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Fiction. Literature. Mystery. It's Christmas, 1866, and amateur sleuth Charles Lenox, recently engaged to his best friend, Lady Jane Grey, is happily celebrating the holiday in his Mayfair townhouse. Across London, however, two journalists have just met with violent deaths-one shot, one throttled. Lenox soon involves himself in the strange case but must leave it behind to go north to Stirrington, where he is running for Parliament. Once there, he gets a further shock when Lady Jane sends him show more a letter whose contents may threaten their nuptials. In London, the police apprehend two unlikely and unrelated murder suspects. From the start, Lenox has his doubts; the crimes, he is sure, are tied. But how? Racing back and forth between London and Stirrington, Lenox must negotiate the complexities of crime and politics, not to mention his imperiled engagement. But as the case mounts, Lenox learns that the person behind the murders may be closer to him-and his beloved-than he knows. show lessTags
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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 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 show more 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
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 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 show more 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
No. 3 in the Charles Lenox Victorian mystery series. Lenox is campaigning frantically in a by-election for a seat in Parliament for a rural district, while back in London two journalists have been murdered almost simultaneously and naturally the police have it all wrong. Or do they? Charles itches to get back and get into it, but he also really wants to take a seat in the House of Commons...can he manage both? And when things get rotten again with his old friend McConnell and wife Toto, Charles's fiance, Lady Jane, begins having second thoughts about the wisdom of getting married. Almost cozy, perfectly enjoyable and diverting.
When two newspaper men are murdered within minutes of each other, Charles Lenox is consulted by Inspector Jenkins of Scotland Yard without his superior's knowledge. Before Lenox gets very far in his investigation, he is called away to the north of England. The Member of Parliament for Stirrington has just died, and there will be an election to replace him in two weeks. Lenox will be the Liberal Party candidate for the seat, and he must dedicate himself to the campaign in the short time before the election. When his assistant/trainee, John Dallington, learns that an old acquaintance has been arrested for the murders, he begs Lenox to come back to London to find the truth. Lenox is torn between his calling as a private investigator and show more his desire to serve his country in Parliament.
The book focuses as much on the election campaign as on the murder mystery. I had recently read Trollope's Can You Forgive Her?, in which a special parliamentary election also played a role, and I think Finch must have done the same thing in his research for this book. The campaign is conducted much like those in Trollope's works.
The focus on the election shortchanges the development of the mystery plot. Lenox regrets being away from London and fears that the wrong person will be convicted for the murders since he isn't able to investigate. After these thoughts are repeated several times, it begins to come across as arrogance.
The likeable characters are the book's best feature, and they're why I'll continue reading this series. I enjoy spending time with Lenox, his neighbor and fiance Jane, his butler/valet Graham, Lenox and Jane's friends, the McConnells, and Inspector Jenkins. show less
The book focuses as much on the election campaign as on the murder mystery. I had recently read Trollope's Can You Forgive Her?, in which a special parliamentary election also played a role, and I think Finch must have done the same thing in his research for this book. The campaign is conducted much like those in Trollope's works.
The focus on the election shortchanges the development of the mystery plot. Lenox regrets being away from London and fears that the wrong person will be convicted for the murders since he isn't able to investigate. After these thoughts are repeated several times, it begins to come across as arrogance.
The likeable characters are the book's best feature, and they're why I'll continue reading this series. I enjoy spending time with Lenox, his neighbor and fiance Jane, his butler/valet Graham, Lenox and Jane's friends, the McConnells, and Inspector Jenkins. show less
This third book in Charles Finch's "Charles Lenox Mystery" series continues a brilliant story of an aristocratic, bright and intelligent self-made detective. The writing is excellent and imagery - atmospheric.
The setting is 1866 London. Our 40ish detectective is betrothed to his childhood friend and must leave her as he campaigns in Stirrington for a Parliamentary seat. She has developed cold feet and he's now gone. Meanwhile, two journalists are murdered, virtually simultaneously. One is deemed virtuous and the other, "a corrupt and corruptible soul". Will Scotland Yard carry out its due diligence and find the perpetrators of these crimes or will Charles again step into the breach to resolve the matter at hand.
Mr. Finch has written a show more most clever story, drawing on English history and laying out the breadcrumbs for the mystery loving reader. The references to a prior book of the series were a delicious reminder of much which came before. I eagerly look forward to reading the subsequent books of this brilliant series. show less
The setting is 1866 London. Our 40ish detectective is betrothed to his childhood friend and must leave her as he campaigns in Stirrington for a Parliamentary seat. She has developed cold feet and he's now gone. Meanwhile, two journalists are murdered, virtually simultaneously. One is deemed virtuous and the other, "a corrupt and corruptible soul". Will Scotland Yard carry out its due diligence and find the perpetrators of these crimes or will Charles again step into the breach to resolve the matter at hand.
