Murder by Ghostlight

Charles Dickens & Superintendent Sam Jones #3

by J.C. Briggs

1850: When Charles Dickens discovers the corpse of an actor on the empty stage of a Manchester theatre, the renowned author himself becomes the number one suspect. But with the help of colleague and trusted friend Superintendent Jones of Bow Street, the two set out to find the identity of the real murderer. The search takes them into the slums of Manchester and to the fog-bound streets of London, where some startling discoveries are made and Dickens's life is threatened before this unusual case reaches its ultimate and thrilling climax.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Crime, Fiction, 19th Century

291 pages, Paperback

Published January 21, 2019

About the author

Jean Briggs taught English for many years in schools in Cheshire, Hong Kong and Lancashire. She now lives in a cottage in Cumbria, a non-metropolitan county in North West England.

Reviews

[Beata · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book with Charles Dickens as a character who solves mysteries with a little help from his friend, although the first one for me. It was an enjoyable read, as, apart from taking part in solving the mystery murders, I learnt more about his theatre in Manchester, his family and the writing process. There is a lot of Dickens in the narration, in the descriptions of Manchester and the poverty. Efforts by Dickens to help those less fortunate, especially children, are also mentioned. I have never read a biography of Dickens, so probably that was why I liked this novel.

*Many thanks to JC Briggs, Sapere Books and Netgalley for providing mw with ARC in exchange for my honest review.*

[Judy Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an e-ARC of this novel through NetGalley and Trafalgar Square Publishing, The History Press. Thank you.

This third mystery in the Charles Dickens and Superintendent Jones series will please readers who enjoy a novel which places strong emphasis on both historical settings and the literature of Charles Dickens. Author J. C. Briggs has written impressively in the style I would have expected if this book had actually been written by Dickens. All kinds of elements of his life and his literary works appear throughout the novel and succeeded in placing me very firmly in the England of 1850. The first portion of the novel takes place in Manchester where descriptions of the industrial city read as if they came directly from the pen of Dickens. After the second performance of a play Dickens has acted in and sponsored he returns to the empty theatre to find a man seated in a chair on the stage which is lit by the ghostlight. The man is dead and Dickens soon finds himself taken into custody as the main suspect in the death. He can't help but wonder why he ever picked up that pistol.

Naturally it will help enormously in your enjoyment of this novel if you like the writings of Charles Dickens. The author has done a wonderful job of using the types of descriptions you would find in a Dickens novel to describe both Manchester and London as well as the people Dickens and Jones come across in solving this case. The mystery is also constructed in a way I can imagine Dickens using - sometimes taking the long way around in favor of dense prose when more basic, succinct wording probably would have done just as well. Some of this denseness caused the book to be a slow read for me; quite enjoyable, but slow nonetheless. I don't think I would want to read two of the books back to back, but that's just me.

[Pam Baddeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A change of location occurs for book 3 in the series. Dickens is staging one of the plays he did to fundraise for actors or writers, this time in Manchester. A member of the cast is a rather unpleasant man, despite a recommendation from a friend of Dickens who was unable to play the part due to injury. Far from being the affable, amiable fellow he was reported to be, the man is arrogant, sneering and actively engages in seducing the young leading lady: seemingly to taunt Dickens. Then Dickens returns to the theatre one evening to check something and finds the man dead - or is he? Soon Dickens is in the frightening position of being accused of murder and spending a night in the cells.

I found this a thoroughly engaging read even though I did suspect the twist. There was still enough interest and complexity around the culprit's motives and further outrages. In the return to London, there was also the pathos of a continuing character's worsening health with some touching scenes, and an edge of the seat climax. Even though you know Dickens survived, there were several characters, including personal favourites who might not. The author's afterwords, which explain the inspiration to the tale and the historical aspects, are also interesting. All in all, a five star read.

[Jennifer (JC-S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘She could hardly believe that Mr Dickens had been taken into custody.’

Manchester, 1850. Charles Dickens and his company of friends are performing ‘Money’, a play by Edward Bulwer-Lytton at the Queen’s Theatre. At the end of the evening’s performance, Charles Dickens and the other members of the cast had dined at the Concert Tavern, but Dickens then returned to the Theatre. Something had bothered him.

‘The theatre was quiet now, the stage illuminated only weakly by the ghostlight left on for safety, and by the oil lamp burning down.’

He finds a man dead on stage. There’s a pistol on the floor. Dickens hears a noise, he fires the pistol and shortly after finds himself arrested for murder. Will Dickens be able to convince the authorities of his innocence?

