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Charles Lenox Mysteries #3
The Fleet Street Murders
The third book in the Charles Lenox series finds the gentleman detective trying to balance a heated race for Parliament with the investigation of the mysterious simultaneous deaths of two veteran reporters. It’s Christmas, 1866, and amateur sleuth Charles Lenox, recently engaged to his best friend, Lady Jane Grey, is happily celebrating the holiday in his Mayfair townhouse. Across London, however, two journalists have just met with violent deaths--one shot, one throttled. Lenox soon involves himself in the strange case, which proves only more complicated as he digs deeper. However, he must leave it behind to go north to Stirrington, where he is fulfilling a lifelong dream: running for a Parliamentary seat. Once there, he gets a further shock when Lady Jane sends him a letter whose contents might threaten their nuptials.In London, the police apprehend two unlikely and unrelated murder suspects. From the start, Lenox has his doubts; the crimes, he is sure, are tied, but how? Racing back and forth between London and Stirrington, Lenox must negotiate the complexities of crime and politics, not to mention his imperiled engagement. As the case mounts, Lenox learns that the person behind the murders might be closer to him--and his beloved--than he knows.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2009
439 people are currently reading
3459 people want to read
About the author
Charles Finch
39 books2,479 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads' database with this name. See this thread for more information.
My name is Charles Finch - welcome! I'm the author of the Charles Lenox series of historical mysteries, as well as a recent novel about expatriate life in Oxford, THE LAST ENCHANTMENTS. I also write book reviews for the New York Times, USA Today, and the Chicago Tribune and essays in many different places.
Like most people on this website, I'm a huge reader. My taste is all over the place, though I tend to really like literary and mystery fiction. Some of my favorite writers: George Orwell, Henry Green, Dick Francis, Anthony Trollope, David Lodge, PG Wodehouse, Bill Bryson, Roberto Bolano, Jonathan Franzen, Shirley Hazzard, Leo Tolstoy, AR Ammons, Philip Larkin, Edgar Bowers, Laurent Binet, Laurie Colwin, Jane Austen, Arthur Conan Doyle, Philip Roth, Henrik Ibsen, Geoff Dyer, the list could go forever...
A bit about myself: I was born in New York City, and since then I've lived all over the place, in America, England, France...at the moment I'm in Chicago, where I just recently moved. I spend most of my time here writing, reading, walking my dog, and trying not to let my ears freeze off.
You can find me on Facebook (facebook.com/charlesfinchauthor) where my reader are always giving fantastic book reviews, or Twitter (twitter.com/charlesfinch) which I don't like quite as much, though it's okay. I'll also try to blog here. Please let me know what I'm doing wrong, since I have remedial goodreads skills...
My name is Charles Finch - welcome! I'm the author of the Charles Lenox series of historical mysteries, as well as a recent novel about expatriate life in Oxford, THE LAST ENCHANTMENTS. I also write book reviews for the New York Times, USA Today, and the Chicago Tribune and essays in many different places.
Like most people on this website, I'm a huge reader. My taste is all over the place, though I tend to really like literary and mystery fiction. Some of my favorite writers: George Orwell, Henry Green, Dick Francis, Anthony Trollope, David Lodge, PG Wodehouse, Bill Bryson, Roberto Bolano, Jonathan Franzen, Shirley Hazzard, Leo Tolstoy, AR Ammons, Philip Larkin, Edgar Bowers, Laurent Binet, Laurie Colwin, Jane Austen, Arthur Conan Doyle, Philip Roth, Henrik Ibsen, Geoff Dyer, the list could go forever...
A bit about myself: I was born in New York City, and since then I've lived all over the place, in America, England, France...at the moment I'm in Chicago, where I just recently moved. I spend most of my time here writing, reading, walking my dog, and trying not to let my ears freeze off.
You can find me on Facebook (facebook.com/charlesfinchauthor) where my reader are always giving fantastic book reviews, or Twitter (twitter.com/charlesfinch) which I don't like quite as much, though it's okay. I'll also try to blog here. Please let me know what I'm doing wrong, since I have remedial goodreads skills...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 663 reviews
August 6, 2021
The time is the Mid-1860s; the place is England (both London and the “North”); the private investigator is Charles Lenox, a member of the upper class, rich enough to indulge this “hobby.”
The murders take place almost immediately. Lenox is again involved mostly from his curiosity and his “connections” with the very “young” Scotland Yard. (I find it a bit puzzling that it takes until almost three-quarters of the book is written before Finch gives his readers some background on what is “Fleet Street” and how it became the ground zero for much of London’s newspapers.)
Finch’s mysteries are not filled with suspense, non-stop action or brutality. They are more on the cozy side. This volume is no exception. We meander through Lenox’s now intimate relationship with Lady jane Grey; take some time over a domestic crisis between two of their friends; come almost full-stop while Lenox runs for Parliament in a northern England district; and get full descriptions of Lenox’s house and its domestics, as well as, those at the abode of Lady Jane.
Those who indulge regularly in the British mystery genre of bygone years may find Charles Lenox bears resemblance to other notable detectives. I will mention only one. Like Dorothy Sayers Lord Peter Whimsey, Lenox has his Graham (to Whimsey’s Bunter) and they are both reliable and utterly devoted. My only problem is with Finch’s description of Graham as Lenox’s friend. Any friendship should be on a level plane and if you must always be calling the other person some variant of “sir” (whether or not in other’s company) and waiting on his every need, can it really be a friendship?
