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3.43 AVERAGE
3.43 AVERAGE
This is closer to a 3.5 than a 3. I must admit that I do enjoy cozies and novels that take place in the victorian era in general. I read a nice review about one of the later novels in this series but figured if the first one wasn't any good then this wasn't a series for me. The mystery had me guessing all the way to the end which is what I hope for in a good mystery story. All in all a nice diversion and I will probably read a few more at some point.
I enjoyed the mystery very much but I found myself distracted by the historical errors and the constant back stories of every single character who comes into contact with Charles Lenox.
I prefer to have bits and pieces a character's history with the main character revealed as it relates to the story instead of dumping several paragraphs at time without them being relevant to what's currently going on.
For instance on page 121:
Followed by a 2 page back story that the author admits to being unnecessary. Since Graham is a major character it normally wouldn't bother me too much except by the time you get to it it's the fourth unnecessary back story you've had to read.
Fast forward to Pages 261-262 and you have the back story of a very minor character, Mr. Throckmortin. In fact, these are the only pages you can find him. But this time there is also a glimpse into the future:
After this you're quickly brought back to the present and continue to follow Lenox through the rest of the day. Very distracting and takes away from the story.
I prefer to have bits and pieces a character's history with the main character revealed as it relates to the story instead of dumping several paragraphs at time without them being relevant to what's currently going on.
For instance on page 121:
With this report, Graham's role in the case was at all probability at an end, and both men knew that Graham would thereafter resume his normal functions, but perhaps it is appropriate, nevertheless, to explain the reaction between the butler and his employer...
Followed by a 2 page back story that the author admits to being unnecessary. Since Graham is a major character it normally wouldn't bother me too much except by the time you get to it it's the fourth unnecessary back story you've had to read.
Fast forward to Pages 261-262 and you have the back story of a very minor character, Mr. Throckmortin. In fact, these are the only pages you can find him. But this time there is also a glimpse into the future:
Perhaps it is worth relating that the next day, though busy, Lenox remembered his young friend and sent his mother two fine legs of lamb and a case of his own favorite port for Mr. Throckmortin, Sr. And though it would take many years, the clerk's final words were prescient, for he would help Lenox in the case of the Queen's amulet...
After this you're quickly brought back to the present and continue to follow Lenox through the rest of the day. Very distracting and takes away from the story.
I recently discovered the Charles Lenox series and am so thrilled I did so during the stay at home orders because I've been able to start from the first book in the series (this one) and read the entire series in quick succession. I love how the story is kept fresh in each book and you really feel yourself immersing into Lenox's world. Furthermore, even though each story is self contained, if you read the books in order you follow many developments and changes in Charles's life which makes following a book series very gratifying. I highly recommend this series!
Discovered this series last year ... definitely my favorite of the new-to-me mysteries.
A little slow going, but this was exactly what I wanted to read: a historical murder mystery!
A genuine, whodunit murder mystery!
I wasn't even close when it came to the suspect, but the conclusion made a lot of sense-- as compared to other historical mysteries, and I'm eager to see the rest of the series.
A genuine, whodunit murder mystery!
I wasn't even close when it came to the suspect, but the conclusion made a lot of sense
Spoiler
-- particularly in terms of motive
Phenomenal! I have always been a fan of Sherlock Holmes, and the character of Charles Lenox is quite similar. The plot was so complex that I found myself taking notes and still had not figured it out before the murderer was revealed. In addition, there was a twist that took me by surprise as well. I do love a good mystery and I can't wait to read the rest of the series. Brilliant!
This was Finch's debut title and my second title read of this author. I enjoyed his later book [I]A Stranger in Mayfair[/I] (#4) more. This one was split between cozy and suspense and it came out lukewarm. Many paragraphs spent on smoking, drinking, breakfast and tea. Clues were subtle and most things wrapped up in the end. A few 'yeah, right' moments that brought this down compared to his later book. He improved with time. Character development and historical background were definite pluses.
Charles Lenox is a gentleman of leisure who enjoys solving mysteries in his spare time. His good friend, Lady Jane Grey, requests his help when a former servant is found dead of an apparent suicide. Charles of course discovers the girl has been murdered, and there is no end of suspects or motives in the case. I enjoyed the story and the mystery and, although a bit convoluted, it was impossible to guess the resolution. Where Finch really excels is in his interpersonal relationships between the characters. You can't help but feel Charles and Lady Jane both might possibly feel more than friendship between them. And I enjoyed reading about the history of Charles unique friendship with his butler, Graham. This was a good historical cozy mystery and I will be reading the second book so see what develops between the characters. Three and a half stars.