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Denton #2
The Bohemian Girl
When the American novelist Denton receives a letter from a young woman, Mary Thomason, saying she's in danger and needs his help, he doubts if there's anything he can do. But the search for answers leads Denton into the heart of Bohemian London - the world of artists and their models, a world of brilliance and depravity.
310 pages, Paperback
First published April 16, 2009
7 people are currently reading
417 people want to read
About the author
Kenneth M. Cameron
23 books53 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Kenneth Cameron, AKA George Bartram, is the author or co-author of more than thirty books, including historical novels and novels of espionage, a critical history of the African safari, and an award-winning analysis of films about Africa (Africa on Film - MLA Independent Scholars Award). He has had plays produced Off- and Offf-Off Broadway and on the London Fringe. His first publications were two poems in the Best Poems of 1955. He lives part of the year in the woods of New York State’s Adirondacks, part in a small city in the South.
Together with his son, Christian Cameron, he wrote a series of military thrillers published under the name Gordon Kent.
Kenneth Cameron, AKA George Bartram, is the author or co-author of more than thirty books, including historical novels and novels of espionage, a critical history of the African safari, and an award-winning analysis of films about Africa (Africa on Film - MLA Independent Scholars Award). He has had plays produced Off- and Offf-Off Broadway and on the London Fringe. His first publications were two poems in the Best Poems of 1955. He lives part of the year in the woods of New York State’s Adirondacks, part in a small city in the South.
Together with his son, Christian Cameron, he wrote a series of military thrillers published under the name Gordon Kent.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 25, 2012
The Bohemian Girl by Kenneth Cameron is the second in his series about Denton, an American ex-patriot, former sheriff, and famous author, who finds himself embroiled in mysterious circumstances. This time he and his servant/friend Atkins have just returned from a trip to Eastern Europe (and a period of imprisonment on false charges of spying) to find a letter of entreaty waiting for Denton. A young woman has written to say that she is in danger and needs his help. The search for the young woman leads Denton to the bohemian haunts of artists--to places where the line between genius and madness is very fine. Just who was Mary Thomason? And has she disappeared voluntarily or has the expected danger caught up with her?
There is a second mystery following Denton. A certain Albert Cosgrove has become enamored of the famous author. He sends many notes begging to meet Denton and asking for signed copies of Denton's books. It soon becomes clear that Cosgrove's obsession has become dangerous and it soon begins to threaten those that Denton cares for as well.
Kenneth Cameron weaves a very enticing historical mystery. Set in the late Victorian/early 20th Century, Cameron manages to set the period without forced cockney accents or contrived trappings. His strong characters carry the story to an exhilarating finish--everyone from Denton to his manservant to the members of the police force are finely drawn. He also manages to tell a tale of the relations between men and women; the difference between love, sex, and perversion; and the difference between the necessary violence and the lust to provoke pain. This is an enjoyable read--one that was difficult to put down. And I particularly enjoyed watching the development of Denton...watching his struggles with love and the memories of the past which seem to threaten that love. I eagerly await the next installment.
This review was first posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting any portion. Thanks.
There is a second mystery following Denton. A certain Albert Cosgrove has become enamored of the famous author. He sends many notes begging to meet Denton and asking for signed copies of Denton's books. It soon becomes clear that Cosgrove's obsession has become dangerous and it soon begins to threaten those that Denton cares for as well.
Kenneth Cameron weaves a very enticing historical mystery. Set in the late Victorian/early 20th Century, Cameron manages to set the period without forced cockney accents or contrived trappings. His strong characters carry the story to an exhilarating finish--everyone from Denton to his manservant to the members of the police force are finely drawn. He also manages to tell a tale of the relations between men and women; the difference between love, sex, and perversion; and the difference between the necessary violence and the lust to provoke pain. This is an enjoyable read--one that was difficult to put down. And I particularly enjoyed watching the development of Denton...watching his struggles with love and the memories of the past which seem to threaten that love. I eagerly await the next installment.
This review was first posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting any portion. Thanks.