With regard to the class-conscious society that characterized Britain at that time, there is more to note. Finch gives us plenty of description, bordering at times on satire, of the following:
Rich vs. Middle-class vs. Poor
The Nobility and their circle
The Old Money vs. those with aspirations
City “mice” vs. Country mice
Landed gentry vs. the industrial/business class
Manners and societal norms
All of this helps to round out a story and make it more interesting. The mystery hangs over the narrative but the reader is not allowed enough information to do more than guess at the solution(s). Lenox is a pleasant-enough character whose approach to investigation is advanced with “gut intuition” as much as deduction. His love, Lady Jane, is worthy of his attention but her substantial intellect (so far) isn’t allowed to focus on Knox’s cases. Too bad, but perhaps this will change when they are married. Hoping for improvement, but not impatient to start another in this series.
The murders take place almost immediately. Lenox is again involved mostly from his curiosity and his “connections” with the very “young” Scotland Yard. (I find it a bit puzzling that it takes until almost three-quarters of the book is written before Finch gives his readers some background on what is “Fleet Street” and how it became the ground zero for much of London’s newspapers.)
Finch’s mysteries are not filled with suspense, non-stop action or brutality. They are more on the cozy side. This volume is no exception. We meander through Lenox’s now intimate relationship with Lady jane Grey; take some time over a domestic crisis between two of their friends; come almost full-stop while Lenox runs for Parliament in a northern England district; and get full descriptions of Lenox’s house and its domestics, as well as, those at the abode of Lady Jane.
Those who indulge regularly in the British mystery genre of bygone years may find Charles Lenox bears resemblance to other notable detectives. I will mention only one. Like Dorothy Sayers Lord Peter Whimsey, Lenox has his Graham (to Whimsey’s Bunter) and they are both reliable and utterly devoted. My only problem is with Finch’s description of Graham as Lenox’s friend. Any friendship should be on a level plane and if you must always be calling the other person some variant of “sir” (whether or not in other’s company) and waiting on his every need, can it really be a friendship?
With regard to the class-conscious society that characterized Britain at that time, there is more to note. Finch gives us plenty of description, bordering at times on satire, of the following:
Rich vs. Middle-class vs. Poor
The Nobility and their circle
The Old Money vs. those with aspirations
City “mice” vs. Country mice
Landed gentry vs. the industrial/business class
Manners and societal norms
All of this helps to round out a story and make it more interesting. The mystery hangs over the narrative but the reader is not allowed enough information to do more than guess at the solution(s). Lenox is a pleasant-enough character whose approach to investigation is advanced with “gut intuition” as much as deduction. His love, Lady Jane, is worthy of his attention but her substantial intellect (so far) isn’t allowed to focus on Knox’s cases. Too bad, but perhaps this will change when they are married. Hoping for improvement, but not impatient to start another in this series.
September 27, 2010
It's refreshing to find a series with a detective who is quiet, intelligent, and decent. Don't get me wrong; some of the detectives who are alcoholic, anti-social, shell-shocked, miserably partnered, devastatingly widowed, etc. are well-drawn and engaging. However, as Jasper Fforde so mercilessly showed up in *The Big Over-Easy*, characterization by quirk has been overdone, and Lenox is a good antidote. In fact, Lenox is almost a challenge to the axiom that the detective has to be some kind of outsider. His reserved demeanor itself fits him into his Victorian society, and engages the reader, in part because of Finch's prose. Admittedly, the sidekick in this series has some of the "usual" qualities listed above, and I hope Finch doesn't go overboard with that. Add to Lenox a well-written cast of supporting characters (most of whom are at their best in book 2, although still strong in book 3), and one has a series that I'm going to stay devoted to.
July 13, 2014
I listened to the ending of the story twice to make it last a little longer. Lady Jane, Charles, Edward, Robert, Toto and Graham all feel like an extended part of my family now. I can't wait to meet them again.
I am grateful to the folks at the Dundee, Illinois Public Library for the InterLibrary loan of this book on CD so that I could listen to it.
I will try to think about the wonderful ending and surprise that was revealed while I wait patiently for the next story to reach my library.
My favorite part of the story was Edward being there for Charles after the election in the country.
James Langdon, your voice transports me. Thank you and Tantor Audio making it possible. Charles Finch, thank you most of all for your wonderful stories.
I am grateful to the folks at the Dundee, Illinois Public Library for the InterLibrary loan of this book on CD so that I could listen to it.
I will try to think about the wonderful ending and surprise that was revealed while I wait patiently for the next story to reach my library.
My favorite part of the story was Edward being there for Charles after the election in the country.
James Langdon, your voice transports me. Thank you and Tantor Audio making it possible. Charles Finch, thank you most of all for your wonderful stories.
June 7, 2017
This third in the series had a few twists and surprises in store. I'm enjoying these books more and more as I go along. Good historical mysteries!
December 2, 2009
First Sentence: It was late in the evening, and a thin winter rain beat down over London’s low buildings and high steeples, collecting in sallow pools beneath the streetlights and insinuating its way inside the clothes of the miserable few whom fate had kept outside.
Amateur sleuth Charles Lenox is recently engaged to his best friend and neighbor, Lady Jane Grey, and is running for parliament in the small town of Stirrington, north of London. However, two important Fleet Street journalists are murdered on the same night at nearly the same time but one mile apart. Lenox becomes involved in the investigation but must do so remotely while he works on his election.
