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Variety Palace Mysteries #2
The Innocents
The hotly anticipated follow-up to T he Tumbling Girl , The Innocents follows Minnie and Albert on a new crime-solving quest in the world of a Victorian music hall. A string of murders has torn through London, throwing together the now notorious Minnie Ward and Albert Easterbrook once again. It seems that the crimes all link back to a tragedy fourteen years ago that left 183 children dead. But given that the incident touched so many people’s lives, everyone is a suspect . . .
275 pages, Paperback
Published April 2, 2024
About the author
Bridget Walsh
6 books41 followersI was born in London and now live in Norwich with my husband and two dogs. After a degree in English Literature, and a few abortive career choices, I found my home as an English teacher for 23 years. I completed my PhD in Victorian domestic murder at London University in 2009, but my fascination with Victorian crime never left me. In 2019 I completed the Creative Writing (Crime Fiction) MA at UEA where I was awarded the David Higham Scholarship and received the UEA Little, Brown Award for Crime Fiction. I am represented by Isobel Dixon at Blake Friedmann.
The Tumbling Girl, the first in a series of crime novels set in the 1870s and featuring an intrepid, working-class heroine and her somewhat posher sidekick, will be published by Gallic in 2023.
The Tumbling Girl, the first in a series of crime novels set in the 1870s and featuring an intrepid, working-class heroine and her somewhat posher sidekick, will be published by Gallic in 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
March 3, 2026
Rating: 4* of five
The Publisher Says: The hotly anticipated follow-up to The Tumbling Girl, The Innocents follows Minnie and Albert on a new crime-solving quest in the world of a Victorian music hall.
Still reeling from the gruesome murders of the previous year, Minnie Ward is appointed manager of the Variety Palace. Times are hard, with performers shunning the 'cursed' music hall, and Minnie's relationship with Detective Albert Easterbrook is more complicated than ever. Despite the success of their last case, Minnie is terrified of the feelings that have started to grow between them. She has decided it’s definitely better for all involved if they stay as far away from each other as possible…
But when another killer begins to terrorise the city's streets, Minnie and Albert are thrown together once more. The crimes seem connected to a notorious tragedy that left nearly 200 children dead—and with so many lives affected by the incident, practically everyone is a suspect. As the investigation unfolds, dark truths begin to come to light, and Minnie is forced to confront her own past.
The Innocents is the 2nd book in the Variety Palace Mystery series, which can be read independently but continue the story of irresistible crime-solving duo Minnie and Albert. Taking place against the thrilling backdrop of the Variety Palace Music Hall in gritty Victorian London, it's perfect for fans of historical crime fiction, such as books by Sarah Waters, Stacey Halls and Elizabeth Macneal.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: I'll start by noting that you really will enjoy this read a lot more if you read book one before picking this one up. (I'm soft-pedaling this because publishers are really anxious for y'all who resist series-reading unless the series is complete need you to buy the books.)
I'd say this was not *quite* up to the first one's standard of narrative refinement. The twist I mentioned that occurs in the last 15% of The Tumbling Girl is, to my surprise, allowed to keep affecting the action in this book. I felt that was surprising, not ordinary; I didn't mind it because the issue under investigation by Minnie and Albert is not an ordinary one, relating to and stemming from a decade-plus old cause. If we're seeing life unfolding as Life unfolds for us real people, let the recrudescence of complicating factors do the same. After all, ma'at is never done with us; why should plots be artificially tidy?
Because fiction isn't life, that's why.
Minnie is in a more complicated situation vis-à-vis the music hall in this entry, is still processing her complicated feelings for Albert, still juggling skatey-eight skabillion demands on her time...and still can not let an injustice, really a dereliction, with horrible real-world pain and anguish as its fruit go unaddressed once Albert makes her aware of it.
Albert's still the emotionally labile one of the pair. He loves Minnie and still doesn't demand anything of her just is there with her, supportive, while still giving her the impetus to use skills and talents she might be reticent to deploy as he guides her to do. She suffers the conflicted feelings that any PTSD sufferer would when confronted by a worthy, good partner: she isn't good enough, he deserves better, he is too good for her. Albert does not agree. Albert demonstrates this with patient kindness and sincere reassurance. It's like watching Ilya from Heated Rivalry tenderly reassuring Shane that everything's fine when stress causes a spin-out. Albert has earned Minnie's trust so he can focus her on protecting their friends from harm.
These stories are not sugar-coated. The terrible things that happen are not shied away from, minimized, in order to spare your 21st-century squeamishness. I'm okay with that, but in this story two things occur and get described that are...viscerally upsetting, child harm and cruelty to dogs. Both are condemned, both are presented as appalling to Albert, Minnie, and decent people everywhere. They're still in the story and not merely in passing.
I do not recommend this entry in the series to my sensitive pals. I had a hard time with the dog scene. I think y'all might as well skip this story who can't deal even with what I've told you.
Thicker-skinned folk will likely find the resolution to the multistranded miscreancy in this story worth powering past, or through, those dreadful byways. Minnie and Albert have annoying habits of not learning lessons from their pasts, but the author's set the books a couple years apart so that was enough of a fig-leaf for the issue in my reading experience.
It was a rather deus ex machina of an ending, though. Sort of late-career Agatha Christie vibes. It wasn't totally, utterly sprung on me but it was abrupt and not quite the very best work from Author Walsh. I'm still at four stars because Albert and the Variety Palace scoobygroup keep Minnie held together and moving forward in believable, investable ways.
Maybe you'll get as much from these two reads as I did by experiencing them back-to-back. I recommend it to the not-squeamish.
The Publisher Says: The hotly anticipated follow-up to The Tumbling Girl, The Innocents follows Minnie and Albert on a new crime-solving quest in the world of a Victorian music hall.
Still reeling from the gruesome murders of the previous year, Minnie Ward is appointed manager of the Variety Palace. Times are hard, with performers shunning the 'cursed' music hall, and Minnie's relationship with Detective Albert Easterbrook is more complicated than ever. Despite the success of their last case, Minnie is terrified of the feelings that have started to grow between them. She has decided it’s definitely better for all involved if they stay as far away from each other as possible…
But when another killer begins to terrorise the city's streets, Minnie and Albert are thrown together once more. The crimes seem connected to a notorious tragedy that left nearly 200 children dead—and with so many lives affected by the incident, practically everyone is a suspect. As the investigation unfolds, dark truths begin to come to light, and Minnie is forced to confront her own past.
