Lestrade and the Sawdust Ring

Sholto Lestrade Mystery #13

by M.J. Trow

Detective-Sergeant Sholto Lestrade investigates strange affairs at a popular circus and uncovers evidence of murder under the big top.

Genres: Historical Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Mystery

235 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1993

About the author

Meirion James Trow is a full-time teacher of history who has been doubling as a crime writer for seventeen years. Originally from Ferndale, Rhondda in South Wales he now lives on the Isle of Wight. His interests include collecting militaria, film, the supernatural and true crime.

Reviews

[John Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although this book has the earliest setting of all the Lestrade books, 1879, it is the 13th of the series to be written/published.

Looking at this one erroneously as the first written, I was expecting something of the Clouseauesque antics that we saw in some of the other 'earlier' books. Instead, I found a more serious story such as I had found in later books of the series.

This is getting difficult to explain so I will just stick to this story, although, I have to say that if I had read this one first , I wouldn't have been so keen to carry on to the others. Most of what attracted me to the series seems to have gone. What is left is rather an ordinary Victorian era murder mystery, very loosely based on Conan Doyle's work.

Some of the author's subtle wit remains and he still sneaks a few hidden names into the narrative.

As the title suggests this story centres on a circus travelling through, what is now, West Yorkshire (although the accent must have been far stronger in those days), which Lestrade joins undercover to track a killer. The body count is high even for this series.

Although I have enjoyed the series I found this one the weakest yet but I still hope to finish off the few that I have left.

My mark would have been 3, my lowest for the author so far. However, to my mind ,he committed an unforgivable sin in giving something away. Worse perhaps, it was just a throwaway line and wasn't important to this story. Perhaps others won't notice it and for them the secret will remain.That cost a whole star.

2nd June 2026

[Peter · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Lestrade novels are quite hit and miss. This, chronologically Lestrade’s first case in 1879, has some occasional moments of humour and the setting and the time period is faithfully rendered but there are also some disappointments. There is a flat middle section and really an excessive number of murders of performers in a circus travelling across the north of England. Disraeli and the French Prince Imperial feature intriguingly but it does become a little silly at times as young Lestrade seeks the killer who is disposing of his circus victims in ways appropriate to their particular skill. Not the strongest in the series.

[Nick Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rather enjoyed this novel, best described as a Victorian Naked Gun where language is routinely mangled, no pun is left unpunned and every entendre is most definitely doubled. That I was 80% of the way through the book before the author made the Lord George knew my father joke goes some way to giving an insight into what the book is like. My favourite though had to be the trapeze artist who, when performing in Sussex was deemed to be the best Catcher in Rye. Ba dum tss!

Will definitely read more in this series.

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unless you are well aware of British political history of the late 1800s you will find, as I did, that this book might as well be Greek. I read the rave reviews, wondered how I had missed reading Inspector Lestrade in spite of my love for English mysteries and dove in. What in the world am I reading? This book is not old, first published in 1993. I admit it, my familiarity with the names Disraeli and Gladstone did nothing to prepare me - I am dedeated!

[Jaime Abel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It Stands Out

It’s clever, wry, and its author shows a respectable amount of wit. The characters are full, quirky even, saying as much about the author as about themselves. I was as surprised at the identity as was Lestrade. However, I hope his detecting abilities improve with age and experience because I’d hate to, again, witness him be humiliated at the hands of Conan Doyle’s creation.

[Bryngel · Rating 1.5 out of 5]

It's not often I find a detective plot dull but by the heavens this was a struggle to get through. I'll give Trow one more chance but that's it. Because this was terribly slow.

(Please forgive my poor English, my excuse is I’m Swedish).

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first Trow book I read was the first of the Marlowe series. I did not think it very well written, so I tried the first book of the Lestrade series. I will not be reading any other Trow books.

[Graham Robertson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the best of the Lestrade series.

[Jody Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book. Mr Trow was my history teacher years (and years) ago, and I'd vowed to myself I'd read his books one day. I guess I got a little sidetracked.

'Sawdust' is a wonderful tale of the hapless Lestrade, and this book is a must for any writer who wants to learn or perfect their use of dialogue in storytelling.

The humour is fast and silly, and perfect for an idiot like me.

Recommended. To all.

[Margareth8537 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enjoyed this the least of the Lestrade books. Seemed even sillier than usual