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A Dickens of a Crime #1
A Tale of Two Murders
On the eve of the Victorian era, London has a new sleuth . . .
In the winter of 1835, young Charles Dickens is a journalist on the rise at the Evening Chronicle. Invited to dinner at the estate of the newspaper's co-editor, Charles is smitten with his boss's daughter, vivacious nineteen-year-old Kate Hogarth. They are having the best of times when a scream shatters the pleasant evening. Charles, Kate, and her father rush to the neighbors' home, where Miss Christiana Lugoson lies unconscious on the floor. By morning, the poor young woman will be dead.
When Charles hears from a colleague of a very similar mysterious death a year ago to the date, also a young woman, he begins to suspect poisoning and feels compelled to investigate. The lovely Kate offers to help--using her social position to gain access to the members of the upper crust, now suspects in a murder. If Charles can find justice for the victims, it will be a far, far better thing than he has ever done. But with a twist or two in this most peculiar case, he and Kate may be in for the worst of times . . .
In the winter of 1835, young Charles Dickens is a journalist on the rise at the Evening Chronicle. Invited to dinner at the estate of the newspaper's co-editor, Charles is smitten with his boss's daughter, vivacious nineteen-year-old Kate Hogarth. They are having the best of times when a scream shatters the pleasant evening. Charles, Kate, and her father rush to the neighbors' home, where Miss Christiana Lugoson lies unconscious on the floor. By morning, the poor young woman will be dead.
When Charles hears from a colleague of a very similar mysterious death a year ago to the date, also a young woman, he begins to suspect poisoning and feels compelled to investigate. The lovely Kate offers to help--using her social position to gain access to the members of the upper crust, now suspects in a murder. If Charles can find justice for the victims, it will be a far, far better thing than he has ever done. But with a twist or two in this most peculiar case, he and Kate may be in for the worst of times . . .
338 pages, Hardcover
First published July 31, 2018
365 people are currently reading
3605 people want to read
About the author
Heather Redmond
14 books467 followersHeather Redmond is an author of commercial fiction and also writes as Heather Hiestand. First published in mystery, she took a long detour through romance before returning. Though her last known British ancestor departed London in the 1920s, she is a committed anglophile, Dickens devotee, and lover of all things nineteenth century.
She has lived in Illinois, California, and Texas, and now resides in a small town in Washington State with her husband and son. The author of many novels, novellas, and short stories, she has achieved best-seller status at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Her 2018 Heather Redmond debut, A Tale of Two Murders, has received a coveted starred review from Kirkus Reviews.
She has lived in Illinois, California, and Texas, and now resides in a small town in Washington State with her husband and son. The author of many novels, novellas, and short stories, she has achieved best-seller status at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Her 2018 Heather Redmond debut, A Tale of Two Murders, has received a coveted starred review from Kirkus Reviews.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 251 reviews
July 3, 2018
"A very little key will open a very heavy door." (Charles Dickens)
Just the right pressure and just the right persistence can shed light on even the darkest of situations.
January of 1835 in Brompton, outside of London, ushers in the New Year and adds the age-old desire for an Epiphany celebration. Families dine at their tables whether in abundance or in simple appreciation of even the most meager of a shared meal. Tradition reigns.
Heather Redmond introduces us to a twenty-two year old Charles Dickens who is dining in the home of his editor. Charles is recently launching his career as an entry level journalist at the Evening Chronicle. The lively Hogarth family welcomes him. But Charles' eye is held in the direction of Kate, the nineteen year old daughter, who brightens the room with her wit and her loveliness.
As dessert is being served, a loud scream is heard coming from the home of Lady Lugoson, the barron's widow, who lives next door. Charles and Kate pound on their door and gain admittance. They find that Christina Lugoson, the young daughter, has fainted and appears quite ill. Both Charles and Kate remain there while Kate attends to the girl who is burning with fever. Their vigil ends by morning when Christina succombs to this strange attack.
Lady Lugoson's dinner guests fear for their own safety after the kitchen is ordered to be stripped and cleaned. Was this quite the accident or was this an intentional poisoning? Charles soon discovers that another girl died about a year ago. She was desperately ill as was Christina. Was this just a fluke or is there some kind of connection between the two deaths? More importantly, who was responsible and why?
Heather Redmond's portrayal of Charles Dickens at such a young age and under these circumstances is a delightful fictional tale into this Victorian period. The characters are presented with plenty of secrets lurking behind closed doors. Neighbors seem to show their faces in their own self-directed light. With Redmond's deft writing we experience a growing relationship between Charles and Kate. There's not the burden of the heaviness of romance that would otherwise overshadow the storyline. Hopefully, Heather Redmond will slip these two into the next book. Well worth waiting for......
I received a copy of A Tale of Two Murders through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Kensington Books and to Heather Redmond for the opportunity.
Just the right pressure and just the right persistence can shed light on even the darkest of situations.
January of 1835 in Brompton, outside of London, ushers in the New Year and adds the age-old desire for an Epiphany celebration. Families dine at their tables whether in abundance or in simple appreciation of even the most meager of a shared meal. Tradition reigns.
Heather Redmond introduces us to a twenty-two year old Charles Dickens who is dining in the home of his editor. Charles is recently launching his career as an entry level journalist at the Evening Chronicle. The lively Hogarth family welcomes him. But Charles' eye is held in the direction of Kate, the nineteen year old daughter, who brightens the room with her wit and her loveliness.
As dessert is being served, a loud scream is heard coming from the home of Lady Lugoson, the barron's widow, who lives next door. Charles and Kate pound on their door and gain admittance. They find that Christina Lugoson, the young daughter, has fainted and appears quite ill. Both Charles and Kate remain there while Kate attends to the girl who is burning with fever. Their vigil ends by morning when Christina succombs to this strange attack.
Lady Lugoson's dinner guests fear for their own safety after the kitchen is ordered to be stripped and cleaned. Was this quite the accident or was this an intentional poisoning? Charles soon discovers that another girl died about a year ago. She was desperately ill as was Christina. Was this just a fluke or is there some kind of connection between the two deaths? More importantly, who was responsible and why?
