or paranormal. There’s a little taste in each book, but it’s always fleeting. Because it’s so brief, it’s hard to believe what’s happening. It feels out of place.
The good news is that the present tense wasn’t quite as jarring to read as in the first two books.
I thought the two cases would merge and they didn’t. I thought Lily’s case would end triumphantly, but it kind of solved itself. Felix’s investigation had so many people and details that the two clues that reveal all didn’t jog my memory when they came up.
When Lily and Felix come back together, I was left hoping and wishing for SOMETHING to happen. There’s a moment when you think the dam holding back their feelings has broken. Alas, it’s firmly in place.
I guess we have to remember that this is a series and the “will they/won’t they” has to continue.
Another area where these books only dip a toe is the magical or paranormal. There’s a little taste in each book, but it’s always fleeting. Because it’s so brief, it’s hard to believe what’s happening. It feels out of place.
The good news is that the present tense wasn’t quite as jarring to read as in the first two books.
May 20, 2023
Another sound entry in this series. This is my favourite series by Alys Clare. This story involves a miscarriage of justice and in a different case, Russian immigres escaping the pogroms for a safer life. Lily and Felix split up to solve these cases and both come to a successful conclusion. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.
May 20, 2022
August 1881. After a series of divorce cases the World's End Bureau get two new cases. Firstly they are approached by the Reverend James Jellicote to find a missing Russian Jewish refugee fleeing with his family from the pogroms, who had recently arrived in London. A job for Lily Raynor. And that of a possible miscarriage of justice. Jared Spokewright believes his brother Abel, was wrongly hanged for the murder of Effie Quittenden in Kent during the last hop-picking season. With connections in the area Felix Wilbraham journeys to Crooked Green.
Another entertaining, well-plotted and well-written historical mystery. With its array of varied and likeable characters, especially the two main charcters, it is another good addition to this Victorian series
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A pity it is written in the present tense.
Another entertaining, well-plotted and well-written historical mystery. With its array of varied and likeable characters, especially the two main charcters, it is another good addition to this Victorian series
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A pity it is written in the present tense.
July 9, 2022
I would like to thank Netgalley and Severn House Publishers for an advance copy of The Man in the Shadows, the third novel to feature Lily Raynor and Felix Wilbraham of the World’s End Enquiry Bureau, set in London in 1881.
The Bureau is starting to have some success, but Lily and Felix are getting fed up with infidelity cases. That changes one day when they get two cases unrelated to the upper classes and their love lives. The Reverend James Jellicoe asks them to find Yakov, an 11 year old Russian refugee who disappeared when his grandmother and only relative was taken to hospital. Then Jared Spokewright asks them to clear his brother’s name. Abel Spokewright was hanged for the murder of Effie Quittenden in the Kent village of Crooked Green.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Man in the Shadows which follows Lily and Felix through two entirely different investigations. Felix is in Kent trying to sort through various motives and suspects while Lily is in London’s East End looking for a needle in a haystack or more prosaically a poor, homeless child among the many.
The narrative alternates between these two different stories, one set in a deprived urban area, the other set in a rural village. This contrast is marked but human nature is indifferent to setting so danger still lurks for both Lily and Felix. Lily’s investigation is more overtly dangerous as she is not the only one looking for Yakov and the why of that is one of the mysteries in the novel. The explanation is certainly interesting, even if I’m not sure about its plausibility. Felix’s investigation is more traditional in that it is a straightforward hunt for a murderer who escaped justice, so he spends him time interviewing potential suspects and trying to find a motive. Both investigations are interesting, absorbing and compulsive in their own ways.
I like the author’s style of writing. The prose is clear and there is no muddle in the plot so its objectives are never in doubt and she builds inexorably to a conclusion. The locations are easy to visualise and the period detail seems well researched. At the same time there is a sense of tension in Lily’s case and more of a mystery in Felix’s case so all bases are covered.
The Man in the Shadows is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
The Bureau is starting to have some success, but Lily and Felix are getting fed up with infidelity cases. That changes one day when they get two cases unrelated to the upper classes and their love lives. The Reverend James Jellicoe asks them to find Yakov, an 11 year old Russian refugee who disappeared when his grandmother and only relative was taken to hospital. Then Jared Spokewright asks them to clear his brother’s name. Abel Spokewright was hanged for the murder of Effie Quittenden in the Kent village of Crooked Green.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Man in the Shadows which follows Lily and Felix through two entirely different investigations. Felix is in Kent trying to sort through various motives and suspects while Lily is in London’s East End looking for a needle in a haystack or more prosaically a poor, homeless child among the many.