The Innocents is the 2nd book in the Variety Palace Mystery series, which can be read independently but continue the story of irresistible crime-solving duo Minnie and Albert. Taking place against the thrilling backdrop of the Variety Palace Music Hall in gritty Victorian London, it's perfect for fans of historical crime fiction, such as books by Sarah Waters, Stacey Halls and Elizabeth Macneal.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: I'll start by noting that you really will enjoy this read a lot more if you read book one before picking this one up. (I'm soft-pedaling this because publishers are really anxious for y'all who resist series-reading unless the series is complete need you to buy the books.)
I'd say this was not *quite* up to the first one's standard of narrative refinement. The twist I mentioned that occurs in the last 15% of The Tumbling Girl is, to my surprise, allowed to keep affecting the action in this book. I felt that was surprising, not ordinary; I didn't mind it because the issue under investigation by Minnie and Albert is not an ordinary one, relating to and stemming from a decade-plus old cause. If we're seeing life unfolding as Life unfolds for us real people, let the recrudescence of complicating factors do the same. After all, ma'at is never done with us; why should plots be artificially tidy?
Because fiction isn't life, that's why.
Minnie is in a more complicated situation vis-à-vis the music hall in this entry, is still processing her complicated feelings for Albert, still juggling skatey-eight skabillion demands on her time...and still can not let an injustice, really a dereliction, with horrible real-world pain and anguish as its fruit go unaddressed once Albert makes her aware of it.
Albert's still the emotionally labile one of the pair. He loves Minnie and still doesn't demand anything of her just is there with her, supportive, while still giving her the impetus to use skills and talents she might be reticent to deploy as he guides her to do. She suffers the conflicted feelings that any PTSD sufferer would when confronted by a worthy, good partner: she isn't good enough, he deserves better, he is too good for her. Albert does not agree. Albert demonstrates this with patient kindness and sincere reassurance. It's like watching Ilya from Heated Rivalry tenderly reassuring Shane that everything's fine when stress causes a spin-out. Albert has earned Minnie's trust so he can focus her on protecting their friends from harm.
These stories are not sugar-coated. The terrible things that happen are not shied away from, minimized, in order to spare your 21st-century squeamishness. I'm okay with that, but in this story two things occur and get described that are...viscerally upsetting, child harm and cruelty to dogs. Both are condemned, both are presented as appalling to Albert, Minnie, and decent people everywhere. They're still in the story and not merely in passing.
I do not recommend this entry in the series to my sensitive pals. I had a hard time with the dog scene. I think y'all might as well skip this story who can't deal even with what I've told you.
Thicker-skinned folk will likely find the resolution to the multistranded miscreancy in this story worth powering past, or through, those dreadful byways. Minnie and Albert have annoying habits of not learning lessons from their pasts, but the author's set the books a couple years apart so that was enough of a fig-leaf for the issue in my reading experience.
It was a rather deus ex machina of an ending, though. Sort of late-career Agatha Christie vibes. It wasn't totally, utterly sprung on me but it was abrupt and not quite the very best work from Author Walsh. I'm still at four stars because Albert and the Variety Palace scoobygroup keep Minnie held together and moving forward in believable, investable ways.
Maybe you'll get as much from these two reads as I did by experiencing them back-to-back. I recommend it to the not-squeamish.
September 5, 2024
Second book featuring theatre writer and manager Minnie, and policeman turned private detective Albert. The book starts with a horrific event based on a real tragedy, with a matinee session in a theatre ending in the death of nearly 200 children, the innocents of the title. Move forward a few years, and some of the key people in the theatre at the time, are being murdered.
It takes Minnie and Albert a while to get the connections but of course they get there in the end. And while they're getting there, we get their relationship going forwards and backwards, we get the ongoing impact of the past from the first book, we get loads of fabulous theatre and colour, a monkey whose main talent seems to be to pee on people from a height, and we get lots of dark deeds.
I actually enjoyed this book more than the first one, I felt that Minnie and Albert had become really well-established, and I loved the story - though it was awful. I love the light and dark, I love the writing. Have to say, this is fast becoming one of my favourite series. Pity the next one isn't on the horizon yet. A great read which also manages, despite the lack of obvious HEAs, to be feel good.
It takes Minnie and Albert a while to get the connections but of course they get there in the end. And while they're getting there, we get their relationship going forwards and backwards, we get the ongoing impact of the past from the first book, we get loads of fabulous theatre and colour, a monkey whose main talent seems to be to pee on people from a height, and we get lots of dark deeds.
I actually enjoyed this book more than the first one, I felt that Minnie and Albert had become really well-established, and I loved the story - though it was awful. I love the light and dark, I love the writing. Have to say, this is fast becoming one of my favourite series. Pity the next one isn't on the horizon yet. A great read which also manages, despite the lack of obvious HEAs, to be feel good.
May 24, 2024
Even better than the first! I couldn’t put this book down, it’s fast-paced without lacking on the description. Really feel connected to the characters, as they are developed from the first book. Looking forward to more from the Variety Palace!
March 11, 2026
This is a great historical mystery set in Victorian London with much of the action occuring in/around variety palaces. The author has good historical chops and knows whereof she writes. The novel opens with an historical event—a deadly rush of a crowd of children attending a seasonal pantomime.
There are suspects aplenty, a problematic attempt to install a water tank in the variety palace at the heart of the novel, interesting (in a mostly good way) tensions among characters, a kidnapped monkey, and more.
If you enjoy historical mysteries, put this one on your summer reading list—or read it before summer, as the follow-up, The Spirit Guide, will be released in July.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss+; the opinions are my own.
There are suspects aplenty, a problematic attempt to install a water tank in the variety palace at the heart of the novel, interesting (in a mostly good way) tensions among characters, a kidnapped monkey, and more.
If you enjoy historical mysteries, put this one on your summer reading list—or read it before summer, as the follow-up, The Spirit Guide, will be released in July.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss+; the opinions are my own.