Finch brings Victorian England to life taking us from the residences of London society, to a small working town, to Newgate Prison making each real. The characters are diverse and real as the settings. I like that Charles and Lady Jane are not young, with Charles being not quite fifty. Graham is Charles friend and butler, their friends who suffer a miscarriage, the young son of a noble house who Lenox is trying to save from a life of dissipation by teaching him investigation and many others.
I love British historical mysteries and authors who seamlessly incorporate people, events and places into their books, such as Dickens drinking at the Fleet Street Pub, Ye Old Cheshire Cheese; a pub still in operation today. Even Finch’s narration conveys the decorum of the time, “…their conversation devolved into all the endearments and stolen kisses and long laughs that belong to any new love—and that scarcely need to be repeated here.”
Following Lenox through his campaign was fascinating and very much, I’m certain, still the way of campaigns today, perhaps even down to buying votes although one hopes not. Balanced against that is the unfolding of the investigation, much of which he has to conduct remotely and with the help of others.
The various story lines are very well constructed, seamlessly blended and each as interesting as the other. The story builds to a very exciting chase and an unexpected twist.
My fondest wish is for many more Charles Lenox books to come.
THE FLEET STREET MURDERS (Hist Mys-Charles Lenox-England-Victorian/1866) – VG+
Finch, Charles – 3rd in series
Minotaur Books, 2009, US Hardcover – ISBN: 9780312565510
Amateur sleuth Charles Lenox is recently engaged to his best friend and neighbor, Lady Jane Grey, and is running for parliament in the small town of Stirrington, north of London. However, two important Fleet Street journalists are murdered on the same night at nearly the same time but one mile apart. Lenox becomes involved in the investigation but must do so remotely while he works on his election.
Finch brings Victorian England to life taking us from the residences of London society, to a small working town, to Newgate Prison making each real. The characters are diverse and real as the settings. I like that Charles and Lady Jane are not young, with Charles being not quite fifty. Graham is Charles friend and butler, their friends who suffer a miscarriage, the young son of a noble house who Lenox is trying to save from a life of dissipation by teaching him investigation and many others.
I love British historical mysteries and authors who seamlessly incorporate people, events and places into their books, such as Dickens drinking at the Fleet Street Pub, Ye Old Cheshire Cheese; a pub still in operation today. Even Finch’s narration conveys the decorum of the time, “…their conversation devolved into all the endearments and stolen kisses and long laughs that belong to any new love—and that scarcely need to be repeated here.”
Following Lenox through his campaign was fascinating and very much, I’m certain, still the way of campaigns today, perhaps even down to buying votes although one hopes not. Balanced against that is the unfolding of the investigation, much of which he has to conduct remotely and with the help of others.
The various story lines are very well constructed, seamlessly blended and each as interesting as the other. The story builds to a very exciting chase and an unexpected twist.
My fondest wish is for many more Charles Lenox books to come.
THE FLEET STREET MURDERS (Hist Mys-Charles Lenox-England-Victorian/1866) – VG+
Finch, Charles – 3rd in series
Minotaur Books, 2009, US Hardcover – ISBN: 9780312565510
January 12, 2022
I listened to the audio version of the book and did not enjoy the voice the reader used for the main character. It affected how I viewed the character and the plot. Learning about Electioneering and how they were run was interesting but not enough to carry such a large portion of the book. This book could be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend reading them in order as there is carry over of characters from previous books. All things are tied up nicely at the end and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
February 10, 2020
This third book in Charles Finch's "Charles Lenox Mystery" series continues a brilliant story of an aristocratic, bright and intelligent self-made detective. The writing is excellent and imagery - atmospheric.
The setting is 1866 London. Our 40ish detectective is betrothed to his childhood friend and must leave her as he campaigns in Stirrington for a Parliamentary seat. She has developed cold feet and he's now gone. Meanwhile, two journalists are murdered, virtually simultaneously. One is deemed virtuous and the other, "a corrupt and corruptible soul". Will Scotland Yard carry out its due diligence and find the perpetrators of these crimes or will Charles again step into the breach to resolve the matter at hand.
Mr. Finch has written a most clever story, drawing on English history and laying out the breadcrumbs for the mystery loving reader. The references to a prior book of the series were a delicious reminder of much which came before. I eagerly look forward to reading the subsequent books of this brilliant series.
The setting is 1866 London. Our 40ish detectective is betrothed to his childhood friend and must leave her as he campaigns in Stirrington for a Parliamentary seat. She has developed cold feet and he's now gone. Meanwhile, two journalists are murdered, virtually simultaneously. One is deemed virtuous and the other, "a corrupt and corruptible soul". Will Scotland Yard carry out its due diligence and find the perpetrators of these crimes or will Charles again step into the breach to resolve the matter at hand.
Mr. Finch has written a most clever story, drawing on English history and laying out the breadcrumbs for the mystery loving reader. The references to a prior book of the series were a delicious reminder of much which came before. I eagerly look forward to reading the subsequent books of this brilliant series.
April 28, 2021
Another enjoyable entry in this low key series. Alas, it reads like an "end of series" book: the major story arcs that have connected the three books are all wrapped up very nicely.
ETA 4/27/2021
Boy howdy was I off base when I made that 'end of series' comment.
I'm upping my rating to 4 stars on the strength of the political campaign plot-line. Not since reading Trollope's Palliser series have I gotten such a vivid look at Victorian-era electioneering.