The narrative alternates between these two different stories, one set in a deprived urban area, the other set in a rural village. This contrast is marked but human nature is indifferent to setting so danger still lurks for both Lily and Felix. Lily’s investigation is more overtly dangerous as she is not the only one looking for Yakov and the why of that is one of the mysteries in the novel. The explanation is certainly interesting, even if I’m not sure about its plausibility. Felix’s investigation is more traditional in that it is a straightforward hunt for a murderer who escaped justice, so he spends him time interviewing potential suspects and trying to find a motive. Both investigations are interesting, absorbing and compulsive in their own ways.
I like the author’s style of writing. The prose is clear and there is no muddle in the plot so its objectives are never in doubt and she builds inexorably to a conclusion. The locations are easy to visualise and the period detail seems well researched. At the same time there is a sense of tension in Lily’s case and more of a mystery in Felix’s case so all bases are covered.
The Man in the Shadows is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
November 8, 2022
Probably 2.5 stars, but I'm a bit cranky about this one, and while it's competently written, I didn't really enjoy reading it.
Look, the reason I read cozy mysteries is because I want to see characters interact. In this one, the World's End Bureau gets two cases, and Lily and Felix essentially divide and conquer to solve them. Which would be fine, except one case is out of town, so they are literally in seperate locations, and not really in contact at any point. Felix breezes through London for about three pages once in the middle, and there are a couple of brief (exceptionally brief letters), but that's it. This could have been two seperate stories.
Which might have been okay, except as I recall the last book in the series did the same thing (albeit better, as it didn't feel like two separate narratives. Look, I want to see the regular characters interact. I want to see their relationship evolve (note: this does not need to be romantic - I don't mean that, though I'm not necessarily opposed). I want to see them affect each other. Felix and Lily are the most important part. If they must have seperate cases, can they at least be in the same damn city (London is big - I'm sure it can drum up some fodder for two seperate mysteries), so that they can check in at the end of the day and exchange theories and take advantage of each other's expertise? Or, perhaps their cases could converge in some way midway through. Spoiler alert:
I get the interest to bring in new characters, but honestly, I don't think Felix and Lily's professional partnership is well developed enough at this point (given they've essentially spent the better part of two books apart) to be enough of a foundation for that to be interesting. As it stands, I found no interactions in this book particularly interesting, which makes this book a bit of a failure for me, no matter how competently written technically.
Look, the reason I read cozy mysteries is because I want to see characters interact. In this one, the World's End Bureau gets two cases, and Lily and Felix essentially divide and conquer to solve them. Which would be fine, except one case is out of town, so they are literally in seperate locations, and not really in contact at any point. Felix breezes through London for about three pages once in the middle, and there are a couple of brief (exceptionally brief letters), but that's it. This could have been two seperate stories.
Which might have been okay, except as I recall the last book in the series did the same thing (albeit better, as it didn't feel like two separate narratives. Look, I want to see the regular characters interact. I want to see their relationship evolve (note: this does not need to be romantic - I don't mean that, though I'm not necessarily opposed). I want to see them affect each other. Felix and Lily are the most important part. If they must have seperate cases, can they at least be in the same damn city (London is big - I'm sure it can drum up some fodder for two seperate mysteries), so that they can check in at the end of the day and exchange theories and take advantage of each other's expertise? Or, perhaps their cases could converge in some way midway through. Spoiler alert:
I get the interest to bring in new characters, but honestly, I don't think Felix and Lily's professional partnership is well developed enough at this point (given they've essentially spent the better part of two books apart) to be enough of a foundation for that to be interesting. As it stands, I found no interactions in this book particularly interesting, which makes this book a bit of a failure for me, no matter how competently written technically.
November 7, 2022
I listened to the audio version read by Lucy Scott. I can see that this book apparently sharply divides people. I love every single novel by Alys Clare that I have heard. I do hope to hear more from her - I listen on BookBeat. The novel unfolds in East London and in the hopfields of Sussex: I didn’t know there were hopfields in Sussex. Alys Clare combines real understanding and knowledge of the periods that she is writing about with a thoughtful storyline and I find myself completely engrossed in and convinced about what is going on. There are two parallel but unrelated investigations going on here because it is a private detection agency and they have to get on with a jobs in hand. I enjoy the interplay of relationship between Lily, Tomasz and Felix, which drives the series forward. I don’t agree with some reviewers that the relationship between Lily and Felix, which is business based for Lily whilst Felix wishes for more, is a problem. This is a detective/ mystery series not a romance series and Felix’s unrequited feelings are just the way it is. In fact, it would make the novels less satisfying if they were an item. More please! The narration is clear, characterful and sympathetic to what is, in parts, a really poignant tale.