April 21, 2024
Another compelling installment in the series! I found myself enjoying this book even more than the first one, despite the weaker crime mystery (there was too much randomness in who turned out to be the villain). However, the less gruesome story was a welcome change. Being familiar with the characters allowed me to root for them more strongly. Like the first volume, this book is meticulously researched and very fast-paced. It was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I eagerly anticipate the next volumes, as this series may become my favorite in the crime fiction genre.
March 2, 2024
The Innocents is the second of the Variety Palace Mysteries, a sequel to The Tumbling Girl. Minnie Ward is still holding the theater company together, particularly since Tansie, the owner/manager, is still reeling from the events in the first book. The budding romance between Minnie and Albert, the private detective, has been shelved by Minnie who doesn’t have the time and who thinks Albert deserves a better partner in his life. She has also sworn off detecting after everything that happened.
But mysteries abound and they have not sworn off Minnie. Minnie and Albert are commissioned to investigate the death of a judge that had been ruled accidental. His widow is certain it must be murder. That investigation leads to uncovering other mysterious deaths and a possible serial killer.
In addition, one of the Variety Palace players’ brother is missing and Minnie asks Albert to investigate. Tansie’s monkey is kidnapped and an impossible ransom demanded. And if that were not enough, Minnie is being menaced to force her to visit the guilty party from the first book.
For me, The Innocents was a more enjoyable mystery than the first book. Some of that is simply that it is far less gruesome. Though the tragedy recounted in the prologue is horrific, the deaths in this book have an internal logic that is not about inflicting pain in pursuit of pleasure. In a way, this murderer is more like Hamlet, killing “more in sorrow than in anger.”
There is a bit of deux ex machina in addressing the extortionate demands of The Tumbling Girl‘s villain, but that is fine with me. The threads from the first book remain hanging and that surprised me. I had expected the immediate sequel to snip them off, but I would be happy if the Hairpin Killer is never heard from again.
The mystery is complex and fair. There is more than one mystery and the book does have a sort of frenetic pace and affect, but I imagine Minnie’s life is frenetic what with writing scripts for the theater, managing the theater, and solving crime. She’s a strong, independent woman just seven years after the Married Woman’s Property Act. If Bridget Walsh wrote this book before 1870, the copyright and all the proceedings would belong to her husband. So a book set in that era, with not one, but several strong and independent women working and supporting themselves in occupations beyond the governess or sex worker stereotypical choices of employment is exciting.
I liked The Innocents a lot. It can be read out without reading the first book, but doesn’t irk readers of the first with presenting too much backstory. The plot moves quickly and there is more showing than telling. The characters are complex, even the villain. Well, at least one of the villains. It’s a surprise and a treat when a sequel is better than the first book in a mystery series. Now, I am expecting great things from her third book.
The Innocents will be released on March 26th (4/11 in UK.) I received an ARC from the publisher.
Bridget Walsh author site plus a gorgeous garden.
My review of The Tumbling Girl
https://tonstantweaderreviews.wordpre...
But mysteries abound and they have not sworn off Minnie. Minnie and Albert are commissioned to investigate the death of a judge that had been ruled accidental. His widow is certain it must be murder. That investigation leads to uncovering other mysterious deaths and a possible serial killer.
In addition, one of the Variety Palace players’ brother is missing and Minnie asks Albert to investigate. Tansie’s monkey is kidnapped and an impossible ransom demanded. And if that were not enough, Minnie is being menaced to force her to visit the guilty party from the first book.
For me, The Innocents was a more enjoyable mystery than the first book. Some of that is simply that it is far less gruesome. Though the tragedy recounted in the prologue is horrific, the deaths in this book have an internal logic that is not about inflicting pain in pursuit of pleasure. In a way, this murderer is more like Hamlet, killing “more in sorrow than in anger.”
There is a bit of deux ex machina in addressing the extortionate demands of The Tumbling Girl‘s villain, but that is fine with me. The threads from the first book remain hanging and that surprised me. I had expected the immediate sequel to snip them off, but I would be happy if the Hairpin Killer is never heard from again.
The mystery is complex and fair. There is more than one mystery and the book does have a sort of frenetic pace and affect, but I imagine Minnie’s life is frenetic what with writing scripts for the theater, managing the theater, and solving crime. She’s a strong, independent woman just seven years after the Married Woman’s Property Act. If Bridget Walsh wrote this book before 1870, the copyright and all the proceedings would belong to her husband. So a book set in that era, with not one, but several strong and independent women working and supporting themselves in occupations beyond the governess or sex worker stereotypical choices of employment is exciting.
I liked The Innocents a lot. It can be read out without reading the first book, but doesn’t irk readers of the first with presenting too much backstory. The plot moves quickly and there is more showing than telling. The characters are complex, even the villain. Well, at least one of the villains. It’s a surprise and a treat when a sequel is better than the first book in a mystery series. Now, I am expecting great things from her third book.
The Innocents will be released on March 26th (4/11 in UK.) I received an ARC from the publisher.
Bridget Walsh author site plus a gorgeous garden.
My review of The Tumbling Girl
https://tonstantweaderreviews.wordpre...
June 1, 2026
Wow this slow-burn yearning is so delectable.
The historical setting of this series and the background research that brings the characters, settings, and events to life is fascinating. The premise of this one being based on an actual event is horrifying to think about, but it really made the story and motivations feel authentic. I did call the killer earlier on than some of the twists in the first book, but it was still really fun to watch it all play out.
4.5 stars.
The historical setting of this series and the background research that brings the characters, settings, and events to life is fascinating. The premise of this one being based on an actual event is horrifying to think about, but it really made the story and motivations feel authentic. I did call the killer earlier on than some of the twists in the first book, but it was still really fun to watch it all play out.
4.5 stars.
May 24, 2025
This was, again, phenomenal. The mystery aspect was perhaps a bit obscure and the details of it felt haphazard at times but nevertheless, the story was so so good even if the real, historic event framing the whole story was extremely tragic and the description of it somewhat hard to stomach. I am still really intrigued how the whole Lord Linton-storyline will progress in the upcoming book(s) and I am also desperately hoping for a (re)kindling of whatever is going on between Minnie and Albert that is at the moment such a slooooooow burn. But for the time being I will have to content myself with impatiently waiting (what a conundrum lol) for any news whatsoever regarding the next instalment in the series.