Heather Redmond's portrayal of Charles Dickens at such a young age and under these circumstances is a delightful fictional tale into this Victorian period. The characters are presented with plenty of secrets lurking behind closed doors. Neighbors seem to show their faces in their own self-directed light. With Redmond's deft writing we experience a growing relationship between Charles and Kate. There's not the burden of the heaviness of romance that would otherwise overshadow the storyline. Hopefully, Heather Redmond will slip these two into the next book. Well worth waiting for......
I received a copy of A Tale of Two Murders through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Kensington Books and to Heather Redmond for the opportunity.
September 1, 2020
(I guess one could say this was neither the best nor worst of reads.)
I had great expectations when I chose this book. As a big fan of neo-Victorian crime novels, I couldn't resist. Although there have been a few historical mysteries in the past with Dickens as protagonist ( Dan Simmons' DROOD and William Palmer's Mr. Dickens series come to mind), I guess you can never have too many.
However, this Redmond book may have been written with the best of intention but not with the best of execution. It was a pre-read hope. It was a post-read despair. It may have been set during the best of times, but this was not the best of crimes. (OK, I promise I am now finished with annoying references to some of Dickens' more famous lines.)
Heather Redmond is the pen name of Heather Hiestand, who has written many romance novels. This is her first mystery, in a planned series with a young Charles Dickens as crime-solver. This first book takes place in 1835. Dickens is an almost 23-year-old budding journalist and aspiring playwright and novelist. He works for the EVENING CHRONICLE, under editor George Hogarth.
As this tale begins, Charles is dining at the Hogarths, in the company of Hogarth, his wife and his four daughters, the eldest being Catherine, with whom Dickens is newly smitten. The meal is interrupted by cries of distress from a neighboring home and when they go to investigate, they find themselves involved in what may very well be the murder of a 17-year-old neighbor girl. As they investigate, the discovery of a previous death one year to the day of another 17-year-old girl makes them suspicious. Are the deaths related?
Charles' and Kate's investigations have them meeting up with a large cast of suspicious characters, most of them aristocrats or theater folk. There are numerous red herrings set up somewhat clumsily by the author as our two protagonists set out to uncover the truth in a rather haphazard manner.
I found this mystery to lack a bit of polish. The writing, character development, development of the mystery itself, the dialogue, all felt awkward and did not flow well. Some of the clumsy red herrings set up to develop the mystery were puzzling and left me with more questions than answers. And I didn't get a very good feel for anyone as a person. In particular, I found Charles and Kate to be extremely bland and their budding romance was looked at superficially and with rose-colored glasses.
Neither mystery nor characters nor romance are very convincing. I wish Redmond had added more salt and vinegar to the characters. From what I have read of Dickens and his life, he was a bit of a "dick" but here he comes across as somewhat milquetoast. In addition, the love and attraction between Dickens and Kate presented here seems too idealized, especially considering that in real life Dickens tosses poor Kate aside rather callously after 20 years of marriage, 10 children and at least two miscarriages, so that he could enjoy a midlife crisis at 45 with an 18-year old actress, Ellen Ternan.
On the plus side, the author does throw in some accurate details about Victorian life and about Dickens' personal life. She has done her research in that respect. However, that doesn't make up for the lackluster mystery and characters, since all that historical detail can be found when doing cursory research online or in reference books.
I had great expectations when I chose this book. As a big fan of neo-Victorian crime novels, I couldn't resist. Although there have been a few historical mysteries in the past with Dickens as protagonist ( Dan Simmons' DROOD and William Palmer's Mr. Dickens series come to mind), I guess you can never have too many.
However, this Redmond book may have been written with the best of intention but not with the best of execution. It was a pre-read hope. It was a post-read despair. It may have been set during the best of times, but this was not the best of crimes. (OK, I promise I am now finished with annoying references to some of Dickens' more famous lines.)
Heather Redmond is the pen name of Heather Hiestand, who has written many romance novels. This is her first mystery, in a planned series with a young Charles Dickens as crime-solver. This first book takes place in 1835. Dickens is an almost 23-year-old budding journalist and aspiring playwright and novelist. He works for the EVENING CHRONICLE, under editor George Hogarth.
As this tale begins, Charles is dining at the Hogarths, in the company of Hogarth, his wife and his four daughters, the eldest being Catherine, with whom Dickens is newly smitten. The meal is interrupted by cries of distress from a neighboring home and when they go to investigate, they find themselves involved in what may very well be the murder of a 17-year-old neighbor girl. As they investigate, the discovery of a previous death one year to the day of another 17-year-old girl makes them suspicious. Are the deaths related?
Charles' and Kate's investigations have them meeting up with a large cast of suspicious characters, most of them aristocrats or theater folk. There are numerous red herrings set up somewhat clumsily by the author as our two protagonists set out to uncover the truth in a rather haphazard manner.
I found this mystery to lack a bit of polish. The writing, character development, development of the mystery itself, the dialogue, all felt awkward and did not flow well. Some of the clumsy red herrings set up to develop the mystery were puzzling and left me with more questions than answers. And I didn't get a very good feel for anyone as a person. In particular, I found Charles and Kate to be extremely bland and their budding romance was looked at superficially and with rose-colored glasses.
Neither mystery nor characters nor romance are very convincing. I wish Redmond had added more salt and vinegar to the characters. From what I have read of Dickens and his life, he was a bit of a "dick" but here he comes across as somewhat milquetoast. In addition, the love and attraction between Dickens and Kate presented here seems too idealized, especially considering that in real life Dickens tosses poor Kate aside rather callously after 20 years of marriage, 10 children and at least two miscarriages, so that he could enjoy a midlife crisis at 45 with an 18-year old actress, Ellen Ternan.
On the plus side, the author does throw in some accurate details about Victorian life and about Dickens' personal life. She has done her research in that respect. However, that doesn't make up for the lackluster mystery and characters, since all that historical detail can be found when doing cursory research online or in reference books.
June 6, 2018
The year is 1835 and the young Charles Dickens is a journalist with the Evening Chronicles newspaper. One evening, while dining at George Hogarth's estate, his editor, they hear a scream and rush over to the Lugoson's home. A pleasant evening turns into a dismal one, when they find the young miss Christiana lying unconscious on the floor and by the next morning, she passed away. Charles later found out that exactly a year ago, a young woman also passed away under mysterious circumstances. A mere coincidence? His journalist instinct compels him to investigate these two deaths and hence a tale of two murders begins.