With the help of his good friend Superintendent Sam Jones of Bow Street, Dickens is released pending further investigation. Naturally, Dickens wants to find out who the killer was. He and Superintendent Jones, together with the Manchester Police, set out to investigate.

The investigation takes them into the slums of Manchester as well as into the streets of London. They quickly make some rather disconcerting discoveries and uncover a mystery or two. In the meantime, the murders continue. And as the story builds to its climax, Dickens himself is at risk.

This is Ms Briggs’s third novel in this series, and I enjoyed it as much as the first two. Dickens and Jones work well together: they are both aware of the inequalities in society and each is determined to do his bit to change them. This leads to some engaging secondary characters as well as some insights into where Dickens took inspiration for some of his novels. For those who’ve read the earlier books, some familiar characters will make an appearance. While this novel can be read as a standalone, I strongly recommend reading the series in order.

Highly recommended, and I am now looking out for the fourth novel in the series.

Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Sapere Books for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence: The actor on stage seemed to be asleep, one long white hand hanging from the arm of the velvet chair, and the white of his shirt showing momentarily in the flickering lamplight. His head was on his chest and he was quite still.

Premise/plot: Murder by Ghostlight is the third novel in J.C. Briggs' mystery series starring Victorian writer Charles Dickens. Dickens does not solve crimes alone; he works with Inspector Sam Jones. Briggs does a good job of peopling her world. The mysteries build on one another in terms of stories and relationships.

Dickens is NOT in London when the mystery opens--he and his friends, acquaintances, are putting on a show in Manchester. But the show--the last show anyway--did NOT go as planned. After the performance, one of the actors (or is it?!?!?!) is found onstage. The Manchester Police actually suspect Charles Dickens of the crime! Silly police. Of course, that gets cleared up relatively quickly--after a night in jail. Can Dickens help solve the murder BEFORE more murders are committed?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. There is just something so lovely about these mysteries. I'm not sure I would call them cozy. I personally would...but maybe someone else wouldn't? These mysteries often have multiple bodies and sometimes the crime scenes can be horrific. But I love spending time with Dickens and Jones. I love spending time with the other characters we've come to know and care about. (Some of them are children.)

Quote:

What makes a man a murderer? When comes the moment that he steps off the precipice into the abyss? When exactly does he condemn himself? For whether he escapes or not, he condemns himself to exile from humankind. He becomes a hunted, homeless beast.

[Réal Laplaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder by Ghostlight, by J.C. Briggs, is an eloquently written suspense murder thriller, in the genre of Sherlock Holmes, but of course, in this case, the story follows the famous writer, Charles Dickens. Although fictional, the author has cleverly entwined Dickens in the plot, where, Dickens finds himself suspected of murder, and in the story that ensues, he must not only prove his innocence but becomes obsessed with finding the real murderer. The depiction of the dark and sullen world of 1850’s Manchester, England, the leap from heart-breaking poverty and squalid living conditions of the normal working class, to the rich and wealthy, depicts a society where the gulf between them is a dark and deep hole. In the midst of this fog and smoke-ridden industrial city, Charles Dickens works with local police, trailing a series of murders. This is true suspense to the last page, tantalizing the imagination while challenging the reader to try and figure out just exactly who is behind the grisly deaths and what body will next be revealed when the fog clears. Written with a true panache for the English vernacular of the period – Murder by Ghostlight takes the reader back into the pages of time, walking streets lit by gas lamps, the sound of horse-drawn carriages, the backdrop harmony of its people – and of course, foggy wet England – so well described that one shivers as one turns to the next page and looks forward to that warm cup of tea.

[Nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the third book in this fab series featuring Charles Dickens and his policeman friend Superintendent Jones. It was good to hear another story with them both as it feels like meeting up with old friends.

This story starts out with Dickens himself being accused of murder, and being caught with the murder weapon! Fortunately Superintendent Jones happens to be in Manchester and comes to his aid. As they look at the case and as it becomes more it complicated, they realise who’s behind it and rush to find the suspect before more bodies are discovered.

Just like in the first book the descriptions of Victorian London were so vivid, that at times I felt like I was listening to a Dickens novel! I didn’t have a clue who the murderer was, so just enjoyed the story instead.

Once again Antony Ferguson was brilliant at portraying Dickens, Superintendent Jones and a whole host of characters throughout the story. He really did bring Victorian London to life with the different accents of the young and old, rich and poor, the good and bad characters that filled this story.

