The Rookery

Set early in 1884, this book picks up soon after the end of the previous book, while Penny and James are both still suffering from injuries. The investigation takes Penny deep into the slums of London. She is definitely plucky and smart, but sometimes takes risks that she shouldn't. (Well, they do endear her to readers, of course.) She isn't the kind of heroine who waits around for some guy to take the lead, or who flails helplessly expecting to be rescued if she gets in too deep. (Whether she gets rescued is a different matter, but she is definitely capable of putting up a fight on her own.)

We also get a little more back-story and family history in this one, as she continues reading through her father's papers. Her relationship with show more James is not quite what a romantic reader might wish for, but it's understandable in the circumstances, and for this reader, hope springs eternal. She makes a bold move which I wholly endorsed; and eventually by and by, I hope it pays off for them. I think they are totally made for each other, even if James is currently engaged so someone else, darn it. When the plot comes to a boil and we find out what really happened — I mean the resolution of whodunnit — I'll admit I didn't see it coming.

I found one definite typo in this book. It involves a stray dot and I made note of it, so if the author comes prowling around looking for it, I can give it back.

Full disclosure: I obtained this book and the previous book in the series for free during a promotion, and in retrospect, would have happily paid the modest retail price.

True story: After finishing the book late in the evening I went to sleep as usual. Then I woke up at 2:30 in the morning wondering what would happen to Penny next. So I ran down the hall (in my nightshirt and cap, obviously) to the study, where I turned on my trusty analytical engine, tuned my receiver to the mighty 'Zon, and bought both of the sequels. That's a recommendation. show less

When a young thief grabs her bag, Penny Green never expects that pursuing him will result in finding him dead shortly after. When she learns there have been two similar killings, she suspects there may be a serial killer at work in St Giles Rookery. Another killing confirms her fears and she must team up with inspector James Blakely once again to uncover the truth.

This takes place shortly after the events of the first book. Penny is still healing from being shot, and she has taken on the task of compiling her father's diaries and letters into a book. This means she must reevaluate how she views her father as she learns more about her father's travels. It was interesting to see her grow as a character in this side plot.

The main plot show more takes us into the darker side of the Victorian era. The atmosphere of the majority of the story is one of dark tension. The threat of a killer looms over every page and is fast paced.

It was lovely to have Inspector Blakely back as he works so well with Penny. The attraction between them still exists, which is slightly worrying given that he is engaged to be married. His frustration at being a step behind the serial killer was understandable and made him more sympathetic.

Overall, this was a good follow-up to the first book. I did find the end a surprise, with no very many clues pointing to the identity of the killer

I would recommend this to readers looking a Victorian mystery series. show less

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love that the main character is a woman in an unusual job for the time period. The secondary characters are interesting as well. This was a good follow-up to the first book and the villain wasn't immediately apparent. I will definitely continue reading the Penny Green series.

It's now 1884 and Penny Green and Inspector James Blakely team up to try and catch the person who is killing people in the Rookery part of London.
An enjoyable, well-written mystery with some very likeable characters