March 31, 2013
I’ve not met Mr Cameron and his hero before. ‘The Bohemian Girl’ is the second novel in the series. American writers seem to love setting their historical novels in Britain or France, anywhere other than home. This has often meant that even if the writer has really researched well and made real attempts to get into the mind set and culture, there have been some shocking howlers appearing in published novels. Mr Cameron wisely chooses to have as his hero an American who is at sea in the polite society of 1901 Britain. Denton, now a popular writer of ‘dark’ novels was once a sheriff, amongst many other things. His adventures, which he shares with the public in articles in the newspapers and journals, and his novel writing make him a ‘personality’ in London.
Arriving back from an extraordinary car trip to an unspecified Central European country, Denton finds a note, two months old, from a Mary Thomason, asking for his help. She fears for her life. Of course Denton feels he must investigate and tries to trace her. The body count rises and an obsessive fan appears and stalks him as he hunts for the poor girl. I dare not comment further on the plot for fear of spoiling the novel for readers. The plot twist is most unexpected, although all the clues are there. And beyond that plot line Denton has to face his own demons as well as the murderous demons of the murders he tracks down. It’s a rather convoluted novel, but one which has appeal. It’s also a pleasure to read a historical novel set in the UK, by an American, which is not riddled with cultural or conversational errors.
January 12, 2014
The second in the series which takes place some 6 months after the first. Denton is a difficult character to get to know, he appears to be a hard man but he has his soft spots.
Do like Atkins his ex-soldier manservant who has dreams of making a fortune by getting involved in inventions, the hand driven vacuum cleaner for instance. Atkins is the comic character to Denton's straight man.
There's also the love interest Janet Striker who appears to be thawing after the first book.
The novel starts with our heroes returning from the continent, whilst looking through his post Denton comes across a letter from a young woman.
Do like Atkins his ex-soldier manservant who has dreams of making a fortune by getting involved in inventions, the hand driven vacuum cleaner for instance. Atkins is the comic character to Denton's straight man.
There's also the love interest Janet Striker who appears to be thawing after the first book.
The novel starts with our heroes returning from the continent, whilst looking through his post Denton comes across a letter from a young woman.
July 21, 2010
I had high hopes for this book, but turned out it was a rather ho hum read. In an attempt to point up the difference in speech between the American character (Denton) & the English characters, Denton's speech ended up being contemporary rather than American of the period. I may read others in the series, if I'm feeling like a quick & benign read. (If you're looking for a great series of Victorian mysteries, I highly recommend Laurie King's Mary Russell books)
December 7, 2012
I hated this book. I rarely say that, but I really hated this book.
The book is slow, disjointed and largely boring. The author makes the mistake of having multiple sub-plots that he tries and fails to merge into one at the end. He also introduces a host of uninteresting, pointless minor characters to (I'm guessing) make the reader try to figure out the "mystery" but by the end, I didn't care - I just wanted it to be over.
The book is slow, disjointed and largely boring. The author makes the mistake of having multiple sub-plots that he tries and fails to merge into one at the end. He also introduces a host of uninteresting, pointless minor characters to (I'm guessing) make the reader try to figure out the "mystery" but by the end, I didn't care - I just wanted it to be over.
June 24, 2010
Not really Victorian but close enough for me. As with his earlier book "the Frightened Man" Kenneth Cameron tells a gritty story that you just can't walk away from. His characters leap off the page and his protagonist and his man-servant have a relationship that make the book worth reading all by thamselves. I'm hooked.
April 3, 2016
More like one and a half stars. Can't believe I plowed through it...typos galore, and the protagonist was an asshole. Hard to read a book when you can't stand the main character. Won't be reading any of the others, that's for sure.
October 20, 2010
A delightful series set in Edwardian England, or in the late Victorian era 1890's? The hero Denton, is an American novelist who fought in the Civil War in America and then became a sherrif for a short time. He lost his wife to suicide.
In this story, he is falling in love with Janet Striker, apparently a character introduced in an earlier story. She has a past: abusive mother who brought her up to be a courtesan/prostitute. She is in a lawsuit that will get her an independent income.