I thoroughly recommend this book to lovers of historical crime fiction, particularly if you enjoy books set in Victorian times.

This is definitely a favourite series of mine, and I can’t wait to hear the next audiobook!

Thanks so much to Hope Roy at Tantor Media for my digital copy.

[Ilene Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Murder By Ghostlight” is the third in the series by J.C Briggs of the idea of having the great 19th century novelist, social reformer, journalist, Charles Dickens, and sometimes detective, found directing a play that he is also appearing in. It is the end of the day and Charles Dickens goes next door to a pub with the rest of the cast. He hears a shot next door at the theatre, runs in and on the stage he sees someone sleeping on a couch. Is he sleeping or is he dead? Then he hears someone clapping and laughing. Mistakenly, he picks up the gun and shoots at the shadow. Now he gets accused of the murder. What a dilemma! So many twists and turns. Another good book in the series.

[Stargazer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the atmosphere and bits about dickens but kept drifting in the middle and lost interest really.

[Jae · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable series so far. The author is obviously a great fan of Charles Dickens and this shows in the research and references throughout.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

1850 Manchester and Charles Dickens in on a stage holding a gun with a dead man nearby and thereby he becomes the prime suspect. With the help of Superintendent Jones of Bow Street they aim to find the real murderer.
The mystery was interesting enough. The story did drag at some points, with too much description, and I didn't like the dialogue in the vernacular as it stopped the flow of the story when I had to go back to make out what had been said.
A NetGalley Book

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 2.5 of 5

Charles Dickens becomes the prime suspect in a murder when he is seen standing over a dead body on a Manchester stage while holding a gun. Fortunately for Dickens, he has a prior relationship with Superintendent Jones and the two of them set out to find the real killer. The search takes Dickens and Jones through some of the seedier neighborhoods and Dickens will face threats to his life.

I definitely like the concept of Charles Dickens working with the local constabulary on solving crimes, and author J.C. Briggs seems to have a good historical knowledge of Dickens and his interests. Sometimes, however, this got in the way of the story as characters from Dickens' books sometimes showed up (or, rather, characters who were the inspiration for Dickens sometimes made an appearance). This had more of a flavor of Briggs trying to show how clever she was, rather than something important to the story.

The mystery itself was engaging enough, with a quite affable Charles Dickens leading the way (and of course it made perfect sense that he had the time to investigate). The character appearances was just distracting from the story (for me).

This is the third book in a series, and there were a few moments when I felt as though I was missing a piece of information because I hadn't read the previous books, but for the most part this stands alone as a story with a beginning, middle, and end.

Writing the speech patterns with the 'authentic,' phonetic spellings for the various accents was quite distracting. For instance (picked randomly):

’E wor waitin’ for yor so I let ’im come in out o’ the cowd – ’t’int fit for a dog out theer. ’E looked that starved, I give ’im a piece o’ me bread an’ cheese. Inspector let yor go then? I knowed yor ’adn’t don it, sir, but yon constable as came wi’ me was that keen t’arrest someone, he wouldn’t listen.’

I have a pace when I read - a pace that lets me enjoy what I'm reading. I'll slow down my pace for two reasons ... 1) I'm really enjoying something and I absolutely want to savor it, and 2) I'm struggling to understand something. This dialog is #2 ... I had to slow way down to really follow the dialog, and slowing down took me out of the story - the absolute opposite of what an author wants to do. Perhaps if I were British this would roll off the tongue a little easier for me?

Although the mystery surrounding the murder was interesting, the book struggled to keep me reading as the pace often dragged.

A great concept and a great character drawn from a recognizable historical figure, but the execution of the story didn't quite work.

Looking for a good book? Murder by Ghostlight by J.C. Briggs is a wonderful concept, with Charles Dickens investigating a crime he's accused of committing, but the story is a little too slow for a full recommendation.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder by Ghostlight is the third entry in a mystery series featuring Charles Dickens. While in Manchester, performing with his troupe of amateur actors, he finds himself under arrest for murder when one of the actors is found dead on stage with Dickens standing over him holding a gun. When he is able to convince the police of his innocence, he joins with Inspector Hardacre of Manchester and his London friend Superintendent Sam Jones to find the murderer, especially as the same man has also killed a young actress for whom he had felt a fatherly protectiveness. A sprawling plotline ensues, encompassing visits to the grim slums of Manchester, Dickens’ personal and charitable interests, mistaken identity, and of course additional murders.