While I find the plot is fascinating, unfortunately the storytelling was dull, trite and filled with too many unnecessary parts that is not really pivotal to the mystery. It seemed to drag on for a long time in the middle of the story and went on in circles without any progress in the investigation. It was a struggle for me to continue and my interest in the mystery faded from here onwards.
There is definitely connection with the characters since it is a character driven story. There are a lot of dialogues and interactions between the characters to the point of obscuring the mystery. The main plot fades away and replaced by the courtship between Charles and Kate (George Hogarth's daughter). While I do welcome some light romance in a story but I felt the whole story here was preponderated by their courtship.
That being said, the positive thing about this book is the language used. I think it is quite spot on with the era. No profanity of language and I appreciate that a lot. The writing is pretty good too. Redmond is able to deliver a good background setting for the story through her descriptive writing.
In a nutshell, A Tale of Two Murders is an average read for me. I always enjoy reading historical fiction with historical characters in it - a blend of fact & fiction. Albeit a promising plot, it failed to hold my interest. I wish the story would focus more on the mystery solving element rather than romance element.
***I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from Kensington Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed in this review are my own and was not influenced by the author, publisher or any third party.***
While I find the plot is fascinating, unfortunately the storytelling was dull, trite and filled with too many unnecessary parts that is not really pivotal to the mystery. It seemed to drag on for a long time in the middle of the story and went on in circles without any progress in the investigation. It was a struggle for me to continue and my interest in the mystery faded from here onwards.
There is definitely connection with the characters since it is a character driven story. There are a lot of dialogues and interactions between the characters to the point of obscuring the mystery. The main plot fades away and replaced by the courtship between Charles and Kate (George Hogarth's daughter). While I do welcome some light romance in a story but I felt the whole story here was preponderated by their courtship.
That being said, the positive thing about this book is the language used. I think it is quite spot on with the era. No profanity of language and I appreciate that a lot. The writing is pretty good too. Redmond is able to deliver a good background setting for the story through her descriptive writing.
In a nutshell, A Tale of Two Murders is an average read for me. I always enjoy reading historical fiction with historical characters in it - a blend of fact & fiction. Albeit a promising plot, it failed to hold my interest. I wish the story would focus more on the mystery solving element rather than romance element.
***I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from Kensington Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed in this review are my own and was not influenced by the author, publisher or any third party.***
June 8, 2018
Thanks Kensington Books for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Redmond gives us a tale for the ages. Loved her version of Dickens and Kate. As much a murder mystery as a romance and foundation for further stores- its just right.
Redmond gives us a tale for the ages. Loved her version of Dickens and Kate. As much a murder mystery as a romance and foundation for further stores- its just right.
June 29, 2019
Originally published on The Nerd Daily | Review by Noha Hashem
A Tale of Two Murders shows us a 22-year-old Charles Dickens as an aspiring journalist at The Evening Chronicle as he tries to unravel the mystery behind two possibly connected murders.
The book starts off with Charles having dinner with his boss’s family and enjoying the attentions of Kate Hogarth, his boss’s daughter and also his future wife, when they hear a piercing scream coming from the neighbouring house. Charles, Kate, and Mr. Hogarth head over to the Lugosons’ house to investigate and find an unconscious Miss Christiana Lugoson. Kate and Charles stay with her throughout the night, but unfortunately she passes away the next morning due to mysterious reasons. Soon after, Charles learns that another girl has died a very similar death on the same day a year ago, which leaves him wondering; could it be a coincidence? Or are both these deaths connected somehow? Charles and Miss Hogarth decide to uncover the truths behind the girls’ deaths together, which also happens to give them an excuse to spend more time in each other’s company, to Charles’s delight.
“Give me a mystery, Mr. Dickens, and a solution, and I will follow you into places I should not.”
There were many things to appreciate in this book, such as a cast of characters at the start of the book, which really helped because the characters had a tendency to get mixed up at times. It was also obvious that the author had put a lot of research into this book as her description of the Victorian era came across as incredibly accurate, and the language used was spot on. It was really interesting to read about the formalities and the rules of courtship in this era as well.
I really admired Kate Hogarth’s character and loved how fearless and intelligent she was. Seeing her relationship with Charles unfold was very interesting. I also loved all the subtle references to A Tale of Two Cities as there were several “I see what you did there” moments.
That being said, while the plot of this book was very intriguing, its execution could have been better. The story dragged on for a while, as the investigation was going around in a circle and no real progress was being made. It was only towards the end that things started to happen, so it was a struggle to get through the middle part of the book. It was also hard to follow their train of thought sometimes as I was lost more than once by how they reached certain conclusions.
This book felt like reading a classic, which was both a good and bad thing for me. Since I have never read a classic before, it was definitely a challenge to get used to the writing style, and it was probably one of the reasons I was lost at times. However, for someone who is used to reading classics or historically set novels, the writing style would be no problem.
The biggest issue I had with A Tale of Two Murders, however, was how it lacked jaw dropping moments. Although the reveal of the killer was surprising, it didn’t leave me completely surprised. This was kind of disappointing since “jaw dropping moments” are what you expect from a mystery novel. Plus I had already figured out the killer a chapter before it was revealed, which made the reveal even less surprising.
Regardless of all that, Heather Redmond’s version of how Charles Dickens was inspired to write the infamous A Tale of Two Cities was fascinating. I would recommend it if you were a Charles Dickens fan or a classic lover!
A Tale of Two Murders shows us a 22-year-old Charles Dickens as an aspiring journalist at The Evening Chronicle as he tries to unravel the mystery behind two possibly connected murders.
The book starts off with Charles having dinner with his boss’s family and enjoying the attentions of Kate Hogarth, his boss’s daughter and also his future wife, when they hear a piercing scream coming from the neighbouring house. Charles, Kate, and Mr. Hogarth head over to the Lugosons’ house to investigate and find an unconscious Miss Christiana Lugoson. Kate and Charles stay with her throughout the night, but unfortunately she passes away the next morning due to mysterious reasons. Soon after, Charles learns that another girl has died a very similar death on the same day a year ago, which leaves him wondering; could it be a coincidence? Or are both these deaths connected somehow? Charles and Miss Hogarth decide to uncover the truths behind the girls’ deaths together, which also happens to give them an excuse to spend more time in each other’s company, to Charles’s delight.