Mr. Finch has written a show more most clever story, drawing on English history and laying out the breadcrumbs for the mystery loving reader. The references to a prior book of the series were a delicious reminder of much which came before. I eagerly look forward to reading the subsequent books of this brilliant series. show less
It's official: I'm addicted to Charles Finch's delightful Victorian mysteries featuring the very noble, in every sense of the word, Charles Lenox. In this outing, Lenox faces a tangle of intrigue as he investigates what lies behind the almost simultaneous murders of two of Fleet Street's best while he is also contesting for a seat in Parliament and coping with the sudden doubts of his long-time love and fiancée, Lady Jane Grey. Through satisfying twists and turns, earnest, deeply decent Lenox comes through on all fronts. Finch shows a deft hand in balancing an immersive sense of setting with his characters and plot. More please!
Charles Lenox is pursuing his dream of running for Parliament. Standing in a far-flung northern district he is trying to solve a double murder at the same time. Two newspaper men were found murdered within minutes of each other. The time that Lenox would like to spend investigating is taken up with heavy campaigning.
This series always provides a solid mystery and good Victorian atmosphere. This one offers a fascinating look at Parliamentary elections, particularly fascinating to those of us who are accustomed to residency as a prerequisite for representation. This series is highly recommended for those who enjoy historical mysteries.
This series always provides a solid mystery and good Victorian atmosphere. This one offers a fascinating look at Parliamentary elections, particularly fascinating to those of us who are accustomed to residency as a prerequisite for representation. This series is highly recommended for those who enjoy historical mysteries.
Victorian gentleman and amateur sleuth Charles Lenox is at an important stage of his life: he has recently become engaged to Lady Jane Grey, and he has just decided to run for Parliament. The vacant seat is in the small northern town of Stirrington, but just as Charles is about to travel there for his campaign, he hears the news of two sensational murders in London. Both victims are journalists, but there doesn’t seem to be any other connection between them. Now Charles must assist Scotland Yard in solving the “Fleet Street murders” even as he begins his intense campaign for the Stirrington election.
I’ve really enjoyed every book in the Lenox series so far, and this one is no exception. The mystery plot was entertaining, with show more unexpected twists and a red herring or two, but my favorite aspect of this book was the Victorian setting and atmosphere. At least half the book doesn’t really discuss the mystery at all – instead, it takes a fascinating look at 19th-century English elections and political campaigning. So if you’re looking for a taut, fast-paced thriller, this book is not for you! I really enjoy period pieces, though, so I didn’t mind that the mystery wasn’t the sole focus. Once again, I loved reading about Charles Lenox and all his friends and acquaintances; the characters all seem like real people with multifaceted personalities. The writing style is a bit clunky at times, but overall I’m really enjoying Charles Lenox’s world, and I’ll definitely continue with the series! show less
I’ve really enjoyed every book in the Lenox series so far, and this one is no exception. The mystery plot was entertaining, with show more unexpected twists and a red herring or two, but my favorite aspect of this book was the Victorian setting and atmosphere. At least half the book doesn’t really discuss the mystery at all – instead, it takes a fascinating look at 19th-century English elections and political campaigning. So if you’re looking for a taut, fast-paced thriller, this book is not for you! I really enjoy period pieces, though, so I didn’t mind that the mystery wasn’t the sole focus. Once again, I loved reading about Charles Lenox and all his friends and acquaintances; the characters all seem like real people with multifaceted personalities. The writing style is a bit clunky at times, but overall I’m really enjoying Charles Lenox’s world, and I’ll definitely continue with the series! show less
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ThingScore 75
Character is very much at the core of these whodunits, which are seen from the perspective of an educated gentleman born to wealth and power. Lenox not only has access to the great homes, the private clubs and the inner political circles of his aristocratic society, but he also has the kindness to use these privileges for the public good.
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- Canonical title
- The Fleet Street Murders
- Original title
- The Fleet Street Murders
- Original publication date
- 2009-11-10
- People/Characters
- Charles Lenox; Lady Jane Grey; Winston Carruthers; Simon Pierce; George Barnard; John Dallington
- Important places
- London, England, UK
- Dedication
- To my father
- First words
- It was late in the evening, and a thin winter rain beat down over London's low buildings and high steeples, collecting in sallow pools beneath the streetlights and insinuating its way inside the clothes of the miserable few w... (show all)hom fate had kept outside.
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)There was nothing he liked better than being married, and as he stole a glance at his brother and his old friend, Lady Jane, his heart filled with joy for them, and he pondered the vagaries of the world, which for all of its fault lines and difficulties could offer so much happiness sometimes, and often - as for his brother, who had so long lived as a bachelor, had so long struggled with the prejudice against his profession - often when you weren't even looking for it at all.
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- 681
- Popularity
- 41,927
- Reviews
- 26
- Rating
- (3.77)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 14
- ASINs
- 7