January 17, 2024
Independent woman of means, thanks to an inheritance from her grandparents, Lily Raynor is back in the third of the World's End Bureau mysteries set in Victorian England.
Along with assistant, Felix Wilbraham, Lily has been engaged to solve the case of a missing child, recently immigrated from Russia and last seen running from London Docks as his grandmother was taken to hospital.
But as Lily undertakes the search for the boy, Felix travels to the Kent countryside to discover who murdered Effie Quittenden & allow for the body of her betrothed to be returned to his family, from Lewes Gaol, where he was hanged for her murder.
I love this series. Whilst fiction, I am always awed by how women were able to achieve so much when so hampered by societal norms, conventions & clothing (Lily is running from some baddies & wonders if it is fear that is making her so faint or her corsets not allowing her to breath!)
Very much looking forward to release of book 4 in just under a month & now I am off to find the first in this author's Gabriel Taverner series set in the age of James I.
Along with assistant, Felix Wilbraham, Lily has been engaged to solve the case of a missing child, recently immigrated from Russia and last seen running from London Docks as his grandmother was taken to hospital.
But as Lily undertakes the search for the boy, Felix travels to the Kent countryside to discover who murdered Effie Quittenden & allow for the body of her betrothed to be returned to his family, from Lewes Gaol, where he was hanged for her murder.
I love this series. Whilst fiction, I am always awed by how women were able to achieve so much when so hampered by societal norms, conventions & clothing (Lily is running from some baddies & wonders if it is fear that is making her so faint or her corsets not allowing her to breath!)
Very much looking forward to release of book 4 in just under a month & now I am off to find the first in this author's Gabriel Taverner series set in the age of James I.
August 2, 2022
I was so pleased to receive an advanced copy of this book, our third foray into the world of Lily Raynor owner of the World's End Agency and her erstwhile employee Felix. I loved the first two in this series and was intrigued as to what the next adventure would be.
In The Man in the Shadows, Lily and Felix set out on separate investigations- one searching for a lost refugee in the seamy streets of London while Felix goes to the country to investigate indigent workers on a hop picking farm. Both of these stories are well told, the main characters do not disappoint and the extras are drawn so well we can readily identify each character and their purpose in driving the narrative. Alys Clare is so talented in her descriptions of location and reactions of the players. I adore Lily and Felix, especially Felix. My thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and the Author for an ARC. Cannot wait for book four!
In The Man in the Shadows, Lily and Felix set out on separate investigations- one searching for a lost refugee in the seamy streets of London while Felix goes to the country to investigate indigent workers on a hop picking farm. Both of these stories are well told, the main characters do not disappoint and the extras are drawn so well we can readily identify each character and their purpose in driving the narrative. Alys Clare is so talented in her descriptions of location and reactions of the players. I adore Lily and Felix, especially Felix. My thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and the Author for an ARC. Cannot wait for book four!
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March 25, 2023While I liked the fact that both Lily and Felix had their own mystery to investigate, the mysteries themselves weren't all that interesting to me. In fact, I thought the flow of the story dragged a lot in places - there just didn't seem to be much happening a lot of the time.
I did like that Felix's character background got a little more filled in, although it wasn't by much. Also the relationship between Lily and Felix hardly had any development in this installment, which was undoubtedly partly due to their separate storylines, but still.
Overall I cannot help but feel a little disappointed in this one, but someone who is more interested in the investigations than the characters might enjoy this one better than I did.
I did like that Felix's character background got a little more filled in, although it wasn't by much. Also the relationship between Lily and Felix hardly had any development in this installment, which was undoubtedly partly due to their separate storylines, but still.
Overall I cannot help but feel a little disappointed in this one, but someone who is more interested in the investigations than the characters might enjoy this one better than I did.
October 12, 2025
I've been enjoying a re-encounter with Clare's books, and particularly her World End Bureau mysteries. I had read the first two several years ago and then lost track of them. I ended up re-reading the 2nd book as a 'cruise the shelves' pick up, & didn't realize I'd read it a few years ago until I drew closer to the end. I then moved on to new to me books, and the third book in the series. This one presents with two separate cases in different locations, with Lily & Felix each focusing on one. In the end, they become quite connected. Always fascinating to see how an author develops plots & characters over time. I'm looking forward to reading #4, which moves to France; a first, and eye-opening experience, for Lily which also reveals more of Felix's back story.