“Give me a mystery, Mr. Dickens, and a solution, and I will follow you into places I should not.”
There were many things to appreciate in this book, such as a cast of characters at the start of the book, which really helped because the characters had a tendency to get mixed up at times. It was also obvious that the author had put a lot of research into this book as her description of the Victorian era came across as incredibly accurate, and the language used was spot on. It was really interesting to read about the formalities and the rules of courtship in this era as well.
I really admired Kate Hogarth’s character and loved how fearless and intelligent she was. Seeing her relationship with Charles unfold was very interesting. I also loved all the subtle references to A Tale of Two Cities as there were several “I see what you did there” moments.
That being said, while the plot of this book was very intriguing, its execution could have been better. The story dragged on for a while, as the investigation was going around in a circle and no real progress was being made. It was only towards the end that things started to happen, so it was a struggle to get through the middle part of the book. It was also hard to follow their train of thought sometimes as I was lost more than once by how they reached certain conclusions.
This book felt like reading a classic, which was both a good and bad thing for me. Since I have never read a classic before, it was definitely a challenge to get used to the writing style, and it was probably one of the reasons I was lost at times. However, for someone who is used to reading classics or historically set novels, the writing style would be no problem.
The biggest issue I had with A Tale of Two Murders, however, was how it lacked jaw dropping moments. Although the reveal of the killer was surprising, it didn’t leave me completely surprised. This was kind of disappointing since “jaw dropping moments” are what you expect from a mystery novel. Plus I had already figured out the killer a chapter before it was revealed, which made the reveal even less surprising.
Regardless of all that, Heather Redmond’s version of how Charles Dickens was inspired to write the infamous A Tale of Two Cities was fascinating. I would recommend it if you were a Charles Dickens fan or a classic lover!
July 22, 2024
A Tale of Two Murders is a fun historical mystery and with the brilliant idea of casting Charles Dickens—yes, that Charles Dickens before he became famous as a novelist—as a young reporter and sleuth. Alongside him is Kate Hogarth, Dickens’ future wife, whose equally deductive mind aids him in trying to solve a most twisted murder, or rather, two murders. When two young women die under mysterious circumstances, though seemingly innocent enough, Charles Dickens takes up the mantle of an investigation into the deaths. A twisty-turny mystery sure to please fans of the great writer! It pleased me! Looking forward to reading the next volume in the series! Five stars!
November 18, 2018
Trigger warnings: murder, vomit, poisoning, domestic violence, implications of rape (in the past).
I was SUPER EXCITED when I found out about this because I'm complete and utter trash for Charles Dickens. And having him investigate a murder? SOLD.
Unfortunately, I couldn't quite engage with the story in this one. I mean, I read it. I didn't hate it. But I never felt completely hooked. I pulled out my phone to check Twitter more than I usually would while reading a book. Etcetera.
I think perhaps it's because I love Terry Pratchett's Dodger as much as I do - a story that also features Charles Dickens as a major character investigating mysterious things in Victorian London - that I couldn't bring myself to love this. Pratchett's Dickens leaps off the page, where Redmond's plods along. The story felt padded out to the point where there'd be so much detail about Dickens' birthday party or his relationship with Kate Hogarth or how his waistcoat felt tight after eating rich food that I almost forgot they were supposed to be investigating the murder of a teenage girl.
So, to paraphrase my boy Charlie D: it was the meh-st of times, it was the zzz-st of times.
I was SUPER EXCITED when I found out about this because I'm complete and utter trash for Charles Dickens. And having him investigate a murder? SOLD.
Unfortunately, I couldn't quite engage with the story in this one. I mean, I read it. I didn't hate it. But I never felt completely hooked. I pulled out my phone to check Twitter more than I usually would while reading a book. Etcetera.
I think perhaps it's because I love Terry Pratchett's Dodger as much as I do - a story that also features Charles Dickens as a major character investigating mysterious things in Victorian London - that I couldn't bring myself to love this. Pratchett's Dickens leaps off the page, where Redmond's plods along. The story felt padded out to the point where there'd be so much detail about Dickens' birthday party or his relationship with Kate Hogarth or how his waistcoat felt tight after eating rich food that I almost forgot they were supposed to be investigating the murder of a teenage girl.
So, to paraphrase my boy Charlie D: it was the meh-st of times, it was the zzz-st of times.
January 3, 2021
Charles Dickens als Detektiv? Das lockte mich natürlich sofort an. Doch anfangs fand ich die Geschichte etwas zäh und unübersichtlich durch die vielen Charaktere. Doch nach einiger Zeit, hatte ich mich eingelesen.
Charles Dickens ist noch jung, lebt zusammen mit seinem Bruder und hat endlich eine Anstellung bei einer Zeitung gefunden. Im Haus seines Chefs trifft er auf dessen Tochter Kate und eine zarte Liebesgeschichte entspinnt sich - natürlich voller Schicklichkeit. Es war für unseren jungen Ermittler gar nicht so einfach Leute zu befragen, da er nicht zu den höheren Kreisen gehörte und er auf Einladungen und Empfehlungen angewiesen war, um überhaupt vorgelassen zu werden. Auch über das Diagnostizieren von Giften zu dieser Zeit, hatte ich mir bislang keine Gedanken gemacht.
Nachdem ich die anfänglichen Schwierigkeiten überwunden hatte, fand ich den Fall spannend und sehr interessant.
Das Buch wurde mir kostenlos als Rezensionsexemplar zur Verfügung gestellt.
Charles Dickens ist noch jung, lebt zusammen mit seinem Bruder und hat endlich eine Anstellung bei einer Zeitung gefunden. Im Haus seines Chefs trifft er auf dessen Tochter Kate und eine zarte Liebesgeschichte entspinnt sich - natürlich voller Schicklichkeit. Es war für unseren jungen Ermittler gar nicht so einfach Leute zu befragen, da er nicht zu den höheren Kreisen gehörte und er auf Einladungen und Empfehlungen angewiesen war, um überhaupt vorgelassen zu werden. Auch über das Diagnostizieren von Giften zu dieser Zeit, hatte ich mir bislang keine Gedanken gemacht.