June 23, 2026
4,5⭐️
July 14, 2024
The second book in the Variety Palace series and wowzer! I really enjoyed The Tumbling Girl but The Innocents is fantastic!
Starting with a horrifically vivid account of the tragic deaths of 183 children, following a theatre stampede, we are immediately on edge and poised for what will come next.
Alfred and Minnie team up again (albeit reluctantly) to solve the case of more deaths of those connected to the theatre. This time it seems there’s a link to the tragedy, but who is responsible?
Bridget takes one in awful historical artefact or event and creates a wonderful story, combining vivid description, with a blend of historical fact and fiction to create a truly compelling story. Although bleak at times, it’s never glorified and the balance between gruesome and romance is perfect. There’s even some humour sprinkled in, making this one of my favourite reads this year.
Any book that combines history, theatre and crime is a pretty damn easy way to please me! I look forward to the next outing for Alfred and Minnie.
Starting with a horrifically vivid account of the tragic deaths of 183 children, following a theatre stampede, we are immediately on edge and poised for what will come next.
Alfred and Minnie team up again (albeit reluctantly) to solve the case of more deaths of those connected to the theatre. This time it seems there’s a link to the tragedy, but who is responsible?
Bridget takes one in awful historical artefact or event and creates a wonderful story, combining vivid description, with a blend of historical fact and fiction to create a truly compelling story. Although bleak at times, it’s never glorified and the balance between gruesome and romance is perfect. There’s even some humour sprinkled in, making this one of my favourite reads this year.
Any book that combines history, theatre and crime is a pretty damn easy way to please me! I look forward to the next outing for Alfred and Minnie.
May 16, 2024
Idk how many of these Bridget is planning to write but I will keep reading them!!
September 28, 2026
❝𝐻𝑒𝓇𝑒’𝓈 𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈 𝓌𝑒 𝒹𝑜𝓃’𝓉 𝓉𝒶𝓁𝓀 𝒶𝒷𝑜𝓊𝓉.❞ - 𝐵𝓇𝒾𝒹𝑔𝑒𝓉 𝒲𝒶𝓁𝓈𝒽
🗝️
At nineteen, I was absurdly, almost embarrassingly, obsessed with Sherlock Holmes. Not with the mysteries themselves (though certainly those), but with the methods, the murky Victorian streets, and the peculiar intimacy of Holmes and Watson. I've since abandoned most of the tweed, but the obsession has never quite died.
Bridget Walsh's Variety Palace Mysteries have proved to be just the sort of thing I adore. A touch of the macabre, a suspicious character or two, and I'm enthralled.
For one, there's the language. The Victorian slang is delicious, so effortlessly woven into the dialogue that it never feels like a desperate bid for historical authenticity. It belongs. It's charming, occasionally jarring, and wonderfully alive. (I recently told a coworker, "Don't sell me a dog!" and meant every syllable.)
I picked up The Tumbling Girl in early September, entirely because I'm weak in the knees for a French flap. Fortunately, Walsh proved that there was considerably more to admire beneath the lovely exterior. Horror and humor make for peculiar bedfellows, but here they coexist beautifully. The characters won me over almost at once, and by the second half, I was holding my breath. There was even a rather sweet, mature romantic thread stitched throughout the pages.
The Innocents is a brilliant encore. Minnie and Albert, Tom and Tansie... I've grown attached. Returning to the world of the Variety Palace didn't feel like retracing old ground. It felt like stepping back into a familiar room and realizing, somehow, that there were details and shadowy corners I hadn't noticed the first time.
I had my suspicions about the killer in both books, and, as it happens, my instincts were pretty much sound. But there's a peculiar pleasure in being right and still being thoroughly surprised by the journey. Walsh makes the unravelling every bit as satisfying as the mystery itself.
And now, naturally, I need The Spirit Guide. Preferably sooner rather than later, as I'm eager to follow Walsh's peculiar and endearing cast of characters through many more darkened streets, ill-fated encounters, and suspicious goings-on. Oh, and cakes. Lots more cake.
🗝️
At nineteen, I was absurdly, almost embarrassingly, obsessed with Sherlock Holmes. Not with the mysteries themselves (though certainly those), but with the methods, the murky Victorian streets, and the peculiar intimacy of Holmes and Watson. I've since abandoned most of the tweed, but the obsession has never quite died.
Bridget Walsh's Variety Palace Mysteries have proved to be just the sort of thing I adore. A touch of the macabre, a suspicious character or two, and I'm enthralled.
For one, there's the language. The Victorian slang is delicious, so effortlessly woven into the dialogue that it never feels like a desperate bid for historical authenticity. It belongs. It's charming, occasionally jarring, and wonderfully alive. (I recently told a coworker, "Don't sell me a dog!" and meant every syllable.)
I picked up The Tumbling Girl in early September, entirely because I'm weak in the knees for a French flap. Fortunately, Walsh proved that there was considerably more to admire beneath the lovely exterior. Horror and humor make for peculiar bedfellows, but here they coexist beautifully. The characters won me over almost at once, and by the second half, I was holding my breath. There was even a rather sweet, mature romantic thread stitched throughout the pages.
The Innocents is a brilliant encore. Minnie and Albert, Tom and Tansie... I've grown attached. Returning to the world of the Variety Palace didn't feel like retracing old ground. It felt like stepping back into a familiar room and realizing, somehow, that there were details and shadowy corners I hadn't noticed the first time.
I had my suspicions about the killer in both books, and, as it happens, my instincts were pretty much sound. But there's a peculiar pleasure in being right and still being thoroughly surprised by the journey. Walsh makes the unravelling every bit as satisfying as the mystery itself.
And now, naturally, I need The Spirit Guide. Preferably sooner rather than later, as I'm eager to follow Walsh's peculiar and endearing cast of characters through many more darkened streets, ill-fated encounters, and suspicious goings-on. Oh, and cakes. Lots more cake.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2026
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 3.5 of 5
A series of murders are occurring in Victorian London and it's brought theatre workers Minnie and Albert together again. These current murders bear a striking connection to a historic tragedy in which nearly 200 children were killed in a theatre - though it does take a little time for Minnie and Albert to make this connection. And of course, working in the theatre themselves, they have some unique insights into how things work, both on and backstage, as well as 'front of house.'