The murder mystery was clever; I had forgotten the details. but I did know the identity of the primo baddie. So much to like in all of the small details. The author now has a firm grasp of his characters and his chosen era.
ETA 4/27/2021
Boy howdy was I off base when I made that 'end of series' comment.
I'm upping my rating to 4 stars on the strength of the political campaign plot-line. Not since reading Trollope's Palliser series have I gotten such a vivid look at Victorian-era electioneering.
The murder mystery was clever; I had forgotten the details. but I did know the identity of the primo baddie. So much to like in all of the small details. The author now has a firm grasp of his characters and his chosen era.
February 19, 2017
Charles Lenox tries to solve the murder of two journalists as he campaigns for a Parliamentary seat in the town of Stirrington. The political part of the story was a little less interesting to me, but the murder mystery made up for it. As is usual for this series, great characters and a feeling of being totally immersed in Victorian London society. An enjoyable read.
December 9, 2011
I would go to the bookstore very often and every time I would pause at this book until finally I picked it up and bought it. I wish I would have known that was the third in the series but glad I could read it out of order. I really enjoyed this book. It is very similar to a Sherlock Holmes book except with a more personable character as the detective. There is a character similar to Watson, Moriarty, Mycroft, and even Lestrad. It had enough differences though that it didn't feel like a total Sherlock Holmes knock off. But maybe it is but I love Sherlock Holmes so any book that has a similar feel to it I will love.
When I read a lot of the reviews for this book some people felt that there was too much of the political aspect and some felt that there was not enough or not enough of the crime. I felt like the book had a very good balance between the crimes in Fleet Street and Lenox running for a seat in Parliament. Even though I really wanted more of the crime aspect I still enjoyed the political aspect at the book that I didn't miss it too much.
I really liked the main character Charles Lenox and his relationships with all his friends. I especially enjoyed how his butler was one of his best friends and liked the conversation that went between them. The case itself was interesting and I found the conclusion intelligently pleasing.
All in all it was a classic murder mystery story similar to a classic Sherlock Holmes story. I would say that anyone who loves Sherlock Holmes like I do will really enjoy this book.
When I read a lot of the reviews for this book some people felt that there was too much of the political aspect and some felt that there was not enough or not enough of the crime. I felt like the book had a very good balance between the crimes in Fleet Street and Lenox running for a seat in Parliament. Even though I really wanted more of the crime aspect I still enjoyed the political aspect at the book that I didn't miss it too much.
I really liked the main character Charles Lenox and his relationships with all his friends. I especially enjoyed how his butler was one of his best friends and liked the conversation that went between them. The case itself was interesting and I found the conclusion intelligently pleasing.
All in all it was a classic murder mystery story similar to a classic Sherlock Holmes story. I would say that anyone who loves Sherlock Holmes like I do will really enjoy this book.
September 21, 2016
Finch's mild-mannered Victorian mysteries are a refreshing addition to our century.
August 26, 2021
This is a second reading of Charles Finch's third novel in the Victorian-era series of mysteries starring gentleman detective Charles Lenox. This time around I listened to the audio novel version via my library's Hoopla account. It was read by James Langton and the audio version was highly enjoyable.
I don't have much that's new to say about the story itself. Most of what follows is my review from nine years ago. One observation I do have from my second reading of Finch's three novels is the similarities between the Holmes/Moriarty plot line and that of Lenox and his arch nemesis. The villain in Lenox's London goes to jail rather than plunging down the Reichenbach Falls, but he is portrayed as being behind most of the city's crimes. The final chase at the end also reminds me of Holmes's pursuit of Jonathan Small at the end of The Sign of the Four. The Holmesian connections are far more apparent to me this time around.
The story begins on Christmas in 1866. It's a pleasant day for Lenox who is still basking in the glow of having recently become engaged to his long-time friend and love of his life, Lady Jane Grey. But the day is not a pleasant one for two journalists across town. Within minutes of each other, Winston Carruthers and Simon Pierce are stabbed and shot (respectively). The police quickly track down suspects, but Lenox and his assistant Dallington believe there must be more to the story than what the police have found so far. Soon, one of the suspects is dead by hanging--meant to appear a suicide, but proved to be murder--and then the investigating officer is killed as well. Lenox becomes convinced that someone is directing the action from behind the scenes--someone with a bigger motive than just removing two bothersome journalists.
The investigation is made difficult for Lenox by several "distractions" in his life. Worries about his betrothal, Lady Jane repeatedly assures him that she does want to marry him--but needs time. Time for what? Worries about his friend Thomas and his wife Toto who have recently lost their unborn child. And worries about his run for Parliament in the northern town of Stirrington. He's got a lot on his mind--and feels guilty taking time for any of his obligations in lieu of any of the others.
And the distractions tell a bit. This story doesn't seem to run quite as smoothly as the first two and it's definitely not as good as the second novel in the series. Finch does have a very firm grasp of characterization and he gives every character from Lenox down to the pub owner in Stirrington their due. You definitely feel like these folks are real people. It makes it a lot easier to overlook the flaws in the mystery plot. Not obvious holes--just the lack of smoothness (with all the rushing about from London to Stirrington and around Stirrington and then back to London) and the slightly disjointed method of story-telling. But an interesting mystery and a good, solid ★★★ and 1/2 outing.
First published on my blog My Reader's Block.