Nachdem ich die anfänglichen Schwierigkeiten überwunden hatte, fand ich den Fall spannend und sehr interessant.
Das Buch wurde mir kostenlos als Rezensionsexemplar zur Verfügung gestellt.
January 16, 2018
Redmond deftly transforms a young Charles Dickens and his future wife, Kate Hogarth, into Victorian sleuths in this first installment of a new series. With meticulous attention to historical details and the known elements of Dickens’s life, A Tale of Two Murders unfolds a complex mystery that cunningly explores how Dickens might have been inspired to write the plot of his most well-known book, A Tale of Two Cities. Sharp, incisive, and delightfully twisty. I’m sure I won’t be the only reader exclaiming, "What the Dickens?!"
May 24, 2024
I had such high hopes for this book... but it had utterly failed to grab me. Again and again I found myself drifting with me thoughts, losing focus. And as such, I fully admit that the fact that I found the characters boring and without much personality or plot confusing and overly convoluted is on me and my lack of concentration... but since the book was so boring that I couldn't focus on it, I still count it as its fault. The concept was fascinating, but there really aren't many saving graces here as even the setting doesn't seem particularly well-described. I won't be continuing with the series.
August 9, 2022
I did enjoy this book as it moved along. Our August 2022 Book Club selection.
A few points, that I will mention. On E page 89 , the author talks of women not being able to attend funerals, this caused me to pause. The setting of this book was mid 1830’s. Not sure I have ever heard that. Maybe other lovers of historical fiction books can comment on that, perhaps just a fictional comment….
I will also mention a couple of fun quotes that tied right into the time era of this book.
Book club selection for Aug 2022
Epage 129
“I am against secrets. A young woman should have a good relationship with her parents, and respect them enough to not hide such things. It is the path to ruin”.
Epage123.
“They were brought to a formal parlour, rather chilly, with no tea service in sight. Another family portrait hung over the fireplace in this room, of a constipated-looking young man in fashion of Beau Brummell’s heyday. He has a Caesar haircut forming his blonde hair to his thick skull, which was the only feature tying him to Lord Lugoson or the late Miss Lugoson. Still the era of his attire made him likely to be their father, now deceased.
A few points, that I will mention. On E page 89 , the author talks of women not being able to attend funerals, this caused me to pause. The setting of this book was mid 1830’s. Not sure I have ever heard that. Maybe other lovers of historical fiction books can comment on that, perhaps just a fictional comment….
I will also mention a couple of fun quotes that tied right into the time era of this book.
Book club selection for Aug 2022
Epage 129
“I am against secrets. A young woman should have a good relationship with her parents, and respect them enough to not hide such things. It is the path to ruin”.
Epage123.
“They were brought to a formal parlour, rather chilly, with no tea service in sight. Another family portrait hung over the fireplace in this room, of a constipated-looking young man in fashion of Beau Brummell’s heyday. He has a Caesar haircut forming his blonde hair to his thick skull, which was the only feature tying him to Lord Lugoson or the late Miss Lugoson. Still the era of his attire made him likely to be their father, now deceased.
June 22, 2018
The year is 1835 and Charles Dickens, age 22 and a rising young journalist, is having dinner one evening with his boss, William Hogarth (the newspaper’s co-editor), along with the boss’s intriguing 19-year-old daughter, Kate. A scream from the neighbor’s house intrudes upon their delightful evening and when the three rush to determine the source, they discover a Miss Christiana Lugoson lying unconscious. In the morning she is dead. Soon Charles learns of a similar death, exactly one year prior and under similar mysterious circumstances. Charles suspects poison and feels compelled to investigate.
This is an interesting historical mystery and very much a character-driven novel. Charles, himself, demonstrates a keen mind while at the same time occasionally stumbling into social blunders, just as many young people do. His relationship with the historical Kate Hogarth (who would later become his wife) is sweet. She is a bit feisty and when she challenges Charles to “Give me a mystery Mr. Dickens, and a solution, and I will follow you into places I should not” I was completely won over right along with Charles.
The mystery, itself, is quite complex with a number of characters introduced and interacting in such a way that identifying the murderer is definitely a challenge. Tying in the first murder and trying to determine the connection between the two adds another fascinating layer to the mystery. Hidden agendas and unknown relationships combine for a high level of literary intrigue. The world of 1830s London is always in the background and while it doesn’t intrude on the plot, its idiosyncrasies and foibles are on full display.
There are some tie-ins to the Dickens novel A Tale of Two Cities but it is certainly not necessary to have read that prior to reading this book. It is clear that while this may be the first book penned by Heather Redmond, she makes no secret that this is a pen name and the author behind it is clearly an experienced writer and a devotee of Dickens. The final result is a fun immersion into an interesting time period, with interesting characters, working towards solving an interesting mystery (or two). I look forward to the next book in the series.
Highly recommended.
This is an interesting historical mystery and very much a character-driven novel. Charles, himself, demonstrates a keen mind while at the same time occasionally stumbling into social blunders, just as many young people do. His relationship with the historical Kate Hogarth (who would later become his wife) is sweet. She is a bit feisty and when she challenges Charles to “Give me a mystery Mr. Dickens, and a solution, and I will follow you into places I should not” I was completely won over right along with Charles.
The mystery, itself, is quite complex with a number of characters introduced and interacting in such a way that identifying the murderer is definitely a challenge. Tying in the first murder and trying to determine the connection between the two adds another fascinating layer to the mystery. Hidden agendas and unknown relationships combine for a high level of literary intrigue. The world of 1830s London is always in the background and while it doesn’t intrude on the plot, its idiosyncrasies and foibles are on full display.
There are some tie-ins to the Dickens novel A Tale of Two Cities but it is certainly not necessary to have read that prior to reading this book. It is clear that while this may be the first book penned by Heather Redmond, she makes no secret that this is a pen name and the author behind it is clearly an experienced writer and a devotee of Dickens. The final result is a fun immersion into an interesting time period, with interesting characters, working towards solving an interesting mystery (or two). I look forward to the next book in the series.