I enjoyed the historical aspects here. As a retired theatre professional, I do enjoy reading fiction with people who work in the field. Of course the author needs to get the details right or I get caught up in what's wrong instead of following along with the story.
There is some time spent with a performing monkey (and its kidnapping and ransom demand), which is a little strange, but performing animals, particularly monkeys, was fairly common in the Victorian days. I appreciated this bit.
With hundreds of grieving family members, there are plenty of suspects who could be look for revenge and author Bridget Walsh keeps us guessing. I hadn't figured out our murder until Minnie did, though I probably should have guessed it.
I actually enjoyed this book more than the first volume. I think that familiarity with our central characters, and understanding their dynamic really helped. We also didn't need to spend much time setting up the characters so we could actually spend more time with the mystery.
The Victorian er is a great setting, and connecting the mystery to a grand theatre works really well for me.
Looking for a good book? The Innocents is the second book in the Variety Palace Mysteries by Bridget Walsh. The history feels accurate, the story well-written, and the characters charming and flawed the way real people tend to be.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
A series of murders are occurring in Victorian London and it's brought theatre workers Minnie and Albert together again. These current murders bear a striking connection to a historic tragedy in which nearly 200 children were killed in a theatre - though it does take a little time for Minnie and Albert to make this connection. And of course, working in the theatre themselves, they have some unique insights into how things work, both on and backstage, as well as 'front of house.'
I enjoyed the historical aspects here. As a retired theatre professional, I do enjoy reading fiction with people who work in the field. Of course the author needs to get the details right or I get caught up in what's wrong instead of following along with the story.
There is some time spent with a performing monkey (and its kidnapping and ransom demand), which is a little strange, but performing animals, particularly monkeys, was fairly common in the Victorian days. I appreciated this bit.
With hundreds of grieving family members, there are plenty of suspects who could be look for revenge and author Bridget Walsh keeps us guessing. I hadn't figured out our murder until Minnie did, though I probably should have guessed it.
I actually enjoyed this book more than the first volume. I think that familiarity with our central characters, and understanding their dynamic really helped. We also didn't need to spend much time setting up the characters so we could actually spend more time with the mystery.
The Victorian er is a great setting, and connecting the mystery to a grand theatre works really well for me.
Looking for a good book? The Innocents is the second book in the Variety Palace Mysteries by Bridget Walsh. The history feels accurate, the story well-written, and the characters charming and flawed the way real people tend to be.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2026
The Tumbling Girl and The Innocents are fantastic Victorian mystery books that I thoroughly enjoyed on audio! I had applied and been accepted to review the third in this series The Spirit Guide, before I realized it was a series but thankfully the first two books were available on borrowbox.
The Tumbling Girl is the first in the series, which sets the scene and the characters for the rest of the series. We are introduced to our main character Minnie, a scriptwriter for the Variety Palace music hall. In book one, she is devastated by the brutal murder of her best friend. She enlists the help of a private detective Albert to help solve the case. Albert is also trying to solve the mysterious case of the hairpin killer. Together they navigate Victorian London to solve the case. Then in book two, the Innocents, Minnie and Albert are back again to solve another case of a string of murders all connected with a terrible tragedy in which 183 children died. The innocent affected so many lives that everyone is a suspect and Albert and Minnie grow even closer.
Both books have such lovable characters, I adored both Albert and Minnie and the will they/won't they get together romantically. A lot of the characters we meet in book one make an appearance in book two which I always love in a series. We see how the aftermath of the events in the first book are still affecting them in book two. Minnie is a fantastic character who is strong willed and determined. We see the prejudices towards finding justice for Minnie's friend just because she was a performer and the lack of worth attributed to women at the time. The atmosphere is another great aspect of the book, the author transports you to 1870s London with the sights and sounds throughout. The two books kept me gripped from start to finish and I couldn't wait to find out the truth in both. Overall, two fantastic entertaining audiobooks and I can't wait to finish the series!
The Tumbling Girl is the first in the series, which sets the scene and the characters for the rest of the series. We are introduced to our main character Minnie, a scriptwriter for the Variety Palace music hall. In book one, she is devastated by the brutal murder of her best friend. She enlists the help of a private detective Albert to help solve the case. Albert is also trying to solve the mysterious case of the hairpin killer. Together they navigate Victorian London to solve the case. Then in book two, the Innocents, Minnie and Albert are back again to solve another case of a string of murders all connected with a terrible tragedy in which 183 children died. The innocent affected so many lives that everyone is a suspect and Albert and Minnie grow even closer.
Both books have such lovable characters, I adored both Albert and Minnie and the will they/won't they get together romantically. A lot of the characters we meet in book one make an appearance in book two which I always love in a series. We see how the aftermath of the events in the first book are still affecting them in book two. Minnie is a fantastic character who is strong willed and determined. We see the prejudices towards finding justice for Minnie's friend just because she was a performer and the lack of worth attributed to women at the time. The atmosphere is another great aspect of the book, the author transports you to 1870s London with the sights and sounds throughout. The two books kept me gripped from start to finish and I couldn't wait to find out the truth in both. Overall, two fantastic entertaining audiobooks and I can't wait to finish the series!
August 30, 2026
I was fortunate enough to be given books one to three in this series by the publisher, and what a delight it has been to dive into this series from Bridget Walsh!
Book two opens with a heartbreaking tragedy that involves the death of 183 children – and I will say that this was quite the difficult opening to read. (It was, however, based on an actual historical event, so I think that’s important to remember.) This series is dark and gritty and doesn’t shy away from the unpleasant realities of the Victorian time period, and this sequel continued with that writing and plot style.
This mystery is rooted in a strong historical setting and comes complete with a fantastic cast of unique, quirky, and lovable characters. AND not only do we have mysteries to solve, we also get a little bit of “will they / won’t they” romantic tension building throughout the series -- but in a way that feels nuanced and layered. The secondary plots add to the story as a whole rather than taking away from the mystery element. Well done!