I don't have much that's new to say about the story itself. Most of what follows is my review from nine years ago. One observation I do have from my second reading of Finch's three novels is the similarities between the Holmes/Moriarty plot line and that of Lenox and his arch nemesis. The villain in Lenox's London goes to jail rather than plunging down the Reichenbach Falls, but he is portrayed as being behind most of the city's crimes. The final chase at the end also reminds me of Holmes's pursuit of Jonathan Small at the end of The Sign of the Four. The Holmesian connections are far more apparent to me this time around.
The story begins on Christmas in 1866. It's a pleasant day for Lenox who is still basking in the glow of having recently become engaged to his long-time friend and love of his life, Lady Jane Grey. But the day is not a pleasant one for two journalists across town. Within minutes of each other, Winston Carruthers and Simon Pierce are stabbed and shot (respectively). The police quickly track down suspects, but Lenox and his assistant Dallington believe there must be more to the story than what the police have found so far. Soon, one of the suspects is dead by hanging--meant to appear a suicide, but proved to be murder--and then the investigating officer is killed as well. Lenox becomes convinced that someone is directing the action from behind the scenes--someone with a bigger motive than just removing two bothersome journalists.
The investigation is made difficult for Lenox by several "distractions" in his life. Worries about his betrothal, Lady Jane repeatedly assures him that she does want to marry him--but needs time. Time for what? Worries about his friend Thomas and his wife Toto who have recently lost their unborn child. And worries about his run for Parliament in the northern town of Stirrington. He's got a lot on his mind--and feels guilty taking time for any of his obligations in lieu of any of the others.
And the distractions tell a bit. This story doesn't seem to run quite as smoothly as the first two and it's definitely not as good as the second novel in the series. Finch does have a very firm grasp of characterization and he gives every character from Lenox down to the pub owner in Stirrington their due. You definitely feel like these folks are real people. It makes it a lot easier to overlook the flaws in the mystery plot. Not obvious holes--just the lack of smoothness (with all the rushing about from London to Stirrington and around Stirrington and then back to London) and the slightly disjointed method of story-telling. But an interesting mystery and a good, solid ★★★ and 1/2 outing.
First published on my blog My Reader's Block.
December 11, 2019
Charles Lenox runs for a House of Commons seat and investigates suspicious deaths of men in finance. Lenox and Lady Jane Gray make plans for their wedding. While I'm certain the author will use the Parliamentary seat in future novels, it seemed more a distraction in this one. I'm not certain how I feel about a private investigator holding that title and continuing to practice private investigation. James Langton always does a good job narrating books.
August 1, 2010
The third book in this series was wonderful from start to finish. Charles Lenox is at his best in this book, besotted with his fiance Lady Jane Grey, campaigning for a seat in Parliament while simultaneously trying to solve the double homicide of two journalists. Some of the story takes place in Stirrington (a smallish town north of London) where Charles is trying to win over the people to gain their vote and represent them in Parliament. Unfortunately for him he is going up against a local businessman, and much is made of his "outsider" status by the opposite party. It's going to take a lot to win over the populace, but if anyone can accomplish this it would be Charles Lenox! I enjoyed reading about his campaigning and his debates with the opposing candidate. Charles has a great deal of wit and charm, which makes any book featuring him a joy to read. The murder mystery was clear and interesting, complex without being too complicated, and I was unable to guess the ending although it made sense in the end. The twist at the end of the book I saw coming, but to be honest I would have been unhappy if it had not occurred. Very recommended for anyone who likes Victorian mysteries.
October 11, 2011
Another interesting story in this historical series in which the main character, Charles Lenox, is running for a seat in Parliament and due to the death of the man who would have retired leaving the vacant seat, he must go north to Stirrington and do a very intense two-week campaign. All this while two murders of prominent newspaper reporters baffle London and Scotland Yard, with Lenox itching to get his nose in and discover the truth.
Enjoyable story, interesting characters and easy-reading style and very much looking forward to the next one.
Enjoyable story, interesting characters and easy-reading style and very much looking forward to the next one.
May 29, 2018
The Charles Lenox mysteries are truly wonderful. They are smart but with elegance and lightness of touch. There are characters you like and really care about.
Poor Charles Lenox is in love, but at least he's engaged to his darling, Lady Jane. In the meantime, he is running for Parliament when a murder pokes its head up demanding to be paid attention to.
All the clues are there, there is a lot of to-ing and fro-ing, as well as little window into how a 19th century political campaign was run. (Not very honestly, as it turns out.)
Poor Charles Lenox is in love, but at least he's engaged to his darling, Lady Jane. In the meantime, he is running for Parliament when a murder pokes its head up demanding to be paid attention to.
All the clues are there, there is a lot of to-ing and fro-ing, as well as little window into how a 19th century political campaign was run. (Not very honestly, as it turns out.)
March 26, 2017
This one didn't do anything for me.
September 14, 2018
This book begins with two very brutal murders that takes you completely by surprise and immediately sucks you into the story and there is barely time to breathe throughout the whole book. Intrigue, secrets, sadness, cheating, scandals, beer [!!] and a romp down a river in the middle of the night all make this book close to unputdownable and I loved every second of it. This is such a great series and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery mixed with some well researched historical fiction.
January 1, 2020
Once again Charles is called on to look into not only one but two murders. However this slams up against his desire to stand for Parliament. As Charles divides his time between campaigning and worrying about his friend the doctor and his wife Toto, about Lady Jane and teasing out the truth of the murders surprises are in store for all.
Another great read!
Another great read!
December 13, 2021
Reminds me of Sherlock Holmes. I’m enjoying the series.
