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As all readers know, it’s no fun when you come to the end of
a good series and feel adrift in your lifeboat of literature, searching for the
next thing to read. So I’m throwing out a lifeline with A Beautiful Blue Death,
the first in the Charles Lenox mystery series by Charles Finch.
Set in Victorian England, Charles is a gentleman of the
upper class with Parliamentary aspirations who has discovered he has a real
talent as a detective. With time and means to pursue this talent he’s already
earned a reputation among his peers-and Scotland Yard-for both good and bad
outcomes. But he knows his way is the way of the future so, invited or not, he
doesn’t stop until the crime is solved.
In this case, the crime is the mysterious poisoning of a
housemaid in the home of one of London’s most powerful political players. The
suspects are many, as are potential motives. But Lenox persists, with the help
of his friend, Dr. Thomas McConnell, and in spite of personal danger and a
second murder.
His neighbor and lifelong friend, Lady Jane, is a frequent
companion with a great interest in Charles’ activities and well-being. Readers
will wonder if something deeper is developing between these two and it very
well may be.
Along the way readers are treated to a fun education in
Victorian England. If you are a history buff as well as a lover of a good
mystery, this one’s a page turner. And the good news is, once you turn the last
page, there are nine more books to go.