Highly recommended.
October 11, 2018
I very much enjoyed this atmospheric murder mystery starring the young reporter Charles Dickens and the lady he later married.
While I noted references to Dickens' later works, they are not delivered in a cutesy kind of way, just naturally arising remarks.
A winter dinner party is disrupted by screams from the neighbouring house, where a young woman has been stricken by a mysterious malady. Dickens investigates, and finds links to a poisoning on the same date the previous year.
I like that the settings include the muddy banks of the Thames and backstage in a theatre, with lots of period London detail.
I read an e-ARC from Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
While I noted references to Dickens' later works, they are not delivered in a cutesy kind of way, just naturally arising remarks.
A winter dinner party is disrupted by screams from the neighbouring house, where a young woman has been stricken by a mysterious malady. Dickens investigates, and finds links to a poisoning on the same date the previous year.
I like that the settings include the muddy banks of the Thames and backstage in a theatre, with lots of period London detail.
I read an e-ARC from Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
September 30, 2020
Charles Dickens' journalistic skills and relentless work ethic serve him well as he investigates a suspicious death. During this period, his relationship with Kate Hogarth begins to blossom. Despite the rigid and strict social constraints of the early Victorian era, Kate evolves as a reliable, sensible, competent partner. The mysteries were intriguing, and the resolution satisfying.
May 4, 2025
Misterio atmosférico con el archifamoso Dickens como investigador espontáneo.
Como mínimo, provoca una inmediata curiosidad por el tema y la ejecución. Ya el mismo título es un guiño a una de las obras del dramaturgo y fue el primer indicio para querer desentrañar su influencia en la trama.
La rica narrativa evoca a esa ciudad de Londres de clima gélido y lúgubres paisajes nocturnos que tan familiar nos resulta. No es de extrañar que desde el primer capítulo ya entremos en el meollo tanto de una hogareña cena de época como de una terrible muerte en sospechosas circunstancias. Tan inglés como la lluvia. Bienvenido sea.
Una joven inocente sufre una dolorosa muerte. Sus vecinos, presa de la congoja, especulan sobre el origen de su repentino deceso. ¿Ha sido mala suerte o las habladurías son tan venenosas como las pistas? Entra en escena el protagonista, un periodista ambicioso, decidido, reflexivo. Fue testigo del suceso y algo le espolea a indagar, escarbar, cuestionar y perseguir el hilo hasta la madeja de la verdad.
La autora ha insuflado vida al personaje de un joven Charles Dickens más allá de la investigación en la que se embarca. En su veintena, ha dejado atrás penurias y pobreza, pero lucha día y noche por labrarse un futuro en la escala social que le permita desarrollar sus dotes intelectuales y formar la familia que tanto anhela. Un hogar inunda sus pensamientos tan a menudo como las preguntas constantes sobre el caso de la joven fallecida. La narración refleja sus cualidades inquisitivas e incansables mientras intercala interrogatorios, entrevistas por encima de su clase social y pesquisas criminales con su trabajo de periodista y su cortejo a una muchacha hermosa, inteligente y cálida.
El ritmo de la novela es sosegado. Se centra en los detalles del misterio que nunca se sabe a ciencia cierta si es asesinato o no, pero mantiene la duda en vilo a medida que recorremos la ciudad durante el invierno de 1835. Familias con secretos, vida nocturna peligrosa y mucho frío. Me ha convencido la ambientación de la ciudad y la época. Abunda el té y el hambre. Las relaciones amistosas son entrañables y la investigación es minuciosa y desasosegante.
Puede que se alargue muchas páginas en los mismos círculos, pero al menos va desentrañando nuevas pistas que, finalmente, esclarecen una verdad turbia, retorcida y melancólica.
Muy interesante como novela de época y costumbrista, algo lenta como novela de misterio, pero sumamente original en planteamiento y personaje principal. Me ha parecido una buena elección literaria.
(lo he leído en español, pero no hay cubierta en Goodreads y no lo soporto)
Como mínimo, provoca una inmediata curiosidad por el tema y la ejecución. Ya el mismo título es un guiño a una de las obras del dramaturgo y fue el primer indicio para querer desentrañar su influencia en la trama.
La rica narrativa evoca a esa ciudad de Londres de clima gélido y lúgubres paisajes nocturnos que tan familiar nos resulta. No es de extrañar que desde el primer capítulo ya entremos en el meollo tanto de una hogareña cena de época como de una terrible muerte en sospechosas circunstancias. Tan inglés como la lluvia. Bienvenido sea.
Una joven inocente sufre una dolorosa muerte. Sus vecinos, presa de la congoja, especulan sobre el origen de su repentino deceso. ¿Ha sido mala suerte o las habladurías son tan venenosas como las pistas? Entra en escena el protagonista, un periodista ambicioso, decidido, reflexivo. Fue testigo del suceso y algo le espolea a indagar, escarbar, cuestionar y perseguir el hilo hasta la madeja de la verdad.
La autora ha insuflado vida al personaje de un joven Charles Dickens más allá de la investigación en la que se embarca. En su veintena, ha dejado atrás penurias y pobreza, pero lucha día y noche por labrarse un futuro en la escala social que le permita desarrollar sus dotes intelectuales y formar la familia que tanto anhela. Un hogar inunda sus pensamientos tan a menudo como las preguntas constantes sobre el caso de la joven fallecida. La narración refleja sus cualidades inquisitivas e incansables mientras intercala interrogatorios, entrevistas por encima de su clase social y pesquisas criminales con su trabajo de periodista y su cortejo a una muchacha hermosa, inteligente y cálida.
El ritmo de la novela es sosegado. Se centra en los detalles del misterio que nunca se sabe a ciencia cierta si es asesinato o no, pero mantiene la duda en vilo a medida que recorremos la ciudad durante el invierno de 1835. Familias con secretos, vida nocturna peligrosa y mucho frío. Me ha convencido la ambientación de la ciudad y la época. Abunda el té y el hambre. Las relaciones amistosas son entrañables y la investigación es minuciosa y desasosegante.
Puede que se alargue muchas páginas en los mismos círculos, pero al menos va desentrañando nuevas pistas que, finalmente, esclarecen una verdad turbia, retorcida y melancólica.