November 19, 2012
Fleet Street picks up shortly after The September Society. While Lennox and Lady Jane are planning their wedding two things happen nearly concurrently. The first, which is what the book is titled, is a pair of near simultaneous murders on Fleet Street. Two journalists are murdered in their own homes. The two murders set the city alight and, as always amateur sleuth Charles Lennox itches to get at the cases. However the death of the man sitting in a Parliament seat up north makes Lennox's involvement in this case next to impossible. The Liberal party, whom you'll remember wanted Lennox to run in the near future, wants him to go to the town up north NOW to start his campaign. Lennox finds himself torn between his need to do good by way of his hobby/passion of detective work and his life long dream of doing the greater good as a member of the British Parliament.
Each of those two situations makes the other more complicated. As the case deepens while he's campaigning up north telegram after telegram from London find him during his long days. Jenkins asks for help from Scotland Yard for fear that Exeter, the lead on the murders, will do his usual unimaginative job and Dallington, Lennox's new protege happens to know one of the prime suspects in the murders and begs his help. This along with some more personal issues between he and Jane as well as some new developments in the lives of their close friends, Toto and Thomas McConnell makes for a very harried and worrisome Charles Lennox!
Some may have a problem with the Parliament campaign portion of the book. In a way it may seem to take away from the main mystery plot of the novel, but I thought Finch handled this well. Not only is it part of a bigger portion of Lennox's life, one not involving his passion for detective work, but it's filled with very well written and interesting townsfolk. It was also interesting to see how Finch used it to flesh out Charles Lennox even more by showing how he truly cares for his country and fellow person regardless of how society would caste them.
The mystery portion of the book is also clever and well plotted. Lennox just CANNOT let the mystery go, no matter how busy his Parliament run keeps him. Other than being journalists how are the two crimes related if at all? Were they random? Is Dallington's friend innocent or guilty? The murders deepen in mystery as Lennox reasons them out and what he finds will shock even him.
Is this a trilogy or will there be more? As a trilogy it stands well on its own, but I do hope to see these characters come back for some more adventures. I'd surely like to see what other trouble Lennox can get himself into!
Each of those two situations makes the other more complicated. As the case deepens while he's campaigning up north telegram after telegram from London find him during his long days. Jenkins asks for help from Scotland Yard for fear that Exeter, the lead on the murders, will do his usual unimaginative job and Dallington, Lennox's new protege happens to know one of the prime suspects in the murders and begs his help. This along with some more personal issues between he and Jane as well as some new developments in the lives of their close friends, Toto and Thomas McConnell makes for a very harried and worrisome Charles Lennox!
Some may have a problem with the Parliament campaign portion of the book. In a way it may seem to take away from the main mystery plot of the novel, but I thought Finch handled this well. Not only is it part of a bigger portion of Lennox's life, one not involving his passion for detective work, but it's filled with very well written and interesting townsfolk. It was also interesting to see how Finch used it to flesh out Charles Lennox even more by showing how he truly cares for his country and fellow person regardless of how society would caste them.
The mystery portion of the book is also clever and well plotted. Lennox just CANNOT let the mystery go, no matter how busy his Parliament run keeps him. Other than being journalists how are the two crimes related if at all? Were they random? Is Dallington's friend innocent or guilty? The murders deepen in mystery as Lennox reasons them out and what he finds will shock even him.
Is this a trilogy or will there be more? As a trilogy it stands well on its own, but I do hope to see these characters come back for some more adventures. I'd surely like to see what other trouble Lennox can get himself into!
September 2, 2012
The Fleet Street Murders is the third novel in Charles Finch's series of Victorian-era mysteries starring gentleman detective Charles Lenox. The story begins on Christmas in 1866. It's a pleasant day for Lenox who is still basking in the glow of having recently become engaged to his long-time friend and love of his life, Lady Jane Grey. But the day is not a pleasant one for two journalists across town. Within minutes of each other, Winston Carruthers and Simon Pierce are stabbed and shot (respectively). The police quickly track down suspects, but Lenox and his assistant Dallington believe there must be more to the story than what the police have found so far. Soon, one of the suspects is dead by hanging--meant to appear a suicide, but proved to be murder--and then the investigating officer is killed as well. Lenox becomes convinced that someone is directing the action from behind the scenes--someone with a bigger motive than just removing two bothersome journalists.
The investigation is made difficult for Lenox by several "distractions" in his life. Worries about his betrothal, Lady Jane repeatedly assures him that she does want to marry him--but needs time. Time for what? Worries about his friend Thomas and his wife Toto who have recently lost their unborn child. And worries about his run for Parliament in the northern town of Stirrington. He's got a lot on his mind--and feels guilty taking time for any of his obligations in lieu of any of the others.
And the distractions tell a bit. This story doesn't seem to run quite as smoothly as the first two and it's definitely not as good as the second novel in the series. Finch does have a very firm grasp of characterization and he gives every character from Lenox down to the pub owner in Stirrington their due. You definitely feel like these folks are real people. It makes it a lot easier to overlook the flaws in the mystery plot. Not obvious holes--just the lack of smoothness (with all the rushing about from London to Stirrington and around Stirrington and then back to London) and the slightly disjointed method of story-telling. But an interesting mystery and a good, solid three star outing.
This review was first posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.