What I especially love about this series is how real Minnie’s character feels. Her life is busy and full of chaos but she’s also determined, sassy, and strong. The dialogue and interactions feel authentic, plausible, and realistic for an amateur detective.
Plot wise, I’m not sure The Innocents worked as well for me as the first book -- it lost me a little bit towards the end. However, I had an immensely enjoyable time following along with this troupe of characters once more.
Book three is sitting on my shelf calling my name and I will happily continue to visit The Variety Palace as often as Walsh invites us!
Book two opens with a heartbreaking tragedy that involves the death of 183 children – and I will say that this was quite the difficult opening to read. (It was, however, based on an actual historical event, so I think that’s important to remember.) This series is dark and gritty and doesn’t shy away from the unpleasant realities of the Victorian time period, and this sequel continued with that writing and plot style.
This mystery is rooted in a strong historical setting and comes complete with a fantastic cast of unique, quirky, and lovable characters. AND not only do we have mysteries to solve, we also get a little bit of “will they / won’t they” romantic tension building throughout the series -- but in a way that feels nuanced and layered. The secondary plots add to the story as a whole rather than taking away from the mystery element. Well done!
What I especially love about this series is how real Minnie’s character feels. Her life is busy and full of chaos but she’s also determined, sassy, and strong. The dialogue and interactions feel authentic, plausible, and realistic for an amateur detective.
Plot wise, I’m not sure The Innocents worked as well for me as the first book -- it lost me a little bit towards the end. However, I had an immensely enjoyable time following along with this troupe of characters once more.
Book three is sitting on my shelf calling my name and I will happily continue to visit The Variety Palace as often as Walsh invites us!
April 23, 2024
This is the second in The Variety Palace Mysteries, I had not read the first, and what a very entertaining and enjoyable read it was. The book opens in 1863 at the fictional Trafalgar Theatre in London where children have been crammed in to the rafters to see a pantomime. However, at the end when the performers throw sweets into the audience and there is a terrible tragedy and 183 children are killed.
Briefly, 14 years after the theatre disaster detective Albert Easterbrook and writer and theatre manager Minnie Ward are brought back together to investigate the death of a judge as his wife is not convinced it was an accident. As their investigations unfold they find there have been other murders, and other events, that may be related to the Trafalgar Theatre tragedy.
This is in no way a cozy theatre/detective read so do be aware. The theatre tragedy is horrifying and quite upsetting and there is some narrative relating to dog fighting. That said it’s not gratuitous, things were very different in Victorian society and the book is true to this era. I did enjoy this authors writing, I whizzed through it. A fast paced and disturbing, but also witty and captivating, read. Fabulous.
Briefly, 14 years after the theatre disaster detective Albert Easterbrook and writer and theatre manager Minnie Ward are brought back together to investigate the death of a judge as his wife is not convinced it was an accident. As their investigations unfold they find there have been other murders, and other events, that may be related to the Trafalgar Theatre tragedy.
This is in no way a cozy theatre/detective read so do be aware. The theatre tragedy is horrifying and quite upsetting and there is some narrative relating to dog fighting. That said it’s not gratuitous, things were very different in Victorian society and the book is true to this era. I did enjoy this authors writing, I whizzed through it. A fast paced and disturbing, but also witty and captivating, read. Fabulous.
October 8, 2024
I read the first installment in this series about a year ago, and have been looking forward to the next installment ever since. Having said that, I kind of wish I’d had a bit of a refresher as to what happened in the previous book, as this once kept referring back to elements of that story which I just couldn’t call up in my memory. Most of the time this wasn’t key to the plot line, but more so to character development, so it wasn’t a total deal breaker. Speaking of characters, it’s really what I like so much about this series, and it's a good thing they are rather strong, because the story line—woof, it was rather dark. I seem to recall the first book also having a rather dark main plot line, but this one really was even more so, given that the book begins with the central event, that was a mass casualty event involving entirely children. Yikes, what a way to set the tone. These days, that’s a bit heavy for me for fiction. Additionally, I’m not sure how I felt about a rather robust sub plot that was inserted seemingly entirely for the purpose of writing out a secondary character from the series?
At any rate, it was an entertaining, if somewhat dark, read, and I’ll likely give Ms. Walsh another shot whenever the next installment comes along.
At any rate, it was an entertaining, if somewhat dark, read, and I’ll likely give Ms. Walsh another shot whenever the next installment comes along.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2024
I have completed this series so far (I really hope there is going to be more - I need to know about Minnie and Albert)
This is about a duo who in the first book are shoved together to solve a series of murders going on, which includes Minnie's friend. There are so many interwoven story lines going on, characters who all have secrets, and action that makes you want to keep turning the page. Considering there are so many characters and different elements to follow, not once was I lost on who was connected to who and what was going on.
The second book is a new set of murders, but we have the same two detectives and their relationship to each other develops more and moves along making it feel it's the same world. I love the juxtaposition of the two characters, one from a wealthy family and the other just trying to survive from a young age by herself, they have different styles that compliment each other as well as making them butt heads. But each has their own merits to the investigation that helps solve it. The world building was really well written and just enough to let the reader know about their world, without it interfering or taking away from the plot.
This is about a duo who in the first book are shoved together to solve a series of murders going on, which includes Minnie's friend. There are so many interwoven story lines going on, characters who all have secrets, and action that makes you want to keep turning the page. Considering there are so many characters and different elements to follow, not once was I lost on who was connected to who and what was going on.
The second book is a new set of murders, but we have the same two detectives and their relationship to each other develops more and moves along making it feel it's the same world. I love the juxtaposition of the two characters, one from a wealthy family and the other just trying to survive from a young age by herself, they have different styles that compliment each other as well as making them butt heads. But each has their own merits to the investigation that helps solve it. The world building was really well written and just enough to let the reader know about their world, without it interfering or taking away from the plot.
