Charles Finch (1)

I came to this series late with “The Vanishing Man” and was excited to download the last and final in a prequel trilogy to the Charles Lenox series. Another great period piece that opens on October 1, 1855 when the city of London, England decides that it is time for Charles Lenox to be married. While not the central theme of the story it does help move it along together with Lenox’s contemplation of his profession and whether that course is sustainable. The characteristics of dry wit, show more humor and a smidgeon of self-deprecation that Finch attributes to Lenox win out on every page making him so very human and likable.

The story is involved and is not a straightforward investigation by Scotland Yard into a murder that has too many questions and no blatant answers. The murder is the front and center story but its resolution requires meandering down many lanes and alleys and as far afield as the time’s prevalent politics in the United States. Of course there is the murder, but attention is also paid to friendship, public and private conscience, an examination of class structure, prejudice and greed. It took no effort to become reacquainted with Lenox’s inner circle; his butler Graham, good friend and next door neighbor Lady Jane, and his brother Edmund. His introduction of new characters was done skillfully and served to enhance the story through their distinct personalities.

There is no doubt that I have to and will read each and every book in this series.Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for a copy. show less

WOW! Talk about a book that was impossible to put down – this was definitely it. We are finally back to Lenox’s current timeline and I’m happy about that. I loved all of the books about his earlier life, but I’m happy to be back in his normal timeline now. It seems that no matter how far Charles travels, he finds himself investigating a murder – this time it is while he is visiting the United States. I believe this might be my favorite book of the series so far and I’m really show more looking forward to many more because I’m so excited to see where Charles’s future lies. One of the things I love best about the series is that Charles seems so very real – as does the history in the book.

Charles has just wrapped up a very high-profile case that has taken down half of Scotland Yard as well as being rife with political implications. When Lenox is summoned to appear before the Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, he is sure things are not going to go well for him. The Prime Minister asks Lenox to leave England – and tells him that the Queen will bestow a knighthood on him. No, Charles isn’t being banished, but it sort of feels like it. He declines the offer because he really wants to assure that the men from Scotland Yard are convicted, and his testimony should assure it. However, Disraeli keeps sweetening the pot until Lenox agrees – but adds a few terms of his own.

Lenox’s tour of America has hardly begun before he is waylaid on his train and is demanded to appear in Newport to solve a murder. Charles is traveling in the name of the Queen of England and he’s incensed that someone would dare demand – for it was a demand and not a request – that he appear before them and solve a murder. He declines but is eventually convinced to at least check it out – out of curiosity if nothing else.

When Lenox arrives, the body of the beautiful young woman is still lying on the beach where she was found. The police are there as is the coroner and a number of onlookers. The scene is totally trampled and the locals don’t seem to know how to investigate a murder – especially a murder among society’s elite.

Charles’s investigation keeps him among the richest and most powerful people in America. One of them murdered that young woman – but there are few clues, no witnesses, and no really good motives. So, what could that lovely young woman have done to cause someone to murder her?

Each lead seems to take him nowhere – and he keeps circling and circling – with no results. Until, finally, he knows the answer, but doesn’t want to believe it. It is really an exciting tale that puts Charles in danger of losing his life. Will he live long enough to see the murderer caught? Oh! My!

I absolutely loved this book and could happily read it again and again. I loved seeing a young America through an Englishman’s eyes. The descriptions of Lenox’s impressions are wonderful – especially the descriptions of the hope that was so clearly on display among the upstart Americans. It just made me long for those hopeful times. I also loved the insights on the aftermath of the Civil War even twenty years later. I think the author did an outstanding job of conveying that rich sense of history and the hope of a young American nation.

I also loved Charles’s career crisis thoughts – maybe it was a mid-life crisis. I will be so excited to read the next books and find out what the future holds for Charles, Lady Jane, and the rest of the recurring characters. The ONLY thing that I didn’t love was the references to how old Lenox was. The story treated him as if he were eighty rather than forty-nine – and he reinforced that. I know that fifty back then was ‘older’ than fifty today, but goodness – I can’t believe it was that different.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. show less

Confess I haven't read any of the other books in this series featuring Charles Lenox, amateur detective, and his inamorata Lady Jane Grey. Perhaps I ought to read "A Beautiful Blue Death" - the first book in the series which, I understand, was nominated for all sorts of awards - before I pass judgment on this 3rd book in the series.

But while I found the main characters charming and the Victorian ambiance beguiling, this wasn't enough to distract me from the frustrations of the plot, which I show more felt to be over-reliant on coincidences, inconsistent detectival rigor, improbable deductions, and plot holes. Don't want to risk spoilers, but will challenge fellow readers to ask themselves at the end of this: would any remotely competent criminal have devised such an unnecessarily complex crime? Neither the plot nor the psychology seemed to make much sense to me. I was also a bit disappointed that the novel, despite its title, delivered little insight into the machinations of Fleet Street, but perhaps that's just me.

Having said that, I get that many readers of historical fiction are willing to tolerate a bit of sloppy plotting in exchange for authentic period detail and likeable protagonists. Those readers are likely to find "The Fleet Street Murders" a sufficiently satisfying read. Indeed, despite my critiques of this particular outing, there was enough promise here that I'm going to give "A Beautiful Blue Death" a try. But there are so many great historical mysteries out there these days, readers like me can afford to be a little picky about the ones we choose to invest our time in, right? show less

4.5 / 5.0 Stars

This fifteenth book in series, is yet another brilliant addition to the Charles Lenox mysteries by talented writer, Charles Finch.

It is early winter of 1879. We find our protagonist, Charles Lenox, recovering from a debilitating wound received during his last investigation. His stamina is suffering, despite his visits with his personal trainer, Sven, at the Gymnastiksaal. He receives a missive from a former servant requesting his aid in the resolution of a murder on her show more street and in the problem of someone parking themselves upon her doorstep at night. This prompts Lenox into action. He commences his evening wanderings through London while fleshing out the details of this case. In so doing, he reclaims his vigor and is much relieved. Over the course of the investigation, he identifies an enigmatic emblem carved into various buildings and is convinced that it holds significance in his endeavors. Yet no one recognizes it. Lenox is tenacious and always enjoys a good puzzle.

The depth of Finch's historical research appearing in each story is tremendous and spot on. The books usually hold more than just one mystery, and this one was no exception. The richness of descriptive detail transports the reader to a different time and place wrapping them in a richly woven blanket of observation and sensation. The subtle clues are all there but not easily discerned, thus pulling the reader along through all the various cat and mouse moments and red herrings. The energy builds up gradually over the course of the story to a striking moment and gently eases off toward a satisfying conclusion.

Yet, beyond the usual tension and machinations of a fine mystery, Finch also brings to bear a wonderful depth in his characters. As we hear the tender ruminations of Lenox regarding his young family or observe his irritations as a detective thwarted by those in power and wealth, we appreciate the humanity of his character. We grin at the playful exchange of emotion and banter between Lenox and his brother or his wife, Lady Jane. Our hearts melt at the tender moments shared between father and his children and newly added to the mix, his cousin's daughter.

All in all, this was a most enjoyable read and this reader for one, eagerly awaits the next installment in this richly told tale.

I am grateful to author Charles Finch and his publisher, Minotaur Books, for having provided a complimentary uncorrected digital galley of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Minotaur Books
Publication Date: November 4, 2025
Number of Pages: 288 pages
ISBN: 978-1250767165 show less