The investigation is made difficult for Lenox by several "distractions" in his life. Worries about his betrothal, Lady Jane repeatedly assures him that she does want to marry him--but needs time. Time for what? Worries about his friend Thomas and his wife Toto who have recently lost their unborn child. And worries about his run for Parliament in the northern town of Stirrington. He's got a lot on his mind--and feels guilty taking time for any of his obligations in lieu of any of the others.
And the distractions tell a bit. This story doesn't seem to run quite as smoothly as the first two and it's definitely not as good as the second novel in the series. Finch does have a very firm grasp of characterization and he gives every character from Lenox down to the pub owner in Stirrington their due. You definitely feel like these folks are real people. It makes it a lot easier to overlook the flaws in the mystery plot. Not obvious holes--just the lack of smoothness (with all the rushing about from London to Stirrington and around Stirrington and then back to London) and the slightly disjointed method of story-telling. But an interesting mystery and a good, solid three star outing.
This review was first posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.
December 20, 2015
The third book in the Charles Lenox series takes place at Christmas , 1866 in London and finds the gentleman detective in an heated race for a Parliament seat. In Britain, the person vying for the seat doesn't have to be from a district to represent the area. He is also trying to solve the murders of two journalists who have met with violent means of death. One shot and one throttled. Lenox needs to leave for Stirrington when he is opposing a native of the city. He has a local man trying to help him, but the strongest help comes from his butler who has traveled with him. He has recently become engaged to Lady Jane Grey, a lifelong friend he has realized he loves. He receives a letter from her saying she would like to postpone the marriage until the following year which greatly disturbs him. Yet, he cannot leave Stirrington as he must vie for the seat in Parliament.
In London, the police apprehend two murder suspects , but Lenox has doubts about the culpability of the two men. Racing back and forth between London and Stirrington, he must navigate the complexes of crime, politics, and his relationship with Jane. As he learns more about the murders, he realizes et;he person behind the murders is closer to him and Jane then he could have imagined.
In London, the police apprehend two murder suspects , but Lenox has doubts about the culpability of the two men. Racing back and forth between London and Stirrington, he must navigate the complexes of crime, politics, and his relationship with Jane. As he learns more about the murders, he realizes et;he person behind the murders is closer to him and Jane then he could have imagined.
February 6, 2010
A mystery set in 1866 England. Guess what? The detective, Charles Lenox, reminds us of a more sympathetic Sherlock Holmes, complete with the functional equivalents of Watson, Holmes's brother Mycroft, Inspector Lestrade, Professor Moriarty, and Holmes's quirky living quarters . Unfortunately, Lenox makes his case-solving breakthroughs not on exquisite logic and deductions like Holmes, but on brilliant intuitive flashes, almost godlike in their conception--much less believable. Also, to me at least, the final explanation and windup of the mystery was very ragged and unconvincing.
A large part of the book is devoted not to the crimes in question, but to Lenox's pursuit of a parliamentary seat up for a by-election in a small district in Northern England. Actually, I found this part interesting, having just finished Phineas Finn. A different look at the same sort of situation, and lots of detail about the campaigning and electoral process.
Anyway, Lenox's absence from London, campaigning, means that much of the crime-solving plot is developed by telegrams and letters between Lenox and his London colleagues, rather than on-site sleuthing;
rather distracting.
A large part of the book is devoted not to the crimes in question, but to Lenox's pursuit of a parliamentary seat up for a by-election in a small district in Northern England. Actually, I found this part interesting, having just finished Phineas Finn. A different look at the same sort of situation, and lots of detail about the campaigning and electoral process.
Anyway, Lenox's absence from London, campaigning, means that much of the crime-solving plot is developed by telegrams and letters between Lenox and his London colleagues, rather than on-site sleuthing;
rather distracting.
September 23, 2016
Book 3 in the Charles Lenox Mysteries series.
Charles is one very busy dude in this book. He's running back and forth between London and Stirrington. He's running for the Member of Parliament seat in Stirrington AND he's trying to solve the murders of two journalists in London. As always with this series, there are lots of things going on.
I enjoyed this book and am enjoying the series -- I just wish I had gotten a text version rather than the audio version. Definitely don't like how prissy the narrator makes Lenox sound when he talks. I'm sure the voice in my head would be different if I were reading the text rather than listening to the audio version.
Charles is one very busy dude in this book. He's running back and forth between London and Stirrington. He's running for the Member of Parliament seat in Stirrington AND he's trying to solve the murders of two journalists in London. As always with this series, there are lots of things going on.
I enjoyed this book and am enjoying the series -- I just wish I had gotten a text version rather than the audio version. Definitely don't like how prissy the narrator makes Lenox sound when he talks. I'm sure the voice in my head would be different if I were reading the text rather than listening to the audio version.
Read
July 26, 2013Take the detective out of London and what happens? Murder and mayhem still abound, but a new cache of characters enter the story - and what characters ! They move the story along nicely, further develop Graham's character (who is fast becoming my favorite literary sidekick), push Lenox into situations out of his control and comfort zone and add to the enjoyment of the reader. Well done.
October 2, 2020
I have enjoyed this series up till now. In this book, an unfortunate choice was made to use Christ in a vain way. Couldn't another word have been used? I'm always deeply disappointed when I see this or the name of Jesus used this way. It lost me there. I'm just not interested. I will read the next one and hope it is enjoyable as the others.
January 7, 2020
All of these books are great, and the characters are so likeable. PBS and BBC, where are you? This would be your next big hit!