I enjoyed this book and the author has obviously done extensive research into Dickens’ life and activities, including a brief historical note at the end detailing the genesis of the idea for this particular plot. The characters are well drawn and sympathetic, and I could particularly identify with the author himself as he was sitting in jail wondering if he would be able to clear his name and thinking of his past experiences, although even with Dickens’ imaginative reconstruction I still didn’t feel like I had a sufficient understanding of the murderer,.The poverty and desperation, particularly in Manchester, which so particularly engaged the historical Dickens, was particularly well drawn. It was also a plus that I didn’t feel lost coming in on the third book, even though there were a few brief mentions of the previous case. Despite it being a little slow paced for my taste, with possibly a few too many coincidences, I will still consider looking up the other books in the series.

I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Murder By Ghostlight is the third murder mystery featuring a fictionalized Charles Dickens solving crime in partnership with his friend Superintendent Sam Jones. Released 24th Jan 2019 by Sapere, it's 277 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.

This is a genuinely entertaining and well written historical mystery interwoven into a framework of historical fact. The dialogue and plotting are well paced and the setting (early Victorian Manchester) is enough of a departure from the almost de rigueur London to add another level of enjoyment for me. The characters are very well drawn and the plot is well paced. My only minor quibble with the characterizations is the slightly twee inclusion of secondary characters throughout the books who figure heavily into the historical Dickens' actual oeuvre. I don't doubt that Dickens used real people as inspirations for his characters - there's enough actual canonical documentation to prove that he did. I just found it distracting that one popped up every couple of chapters in this book.

Possibly worth noting for Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is included in the KU subscription library. This is a fun and worthwhile series especially for lovers of historical British crime fiction.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Virginia Tican · Rating 5 out of 5]

"....for whom the Bell tolls; it tolls for thee." (John Donne) Here... the Bell tolled for three people and maybe the accidental death of tw0 (a mother and her unborn child). The story had a strange beginning, Charles Dickens was arrested as a suspect for the murder of Clement Bell (one of the lead actors on a play spearheaded by the famous author to raise funds for writers and artists) having been found holding the gun and firing it to the rafters while still in front of the corpse. The reason why, he could most certainly explain with a writer's aplomb. His admitted dislike and distrust of Clement Bell (despite his friend's recommendation that the man was easy~going and likable) yet he hired him also merited his stay in a dark cell aside from the fact that he kept something back (about Oriel Greenwood, the lead actress whom he is a bit in love) from the police when he was questioned. J.C. Briggs cast enough doubts for the reader to pick and surmise that the dead man shot on the stage was not the actor on the just concluded play. So the reader would go with the detectives and Dickens in this story to further investigate the deaths and in the process have some funny moments and meet some very interesting and lovable characters. Though I may have thought that the story would have ended when the murderer was known and was annoyed that the police did not warn Scrap about his many disguises and that it took many of their number to try to apprehend him and yet still fail in the attempt at Astley's (I appreciate the graphic detailed description of that theater for I often wondered what it looked like) and yet again at the first victim's house... I would not begrudge the author for the denouement plus I am a fan and I think this author could do no wrong. Thanks Endeavor Media for the introduction.

[Artemis Westenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

after reading the first 2 books in 2 days I dove straight into the 3rd book in the series. I highly recommend all of you to do the same.
NOTE I intend to reread books by Charles Dickens to find the quotes used by Dickens and Jones in the books.
The use of lines of books from the author is what endeared to me, 40 years ago, the book 'the last of the wine' by Mary Renault, which I was gifted by the university professor where I took Plato and Aristotle. Mary Renault used the same tactic of having the character of Socrates using lines from his real works to bring the character alive in her book. In her further books (the Mask of Apollo) she did the same with lines from Plato's works and Aristotle's works in a later book. At that moment being completely immersed in those authors in Greek is rung very true to me (as it did apparently to my professor Harm-Jan van Dam, himself the author of 'Jip and Jannicus' in Latin, the translation of a very famous children's book by Anny M.G. Schmidt)

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another stellar offering

This is my honest and voluntary review.

Each book that JC Briggs offers is almost like reading a Dickens book! The characters are so like those who grace Dickens' books that I had to remember that Briggs is the writer. By the giving of names and descriptive summary of the characters, Briggs shows the deep thought of an extraordinary writer.