Muy interesante como novela de época y costumbrista, algo lenta como novela de misterio, pero sumamente original en planteamiento y personaje principal. Me ha parecido una buena elección literaria.
(lo he leído en español, pero no hay cubierta en Goodreads y no lo soporto)
August 24, 2022
This is an interesting historical fiction novel. Some of the characters are real people albeit in different roles than they were in real life. It somehow adds to the believability and intrigue of the plot.
The story takes place in 1835 in England where Charles Dickens is a journalistic reporter who queries the untimely deaths of two young girls each 17 years of age with deaths exactly one year apart in the same small town and of similar circumstances.
Hmmmmm???
The writing is completed in a fashion that reflects the time period aptly, I’d imagine ( as I can’t say with any certainty). But it seems so! Descriptions of clothing, jobs, events, interests, political issues, and personal attitudes all seem appropriate and add nicely to building both the plot and the character development. The historical mix of real people and fictional characters worked well adding credibility to the plot.
So far, this novel had my attention.
It is a slow burner. Not that it drags but it is not really a pager turner mystery. However, I think the pace reflects the time period. Things just happen more slowly and casually, yet relationships are of course much more formal. As this is not a police investigation but rather a journalistic search for the truth it has a much different flavour.
No cell phones, land lines, computers, internet, texts, to pass information quickly or at all. No cars to move from one place to another with any speed or at all. Everything is done by hand, by word of mouth, on foot, horse drawn carriage. It does make for an interesting perspective.
The flow of both news and information is slow but freely dispersed, by word or post, or gossip (there some things are not quite so different.) Nothing seems to be confidential.
By the end of the story the plot is complete, the truth is discovered, the characters are sufficiently developed, and the door is left open for more adventures.
The story held my attention and provided an easy, relaxing and engaging read! Now I’ll have to read the rest of the books in this series!
The story takes place in 1835 in England where Charles Dickens is a journalistic reporter who queries the untimely deaths of two young girls each 17 years of age with deaths exactly one year apart in the same small town and of similar circumstances.
Hmmmmm???
The writing is completed in a fashion that reflects the time period aptly, I’d imagine ( as I can’t say with any certainty). But it seems so! Descriptions of clothing, jobs, events, interests, political issues, and personal attitudes all seem appropriate and add nicely to building both the plot and the character development. The historical mix of real people and fictional characters worked well adding credibility to the plot.
So far, this novel had my attention.
It is a slow burner. Not that it drags but it is not really a pager turner mystery. However, I think the pace reflects the time period. Things just happen more slowly and casually, yet relationships are of course much more formal. As this is not a police investigation but rather a journalistic search for the truth it has a much different flavour.
No cell phones, land lines, computers, internet, texts, to pass information quickly or at all. No cars to move from one place to another with any speed or at all. Everything is done by hand, by word of mouth, on foot, horse drawn carriage. It does make for an interesting perspective.
The flow of both news and information is slow but freely dispersed, by word or post, or gossip (there some things are not quite so different.) Nothing seems to be confidential.
By the end of the story the plot is complete, the truth is discovered, the characters are sufficiently developed, and the door is left open for more adventures.
The story held my attention and provided an easy, relaxing and engaging read! Now I’ll have to read the rest of the books in this series!
April 25, 2020
A murder mystery with Charles Dickens as young man playing detective. The mystery is decent, plenty of suspects and red herrings. Dickens makes an awkward detective because he doesn't really have a good reason to be one and Redmond handled that awkwardness well. Redmond seems to have done a lot of historical research and the detail she uses makes the world come alive, but sometimes it is too much and makes the story drag.
May 16, 2018
I really enjoyed Redmond's version of Charles Dickens. I thought the little touches in this book were genius when it came to transporting me back in time. Charles is always hoping for food--he's a bachelor who doesn't make a lot of money and he's in his 20s, so I ended up rooting for him whenever he'd pay a call--will he get tea and biscuits? Will the tea be watery? Will the bread be stale?
There is a sweet romance that develops at a believable pace between Charles and Kate, his future wife. The mystery is compelling and I had no idea "whodunnit," so this should please more seasoned detective novel fans.
Great voice in this book and the pacing really took me back in time. What a relief to pursue an investigation without phones, computers, and all the "conveniences" of modern life!
I am looking forward to more in this series.
There is a sweet romance that develops at a believable pace between Charles and Kate, his future wife. The mystery is compelling and I had no idea "whodunnit," so this should please more seasoned detective novel fans.
Great voice in this book and the pacing really took me back in time. What a relief to pursue an investigation without phones, computers, and all the "conveniences" of modern life!
I am looking forward to more in this series.
August 21, 2018
This book was recommended to me by two trusted sources, so I decided I should give it a read. I requested it from the library and was the first person to get one of the copies when it came in, which I always love.
It's not listed as a cozy mystery, though it reads somewhat like a historical cozy mystery. I'm a cozy fanatic, so that gave the book extra brownie points for me. I also love historical fiction, which this one primarily was. The settings were great, I loved all the characters, and I thought it was a really well written story.
I wasn't SHOCKED by the solution to the mystery, as I had considered something similar, but it wasn't obvious either. And some of the details were quite surprising!
All in all, I really enjoyed it and recommend it to fans of historical fiction and even cozy mysteries!
*4.5 Stars rounded up to 5
It's not listed as a cozy mystery, though it reads somewhat like a historical cozy mystery. I'm a cozy fanatic, so that gave the book extra brownie points for me. I also love historical fiction, which this one primarily was. The settings were great, I loved all the characters, and I thought it was a really well written story.
I wasn't SHOCKED by the solution to the mystery, as I had considered something similar, but it wasn't obvious either. And some of the details were quite surprising!
All in all, I really enjoyed it and recommend it to fans of historical fiction and even cozy mysteries!
*4.5 Stars rounded up to 5
August 7, 2018
I LOVED this. It totally reminded me of those awesome murder mystery dinners, 'who done it' kind of story.
Also, I hate to admit, but I have never read anything by Charles Dickens, and this book really has given me some awesome insight about him and his writings, I definitely have added his novels to my TBR list!
