The Fleet Street Murders
94. Charles Finch, The Fleet Street Murders
***Warning: slight spoilers for previous books in the series!***
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 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!