The story involves a letter that Denton picks up after being in Romania in a prison for two months. The letter is at least two months old. A woman, Mary Thomason, asks for his help. She thinks someone wants to harm her.
Janet and Denton become reluctant dectectives, along with Atkins, his butler. They find that Mary is probably a man, who seduces wealthy men into homosexual relationships. Denton is being stalked by a madman, who finally shoots him with one of his own guns. The last part of the book is his extended recovery from the gun shot wounds that almost kill him, and the final unraveling of the murder plot.
The characters are well developed and the plot is interesting.
In this story, he is falling in love with Janet Striker, apparently a character introduced in an earlier story. She has a past: abusive mother who brought her up to be a courtesan/prostitute. She is in a lawsuit that will get her an independent income.
The story involves a letter that Denton picks up after being in Romania in a prison for two months. The letter is at least two months old. A woman, Mary Thomason, asks for his help. She thinks someone wants to harm her.
Janet and Denton become reluctant dectectives, along with Atkins, his butler. They find that Mary is probably a man, who seduces wealthy men into homosexual relationships. Denton is being stalked by a madman, who finally shoots him with one of his own guns. The last part of the book is his extended recovery from the gun shot wounds that almost kill him, and the final unraveling of the murder plot.
The characters are well developed and the plot is interesting.
February 28, 2017
The Bohemian Girl is historical fiction interweaved with mystery. Kenneth Cameron does a fine job of presenting the adventurous Denton who seems to be slightly created with Denton's American version of Sherlock Holmes in mind including his man servant Atkins. The bold character of Janet Striker resembles Holmes' wife, Mary Russell, with her crafty mind and fearless nature.
Although the storyline is at times delightfully engaging, it's the banter between the characters that gives Cameron a step up. Denton hires a Jewish ex-boxer to clear out his overgrown garden:
"You think I'd take money for work I wasn't goink to do? Yas, I'll be here in the mornink. And I don't
lie and I didn't kill Christ. Good day to youse."
Although The Bohemian Girl stands alone, I'd suggest reading Cameron's first Denton book, The Frightened Man. It would provide a backstory of the main characters. Cameron gives away too much of The Frightened Man's plot in order to catch up readers in The Bohemian Girl. So now I'm going to retrace my steps and read The Frightened Man. The Bohemian Girl allows readers a glimpse into the lifestyles, the architecture, artists and artisans, newly developed scientific police crime investigation, and even a bit of Henry James in the mix.
Although the storyline is at times delightfully engaging, it's the banter between the characters that gives Cameron a step up. Denton hires a Jewish ex-boxer to clear out his overgrown garden:
"You think I'd take money for work I wasn't goink to do? Yas, I'll be here in the mornink. And I don't
lie and I didn't kill Christ. Good day to youse."
Although The Bohemian Girl stands alone, I'd suggest reading Cameron's first Denton book, The Frightened Man. It would provide a backstory of the main characters. Cameron gives away too much of The Frightened Man's plot in order to catch up readers in The Bohemian Girl. So now I'm going to retrace my steps and read The Frightened Man. The Bohemian Girl allows readers a glimpse into the lifestyles, the architecture, artists and artisans, newly developed scientific police crime investigation, and even a bit of Henry James in the mix.
February 1, 2016
I picked this up mainly because it was on the Whitcoulls Top 100 list for 2010 and I'm gradually working my way through the lists, on the grounds that if that many people have voted for it, it must be good. I'm now increasingly suspicious that the recent lists have books added that they either just want to get rid of, or have been paid to put on the list, as this is really nothing special. Denton, American, ex-soldier and novelist living in London, 1901, receives a letter from a young woman saying she's in danger, and investigates, with the help of his manservant Atkins, his ex-prostitute girlfriend Janet and Canadian friend Munro of Scotland Yard.
It's not as good as it sounds - the plot is confusing, the denouement rushed and somewhat nonsensical, and the characters not particularly likeable. I enjoyed the descriptions of London at the time, and might have enjoyed it more if I didn't feel misled as to what it what actually about, but it got an extra star (wish we could rate them out of 10) because of the writing and the lead character who is at least interesting and not your typical hero.