Also, I hate to admit, but I have never read anything by Charles Dickens, and this book really has given me some awesome insight about him and his writings, I definitely have added his novels to my TBR list!
did-not-finish
February 4, 2022Page 18 and I’m out. The actions of the people in the house where a girl is dying are inexplicable. And on what planet would a random employee of the neighbor be hanging out in the girl’s bedroom as she dies?
And Charles Dickens was a horrible person (Google his bio), so I’m not sure I want to read a book where he’s the hero.
And Charles Dickens was a horrible person (Google his bio), so I’m not sure I want to read a book where he’s the hero.
July 16, 2019
A wonderfully imagined historical mystery with Charles Dickens and his future wife as sleuths. Set in 1830s London and as atmospheric and twisty as all get out! 5/5
Thanks to the author, Kensington Books and NetGalley for the review copy.
#AtaleOfTwoMurders #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, Kensington Books and NetGalley for the review copy.
#AtaleOfTwoMurders #NetGalley
May 21, 2024
This book was…interesting. I can’t call it bad, but I wouldn’t call it great, so it fits somewhere evenly in between. I had been hoping that this would be more of a retelling of A Tale of Two Cities, but I was surprised to find that it didn’t really have anything to do with the novel. Aside from this, I also felt that the crime solving was a bit lacklustre. It had potential, yet it fell flat in a few areas. It was still relatively enjoyable to read, though, and there were parts where I was certainly hooked. I don’t know if I will continue with the series at this time, but never say never.
August 11, 2018
I came across this book in the new releases section of the library and grabbed it based solely on the title and cover. It wasn't on the same level as some of my favorite historical mysteries, but it has potential. I found the characters more entertaining than the mystery, but it did not meet my great expectations for a young Charles Dickens.
I will likely try the next installment.
I will likely try the next installment.
May 5, 2024
Nie jest to arcydzieło. Mimo, że jestem miłośniczka klasycznych angielskich kryminałów i pasjonatką opowieści z XIXw, ta książka zupełnie do mnie nie trafiła. Przesłuchałam do końca, ale lektura nie sprawiła mi satysfakcji. Jak dla mnie ta opowieść jest sztuczna i naiwna, a główny bohater zupełnie rozmija się z moim wyobrażenie Dickensa. No właśnie, przywołanie takiego nazwiska przy tak średniej prozie jest sporym nadużyciem...
August 3, 2022
I was interested to read of the everyday hardships that most people, other than the wealthy, endured in the mid 1800s. I liked the plot and the way the author built the story. This is both a mystery and a romance. The story is told primarily by conversations between the characters. Charles Dickens is a young newspaper journalist. He has worked hard to achieve his position and is dedicated to achieving more success. His boss and mentor is a good man and recognizes Charles’ determination. Charles proves his character by staying by the side of the hostess’s daughter at party as she falls ill and despite their best efforts dies. But Charles can’t accept that this was a natural death and so begins the mystery. And the mystery deepens when Charles discovers there was a similar death of a young woman exactly a year prior to this death. The intrigue is handled well. I did find some of the conversations were so detailed that they dragged, but overall I enjoyed the book. This is first in a series, I would read others in this series.
June 5, 2018
This is a mystery set in 1835 in England. Vivid historical and setting details were woven into the story, making it feel like these events could really have happened. The author tried to stay true to what is known about Charles Dickens' career and lifestyle in his early twenties, but the mystery is fictional. The mood of the story was somber.
The characters were interesting and acted realistically, and I cared about what happened to them. The author also used correct manners and attitudes for the time, so Kate and Charles had to be careful about their behavior together. Charles and his friends found some inventive ways to gain access to people to ask them questions. He wanted to uncover why two girls had died on the same night a year apart. I did not correctly guess whodunit until the final clues fell in place, and Charles had it figured out by then, too.
There were only a few uses of bad language. There was no sex. Overall, I'd highly recommend this interesting mystery.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley.
The characters were interesting and acted realistically, and I cared about what happened to them. The author also used correct manners and attitudes for the time, so Kate and Charles had to be careful about their behavior together. Charles and his friends found some inventive ways to gain access to people to ask them questions. He wanted to uncover why two girls had died on the same night a year apart. I did not correctly guess whodunit until the final clues fell in place, and Charles had it figured out by then, too.
There were only a few uses of bad language. There was no sex. Overall, I'd highly recommend this interesting mystery.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley.
October 13, 2018
I really wanted to like this, I honestly thought I would. Unfortunately it did not hold my interest, and I eventually had to accept it wasn't going to get better so I gave up.
While I do not like the actual books of Dickens, I do typically like books set in his era and in England, so I really did think this would be a fit. The problem for me was that it was a very slow-building story.I don't mind some setting up stuff, a little of that is necessary. But here there was too much of that for my tastes. I found that there were no important things happening and I quickly got bored hearing about who was who, where they lived, etc.
I wanted more of the action to start sooner than it did. To be fair, this probably picked up and got exciting eventually, but when I have over 600 titles on my "to be read" list, if a book doesn't grab me by the throat within a reasonable number of pages, I'm going to move on.
This isn't a bad book, it just wasn't the right fit for me and my interests.
While I do not like the actual books of Dickens, I do typically like books set in his era and in England, so I really did think this would be a fit. The problem for me was that it was a very slow-building story.I don't mind some setting up stuff, a little of that is necessary. But here there was too much of that for my tastes. I found that there were no important things happening and I quickly got bored hearing about who was who, where they lived, etc.
I wanted more of the action to start sooner than it did. To be fair, this probably picked up and got exciting eventually, but when I have over 600 titles on my "to be read" list, if a book doesn't grab me by the throat within a reasonable number of pages, I'm going to move on.
This isn't a bad book, it just wasn't the right fit for me and my interests.
June 18, 2018
I love it when an historical mystery really draws me back to another time. In A Tale of Two Murders, Heather Redmond achieves total immersion into Victorian London. In this first book of her new series, a young Charles Dickens and his future wife, Kate Hogarth set out to unravel a complex mystery involving the deaths of two young women, one year apart. The characters are believable and engaging, their actions true to the era, and the mystery compelling. I enjoyed this story and look forward to more of this series.
August 31, 2018
It looked very promising, but was super disappointing. Clunky and dull.
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