Charles Finch's novel, A Beautiful Blue Death, is a well-researched debut novel. A mystery, it is set in mid-Victorian London, and introduces gentleman detective Charles Lennox, whose ambitious travel plans are continually disrupted by crimes in need of investigation. I enjoyed the portrayal of this somewhat laid back and congenial detective and appreciated his fondness for books and relaxation with literary tomes. With the addition of friend Lady Jane Grey he investigates the murder of her former former maid, now working for a director of the Royal Mint. We find that the crime is more complicated than it initially seems and is further complicated by the author with the addition of a second murder. The solution to the murders and how they are connected fills the novel with suspense while avoiding the unnecessary gore often associated with novels about crime. Both the period detail and cast of secondary characters, especially Charles' relationship with his butler, enhanced this reader's enjoyment. This was an intricate and well-written Victorian mystery novel that gave me reason to explore more stories of literary detective Lennox from the pen of Charles Finch. ( )

Charles Lenox, a Victorian gentleman with a comfortable fortune, would love to spend his days reading books, poring over maps, and traveling to far-off countries. However, he also happens to be a skilled amateur detective who has assisted Scotland Yard several times in the past. When his lifelong friend Lady Jane Grey asks him to look at a case, he is eager to help. Lady Jane’s former housemaid, Prudence Smith, is dead from ingesting a rare and expensive poison. Prue’s current employer and the local Scotland Yard inspector insist that it was suicide, but Lenox soon discovers that it was murder. His investigation unearths several possible motives, but he remains baffled – until a second murder casts things in a whole new light.

For a debut novel, this mystery was really quite good. I wanted to enjoy it because I love both mysteries and the Victorian era, and I was definitely not disappointed. The strongest part of the book is definitely main character Charles Lenox, who is much more normal and well rounded than many other fictional detectives (*coughcoughHolmesandPoirotcough*). Not only is he an intuitive detective, but he’s also a dreamer, he loves to travel, he toys with the idea of running for Parliament, he’s a little bit arrogant, and he has several meaningful relationships in his life. He just seems like a real, believable person to me. For all that, the mystery was also well plotted, and I found the solution ingenious. There were a few stylistic flaws, but I’ll definitely forgive them for the sake of getting my hands on the next book! This is definitely a series I’ll continue to read.

I’m just a little bit in love with Charles Lenox, the hero of Charles Finch’s charming debut Victorian mystery. Lenox is smart, decent, upstanding and oh, so devoted to the delightful Lady Jane. The two join forces to plumb the truth behind a young maid’s death. Finch writes with confidence and verve, drawing us into Victorian London without resorting to cliches. The plot moves along smartly, the resolution satisfies completely. Curl up with a cuppa; you’re in for a treat. ( )

I enjoyed this book immensely! The first chapter was a little choppy since it gave data on previous "cases" so the reader automatically assumes there was a previous book in the series - which there is not. Once you get into the rythm of the book, you willl find it quite entertaining. The characters were warm and intriguing - they felt like real people and not just fictional characters. Keep a watch for this author, he's shows great promise. ( )

Quite the best mystery I've read in ages. Characters wonderfully believable, settings took me there with ease & the plot kept me guessing right to the end. Had to read this right through, it was that good. Can't wait for the next! Charles Finch is an amazing writer. ( )