It's not as good as it sounds - the plot is confusing, the denouement rushed and somewhat nonsensical, and the characters not particularly likeable. I enjoyed the descriptions of London at the time, and might have enjoyed it more if I didn't feel misled as to what it what actually about, but it got an extra star (wish we could rate them out of 10) because of the writing and the lead character who is at least interesting and not your typical hero.
August 12, 2015
I picked this book up and didn't read the synopsis well. It turns out this is the second in a series. The book starts with Denton, the main character and his butler Alfred returning from an exciting trip to Transylvania. I figured that was the first book, but no it wasn't. The exciting Transylvania adventure just happened between the books. Denton is a writer in the 1900's living in England.
Anyway, Denton returns home and has a lot of mail. One of the letters is from a woman named Mary, asking for help. It was stuck behind a painting. So Denton is off to find Mary and figure out why she would put the letter in a weird place and see if she got help. He can't find her and no one really knows who she is, except that she is an artist.
He's also dealing with a stalker who's obsessed with Denton's writings and trying to write his next novel. All three of these plots are dealt with in an equal way which makes it hard to focus on any of the stories. Denton solves the mystery in the end, but it was very confusing and I'm not sure exactly what all happened.
I'm sure it's a good series, it's just not for me.
Anyway, Denton returns home and has a lot of mail. One of the letters is from a woman named Mary, asking for help. It was stuck behind a painting. So Denton is off to find Mary and figure out why she would put the letter in a weird place and see if she got help. He can't find her and no one really knows who she is, except that she is an artist.
He's also dealing with a stalker who's obsessed with Denton's writings and trying to write his next novel. All three of these plots are dealt with in an equal way which makes it hard to focus on any of the stories. Denton solves the mystery in the end, but it was very confusing and I'm not sure exactly what all happened.
I'm sure it's a good series, it's just not for me.
July 10, 2013
This is a lightly engaging mystery novel that begins with the protagonist, Denton, receiving a mysterious note from a young woman in danger who is asking for his help. It is set in old London, and enters the world of Bohemian artists and "houses of ill-repute". The mystery of the young woman's predicament leads Denton and his love interest, Janet Striker, on a convoluted path of false identity, murder and attempted murder, and general deceit.
For the most part, the characters are engaging and interesting, and many are quite likeable. My only issue with this book is that I felt that, even when all was resolved, no strong motive was ever presented. Much was based on supposition, which led to a general feeling of too many unanswered questions at the end. That said, I enjoyed the author's style, and the main characters. Still an enjoyable read.
For the most part, the characters are engaging and interesting, and many are quite likeable. My only issue with this book is that I felt that, even when all was resolved, no strong motive was ever presented. Much was based on supposition, which led to a general feeling of too many unanswered questions at the end. That said, I enjoyed the author's style, and the main characters. Still an enjoyable read.
June 25, 2010
American writer Denton escapes problems in central Europe and returns home, worried about his tenuous relationship with damaged, defensive Janet Striker. Among the letters waiting for him are some fulsome fan notes from "Albert Cosgrove," and a letter from an unknown young woman, asking for his help. Denton dismisses Cosgrove, but tries to find out more about the woman, which leads to his acquaintance with a disgraced Boer war officer who is facing court martial. Denton and his valet/butler/friend Atkins have a lot of trouble before they can find explanations for some of their problems.
September 28, 2010
Interesting characters with history and motivation. I was impressed by the plotting of discovery by good guys and actions of bad guys, as well as red herrings! Gathers speed quite gradually and steadily all the way to the end.
Neat that way.
Loved feeling like I was in London and France (briefly) way back when. But period is not used as the maguffin (?) or is it the deus ex machina (?). It happens to not take place in the present and that adds interest but not gimmickry.
will be looking for Denton #1 and #3 as available.
Highly recommended.
Neat that way.
Loved feeling like I was in London and France (briefly) way back when. But period is not used as the maguffin (?) or is it the deus ex machina (?). It happens to not take place in the present and that adds interest but not gimmickry.
will be looking for Denton #1 and #3 as available.
