Sita Petropoulos’s Reviews > A Gentlewoman's Guide to Murder > Status Update

So, is it clear? Who did it, we mean of course? I'm thinking Mr. Wilkins has a limp, so he visited Sir Henry the night of his murder. But who was he with, Mr. Dunstable of the Pentonville Home for Unfortunate Children, since the trafficking of girls apparently occurs under the Maidenhead Canal Company? However, the manner of murder suggests Hargreaves or Simeon? Why would Simeon murder if Emmeline works for him?

Mr. Lessington seems forthright toward Miss St. Germaine: "I dissemble, too, except within the bosom of my little circle." He knows she is The Prattler's Rogue, and wishes to lift up her skirt to find - a knife? Is he accusing the Avengeress, or simply "Lessing" a woman who rescues girls? Is he the murderer? Mr. Hargreaves? Because what did Fanny see? There's Kaufmann's button: would a radical newspaper owner do it?

I had to continue reading, though, murders in mysteries take a toll. So far, what seems disturbing besides the manner of killing, and the way females are abused, is Fanny's thinking she heard screams the night of the murder, while Dr. Woodforde said there weren't any. Who to believe a doctor, or someone who would likely have been a witness? I want to believe Fanny. Why does Emmeline think it's the girl's imagination?

I don't know, but the hanging of Melinda Mapson, an execution that Emmeline herself attended to "know the truth about crime and punishment" is too disturbing for me: so, I actually put it aside for now, and went to Hamilton's Vintage Kitchen Mystery, "Freezer I'll Shoot." I must say that it has occurred to me, whether it is really her writing "A Gentlewoman's Guide to Murder Series"?

I have been reeled into this, because I do want to know who killed 'im, Sir 'enry, that is. So, it was rather early to say, wasn't it? Various things: Emmeline as both Avengeress and Rogue; the way The Prattler and The Standard disseminate knowledge of crime; society at the time (tea anyone?); and a women's group that rescues exploited children is interesting...to say the least. Which of the women would murder, why?

I'm not sure what to think of this mystery yet, too early, obviously. The tone seems slightly artificial in its aim towards social justice. Maybe it's different from Hamilton's other series, but I wish to read further, as it's a possible counterpoint to Sterne's, "The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman," which I picked up several days ago. Also, the news plays a role, as it often does in mysteries.