April 13, 2024
As noted in the book description, the triggering event for the murders in this book is the crushing death of nearly 200 children at a matinee gone horribly wrong. The author pulls no punches in describing the event in the prologue, leaving the reader (if not the detectives) in no doubt that this will be important later. There's also a subplot centered around the Victorian"entertainment" of dog fighting. So be warned. This isn't fluffy cozy historical fiction. This is historical fiction that leaves you relieved that you live in a century with indoor plumbing and a few more social safety nets. But the characters resuming their lives after the terrifying events of first Variety Palace mystery are an appealing bunch. It's just their very bad luck that more bodies are appearing in their neighborhood and the deaths are gruesome. Minnie from the theater and her friend Albert put on their sleuthing hats. While the violence is violent and often fatal, you may very well find yourself laughing unexpectedly and cheering the Variety Palace crew as they work together to save their remaining chums.
August 17, 2024
Fans of historical crime fiction, you need to get these brilliant books on your radar! Not only are they incredibly pretty (hats off to the cover designer!), they are absolutely compelling reading too!
These books are fairly slim reads, but they pack a punch. Our “detective” duo Minnie and Albert are such great characters and I adore the setting and sense of time and place that the author creates in these novels - fans of the Victorian era will love them! In this latest novel, as with The Tumbling Girl, the author hasn’t shied away from death, tragedy and violence, often putting some familiar faces in peril and leaving you guessing who might be next! Do check TWs as the opening scene at the theatre with the children is difficult reading, but it does quickly move on from that until later in the story as things come back around. There are also some scenes of animal violence which I personally had to skip past, but they were part of another thread of the story so didn’t feel gratuitous, and of course they were true to the time.
I just think these are truly gritty, atmospheric and clever crime novels that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I love the theatre setting, love the writing, and LOVE the characters especially.
These books are fairly slim reads, but they pack a punch. Our “detective” duo Minnie and Albert are such great characters and I adore the setting and sense of time and place that the author creates in these novels - fans of the Victorian era will love them! In this latest novel, as with The Tumbling Girl, the author hasn’t shied away from death, tragedy and violence, often putting some familiar faces in peril and leaving you guessing who might be next! Do check TWs as the opening scene at the theatre with the children is difficult reading, but it does quickly move on from that until later in the story as things come back around. There are also some scenes of animal violence which I personally had to skip past, but they were part of another thread of the story so didn’t feel gratuitous, and of course they were true to the time.
I just think these are truly gritty, atmospheric and clever crime novels that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I love the theatre setting, love the writing, and LOVE the characters especially.
April 11, 2024
An amazing new instalment in this series!
After finishing book one to this series earlier this week I was itching to dive into the newest instalment by Bridget and I must say this was as amazing as the first book! I was so happy to once again see Minnie and be back on a new adventure. Getting to read about characters from book one was super interesting but I like that we also got some new faces in book two.
Minnie and Albert are back on the scene after the former tried to swear of any more mysteries but it seems like they follow her. This new one is even more intriguing that the first and I found myself quickly wrapped up in this murder along with the mcs. I liked the intricate twists and turns that Walsh wove into this novel, from page one I was entrapped within the story that was unfolding around me. I hope to see more books in this series cause I know I'll devour all of them like I did this book and book one.
After finishing book one to this series earlier this week I was itching to dive into the newest instalment by Bridget and I must say this was as amazing as the first book! I was so happy to once again see Minnie and be back on a new adventure. Getting to read about characters from book one was super interesting but I like that we also got some new faces in book two.
Minnie and Albert are back on the scene after the former tried to swear of any more mysteries but it seems like they follow her. This new one is even more intriguing that the first and I found myself quickly wrapped up in this murder along with the mcs. I liked the intricate twists and turns that Walsh wove into this novel, from page one I was entrapped within the story that was unfolding around me. I hope to see more books in this series cause I know I'll devour all of them like I did this book and book one.
July 27, 2024
A really enjoyable read
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Bridget at the Theakston Crime Festival Writer’s Dinner, being one of ten people assigned to her table. Each of us were given a copy of Bridget’s latest novel, The Innocents, which she very kindly signed.
Not usually one to read historical novels of any kind, I felt obliged to give this one ‘a go’. I’m so very glad I did, too.
The characters are beautifully created, making you picture and care about each and every one of them. The way the environments are described enables you to imagine and experience them with all of your senses. There are a fair number of red herrings to keep you thinking about ‘who Dunnit’ as well!!!
I started reading my signed copy of The Innocents, but found I really need some new reading specs! So, I bought the novel again…for my kindle!
Thanks Bridget for a truly enjoyable read. Onto your Tumbling Girls novel asap.
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Bridget at the Theakston Crime Festival Writer’s Dinner, being one of ten people assigned to her table. Each of us were given a copy of Bridget’s latest novel, The Innocents, which she very kindly signed.
Not usually one to read historical novels of any kind, I felt obliged to give this one ‘a go’. I’m so very glad I did, too.
The characters are beautifully created, making you picture and care about each and every one of them. The way the environments are described enables you to imagine and experience them with all of your senses. There are a fair number of red herrings to keep you thinking about ‘who Dunnit’ as well!!!
I started reading my signed copy of The Innocents, but found I really need some new reading specs! So, I bought the novel again…for my kindle!
Thanks Bridget for a truly enjoyable read. Onto your Tumbling Girls novel asap.
December 16, 2023
The Innocents by Bridget Walsh
This is the second in the Variety Palace Mystery series that I’ve read. Minnie and Albert, a mismatched detective team, find themselves facing multiple homicides. All the homicides seem to relate to either a Ponzi scheme or a dreadful theatrical tragedy.
Walsh does a good job setting the late 1890s scene in London. The aromas of the time jump off the page resulting in a twitching nose and a squeamish reaction to many of the settings.
The impact of privilege regarding justice seems unchanged over the ensuing years with the obvious comparison to today’s country club prisons.
The interaction of Minnie and Albert once again is the sub-plot. In the foreground, are a series of seemingly unrelated homicides and dog-fighting villains.
I enjoyed the book and recommend it.
This is the second in the Variety Palace Mystery series that I’ve read. Minnie and Albert, a mismatched detective team, find themselves facing multiple homicides. All the homicides seem to relate to either a Ponzi scheme or a dreadful theatrical tragedy.
Walsh does a good job setting the late 1890s scene in London. The aromas of the time jump off the page resulting in a twitching nose and a squeamish reaction to many of the settings.
The impact of privilege regarding justice seems unchanged over the ensuing years with the obvious comparison to today’s country club prisons.
