In which I'm introduced to a Victorian gentleman detective!
The Woman in the Water (Charles Lenox #11, Prequel #1)
by Charles Finch
London, 1850. Charles Lenox is obviously intelligent. At first I thought he was a tad awkward socially. Later I realized it's just his way, after all he's only 23 and just beginning his life as a detective. Apparently Charles has let the girl he loved slip away due to his own inaction, not recognizing that what he felt for Elizabeth (who is later called Jane) was more than a childhood friendship. Between establishing himself in the detecting arena and losing his love before it could become a reality, Charles doesn't seem to be as yet comfortable in his own skin
Charles' companion and valet Graham, is a partner in this cohort of investigation. We are told that Graham has a mind that absorbs and holds onto information. I love the scene of them both cutting out newspaper articles and then comparing notes to discover where things might be amiss, where their skills might be needed.
Charles has a hard time being taken seriously by Scotland Yard, even when he discovers things they miss, such as this latest case which seems to link to another murder. A body has been found in a naval locker. Another body has been floated Ophelia like down the Thames to come to rest on mud flats. Charles feels they're connected. The police are more than sceptical, if not downright disdainful.
We are introduced to Charles' family who are incredibly likeable. I feel that Charles just can't help being as he is, given these special people who care so deeply for him.
I was hesitant with this Sherlock and Holmes type pairing, even though these two are very different from that famous duo--although there's a lingering familiar air.
All in all, an immensely enjoyable read!
A Minotaur Books ARC via NetGalley
****
by Charles Finch
London, 1850. Charles Lenox is obviously intelligent. At first I thought he was a tad awkward socially. Later I realized it's just his way, after all he's only 23 and just beginning his life as a detective. Apparently Charles has let the girl he loved slip away due to his own inaction, not recognizing that what he felt for Elizabeth (who is later called Jane) was more than a childhood friendship. Between establishing himself in the detecting arena and losing his love before it could become a reality, Charles doesn't seem to be as yet comfortable in his own skin
Charles' companion and valet Graham, is a partner in this cohort of investigation. We are told that Graham has a mind that absorbs and holds onto information. I love the scene of them both cutting out newspaper articles and then comparing notes to discover where things might be amiss, where their skills might be needed.
Charles has a hard time being taken seriously by Scotland Yard, even when he discovers things they miss, such as this latest case which seems to link to another murder. A body has been found in a naval locker. Another body has been floated Ophelia like down the Thames to come to rest on mud flats. Charles feels they're connected. The police are more than sceptical, if not downright disdainful.
We are introduced to Charles' family who are incredibly likeable. I feel that Charles just can't help being as he is, given these special people who care so deeply for him.
I was hesitant with this Sherlock and Holmes type pairing, even though these two are very different from that famous duo--although there's a lingering familiar air.
All in all, an immensely enjoyable read!
A Minotaur Books ARC via NetGalley
****
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