August 15, 2017
This series gets even better and the plotline progresses beautifully with each new story. In "The Fleet Street Murders," the third book in the series, Charles Lenox is a very busy gentleman. He is newly engaged to his lifelong friend, the wonderful lady Jane Grey, he is also running for a seat in Parliament to represent the town of Stirrlington, and he is investigating the murders of two prominent Fleet Street journalist, who will killed on the same day just five minutes apart.
Lenox has been abruptly recruited to run for Parliament when the elderly Stokes suddenly dies which only give Lenox about two weeks to run his campaign. Thankfully, Lenox has his trusted butler, friend, and confidant Graham helping to promote Lenox to the skeptical townspeople. I love Graham, he has a gentle, persistent way of getting to know people and earning their trust. I hope that Graham is around for the duration of the series and eventually finds a woman of quality to appreciate and love this warm, intelligent, decent man.
Another charming character is lord John Dallington, reforming rake and apprentice to Lenox. While Lenox is campaigning in Stirrington, Dr. McConnell arrives drunk and distraught following a recent loss he and his wife Toto has suffered, a friend of Dallington's has been arrested for the murder of one of the murdered journalist, and Lenox receives a letter from Jane asking to postpone their wedding for a year. Charles is torn between his duties as a candidate and his responsibilities back in London. He makes a quick 24-hour trip back to London to look into the murders, update Jenkins at Scotland Yard, recruit the assistance from Dallington, and meet with Jane to learn the source behind her doubts about their nuptials. The campaigning for Parliament and investigating the two Fleet Street murders keeps Lenox and the readers on their toes the entire story.
I am trying to take my time reading this series because I want to savor my time with these interesting and relatable characters and being transported back into Victorian era London. Author Charles Finch has created an excellent character in Charles Lenox as well as the fascinating secondary characters who give this series depth and heart. I am completely hooked on this series. Besides the excellent Acton and Doyle series, the Charles Lenox Mysteries is one of the finest mystery series I have read in years.
Lenox has been abruptly recruited to run for Parliament when the elderly Stokes suddenly dies which only give Lenox about two weeks to run his campaign. Thankfully, Lenox has his trusted butler, friend, and confidant Graham helping to promote Lenox to the skeptical townspeople. I love Graham, he has a gentle, persistent way of getting to know people and earning their trust. I hope that Graham is around for the duration of the series and eventually finds a woman of quality to appreciate and love this warm, intelligent, decent man.
Another charming character is lord John Dallington, reforming rake and apprentice to Lenox. While Lenox is campaigning in Stirrington, Dr. McConnell arrives drunk and distraught following a recent loss he and his wife Toto has suffered, a friend of Dallington's has been arrested for the murder of one of the murdered journalist, and Lenox receives a letter from Jane asking to postpone their wedding for a year. Charles is torn between his duties as a candidate and his responsibilities back in London. He makes a quick 24-hour trip back to London to look into the murders, update Jenkins at Scotland Yard, recruit the assistance from Dallington, and meet with Jane to learn the source behind her doubts about their nuptials. The campaigning for Parliament and investigating the two Fleet Street murders keeps Lenox and the readers on their toes the entire story.
I am trying to take my time reading this series because I want to savor my time with these interesting and relatable characters and being transported back into Victorian era London. Author Charles Finch has created an excellent character in Charles Lenox as well as the fascinating secondary characters who give this series depth and heart. I am completely hooked on this series. Besides the excellent Acton and Doyle series, the Charles Lenox Mysteries is one of the finest mystery series I have read in years.
December 30, 2025
Two reporters are murdered, and one man swiftly apprehended, with Inspector Exeter of Scotland Yard convinced he had captured one of the murderers. Lenox is a little dubious, considering their past dealings, but he has other things he must do: he’s been told that a seat in Parliament is up for grabs, now that the Liberal MP for the area has resigned.
Lenox is the party’s pick to fill the seat, despite a local pub owner, Mr. Roodle, a Conservative, is campaigning in that town.
Lenox gets a swift education on the concerns of the people in Stirrington, and the ins and outs of politics, while he begins his own campaign for the seat.
At the same time, his real interests lie with the case of the dead journalists, and has Dallington, the young man who is his apprentice in detection, look into things.
When one of Dallington’s friends is arrested by Exeter, he insists to Lenox, who’s busy pressing palms, that Poole is innocent of murder.
And Lady Jane has asked for a small delay for their marriage, after a turbulent and tragic time between their friends Toto and McConnell.
There are political shenanigans, and a twisty murder case in this book, which was interesting. Lenox is remarkably naïve when it comes to all the political wrangling, but does appear somewhat eager to work as an MP, despite his real love for detection. Should be interesting how he balances politics and investigating going forwards.
Lenox is the party’s pick to fill the seat, despite a local pub owner, Mr. Roodle, a Conservative, is campaigning in that town.
Lenox gets a swift education on the concerns of the people in Stirrington, and the ins and outs of politics, while he begins his own campaign for the seat.
At the same time, his real interests lie with the case of the dead journalists, and has Dallington, the young man who is his apprentice in detection, look into things.
When one of Dallington’s friends is arrested by Exeter, he insists to Lenox, who’s busy pressing palms, that Poole is innocent of murder.
And Lady Jane has asked for a small delay for their marriage, after a turbulent and tragic time between their friends Toto and McConnell.
There are political shenanigans, and a twisty murder case in this book, which was interesting. Lenox is remarkably naïve when it comes to all the political wrangling, but does appear somewhat eager to work as an MP, despite his real love for detection. Should be interesting how he balances politics and investigating going forwards.
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