The interaction of Minnie and Albert once again is the sub-plot. In the foreground, are a series of seemingly unrelated homicides and dog-fighting villains.
I enjoyed the book and recommend it.
April 25, 2024
A veritable hit by Walsh, with a stronger follow up to the first book. The murder mystery is secondary to Minnie's struggles with the theater and with the traumatic events that brought her and private detective Albert together. The violence is less sensationalistic, with helps with the presence still of the creepy murderer who brought Minnie so much pain and continues to dog her attempts to rebuild. The theater community is strong and vibrant, the research impeccable and Walsh's careful research lends great verisimilitude to the setting and atmosphere. The female characters are vibrant yet believable, working within the constraints of their time and class but always working for a better future. A thoroughly successful series!
February 20, 2024
The Variety Palace Music Hall is in trouble yet again, due to no small part to a gruesome spate of murders that unfolded within its nefarious location a few months previously, both drawing those who are far too curious closer, and getting gossip mongers working overtime as to where might the next body be discovered?
Between her many responsibilities such as writing, managing the music hall, hopelessly trying to forever balance the books and constantly trying to dissuade her boss from installing a water tank in the building which she knows will lead to more money woes, Minnie Ward has her hands full and she honestly cannot keep juggling everything for much longer. Her complicated relationship with detective Albert Easterbrook doesn’t even bear thinking about. So why can she not keep him off of her mind for more than five minutes?
When fresh bodies start to pile up and the unmistakable hint of death and decay start to make their presence known again, Minnie and Albert are thrown together when it becomes apparent that neither can crack this new case without the others help and even more strangely, the crimes all seem to link back to a tragedy that took place fourteen years ago which left 183 children dead and families without justice.
And given such an incident touched so many lives, it seems everyone is a suspect….
Will Minnie and Albert be able to solve this case before time runs out, or will they be left with more than just blood on their hands?
Following on from The Tumbling Girl, The innocents is witty, captivating, charming, and oh so binge-worthy!
Between her many responsibilities such as writing, managing the music hall, hopelessly trying to forever balance the books and constantly trying to dissuade her boss from installing a water tank in the building which she knows will lead to more money woes, Minnie Ward has her hands full and she honestly cannot keep juggling everything for much longer. Her complicated relationship with detective Albert Easterbrook doesn’t even bear thinking about. So why can she not keep him off of her mind for more than five minutes?
When fresh bodies start to pile up and the unmistakable hint of death and decay start to make their presence known again, Minnie and Albert are thrown together when it becomes apparent that neither can crack this new case without the others help and even more strangely, the crimes all seem to link back to a tragedy that took place fourteen years ago which left 183 children dead and families without justice.
And given such an incident touched so many lives, it seems everyone is a suspect….
Will Minnie and Albert be able to solve this case before time runs out, or will they be left with more than just blood on their hands?
Following on from The Tumbling Girl, The innocents is witty, captivating, charming, and oh so binge-worthy!
June 25, 2024
Set in Victorian Era London, the second investigation by Variety Show manager Minnie Ward and ex-police detective Albert Easterbrook is filled with dog fights, violence, kidnapping, near drownings and murder.
Follow the investigating duo as they turn over rocks, hunt for villains, and spat and spark, yes they are in love but won’t admit it.
The action is fairly non-stop, there’s lots of references to past investigations and mishaps, and a just the right amount of tension. And the ending is just as thrilling as the opening act!
For more on the performance and slew of accents, see AudioFile Magazine http://www.audiofilemagazine.com
Follow the investigating duo as they turn over rocks, hunt for villains, and spat and spark, yes they are in love but won’t admit it.
The action is fairly non-stop, there’s lots of references to past investigations and mishaps, and a just the right amount of tension. And the ending is just as thrilling as the opening act!
For more on the performance and slew of accents, see AudioFile Magazine http://www.audiofilemagazine.com
July 23, 2024
Five stars to help raise the overall rating for the book, though I did enjoy it just as much as I enjoyed The Tumbling Girl. (Maybe even a bit more, as it seems that Walsh was establishing her footing in the first book and has found it firmly in this one.) It was good to read about Minnie and Albert again, and get to know some of the side characters a bit better, like Mrs Byrne and Tansie. While I wish Minnie would stop putting herself in such dangerous situations, they certainly do make for interesting reading. I also appreciated that while he appeared in this story, Teddy Linton was not a main character... this time. I know we haven't seen the last of him.
January 4, 2025
We rejoin Minnie Ward & very likeable - most likely will hook up at some point private detective partner Albert in the second instalment of Variety Palace Mysteries. I've really liked the stories so far; sometimes the pacing feels a little slow or rather their investigating goes just far enough to uncover the backstory, but doesn't go quite far enough with the reveal - until the murderer/s actually reveals themselves. And Minnie's refusing to learn from her mistakes trait can start to grate after a while. But the characters themselves are great, and I like how they challenge gender norms and stereotypes, even of the characters within the story. Am waiting for book 3 to see how it goes.
April 3, 2025
I was captivated by The Tumbling Girl and I was just as captivated reading The Innocents. Minnie and Albert have to be one of my favourite Victorian sleuth duos.
A new string of murders are taking place and they all seem to be revenge-driven leading back to a tragedy that left 183 children dead.
The event that inspired this book happened in my hometown of Sunderland and I live 15 minutes from where it happened. Sadly 183 children died that day in 1883 it's also not a very well-known tragedy. The memorial statue stands in Mowbray Park in our city centre.
A new string of murders are taking place and they all seem to be revenge-driven leading back to a tragedy that left 183 children dead.
The event that inspired this book happened in my hometown of Sunderland and I live 15 minutes from where it happened. Sadly 183 children died that day in 1883 it's also not a very well-known tragedy. The memorial statue stands in Mowbray Park in our city centre.
May 11, 2024
Check your trigger warnings. I like Walsh's writing and the cast of characters. The plot is pretty dark from the very beginning, so good characters really help the story. Although Minnie is arguably the protagonist and I find her hard to like sometimes. I like a mystery where I don't know who the killer is until a big twist at the end, and unfortunately it was a little too obvious here so I was just waiting for a reveal at the end.
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