April 5, 2023
A Tale of Envy and Revolutionaries
Lily and Felix of the World's End Bureau take on two cases involving young people. Lily must find a lost Jewish/Russian young boy who fled from a pogrom in Russia and has a treasure some ruthless people are seeking. Felix's job is to find proof that a young man from London who was hanged for his fiancee's murder was truly innocent. Both Lily and Felix become fully invested in their cases. Lily is put in danger through her investigation, while Felix learns more about the young couple and his own relatives. This mystery is truly engaging and you root for both protagonists in their search for the truth.
Lily and Felix of the World's End Bureau take on two cases involving young people. Lily must find a lost Jewish/Russian young boy who fled from a pogrom in Russia and has a treasure some ruthless people are seeking. Felix's job is to find proof that a young man from London who was hanged for his fiancee's murder was truly innocent. Both Lily and Felix become fully invested in their cases. Lily is put in danger through her investigation, while Felix learns more about the young couple and his own relatives. This mystery is truly engaging and you root for both protagonists in their search for the truth.
October 26, 2024
13~year~old Yakov came to England with his Grandmother to escape the pogroms on Russian Jews who were believed to have caused the bombings that resulted in the death of Tsar Alexander II. Upon arrival, his Grandmother fell ill and they got separated. Yakov's disappearance is Lily's assignment; while Felix's is to prove a grave miscarriage of justice. Two cases, one could never be bored here. As yet another exciting read from this author.
August 28, 2022
Alys Clare's historical mysteries are always fascinating and this one is the best in this series. I liked the plot, the vivid historical background, wes glad to catch up with the characters.
The solid mystery kept me guessing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
The solid mystery kept me guessing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
October 21, 2022
I really enjoyed the first two books in this series, but this one fell flat for me.
I missed the interaction and relationship of the two main characters for one thing. But also both of the cases they were separately working on were very hard and depressing and I think I am just not in a frame of mind to want that tone of a story right now.
I missed the interaction and relationship of the two main characters for one thing. But also both of the cases they were separately working on were very hard and depressing and I think I am just not in a frame of mind to want that tone of a story right now.
January 16, 2023
Lily Raynor has just thought that it would be nice to undertake a different case, when The World’s End Investigation Bureau is hand 2 very different cases - a missing child and a miscarriage of justice. Felix sets off to investigate the hanging of Abel Spokewright and Lily begins the search for 11 year Russian bot Yakov. Both cases are bigger and more complicated than they first appear.
October 17, 2024
Another average entry. Two different cases, one with Russian escapees from pogroms and another about a wrongly convicted and hung young man. Lily investigates the first and Felix the second. The second makes more sense, but the first is too atmospherically idiotic, moody, and mystical about Russians and a relic. It's what drags the book down almost to below average.
May 20, 2022
This was such a good read. The writing was really well done with a storyline that was compelling and characters that were really well developed. The pacing and the tone of the book were perfectly done and the twists and unpredictabilty of this book meant I couldn't put it down.
Read
July 12, 2022This is a fresh take on the serial killer thriller genre. The main character is a Cuban American crime reporter. In addition to being a gripping mystery, the main character is a fully fleshed out character with interesting relationships. Top notch.
August 25, 2022
A new series for me, not a fan of her other books. Like the setting and time frame and a great story.
Can you tell I'm tired of writing snyopsis. Gets old after awhile, what is there left to say when you return to a series time and time again?
Can you tell I'm tired of writing snyopsis. Gets old after awhile, what is there left to say when you return to a series time and time again?
September 7, 2022
I enjoyed the two detectives of the World's End Bureau series. Assisting new Jewish refugees to the London scene of 1881 presents Lily Raynor a challenge. Meanwhile her partner, Felix Wilbraham, is off to solve a year-old murder in Kent.
January 2, 2023
Two and a half stars. I really like this series, but this one had way too much landscape and house description that left me skimming a lot. Plus so much redundancy. The two mysteries, however, were quite good. Glad they discussed fees. Wish Alexei and the little ballerina had some interaction.
March 31, 2024
An enjoyable mystery with a good amount of historical detail. However, the motivation of the murderers was flimsy in both parts of the plot, and I could still do without the awkward romantic triangle with Lily, Felix and Tamaz.
January 6, 2025
This third delightful volume in the World’s End Bureau adventures takes Lily Raynor and Felix Wilbraham in different directions with two different assignments … she to London’s East End and its immigrants, and he to the hop-fields of Kent … clever and well-plotted …
July 28, 2022
Needed more scenes of Lily and Felix working together. Liked the two mysteries, but missed having them solve these as partners, like the first two.
September 9, 2022
Another solid outing from a favorite author. I wasn’t expecting the twists in either storyline. The supernatural element was softer here but still fitting of the author’s thread.
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