If you are a fan of Dickens, then become a fan of JC Briggs. You will be sucked into the events & unable to leave this world of words until you are done! I highly recommend this book & all the Charles Dickens Murder Mysteries. In order to get aquainted with the regular characters & follow some of the brilliant substories throughout the books, be sure to start with The Murder of Patience Brooks.

[JJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this, the 3rd Dickens and Jones saga.
We’re off to Manchester where Dickens is indulging his 2nd love - acting. Someone dies on stage and Dickens is arrested.
We get to meet Inspector Hardacre. I liked him. Close but fair, undaunted by famous authors and Scotland Yard men.
After a while, and a few more deaths, they work out who they are looking for, but can they find him? He’s as slippery as the proverbial eel.
Back in London we have the sad end of Mr Brim (I don’t think knowing that will spoil the plot, he’s been quite ill for a few books). But it was very touching and I had to reach for the hankies.
I can’t think of any character in this book I didn’t like. Well, the murderer was pushing it a bit, I suppose. I have book 4 downloaded.

[Mrs. A.A. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death in Manchester

Charles Dickens visits the theatre in Manchester where he is producing a play, and finds an actor who has been shot. Dickens is arrested for the murder and Superintendent Sam Jones arrives to assist in the investigation. The usual J. C. Briggs characters become involved in the ensuing mystery. Manchester and London come alive with sounds, smells and people for which Briggs has become known. The pace and action is exciting and I could barely put the story down.

[Reading-for-life (Angela Sanford) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder By Ghostlight is the third mystery novel in the Charles Dickens and Superintendent Sam Jones series, though it is my first. Even though this is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. Author J.C. Briggs has written a well rounded mystery that is set well in the Victorian era. The storyline is full of twists and turns that really held my interests. I look forward to reading more of this series!

[Lars Stuyts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received the eARC from NetGalley for my honest review. Once again J.C.Briggs has written a wonderful period piece in the style of Charles Dickens. You find yourself wonderfully enthralled by not only the atmosphere created, but also you once again find yourself walking the streets of Manchester, and London with the character (now seemingly friend) Charles Dickens. A Well written mystery that leaves us only hoping for more to come.

[Charlotte Pawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charles in the cell

Charles Dickens is in Manchester with his acting group. When 1 of the actors is shot dead Charles is found with the gun. Charles and Superintendent Jones must clear Charles and follow the trail back to London for the killer. This is a tale of a family split up and an inheritance which leads to murder. The depth of the sights and sound of the time are so vivid. Charles is able to use the investigation to intertwine with his latest stories in print.

[bibliodufi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Atmospheric and believable; made me wish I knew more of Dickens' writing as I am sure it is full of references.
Wonderful historical tour of the underbelly of victorian London and the murkily industrial Manchester with a murder (or several!) thrown in. The careful research of time, place and historical figures pays off and the plot is fascinating, with a great cast characters.
Well worth a read!

I was lucky enough to find this in Sedbergh Book Shelter

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder by Ghostlight is a compelling mystery that takes Charles Dickens out of London to Manchester, where he is acting in a play. The action really picked up about a third of the way through when an assumption was revealed to be untrue, increasing the suspenseful plot dramatically. As always in this series, the Victorian setting is well-drawn.

[Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovingly crafty thriller by J C Briggs who, with this book, has hit her stride with the pairing of Dickens and Jones. Believable characters and gripping plots take you into the dark streets of Manchester and narrow alleyways of London. This book is a pleasure to read and romps along at an enjoyable pace.
This is well researched, historical fiction at its very best.

[Heatherinblack · Rating 5 out of 5]

i enjoyed this mystery more

Dickens dreams seem silly. His stories though (not his literature but the stories he comes up with the explain the mysteries are logical. He and Jones are smart men who reasonably solve mysteries. Well done.

[Jane Crampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read the first three of these books and I absolutely love them. They read really well, with strong characters, excellent plots and always a twist. The historical links to the stories are excellent. Would recommend them without hesitation.

[Wilde Sky · Rating 3 out of 5]

A famous author gets involved in a murder investigation.

The basic idea was reasonable, but the writing was a bit clunky.

Overall rating 2.5

[coral wingate · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit too long-good plot but a bit laboured. Still a good tale & enjoyable as the previous 2 instalments have been, looking forward to number 4!

[Haydn Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

Another superb novel in this highly addictive series, which makes Charles Dickens come to life. Brilliant ‘Dickensian’ names as always. Bring on the next book!