Highly recommended.
June 3, 2011
Set in Victorian London, this book highlights an American author. He is beset by requests for autographs by an unknown man and becomes increasingly nervous. Then he receives a note that was forwarded by a man who found the note taped to the back of a painting he bought. Things get curiouser and curiouser. In the end, he solves a murder case while almost getting himself killed. Definitely a plot driven story, needs work on the personalities. I couldn't always make sense of what the character did.
June 16, 2012
Kenneth Cameron continues with the story of the American author Denton, who is always finding himself in one disturbing situation or another. The streets of London are filled with dangerous and clearly unsavory people. Cameron brings early 1900s London to life and takes the reader with him. I look forward to reading more by this author who definitely kept things suspenseful and interesting right to the very end! I was caught up and kept guessing what was really going on and couldn't put the book down until I knew.
January 29, 2017
Dear "The Bohemian Girl" by Kenneth Cameron,
You lead me on.
When I first discovered you, I thought you were going to be filled with the adventure and mystery of a British, female, bohemian artist gone missing, the only clue being a letter attached to the back of a painting. But instead you were pretty much about an American writer with a pathetic stalker and a romance that I found unbelievable and annoying. The bohemian bits were few and far between.
I wanted more boho, less boring.
You lead me on.
When I first discovered you, I thought you were going to be filled with the adventure and mystery of a British, female, bohemian artist gone missing, the only clue being a letter attached to the back of a painting. But instead you were pretty much about an American writer with a pathetic stalker and a romance that I found unbelievable and annoying. The bohemian bits were few and far between.
I wanted more boho, less boring.
June 19, 2010
Combination British mystery, mixing elements of a classic noir with the twists of a psychological thriller. Not so much thriller. Rather quirky and somewhat plodding. That said, I will probably read other books by Cameron because I enjoy reading mysteries set in Victorian England and this is at the very end of the Age.
March 23, 2013
Not as good as his first book and yet I enjoyed it. I enjoy reading his books but I am always left unsure if I want to read the next one unlike some books that leave me wanting more.
The writing is good the characters strong and context seems accurate but ... I do not know what to describe this feeling is.
The writing is good the characters strong and context seems accurate but ... I do not know what to describe this feeling is.
April 24, 2013
I liked the idea behind the plot and the main character. The period (Victorian) and the descriptions of London were of interest. The author writes well, and his style appealed to me. On the other hand, there were just too many holes in the story and too many improbabilities. The cover design by David Grogan really rocks!
August 18, 2010
An interesting mystery/detective novel set in the early 1900's. I didn't realize it was a series, and read the 2nd one first, but I don't think it really mattered. I think I will try out the first one too.
March 1, 2011
and one half.
The story flows like water out of a tap. Hated to put the book down. Could not wait to see what happened next. The author is a master story teller. Would like to see more books from this author.
The story flows like water out of a tap. Hated to put the book down. Could not wait to see what happened next. The author is a master story teller. Would like to see more books from this author.
July 15, 2010
Set at the end of the Victorian era in England, w/ an american West kind of hero. A guy's guy kind of story w/ even a tough-as-nails love interest.
June 22, 2011
A little slower than Cameron's first Denton book, THE FRIGHTENED MAN, but all in all a very satisfying read! Moving on to the third Denton book, THE SECOND WOMAN now.
May 6, 2011
I liked the story but it wasn't a page turner. I some difficulty with the language of the time.
May 12, 2023
Guess I'm used to fast-paced mysteries. This was not.
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August 4, 2011Liked this enough to go find Cameron's other books. I love a good detective story and one set in late Victorian England is even better.
August 27, 2013
Quite engaging. I'd read more.
February 4, 2016
This book wasn't bad but for some reason I wanted to be done with it and not sure why, lol.
March 5, 2017
I found this mystery a little difficult to follow but I really like the characters. I enjoy the minutiae of Victorian life - food, clothes etc and it's a refreshing style of 'detective' genre.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews