If you are looking for a well written mystery novel, do not bother with this one. The characters are one dimensional and the plot is poor. It reminds me of writings from a high school senior-who THINKS he is writing something clever. If Mr. Finch spent as much time on creating well written characters as he does on describing afternoon tea (which he seems to do in every chapter) this would be worth a read. One of the biggest faults of this novel is that his characters all speak as if they lived in the present time here in the USA and not in 1865 London. I would recommend that Mr. Finch should read a few historical mystery novels before attempting to write another one. Disappointing, and a waste of time. 1.5 stars.

A Wonderful Atmospheric Historical Fiction

First in what is hopefully a continuing series featuring Charles Lennox, a Victoria gentleman, who has solved crimes that Scotland Yard seems to take credit for. Set in England 1865, Lenox is called by his next door neighbor and childhood friend Lady Jane Grey when Prudence Smith, Grey’s former employee, is found dead in the home of her new employer. Things just don’t add up in Jane’s mind, but Charles can figure it out, he’s clever that way.

Since Pru was found in the home of George Barnard, the current director of the Royal Mint, with a secret of his own; Lennox’s instincts are set in high gear and a wonderful who-done-it-and-why leads the reader on a brilliant journey.

A great cast of characters that leave you smirking and curious, making this an interesting addition to the Historical Fiction genre.

But the best part -- this book seems to start in the middle of the whole Charles Lennox experience with references to the past that makes you wonder exactly where Lennox came from and where Finch is going to take him. Will more of the past be explained or will Finch just leave that up to the reader’s imagination.

I've been looking for a good English mystery and was hoping this was the beginning of a worthy series. I'll keep looking.

The setting was done very well and was the best part of the book. The characters seemed one dimensional, none had any real deapth, or a compelling back story to interest the reader. The dialog was confusing at times, and did not make sense to me. At first I thought it was the way of speaking in that time period, but I've read historicals many times and this just seemed off. And finally, the author seemed to have a hard time keeping focused; there were too many digressions. But I think my main objection is the lack of connection I felt to any of the characters.

I understand this is Mr. Finch's first book, and am more than willing to read the next one or even two in the hopes he progresses as an author.

Charles Lenox is very similar to two of my favorite gentlemen detectives--Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot. Thankfully, he is not as arrogant as Holmes. Rather than a Watson or a Hastings, Lenox has a slew of sluething partners. Several of whom are sure to reappear in future books--Lady Jane Grey, his butler and friend Graham, his brother and MP Edmund, and his friend and nonpracticing physician Thomas McConnell. My favorite characters are McConnell and his high-society wife Toto. They remind me of Nick and Nora of Thin Man fame.

Finch provides nearly all the clues to solving this mystery on your own. I got it wrong. I confess that the person I thought was guilty was, but not of the crime I suspected him of. But unlike some authors who deliberately lead you away from the solution, Finch simply provided no more and no less emphasis to the real clues as to the red herrings. I like an author who isn't sneaky.

I happily stumbled on a copy of this book while browsing at our local B&N. Five chapters in, I raced back to get his second book, The September Society, only to discover that there is also a third book, The Fleet Street Murders, available. This fan of Victorian-era mysteries shall be happily immersed in the world of Charles Lenox for a couple of weeks.

Incredible badly written! Only managed to read about 25 pages.

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